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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 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2015

A Magnetron Sputter Deposition System for the Development of X-Ray Multilayer Optics

The project objective is to establish the capability to deposit multilayer structures for x-ray, neutron, and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) optic applications through the development of a magnetron sputtering deposition system. A specific goal of this endeavor is to combine multilayer deposition technology with the replication process in order to enhance NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC's) position as a world leader in the design of innovative x-ray instrumentation through the development of full shell replicated multilayer optics. The development of multilayer structures are absolutely necessary in order to advance the field of x-ray astronomy by pushing the limit for observing the universe to ever-increasing photon energies (i.e., up to 200 keV or higher), well beyond Chandra's (approx.10 keV) and NuStar's (approx.75 keV) capability. The addition of multilayer technology would significantly enhance the x-ray optics capability at MSFC and allow NASA to maintain its world leadership position in the development, fabrication, and design of innovative x-ray instrumentation, which would be the first of its kind by combining multilayer technology with the mirror replication process. This marriage of these technologies would allow astronomers to see the universe in a new light by pushing to higher energies that are out of reach with today's instruments. To this aim, a magnetron vacuum sputter deposition system for the deposition of novel multilayer thin film x-ray optics is proposed. A significant secondary use of the vacuum deposition system includes the capability to fabricate multilayers for applications in the field of EUV optics for solar physics, neutron optics, and x-ray optics for a broad range of applications including medical imaging.

Broadway, David↗
DOE OSTI2023

INL Senior Project

What did my team set out to accomplish:? Can I put a custom Machine Learning Model on FPGA?? Can I analyze network traffic in real time?? Can a QSFP port be used with an FPGA?? Does a visual representation of the latent space enhance our understanding of network traffic?? What is QSFP QSFP (Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable)? QSFP supports transfer speeds generally up to 100Gb/s? Runs 4 parallel lines running up to 28 Gb/s? Why the latent space is important to our project ?Latent space is the compressed mapping of data points in a non-linear fashion? Create an understanding of the relationship of data collected? Can represent that relationship of a single network packet in 3 points (X, Y, Z) Project Outline FPGA? Custom Xilinx Petalinux Image for the operating system? Python program to collect packets and run them through the DPU (Data Processing Unit)? The program then sends the information over a socket to a computer? Display Program? Python Program that collects the information sent from the FPGA and display it in a graph

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
NASA NTRS1998

Advanced High Brilliance X-Ray Source

The possibility to dramatically increase the efficiency of laboratory based protein structure measurements through the use of polycapillary X-ray optics was investigated. This project initiated April 1, 1993 and concluded December 31, 1996 (including a no cost extension from June 31, 1996). This is a final report of the project. The basis for the project is the ability to collect X-rays from divergent electron bombardment laboratory X-ray sources and redirect them into quasiparallel or convergent (focused) beams. For example, a 0.1 radian (approx. 6 deg) portion of a divergent beam collected by a polycapillary collimator and transformed into a quasiparallel beam of 3 millradian (0.2 deg) could give a gain of 6(exp 2)/0.2(exp 2) x T for the intensity of a diffracted beam from a crystal with a 0.2 deg diffraction width. T is the transmission efficiency of the polycapillary diffraction optic, and for T=0.5, the gain would be 36/0.04 x O.5=45. In practice, the effective collection angle will depend on the source spot size, the input focal length of the optic (usually limited by the source spot-to-window distance on the x-ray tube) and the size of the crystal relative to the output diameter of the optic. The transmission efficiency, T, depends on the characteristics (fractional open area, surface roughness, shape and channel diameter) of the polycapillary optic and is typically in the range 0.2-0.4. These effects could substantially reduce the expected efficiency gain. During the course of this study, the possibility to use a weakly focused beam (0.5 deg convergence) was suggested which could give an additional 10-20 X efficiency gain for small samples . Weakly focused beams from double focusing mirrors are frequently used for macromolecular crystallography studies. Furthermore the crystals are typically oscillated by as much as 2 deg during each X-ray exposure in order to increase the reciprocal space (number of crystal planes) sampled and use of a slightly convergent beam could, in principle, provide a similar sampling benefit without oscillation. Although more problematic, because of complications in analyzing the diffraction patterns, it was also suggested that even more extreme beam convergence might be used to give another order of magnitude intensity gain and even smaller focused spot size which could make it possible to study smaller protein crystals than can be studied using standard laboratory based X-ray diffraction systems. This project represents the first systematic investigation of these possibilities. As initially proposed, the contract included requirements for design, purchase, evaluation and delivery of three polycapillary lenses to the Laboratory for Structural Biology at MSFC and demonstration of such optics at MSFC for selected protein crystal diffraction applications.

Gibson, Walter M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The HESP (High Energy Solar Physics) project

A project for space observations of solar flares for the coming solar maximum phase is briefly described. The main objective is to make a comprehensive study of high energy phenomena of flares through simultaneous imagings in both hard and soft X-rays. The project will be performed with collaboration from US scientists. The HESP (High Energy Solar Physics) WG of ISAS (Institute of Space and Astronautical Sciences) has extensively discussed future aspects of space observations of high energy phenomena of solar flares based on successful results of the Hinotori mission, and proposed a comprehensive research program for the next solar maximum, called the HESP (SOLAR-A) project. The objective of the HESP project is to make a comprehensive study of both high energy phenomena of flares and quiet structures including pre-flare states, which have been left uncovered by SMM and Hinotori. For such a study simultaneous imagings with better resolutions in space and time in a wide range of energy will be extremely important.

Kai, K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

X-ray satellite

The projected launch date has been delayed approx. 7 weeks from the planned launch date. The Engineering Model (EM) of the automatic measurement and control system (AMCS) is in the critical phase. The contract change no. 1 to the main contract has been signed. A new version of the welding seam location specifications for the wide field camera (WFC) was proposed by the WFC Consortium. The payload integration plan (PIP) has been signed. Production of the EM/QM prototype and ground station equipment has proceeded according to plan with the exception of some delays. Production of the EM equipment has begun. Preparations for the qualification tests of the EM/QM equipment and the integration of EM equipment has begun. The cause of the delay in the launch date include the combined effects of the postponement of the target date for the EM equipment, along with the fact that only a structural model is available.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2018

PIPER: Performance Insights for Programmers and Exascale Runtimes

During the lifetime of the project, the PIPER at the University of Utah worked in collaboration with the team from the partner institutions to establish a set of software tools for analyzing and improving the performance parallel computing tools. These activities complement and complete the work performed by the other X-Stack 2 projects with the definition of a common data models and computing infrastructures, which have been a central element in the targeted performance analysis pipeline and new programming models. The University of Utah team have focused mainly on developing data analysis and visualization systems to facilitate exploration, comparison and evaluation of the behavior and performance of complex algorithms in modern HPC infrastructures. This is involved several demonstrations of the performance achieved and presentation of the results in a way that facilitates the users understand bottlenecks and ways to overcome them. One major focus of the University of Utah activities has been the analysis of the performance characteristics of Fat-Tree and Dragonfly topology networks. The work involved the development of practical visualization systems especially in collaboration with the team at LLNL, and published several papers and gave invited talks at prestigious venues such as the Salishan Conference on High-Speed Computing or the International Conference on High Performance Computing, Data, and Analytics. In addition, the university of Utah team has advanced the core activities on analyzing the performance characteristics of I/O and other data movement systems and their practical use for scaling Uintah and other simulation codes poised for use in the exascale computing environments of the future.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-G-IeP2-15: Virtual Insertion of Digital Kidney Stones Into Dual-Source, Dual- Energy CT Projection Data

Purpose: In order to investigate novel methods to more accurately estimate the mineral composition of kidney stones using dual energy CT, it is desirable to be able to combine digital stones of known composition with actual phantom and patient scan data. In this work, we developed and validated a method to insert digital kidney stones into projection data acquired on a dual-source, dual-energy CT system. Methods: Attenuation properties of stones of different mineral composition were computed using tabulated mass attenuation coefficients, the chemical formula for each stone type, and the effective beam energy at each evaluated tube potential. A previously developed method to insert lesions into x-ray CT projection data was extended to include simultaneous dual-energy CT projections acquired on a dual-source gantry (Siemens Somatom Flash). Digital stones were forward projected onto both detectors and the resulting projections added to the physically acquired sinogram data. To validate the accuracy of the technique, digital stones were inserted into different locations in the ACR CT accreditation phantom; low and high contrast resolution, CT number accuracy and noise properties were compared before and after stone insertion. The procedure was repeated for two dual-energy tube potential pairs in clinical use on the scanner, 80/Sn140 kV and 100/Sn140 kV, respectively. Results: The images reconstructed after the insertion of digital kidney stones were consistent with the images reconstructed from the scanner. The largest average CT number difference for the 4 insert in the CT number accuracy module of the phantom was 3 HU. Conclusion: A framework was developed and validated for the creation of digital kidney stones of known mineral composition, and their projection-domain insertion into commercial dual-source, dual-energy CT projection data. This will allow a systematic investigation of the impact of scan and reconstruction parameters on stone attenuation and dual-energy behavior under rigorously controlled conditions. Dr. McCollough receives research support from Siemens Healthcare.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1999

Miniature X-Ray Bone Densitometer

The purpose of the Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) project is to design, build, and test an advanced X-ray absorptiometry scanner capable of being used to monitor the deleterious effects of weightlessness on the human musculoskeletal system during prolonged spaceflight. The instrument is based on the principles of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and is designed not only to measure bone, muscle, and fat masses but also to generate structural information about these tissues so that the effects on mechanical integrity may be assessed using biomechanical principles. A skeletal strength assessment could be particularly important for an astronaut embarking on a remote planet where the consequences of a fragility fracture may be catastrophic. The scanner will employ multiple projection images about the long axis of the scanned subject to provide geometric properties in three dimensions, suitable for a three-dimensional structural analysis of the scanned region. The instrument will employ advanced fabrication techniques to minimize volume and mass (100 kg current target with a long-term goal of 60 kg) of the scanner as appropriate for the space environment, while maintaining the required mechanical stability for high precision measurement. The unit will have the precision required to detect changes in bone mass and geometry as small as 1% and changes in muscle mass as small as 5%. As the system evolves, advanced electronic fabrication technologies such as chip-on-board and multichip modules will be combined with commercial (off-the-shelf) parts to produce a reliable, integrated system which not only minimizes size and weight, but, because of its simplicity, is also cost effective to build and maintain. Additionally, the system is being designed to minimize power consumption. Methods of heat dissipation and mechanical stowage (for the unit when not in use) are being optimized for the space environment.

Charles, Harry K., Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2017

First indirect x-ray imaging tests with an 88-mm diameter single crystal

Using the 1-BM-C beamline at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), we have performed the initial indirect x - ray imaging point-spread-function (PSF) test of a unique 88-mm diameter YAG:Ce single crystal of only 100 - micron thickness. The crystal was bonded to a fiber optic plat e (FOP) for mechanical support and to allow the option for FO coupling to a large format camera. This configuration resolution was compared to that of self - supported 25-mm diameter crystals, with and without an Al reflective coating. An upstream monochromator was used to select 17-keV x-rays from the broadband APS bending magnet source of synchrotron radiation. The upstream , adjustable Mo collimators were then used to provide a series of x-ray source transverse sizes from 200 microns down to about 15-20 microns (FWHM) at the crystal surface. The emitted scintillator radiation was in this case lens coupled to the ANDOR Neo sCMOS camera, and the indirect x-ray images were processed offline by a MATLAB - based image processing program. Based on single Gaussian peak fits to the x-ray image projected profiles, we observed a 10.5 micron PSF. This sample thus exhibited superior spatial resolution to standard P43 polycrystalline phosphors of the same thickness which would have about a 100-micron PSF. Lastly, this single crystal resolution combined with the 88-mm diameter makes it a candidate to support future x-ray diffraction or wafer topography experiments.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1976

A technique for generating correlated X-band weather degradation statistics

It is, known that the X-band noise temperature of DSN receivers can go up from 20 K to over 100 K or more, if the air is heavily laden with water vapor, although that is an uncommon occurrence. It is proposed that the DSN furnish flight projects relying on X-band degradation models, one for each DSN Complex. Such models would be in the form of a random process generator, say in an MBASIC program, that would permit the project to generate X-band degradation data with the right autocorrelations for periods of interest to the Projects. The autocorrelation modeling is especially important because bursts of degradation lasting several days can affect data storage and mission sequence design strategy. One approach which works if the degradation statistics obey a half-gaussian law. That is, the random variables are formed by taking the absolute values of another set of random variables, themselves having a Gaussian distribution. The technique then permits the half-gaussian random variables to have given one and two-step correlation coefficients.

Posner, E. C.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Monte Carlo Based Ray Tracing Tool for Evaluating Wolter-Type Prescriptions

Evaluating Wolter-like X-ray mirror prescriptions via ray tracing is useful for selecting and optimizing the right mirror prescriptions for a specified application. Moreover, incorporating real metrology data into a ray trace and simulating point spread functions (PSF) allows for performance predictions representative of real manufacturing errors and tolerances. In fulfillment of an internship project, an X-ray ray trace routine using a Monte-Carlo method has been developed to examine different Wolter-like prescriptions and characterize their theoretical performances over a specified field of view. This routine includes the ability to use real metrology data to evaluate the impact of figure error on imaging performance. As a test case, the Marshall Grazing Incidence X-ray Spectrometer (MaGIXS) Wolter-I mirror prescription and an equivalent Wolter-Schwarzschild prescription were traced and imaging performance of a specified field of view were mapped. Here we present the approach used in this routine, showcase example results, and discuss future goals for expanding the routine to address azimuthally varying figure errors and surface roughness.

X-ray optics↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

X-57 Wing Structural Load Testing

The X-57 flight project will provide an opportunity to assess the benefits of distributed electric propulsion. The plan is to use a TECNAM P2006T twin-engine light aircraft (Aeronautiche TECNAM S.p.A., Capua, Italy) as the baseline aircraft, but design and fabricate a new wing to test the technology. The wing when fully integrated onto the X-57 TECNAM P2006T fuselage will incorporate two wingtip cruise electric motors and 12 high-lift electric motors along the wing span. The testing described in this paper confirmed the strength of the X-57 wing for flight and provided an opportunity to calibrate the wing flight strain gages for monitoring loads in flight. The X-57 wing was qualification tested in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory. This paper documents the airworthiness approach, test setup, instrumentation, and preliminary results. The X-57 ground load testing lessons learned are also discussed.

Wing loading↗
DOE OSTI2016

MULTI-WAVELENGTH STUDY OF HESS J1741–302

We present the results of two Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO) observations of TeV γ-ray source HESS J1741–302. We investigate whether there is any connection between HESS J1741−302 and the sources seen at lower energies. One of the brightest X-ray sources in the HESS J1741–302 field, CXOU J174112.1−302908, appears to be associated with a low-mass star (possibly representing a quiescent low-mass X-ray binary or cataclysmic variable (CV)), hence, it is unlikely to be a source of TeV γ-rays. In the same field we have potentially detected X-rays from WR 98a, which is likely to be a colliding wind binary with massive stars. No TeV emission has been reported so far from such systems although predictions have been made. Finally, we found that the previously reported Suzaku source, Suzaku J1740.5–3014 (which is not covered by the CXO observations), appears to be a hard X-ray source detected by INTERGAL ISGRI, which supports the magnetized CV classification but makes its association with the TeV emission unlikely. The young pulsar PSR B1737–30, so far undetected in X-rays and projected on the sky near the CV, may be the contributor of relativistic particles responsible for the TeV emission.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-F-18C-13: Low-Dose X-Ray CT Reconstruction Using a Hybrid First-Order Method

Purpose: To develop a novel reconstruction method for X-ray CT that can lead to accurate reconstruction at significantly reduced dose levels combining low X-ray incident intensity and few views of projection data. Methods: The noise nature of the projection data at low X-ray incident intensity was modeled and accounted by the weighted least-squares (WLS) criterion. The total variation (TV) penalty was used to mitigate artifacts caused by few views of data. The first order primal-dual (FOPD) algorithm was used to minimize TV in image domain, which avoided the difficulty of the non-smooth objective function. The TV penalized WLS reconstruction was achieved by alternated FOPD TV minimization and projection onto convex sets (POCS) for data fidelity constraints. The proposed FOPD-POCS method was evaluated using the FORBILD jaw phantom and the real cadaver head CT data. Results: The quantitative measures, root mean square error (RMSE) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), demonstrate the superior denoising capability of WLS over LS-based TV iterative reconstruction. The improvement of RMSE (WLS vs. LS) is 15%∼21% and that of CNR is 17%∼72% when the incident counts per ray are ranged from 1×10{sup 5} to 1×10{sup 3}. In addition, the TV regularization can accurately reconstruct images from about 50 views of the jaw phantom. The FOPD-POCS reconstruction reveals more structural details and suffers fewer artifacts in both the phantom and real head images. The FOPD-POCS method also shows fast convergence at low X-ray incident intensity. Conclusion: The new hybrid FOPD-POCS method, based on TV penalized WLS, yields excellent image quality when the incident X-ray intensity is low and the projection views are limited. The reconstruction is computationally efficient since the FOPD minimization of TV is applied only in the image domain. The characteristics of FOPD-POCS can be exploited to significantly reduce radiation dose of X-ray CT without compromising accuracy for diagnosis or treatment planning.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

WE-AB-207A-09: Optimization of the Design of a Moving Blocker for Cone-Beam CT Scatter Correction: Experimental Evaluation

Purpose: A moving blocker based strategy has shown promising results for scatter correction in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Different geometry designs and moving speeds of the blocker affect its performance in image reconstruction accuracy. The goal of this work is to optimize the geometric design and moving speed of the moving blocker system through experimental evaluations. Methods: An Elekta Synergy XVI system and an anthropomorphic pelvis phantom CIRS 801-P were used for our experiment. A blocker consisting of lead strips was inserted between the x-ray source and the phantom moving back and forth along rotation axis to measure the scatter signal. Accoriding to our Monte Carlo simulation results, three blockers were used, which have the same lead strip width 3.2mm and different gap between neighboring lead strips, 3.2, 6.4 and 9.6mm. For each blocker, three moving speeds were evaluated, 10, 20 and 30 pixels per projection (on the detector plane). Scatter signal in the unblocked region was estimated by cubic B-spline based interpolation from the blocked region. CBCT image was reconstructed by a total variation (TV) based algebraic iterative reconstruction (ART) algorithm from the partially blocked projection data. Reconstruction accuracy in each condition is quantified as CT number error of region of interest (ROI) by comparing to a CBCT reconstructed image from analytically simulated unblocked and scatter free projection data. Results: Highest reconstruction accuracy is achieved when the blocker width is 3.2 mm, the gap between neighboring lead strips is 9.6 mm and the moving speed is 20 pixels per projection. RMSE of the CT number of ROIs can be reduced from 436 to 27. Conclusions: Image reconstruction accuracy is greatly affected by the geometry design of the blocker. The moving speed does not have a very strong effect on reconstruction result if it is over 20 pixels per projection.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-C-207-04: Reconstruction Artifact Reduction in X-Ray Cone Beam CT Using a Treatment Couch Model

Purpose: to mitigate artifacts induced by the presence of the RT treatment couch in on-board CBCT and improve image quality Methods: a model of a Varian IGRT couch is constructed using a CBCT scan of the couch in air. The model is used to generate a set of forward projections (FP) of the treatment couch at specified gantry angles. The model couch forward projections are then used to process CBCT scan projections which contain the couch in addition to the scan object (Catphan phantom), in order to remove the attenuation component of the couch at any given gantry angle. Prior to pre-processing with the model FP, the Catphan projection data is normalized to an air scan with bowtie filter. The filtered Catphan projections are used to reconstruct the CBCT with an in-house FDK algorithm. The artifact reduction in the processed CBCT scan is assessed visually, and the image quality improvement is measured with the CNR over a few selected ROIs of the Catphan modules. Results: Sufficient match between the forward projected data and the x-ray projections is achieved to allow filtering in attenuation space. Visual improvement of the couch induced artifacts is achieved, with a moderate expense of CNR. Conclusion: Couch model-based correction of CBCT projection data has a potential for qualitative improvement of clinical CBCT scans, without requiring position specific correction data. The technique could be used to produce models of other artifact inducing devices, such as immobilization boards, and reduce their impact on patient CBCT images.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2009

Ares I-X Roll Control System Development

Project Managers often face challenging technical, schedule and budget issues. This presentation will explore how the Ares I-X Roll Control System Integrated Product Team (IPT) mitigated challenges such as concurrent engineering requirements and environments and evolving program processes, while successfully managing an aggressive project schedule and tight budget. IPT challenges also included communications and negotiations among inter- and intra-government agencies, including the US Air Force, NASA/MSFC Propulsion Engineering, LaRC, GRC, KSC, WSTF, and the Constellation Program. In order to successfully meet these challenges it was essential that the IPT define those items that most affected the schedule critical path, define early mitigation strategies to reduce technical, schedule, and budget risks, and maintain the end-product focus of an "unmanned test flight" context for the flight hardware. The makeup of the IPT and how it would function were also important considerations. The IPT consisted of NASA/MSFC (project management, engineering, and safety/quality) and contractors (Teledyne Brown Engineering and Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne, who supplied heritage hardware experience). The early decision to have a small focused IPT working "badgelessly" across functional lines to eliminate functional stove-piping allowed for many more tasks to be done by fewer people. It also enhanced a sense of ownership of the products, while still being able to revert back to traditional roles in order to provide the required technical independence in design reviews and verification closures. This presentation will highlight several prominent issues and discuss how they were mitigated and the resulting Lessons Learned that might benefit other projects.

Unger, Ronald J.↗