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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 37 records · Page 2

Actuator and Motor Control End-to-End V&V on the Mars 2020 Rover

The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover is the most advanced robotic exploration system ever sent to another planet. To support the complex scientific and mobility needs of the mission, the rover utilizes 33 actuators, three multi-degree-of-freedom force-torque sensors, fifteen single or dual-speed resolvers, two solenoid valves, and twelve contact switches. The control for these actuators and sensors is achieved by several levels of flight software, coordinated between two computers with varying bandwidth control loops. Furthermore, the actuators and sensors were integrated into multiple larger robotic mechanisms that were delivered by different organizations at various points in the Integration and Test (I&T) timeline. All of this created a very complex Verification and Validation (V&V) scenario involving multiple subsystems and teams, several hardware and software testbeds with varying levels of fidelity, and significant systems engineering to ensure the overall I&T schedule could be maintained while ensuring system hardware safety.This paper details the integrated V&V effort across multiple teams and venues to provide full coverage of all necessary functionality, performance, and fault protection. First, it provides an overview of how the V&V campaign was subdivided among teams and venues and provides descriptions of the various hardware configurations used to support the testing. The Mars 2020 implementation of the plan incorporates many of the lessons learned from Mars Science Laboratory’s test campaign, and these value-added modifications are discussed here. Also included in this section is the system-level environmental testing approach used for mechanisms. Second, the paper describes the phased approach used by the teams to support new hardware and software deliveries to testbed and Systems I&T. In this approach the test campaign was built upon higher-level mechanism needs for performance, functionality, and safety at specific times in the campaign. Finally, the paper discusses lessons learned from the V&V campaign that should be applied to future large-scale motion control testing efforts.

Borne, Davis↗

Comparison of V-4 and V-5 Exercise/Oxygen Prebreathe Protocols to Support Extravehicular Activity in Microgravity

The Prebreathe Reduction Program (PRP) used exercise during oxygen prebreathe to reduce necessary prebreathe time prior to depressurizing to work in a 4.3 psi suit during extravehicular activity (EVA). Initial testing produced a two-hour protocol incorporating ergometry exercise and a 30 min cycle of depress/repress to 10.2 psi where subjects breathed 26.5% oxygen/balance nitrogen (Phase II - 10 min at 75% peak oxygen consumption [VO2 peak] followed by 40 min intermittent light exercise [ILE] [approx. 5.8 mL-per kilogram- per minute], then 50 min of rest). The Phase II protocol (0/45 DCS) was approved for operations and has been used on 40 EVAs, providing significant time savings compared to the standard 4 h resting oxygen prebreathe. The Phase V effort focused on performing all light in-suit exercise. Two oxygen prebreathe protocols were tested sequentially: V-4) 160 min prebreathe with 150 min of continuous ILE. The entire protocol was completed at 14.7 psi. All exercise involved upper body effort. Exercise continued until decompression. V-5) 160 min prebreathe with 140 min of ILE - first 40 min at 14.7 psi, then 30 min at 10.2 psi (breathing 26.5% oxygen) after a 20 min depress, simulating a suit donning period. Subjects were then repressed to 14.7 psi and performed another 50 min of lower body ILE, followed by 50 min rest before decompression. The V-4 protocol was rejected with 3 DCS/6 person-exposures. Initial V-5 testing has produced 0 DCS/11 person-exposures (ongoing trials). The difference in DCS rate was significant (Fisher Exact p=0.029). The observations of DCS were significantly lower in early V-5 trials than in V-4 trials. Additional studies are required to evaluate the relative contribution of the variables in exercise distribution, the 10.2 psi depress/repress component, pre-decompression rest, or possible variation in total oxygen consumption.

Pollock, N. W.↗

Stellar model chromospheres. V - Alpha Centauri A /G2 V/ and Alpha Centauri B /K1 V/

Models for the upper photospheres and lower chromospheres of Alpha Centauri A and B are derived from high-dispersion spectrograms of the Ca II K-line emission cores and damping wings. Effective temperatures, surface gravities, and ages consistent with the measured broadband colors, metallicities, and absolute magnitudes are estimated for the two stars. The spectrograms are calibrated by fitting the far-wing K profiles with synthetic fluxes based on radiative-equilibrium models, and the model atmospheres are obtained through a partial-redistribution analysis of the line cores and damping wings. These models are compared with those previously proposed for Procyon, Arcturus, and the sun. Many features in all the models are found to be quite similar, and some evidence suggests that Alpha Cen A may be significantly older and more evolved than the sun, even though both stars exhibit similar chromospheric properties.

Ayres, T. R.↗

KBS V and V as related to automation of space station subsystems: Rationale for a KBS lifecycle

The role of verification and validation (V and V) in software has been to support and strengthen the software lifecycle and to ensure that the resultant code meets the standards of the requirements document. Knowledge based systems (KBS) V and V should serve the same role, but the KBS lifecycle is ill-defined. Here, the rationale of the simple form of the KBS lifecycle is explained. Special KBS development requirements are accommodated where possible by modifications to the traditional software lifecycle. Research areas are suggested for those aspects which present new or unusual difficulties for V and V.

Richardson, K.↗

Autonomy Software: V&V Challenges and Characteristics

The successful operation of unmanned air vehicles requires software with a high degree of autonomy. Only if high level functions can be carried out without human control and intervention, complex missions in a changing and potentially unknown environment can be carried out successfully. Autonomy software is highly mission and safety critical: failures, caused by flaws in the software cannot only jeopardize the mission, but could also endanger human life (e.g., a crash of an UAV in a densely populated area). Due to its large size, high complexity, and use of specialized algorithms (planner, constraint-solver, etc.), autonomy software poses specific challenges for its verification, validation, and certification. -- - we have carried out a survey among researchers aid scientists at NASA to study these issues. In this paper, we will present major results of this study, discussing the broad spectrum. of notions and characteristics of autonomy software and its challenges for design and development. A main focus of this survey was to evaluate verification and validation (V&V) issues and challenges, compared to the development of "traditional" safety-critical software. We will discuss important issues in V&V of autonomous software and advanced V&V tools which can help to mitigate software risks. Results of this survey will help to identify and understand safety concerns in autonomy software and will lead to improved strategies for mitigation of these risks.

Schumann, Johann↗

Infusing and selecting V&V activities

The evolving nature of software development poses a continuing series of challenges for V&V. In response, the V&V community selectively adapts the use of existing V&V activities, and introduces new and improved ones.

verification validation risk software quality assu↗

Validation and Verification (V&V) of Safety-Critical Systems Operating Under Off-Nominal Conditions

Loss of control (LOC) remains one of the largest contributors to aircraft fatal accidents worldwide. Aircraft LOC accidents are highly complex in that they can result from numerous causal and contributing factors acting alone or more often in combination. Hence, there is no single intervention strategy to prevent these accidents. Research is underway at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the development of advanced onboard system technologies for preventing or recovering from loss of vehicle control and for assuring safe operation under off-nominal conditions associated with aircraft LOC accidents. The transition of these technologies into the commercial fleet will require their extensive validation and verification (V&V) and ultimate certification. The V&V of complex integrated systems poses highly significant technical challenges and is the subject of a parallel research effort at NASA. This chapter summarizes the V&V problem and presents a proposed process that could be applied to complex integrated safety-critical systems developed for preventing aircraft LOC accidents. A summary of recent research accomplishments in this effort is referenced.

Belcastro, Christine M.↗

Transition probabilities in OH A 2 sigma + - X 2 pi i: Bands with v prime = 0 and 1, v double prime = 0 to 4

Experimental results for relative vibrational band transition probabilities for v prime = 0 and 1, and v double prime = 0 to 4 in the A-X electronic system of OH are presented. The measurements, part of a larger set involving v prime = 0 to 4 and v double prime = 0 to 6, were made using spectrally dispersed laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) in the burnt gases of a flame. These Einstein coefficients will be useful in dynamics experiments for quantitative LIF determinations of OH radical concentrations in high v double prime.

Copeland, Richard A.↗

Afterburner Performance of Circular V-Gutters and a Sector of Parallel V-Gutters for a Range of Inlet Temperatures to 1255 K (1800 F)

Combustion tests of two V-gutter types were conducted in a 19.25-in. diameter duct using vitiated air. Fuel spraybars were mounted in line with the V-gutters. Combustor length was set by flame-quench water sprays which were part of a calorimeter for measuring combustion efficiency. Although the levels of performance of the parallel and circular array afterburners were different, the trends with geometry variations were consistent. Therefore, parallel arrays can be used for evaluating V-gutter geometry effects on combustion performance. For both arrays, the highest inlet temperature produced combustion efficiencies near 100 percent. A 5-in. spraybar - to - V-gutter spacing gave higher efficiency and better lean blowout performance than a spacing twice as large. Gutter durability was good.

Brandstetter, J. Robert↗

Emerging technologies for V&V of ISHM software for space exploration

Systems1,2 required to exhibit high operational reliability often rely on some form of fault protection to recognize and respond to faults, preventing faults' escalation to catastrophic failures. Integrated System Health Management (ISHM) extends the functionality of fault protection to both scale to more complex systems (and systems of systems), and to maintain capability rather than just avert catastrophe. Forms of ISHM have been utilized to good effect in the maintenance phase of systems' total lifecycles (often referred to as 'condition-based mainte-nance'), but less so in a 'fault protection' role during actual operations. One of the impediments to such use lies in the challenges of verification, validation and certification of ISHM systems themselves. This paper makes the case that state-of-the-practice V&V and certification techniques will not suffice for emerging forms of ISHM systems; however, a number of maturing software engineering assurance technologies show particular promise for addressing these ISHM V&V challenges.

fault detection, isolation, and recovery↗

Orion FSW V and V and Kedalion Engineering Lab Insight

NASA, along with its prime Orion contractor and its subcontractor s are adapting an avionics system paradigm borrowed from the manned commercial aircraft industry for use in manned space flight systems. Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) techniques have been proven as a robust avionics solution for manned commercial aircraft (B737/777/787, MD 10/90). This presentation will outline current approaches to adapt IMA, along with its heritage FSW V&V paradigms, into NASA's manned space flight program for Orion. NASA's Kedalion engineering analysis lab is on the forefront of validating many of these contemporary IMA based techniques. Kedalion has already validated many of the proposed Orion FSW V&V paradigms using Orion's precursory Flight Test Article (FTA) Pad Abort 1 (PA-1) program. The Kedalion lab will evolve its architectures, tools, and techniques in parallel with the evolving Orion program.

Mangieri, Mark L.↗

Reducing V&V Cost of Flight Critical Systems: Myth or Reality?

This paper presents an overview of NASA research program on the V&V of flight critical systems. Five years ago, NASA started an effort to reduce the cost and possibly increase the effectiveness of V&V for flight critical systems. It is the right time to take a look back and realize what progress has been made. This paper describes our overall approach and the tools introduced to address different phases of the software lifecycle. For example, we have improved testing by developing a statistical learning approach tor defining test cases. The tool automatically identifies possible unsafe conditions by analyzing outliers in output data; using an iterative learning process, it can then generate more test cases that represent potentially unsafe regions of operation. At the code level, we have developed and made available as open source a static analyzer for C and C++ programs called IKOS. We have shown that IKOS is very precise in the analysis of embedded C programs (very few false positives) and a bit less for regular C and C++ code. At the design level, in collaboration with our NRA partners, we have developed a suite of analysis tools for Simulink models. The analysis is done in a compositional framework for scalability.

Brat, Guillaume P.↗

V & V of A Spacecrafts Autonomous Planner Through Extended Automation

We have introduced and used significant automation during the verification and validation (V & V) of a spacecraft's autonomous planner. This paper describes the problem we faced, the solution we employed, and the applicability of our approach in a general V & V setting.

planning↗

Hallmarks of an Autonomous Space System’s Development and V&V

NASA’s deep space missions are dependent on autonomy when conditions require a faster response than can be directed by communication to and from Earth. Verification and Validation (V&V) of the autonomy is an essential step for missions to be confident in its use. This paper provides an overview of the development and V&V of one such autonomous system, DIMES (Descent Image Motion Estimation System), used successfully to reduce a critical mission risk during the landings of NASA’s two Mars Exploration Rovers on Mars in 2004.

Feather, Martin↗

The V-3 contamination test of the chamber A facility and a subsequent cryogenic/vacuum study of the V-3 test quartz crystal microbalance

The areas of orbital and ground contamination of flight experiment hardware have been well established. This report relates directly to results of vacuum chamber testing for the ground evaluation of flight experiment hardware performance. First, the data obtained during the V-3 contamination testing in the Johnson Space Center's Chamber A space simulation test facility are presented. Second, during the V-3 contamination tests, the MSFC Space Sciences Laboratory's quartz crystal microbalance exhibited two periods of anomalous readings. Therefore, a subsequent small chamber tests was conducted in a controlled cryogenic/vacuum environment. The objective was to reproduce with known parameters the anomalous behavior patterns of the V-3 test data. Analyses of the anomalous readings are made on the basis of these tests. Additionally, as a by-product of the small chamber tests, calibration curves then existing for the quartz crystal microbalance were empirically extended, and certain data-formatting aids were documented.

Moore, W. W., Jr.↗

The Rotational Spectra of IO X(sub 1) (sup 2)pi(sub 3/2), v <= 13 and X(sub 2) (sup 2)pi(sub 1/2), v <= 9

The rotational spectra of IO in vibrational states up to v = 13 in the X(sub 1) (sup 2)pi(sub 3/2) state and up to v = 9 in the X2 (sup 2)pi(sub 1/2) state have been observed in an O2 discharge over molecular I2. In addition, I(18)O has been observed for both the X(sub 1) and X(sub 2) states up to v = 5. All data have been analyzed simultaneously with fixed isotopic ratios among the constants. This extends the data set for the X(sub 1) state described last year at this meeting and provides the first high resolution data for the X(sub 2) state and for I(18)O. An extensive set of parameters has been derived. These will be interpreted in terms of the electronic structure and the interatomic potential.

Miller, Charles E.↗