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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2016

Remote Strain Sensing of CFRP Using Microwave Frequency Domain Reflectometry

NASA's Advanced Composites Project is investigating technologies that increase automated remote inspection of aircraft composite structures. Therefore, microwave Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR) is being investigated as a method of enabling rapid remote measurement of strain occurring at the first ply of a composite fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) structure using Radio Frequency (RF) Electro-Magnetic (EM) radiation. While microwave reflectometry has been used to detect disbonds in CFRP structures, its use in detecting strain has been limited. This work will present data demonstrating the measurement of the reactance changes due to loading conditions that are indicative of strain in a CFRP structure. In addition, the basic EM signature will be presented along with an analysis of temperature and humidity effects.

Wilson, William C.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Multiple-Segment Climbing Robots

Multiple-segment climbing robots developed to perform such tasks as inspection, sandblasting, welding, and painting on towers and other structures. Look and move like caterpillars. Video camera mounted on one of segments rotated to desired viewing angle. Used in remote inspection of structure, to view motion of robot and/or provides video feedback for control of motion, and/or to guide operation of head mounted on foremost segment with motorized actuators.

Kerley, James↗
NASA NTRS2017

Electric Potential and Electric Field Imaging with Dynamic Applications & Extensions

The technology and methods for remote quantitative imaging of electrostatic potentials and electrostatic fields in and around objects and in free space is presented. Electric field imaging (EFI) technology may be applied to characterize intrinsic or existing electric potentials and electric fields, or an externally generated electrostatic field made be used for volumes to be inspected with EFI. The baseline sensor technology (e-Sensor) and its construction, optional electric field generation (quasi-static generator), and current e- Sensor enhancements (ephemeral e-Sensor) are discussed. Critical design elements of current linear and real-time two-dimensional (2D) measurement systems are highlighted, and the development of a three dimensional (3D) EFI system is presented. Demonstrations for structural, electronic, human, and memory applications are shown. Recent work demonstrates that phonons may be used to create and annihilate electric dipoles within structures. Phonon induced dipoles are ephemeral and their polarization, strength, and location may be quantitatively characterized by EFI providing a new subsurface Phonon-EFI imaging technology. Results from real-time imaging of combustion and ion flow, and their measurement complications, will be discussed. Extensions to environment, Space and subterranean applications will be presented, and initial results for quantitative characterizing material properties are shown. A wearable EFI system has been developed by using fundamental EFI concepts. These new EFI capabilities are demonstrated to characterize electric charge distribution creating a new field of study embracing areas of interest including electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation, manufacturing quality control, crime scene forensics, design and materials selection for advanced sensors, combustion science, on-orbit space potential, container inspection, remote characterization of electronic circuits and level of activation, dielectric morphology of structures, tether integrity, organic molecular memory, atmospheric science, weather prediction, earth quake prediction, and medical diagnostic and treatment efficacy applications such as cardiac polarization wave propagation and electromyography imaging.

Generazio, Ed↗
NASA NTRS2017

Electric Potential and Electric Field Imaging with Dynamic Applications: 2017 Research Award Innovation

The technology and methods for remote quantitative imaging of electrostatic potentials and electrostatic fields in and around objects and in free space is presented. Electric field imaging (EFI) technology may be applied to characterize intrinsic or existing electric potentials and electric fields, or an externally generated electrostatic field may be used for illuminating volumes to be inspected with EFI. The baseline sensor technology (e-Sensor) and its construction, optional electric field generation (quasi-static generator), and current e- Sensor enhancements (ephemeral e-Sensor) are discussed. Critical design elements of current linear and real-time two-dimensional (2D) measurement systems are highlighted, and the development of a three dimensional (3D) EFI system is presented. Demonstrations for structural, electronic, human, and memory applications are shown. Recent work demonstrates that phonons may be used to create and annihilate electric dipoles within structures. Phonon induced dipoles are ephemeral and their polarization, strength, and location may be quantitatively characterized by EFI providing a new subsurface Phonon-EFI imaging technology. Initial results from real-time imaging of combustion and ion flow, and their measurement complications, will be discussed. These new EFI capabilities are demonstrated to characterize electric charge distribution creating a new field of study embracing areas of interest including electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation, crime scene forensics, design and materials selection for advanced sensors, combustion science, on-orbit space potential, container inspection, remote characterization of electronic circuits and level of activation, dielectric morphology of structures, tether integrity, organic molecular memory, atmospheric science, and medical diagnostic and treatment efficacy applications such as cardiac polarization wave propagation and electromyography imaging.

Generazio, Ed↗
DOE OSTI2022

CEBAF Accelerator Tunnel Robot Project

Advancements in the field of robotics allow for the use of remotely controlled robots to perform tasks that have typically required human intervention. Jefferson Lab has explored the possibilities of robots placed in the accelerator tunnel to perform remote inspections that would otherwise require powering down equipment and completing lengthy radiological surveys that impact beam operations. A robotic solution ? driven by a human operator ? could not only reduce accelerator down time but also support the Lab's radiation exposure policy (known as "ALARA" - As Low As Reasonably Acceptable) by handling routine tunnel and beamline investigations in place of a human being. However, operating a remote device in a radioactive, high electronic-noise area is not a trivial task and drop-in solutions are rarely as simple as they seem. We will present the past prototypes that were tested as well follow-on technology developed from the project. We will also briefly survey current applications of robots at accelerator facilities with an eye toward future applications.

McGuckin, Theodore↗
NASA NTRS2020

Laser Based Remote and Rapid Inspection for Composite Plates

Composites have been extensively used in aero structure and become the predominate components in the new airframes. Thus, rapid and effective inspection for composite structures is highly desired in aerospace engineering in order to shorten the certificate cycle for new structures or provide safety guarantee for existing ones. In this paper, a laser based remote Lamb wave inspection system is presented and implemented on composite plates for simulated damage detection. The system employs pulsed laser (PL) and scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (SLDV) for noncontact and remote Lamb wave actuation and wavefield sensing. A composite plate with simulated defect (surface bonded quartz rod) is inspected with the PL-SLDV laser system. Wave scattering are observed in the SLDV acquired wavefield and the damage is further evaluated with wavefield imaging and frequency wavenumber analysis. Potential application towards automatic PL Lamb wave excitation is also explored through employing an industry robotic arm towards rapid inspection.

Lamb waves↗
NASA NTRS1982

A microprocessor application in the MTV telemetry data processor

An engineering model of the Telemetry Data Processor monitoring and display system used by the Maneuverable Television (MTV) employed in remote inspections of the Space Shuttle has been developed, incorporating the MC 6809 microprocessor. The system acquires analog and digital signals from the MTV flyer and converts them into engineering units, formatting them in several pages according to their function. Upon request, a data page can be superimposed on the video signal from the MTV camera. In addition, the system monitors key parameters for out-of-limit conditions and flashes caution and warning messages on the selected page.

Spahn, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Simplified Generation Of Distance Images

Optoelectronic apparatus undergoing development intended to produce digitized images that contain three-dimensional information: brightness of each picture element in digitized image depends on distance from apparatus to corresponding location in scene. Does not contain mechanical scanners. Signal-processing circuitry in this apparatus simpler. Smaller, weighs less, and consumes less power. Potential applications include automated inspection, remote exploration, robotic manipulators, robotic vehicles, and maneuvering and docking systems.

Wesolowicz, Karl↗
NASA NTRS1992

Thermographic imaging of cracks in thin metal sheets

The presence of cracks significantly decreases the structural integrity of thin metal sheets used in aerospace applications. Thermographic detection of surface temperature variations due to these cracks is possible after external heating. An approximate line source of heat is used to produce an inplane flow of heat in the sheet. A crack in the sheet perturbs the inplane flow of heat and can be seen in an image of the surface temperature of the sheet. An effective technique for locating these perturbations is presented which reduces the surface temperature image to an image of variations in the inplane heat flow. This technique is shown to greatly increase the detectability of the cracks. This thermographic method has advantages over other techniques in that it is able to remotely inspect a large area in a short period of time. The effectiveness of this technique depends on the shape, position and orientation of the heat source with respect to the cracks as well as the extent to which the crack perturbs the surface heat flow. The relationship between these parameters and the variation in the heat flow is determined both by experimental and computational techniques. Experimental data is presented for through-the-thickness, subsurface and surface EDM notches. Data for through-the-thickness fatigue cracks are also presented.

Cramer, K. E.↗
NASA NTRS2004

NASA Johnson Space Center: Mini AERCam Testing with GSS6560

This slide presentation reviews the testing of the Miniature Autonomous Extravehicular Robotic Camera (Mini AERCam) with the GPS/SBAS simulation system, GSS6560. There is a listing of several GPS based programs at NASA Johnson, including the testing of Shuttle testing of the GPS system. Including information about Space Integrated GPS/INS (SIGI) testing. There is also information about the standalone ISS SIGI test,and testing of the SIGI for the Crew Return Vehicle. The Mini AERCam is a small, free-flying camera for remote inspections of the ISS, it uses precise relative navigation with differential carrier phase GPS to provide situational awareness to operators. The closed loop orbital testing with and without the use of the GSS6550 system of the Mini AERCam system is reviewed.

Cryant, Scott P.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Multi-Sensor Inspection Telerobot

This paper describes a telerobotic multi-sensor inspection system for space platforms developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. A multi-sensor inspection end-effector incorporates cameras and lighting for visual inspection, as well as temperature and gas leak-detection sensors.

micro-meteorite impacts Astronaut Extra Vehicular ↗
DOE OSTI2025

DOESC Remote Canister Closure System UT Inspection Couplant Solutions

The DOE Standard Canister (DOESC) Remote Canister Closure System is a remotely operated welding and inspection mechanism designed for the packaging of DOE-managed spent nuclear fuel into canisters. The ultrasonic testing (UT) inspection, included in the system, requires the use of water tanks that are opened to act as a couplant between the canister and the sensors. With the couplant, the UT inspection can guarantee accurate results determining imperfections in the weld.

12 - MGMT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTE↗
NASA NTRS1993

An operator interface design for a telerobotic inspection system

The operator interface has recently emerged as an important element for efficient and safe interactions between human operators and telerobotics. Advances in graphical user interface and graphics technologies enable us to produce very efficient operator interface designs. This paper describes an efficient graphical operator interface design newly developed for remote surface inspection at NASA-JPL. The interface, designed so that remote surface inspection can be performed by a single operator with an integrated robot control and image inspection capability, supports three inspection strategies of teleoperated human visual inspection, human visual inspection with automated scanning, and machine-vision-based automated inspection.

Kim, Won S.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Mini AERCam Inspection Robot for Human Space Missions

The Engineering Directorate of NASA Johnson Space Center has developed a nanosatellite-class free-flyer intended for future external inspection and remote viewing of human spacecraft. The Miniature Autonomous Extravehicular Robotic Camera (Mini AERCam) technology demonstration unit has been integrated into the approximate form and function of a flight system. The spherical Mini AERCam free flyer is 7.5 inches in diameter and weighs approximately 10 pounds, yet it incorporates significant additional capabilities compared to the 35 pound, 14 inch AERCam Sprint that flew as a Shuttle flight experiment in 1997. Mini AERCam hosts a full suite of miniaturized avionics, instrumentation, communications, navigation, imaging, power, and propulsion subsystems, including digital video cameras and a high resolution still image camera. The vehicle is designed for either remotely piloted operations or supervised autonomous operations including automatic stationkeeping and point-to-point maneuvering. Mini AERCam is designed to fulfill the unique requirements and constraints associated with using a free flyer to perform external inspections and remote viewing of human spacecraft operations. This paper describes the application of Mini AERCam for stand-alone spacecraft inspection, as well as for roles on teams of humans and robots conducting future space exploration missions.

Fredrickson, Steven E.↗
NASA NTRS1994

A Highly Redundant Robot System for Inspection

The work on the serpentine inspection system at JPL is described. The configuration of the inspection system consists of 20 DOF in total. In particular, the design and development of the serpentine micromanipulator end-effector tool which has 12 DOF is described. The inspection system is used for application in JPL's Remote Surface Inspection project and as a research tool in redundant manipulator control.

robot↗
DOE OSTI2025

Final Technical Report (FTR) - DE-EE0009084: Prefabricated Construction: Guidance, Technical Assistance, and Virtual Inspections

This final technical report summarizes research, case studies, and resources developed from 2020–2025 on prefabricated construction and remote virtual inspections. It documents key findings on benefits, challenges, and best practices, highlights examples from multiple states, and provides guidance to support wider adoption of these innovations in the construction sector.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
NASA NTRS1994

A highly redundant robot system for inspection

The work on the serpentine inspection system at JPL is described. The configuration of the inspection system consists of 20 degrees of freedom in total. In particular, the design and development of the serpentine micromanipulator end-effector tool which has 12 degrees of freedom is described. The inspection system is used for application in JPL's Remote Surface Inspection project and as a research tool in redundant manipulator control.

Lee, Thomas S.↗