Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Self Identify”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 361 records · Page 20

High School Citizen Scientists Use AI/ML to Predict Intra-Ocular Pressure From Gene Expression Data for Spaceflown Mice

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have increasingly become pivotal in biological and biomedical research, largely due to the culture of open data sharing and its associated benefits. The methodologies inherent in AI/ML are particularly adept at identifying and forecasting biological phenotypes from the vast amounts of data generated by next-generation sequencing technologies. These techniques offer substantial promise for advancing research in space biosciences and for the development of automated systems for monitoring space health. Nevertheless, there are crucial aspects to consider when training, validating, and testing machine learning models in both biological research and clinical contexts. It is essential that Open Science principles, including data sharing and the availability of open-source code, are complemented by high-quality, publicly accessible training resources. These resources should focus on best practices and include modules based on real-world scientific cases and data to ensure that future AI/ML practitioners gain practical experience with genuine problems. Addressing this knowledge gap, we have designed, developed, and delivered both interactive and self-paced training programs for citizen scientists worldwide, enabling them to utilize AI/ML for space biology research. This initiative was made possible through generous funding from a Transformation to Open Science Training grant. The interactive training sessions, conducted this summer, utilized AI/ML techniques to analyze data from the Open Science Data Repository, specifically targeting the effects of spaceflight on ocular structure and function. The dataset OSD-583, from the Rodent Research 9 mission, provides experimental data detailing the ocular responses of mice subjected to a 35-day spaceflight, compared with ground control counterparts. Using OSD-583 as observational data, our summer training participants applied AI/ML methods to predict intraocular pressure from RNA-seq data and identify the genes most predictive of the observed responses. Further analysis through pathway enrichment and gene set enrichment revealed that these genes are involved in molecular and cellular processes contributing to retinal degeneration.

James Casaletto↗

Panchromatic Observations of the Textbook GRB 110205A: Constraining Physical Mechanisms of Prompt Emission and Afterglow

We present a comprehensive analysis of a bright, long duration (T(sub 90) approx. 257 s) GRB 110205A at redshift z = 2.22. The optical prompt emission was detected by Swift/UVOT, ROTSE-IIIb and BOOTES telescopes when the GRB was still radiating in the gamma-ray band. Thanks to its long duration, nearly 200 s of observations were obtained simultaneously from optical, X-ray to gamma-ray (1 eV - 5 MeV), which makes it one of the exceptional cases to study the broadband spectral energy distribution across 6 orders of magnitude in energy during the prompt emission phase. In particular, by fitting the time resolved prompt spectra, we clearly identify, for the first time, an interesting two-break energy spectrum, roughly consistent with the standard GRB synchrotron emission model in the fast cooling regime. Although the prompt optical emission is brighter than the extrapolation of the best fit X/ -ray spectra, it traces the -ray light curve shape, suggesting a relation to the prompt high energy emission. The synchrotron + synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) scenario is disfavored by the data, but the models invoking a pair of internal shocks or having two emission regions can interpret the data well. Shortly after prompt emission (approx. 1100 s), a bright (R = 14.0) optical emission hump with very steep rise ( alpha approx. 5.5) was observed which we interpret as the emission from the reverse shock. It is the first time that the rising phase of a reverse shock component has been closely observed.

Zheng, W.↗

Dynamic Analysis of Reynolds Number Effects on Trailing Edge Transonic Vortex Shedding and Its Impact on Turbine Blade Aerodynamic Performance

In this work, we will discuss observations from images acquired from a time-resolved, high-speed self-aligned focusing Schlieren campaign that was performed at the CW-22 facility at NASA Glenn Research Center to understand the dynamic behavior of thick trailing-edge high-pressure turbine blades simulating a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) construction at high inlet turbulence conditions. For the CMC-9 blade, which has a trailing edge thickness of 9% of the axial chord, we identified a regime where an excessive total pressure loss (loss anomaly) is observed only for a narrow range of Reynolds numbers at a fixed exit Mach number of 0.74. The loss anomaly is qualitatively explained by our images, which were taken at 10 distinct blade Reynolds numbers spanning a factor of 6. The images show a significant increase in energy related to the oscillations due to transonic vortex shedding at the Reynolds numbers related to the high loss conditions. This increased energy leads to the formation of strong acoustic waves that turn into shock waves at the highest loss conditions. From our observations stemming from Spectral POD analysis of the high-speed images, we see the acoustic waves produced by the trailing edge vortex shedding exist in all conditions tested; but the shedding frequency has a very slight trend upwards as the Reynolds number is increased, varying about 6% in the range tested. Considering this variation of shedding frequency as a function of Reynolds number, which is well-established for other bluff-body flows, we stipulate there may be a potential feedback mechanism involving an acoustic information transfer path across neighboring blades that may explain why only a narrow range of Reynolds numbers displays strong, shock-forming vortex shedding. We consider a few feedback paths and examine the timing based on the mean flow field from a high-resolution LES simulation. It appears that all feedback mechanisms are viable, presenting an integer number of delay cycles with respect to disturbances generated at the trailing edge. Most noteworthy, however, is the acoustic/shock-boundary layer interaction mechanism at the blade geometric throat. Based on our analysis, this mechanism likely plays an important role in realistic, curved turbine blade passages.

Aerodynamics↗

Lunar base Controlled Ecological Life Support System (LCELSS): Preliminary conceptual design study

The objective of this study was to develop a conceptual design for a self-sufficient LCELSS. The mission need is for a CELSS with a capacity to supply the life support needs for a nominal crew of 30, and a capability for accommodating a range of crew sizes from 4 to 100 people. The work performed in this study was nominally divided into two parts. In the first part, relevant literature was assembled and reviewed. This review identified LCELSS performance requirements and the constraints and advantages confronting the design. It also collected information on the environment of the lunar surface and identified candidate technologies for the life support subsystems and the systems with which the LCELSS interfaced. Information on the operation and performance of these technologies was collected, along with concepts of how they might be incorporated into the LCELSS conceptual design. The data collected on these technologies was stored for incorporation into the study database. Also during part one, the study database structure was formulated and implemented, and an overall systems engineering methodology was developed for carrying out the study.

Schwartzkopf, Steven H.↗

Ordered organic thin films self-assembled from the vapor phase

Organic films self-assembled from a liquid phase, as in Langmuir-Blodgett or adsorption from solution, have received much attention in the past decade as techniques to achieve highly oriented-ordered polymeric thin films. Many organic compounds including some of the same fatty acids have been vapor deposited as well. However, organic pigments and dyes comprise a major class of important materials which have very low solubilities yet excellent thermal stabilities, making them ideally suited for film deposition from the vapor phase. Surprisingly, such molecular systems exhibit a significant propensity to self order, a high sensitivity to deposition parameters, and a range of microstructural forms that cannot be duplicated by the less energetic mechanisms associated with solution adsorption processes. Molecular solids such as heterocyclic polynuclear aromatics are excellent candidates for film formation by vacuum deposition means. Over the past decade, our work and that of others investigating a wide variety of perylene and phthalocyanine derivatives identified five deposition parameters that can significantly affect film morphology, physical microstructure, and type and extent of ordering developed in vacuum and vapor transport grown films. These parameters are substrate temperature, deposition rate, substrate chemistry and epitaxy, ambient gas convective flows, and post deposition annealing. Examples of how each of these conditions manifest themselves in the film structure and ordering, most frequently revealed by scanning electron microscopy, reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIR), and grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIX), are presented.

Debe, M. K.↗

Advancing xEMU Lunar Dust Mitigation Devices

Fine, electrically charged, glass like dust particles caused significant damage to the Apollo EMU9 during lunar EVAs, identified as one of the greatest challenges to future exploration. Passive Lunar Dust Mitigation Devices (LDMD) were developed, within a SBIR Phase II, to prohibit this dust from interrupting venting space suit component operation. A Computational Fluid-Dynamics and Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) Simulation Tool was developed at the University of Colorado, Boulder to predict venting gas flow ability to self-clean adhered dust particles from LDMD surfaces. Lunar dust properties (i.e., adhesion and cohesion strengths) required to complete Simulation Tool analysis are relatively unknown due to considerable differences between the Earth and the Moon (i.e., gravity, humidity) and due to an absence of dust particles in their native state. Analytically determining gas flow velocity, density and direction within the fluid Boundary Layer, microns from LDMD surfaces presented a second challenge. Dusty Plasma Chamber testing is being performed at Auburn University, Auburn to observe electrostatically charged dust behavior as it adheres to LDMD prototypes and specific geometry and is then blown away by metered gas flow. Test articles were developed to offer insight into the impact of different flow geometries, surface roughness and dust removal within the gas Boundary-Layer. Observed dust behavior is currently being developed to support the CFD-DEM analysis. Many Simulation Tool analytical cases have been processed to support the intention of completing sensitivity studies to assess how different dust adherence values and Boundary Layer fluid properties impact LDMD self-cleaning effectivity.

Thomas J Stapleton↗

Ultraviolet absorption lines associated with the Vela supernova remnant

Two stars behind the Vela supernova remnant and two stars offset from the remnant have been observed with the UV spectrometer aboard the Copernicus satellite. Over 200 interstellar atomic and molecular absorption features between 1000 and 1400 A have been identified and measured for radial velocity and equivalent width. In many cases, additional information was obtained by studying the detailed shapes of the recorded profiles. Most of the stars show several absorption components, with clouds of the highest radial velocity appearing in the spectra of stars behind the remnant. For each component, column densities were derived using velocity dispersion parameters which yielded the most self-consistent results. Qualitatively, the gas toward the remnant exhibits a number of unusual properties, when compared with normal interstellar material. First, abnormally high radial velocities were evident. Second, the degree of ionization of some elements suggested the existence of ionizing processes significantly more potent than those found in general regions of space. Finally, an investigation of electron densities shows that much of the gas, especially that at high velocity, must exist in the form of relatively thin sheets or filaments. If cosmic abundances prevail, the column densities of high-velocity excited material suggest that H-alpha emission measures could be as large as 100 sq cm/cu pc.

Jenkins, E. B.↗

Deploying a Self-Supervised Learning Based Model to Search Events Across Space and Time

Motivation - Scientific Study of natural events, phenomena, or disasters require examples which span across time and space. - Machine Learning adaptation is on the rise, but there’s a lack of labeled training datasets that could be used to train or validate the models. - Best case scenario: - There’s an event database that tracks events available through time and space. - Provides all data associated with the events. - Real life scenario: - Some events are better tracked than others. - Scientists need to spend significant time identifying and gathering examples of events from different sources.

Iksha Gurung↗

The Effect of Surface Induced Flows on Bubble and Particle Aggregation

Almost 20 years have elapsed since a phenomenon called "radial specific coalescence" was identified. During studies of electrolytic oxygen evolution from the back side of a vertically oriented, transparent tin oxide electrode in alkaline electrolyte, one of the authors (Sides) observed that large "collector" bubbles appeared to attract smaller bubbles. The bubbles moved parallel to the surface of the electrode, while the electric field was normal to the electrode surface. The phenomenon was reported but not explained. More recently self ordering of latex particles was observed during electrophoretic deposition at low DC voltages likewise on a transparent tin oxide electrode. As in the bubble work, the field was normal to the electrode while the particles moved parallel to it. Fluid convection caused by surface induced flows (SIF) can explain these two apparently different experimental observations: the aggregation of particles on an electrode during electrophoretic deposition, and a radial bubble coalescence pattern on an electrode during electrolytic gas evolution. An externally imposed driving force (the gradient of electrical potential or temperature), interacting with the surface of particles or bubbles very near a planar conducting surface, drives the convection of fluid that causes particles and bubbles to approach each other on the electrode.

Guelcher, Scott A.↗

Prediction of ECS and SSC Models for Flux-Limited Samples of Gamma-Ray Blazars

The external Compton scattering (ECS) and synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) models make distinct predictions for the amount of Doppler boosting of high-energy gamma-rays emitted by Nazar. We examine how these differences affect the predicted properties of active galactic nucleus (AGN) samples selected on the basis of Murray emission. We create simulated flux-limited samples based on the ECS and SSC models, and compare their properties to those of identified EGRET blazars. We find that for small gamma-ray-selected samples, the two models make very similar predictions, and cannot be reliably distinguished. This is primarily due to the fact that not only the Doppler factor, but also the cosmological distance and intrinsic luminosity play a role in determining whether an AGN is included in a flux-limited gamma-ray sample.

Lister, Matthew L.↗

Implications of Lag-Luminosity Relationship for Unified GRB Paradigms

Spectral lags (tau(sub lag)) are deduced for 1437 long (T(sub 90) greater than 2 s) BATSE gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) with peak flux F(sub p) greater than 0.25 photons cm(sup -2)/s, near to the BATSE trigger threshold. The lags are modeled to approximate the observed distribution in the F(sub p)-T(sub lag) plane, realizing a noise-free representation. Assuming a two-branch lag-luminosity relationship, the lags are self-consistently corrected for cosmological effects to yield distributions in luminosity, distance, and redshift. The results have several consequences for GRB populations and for unified gamma-ray/afterglow scenarios which would account for afterglow break times and gamma-ray spectral evolution in terms of jet opening angle, viewing angle, or a profiled jet with variable Lorentz factor: A component of the burst sample is identified - those with few, wide pulses, lags of a few tenths to several seconds, and soft spectra - whose Log[N]-Log[F(sub p)] distribution approximates a -3/2 power-law, suggesting homogeneity and thus relatively nearby sources. The proportion of these long-lag bursts increases from negligible among bright BATSE bursts to approx. 50% at trigger threshold. Bursts with very long lags, approx. 1-2 less than tau(sub lag) (S) less than 10, show a tendency to concentrate near the Supergalactic Plane with a quadrupole moment of approx. -0.10 +/- 0.04. GRB 980425 (SN 1998bw) is a member of this subsample of approx. 90 bursts with estimated distances less than 100 Mpc. The frequency of the observed ultra-low luminosity bursts is approx. 1/4 that of SNe Ib/c within the same volume. If truly nearby, the core-collapse events associated with these GRBs might produce gravitational radiation detectable by LIGO-II. Such nearby bursts might also help explain flattening of the cosmic ray spectrum at ultra-high energies, as observed by AGASA.

Norris, J. P.↗

Pressure Effects on Oxygen Concentration Flammability Thresholds of Materials for Aerospace Applications

Spacecraft materials selection is based on an upward flammability test conducted in a quiescent environment in the highest-expected oxygen-concentration environment. However, NASA s advanced space exploration program is anticipating using various habitable environments. Because limited data is available to support current program requirements, a different test logic is suggested to address these expanded atmospheric environments through the determination of materials self-extinguishment limits. This paper provides additional pressure effects data on oxygen concentration and partial pressure self-extinguishment limits under quiescent conditions. For the range of total pressures tested, the oxygen concentration and oxygen partial pressure flammability thresholds show a near linear function of total pressure. The oxygen concentration/oxygen partial pressure flammability thresholds depend on the total pressure and appear to increase with increasing oxygen concentration (and oxygen partial pressure). For the Constellation Program, the flammability threshold information will allow NASA to identify materials with increased flammability risk because of oxygen concentration and total pressure changes, minimize potential impacts, and allow for development of sound requirements for new spacecraft and extraterrestrial landers and habitats.

Hirsch, David↗

Adapting Waste Processing for Space Applications

It has been estimated that on a 1-year mission, a four-astronaut crew will produce approximately 2,600 kg of waste materials. The current International Space Station practice for waste management is a stow and jettison model in which the trash is simply ejected. The immediate challenge waste poses for long duration space flight is that it represents unproductive mass. Longer term, waste accumulation on planetary surfaces will also pose challenges. A waste management/disposal solution is greatly needed. Simultaneously, significant research and development efforts are being made to enable in-situ resource extraction and recovery for lunar and Mars surface operations. A waste management solution could free up volume, reduce mass and thereby propellant needs, as well as contribute to resource recovery for spacecraft, and eventually, surface operations. The adaptation of many chemical engineering unit operations to the microgravity environment is critical to achieve this goal. An ideal spacecraft waste treatment system would convert waste into useful gases. It should be largely self-sustaining in that it should have the ability to recycle commodities to avoid imposing mass penalties associated with transporting feedstock on the spacecraft at launch. At NASA KSC, a model of what such a system would look like is being developed. In addition, the team has recently completed a suborbital flight campaign with a combustion reactor to demonstrate rudimentary conversion in a microgravity environment and identify challenges for future design. This presentation will discuss what a full waste treatment system could look like, point out challenges relating to various unit operations involved in such a system, and highlight recent progress in space waste management research and development.

Waste Processing↗

Synthesis of Large Molecules in Cometary Ice Analogs: Physical Properties Related to Self-Assembly Processes

The combination of realistic laboratory simulations and infrared observations have revolutionized our understanding of interstellar dust and ice-the main component of comets. Since comets and carbonaceous micrometeorites may have been important sources of volatiles and carbon compounds on the early Earth, their organic composition may be related to the origin of life. Ices on grains in molecular clouds contain a variety of simple molecules. The D/H ratios of the comets Hale-Bopp and Hyakutake are consistent with a primarily interstellar ice mixture. Within the cloud and especially in the presolar nebula through the early solar system, these icy grains would have been photoprocessed by the ultraviolet producing more complex species such as hexamethylenetetramine, polyoxymethylenes, and simple keones. We reported at the 1999 Bioastronomy meeting laboratory simulations studied to identify the types of molecules which could have been generated in pre-cometary ices. Experiments were conducted by forming a realistic interstellar mixed-molecular ice (H2O, CH3OH, NH3 and CO) at approximately 10 K under high vacuum irradiated with UV light from a hydrogen plasma lamp. The gas mixture was typically 100:50:1:1, however when different ratios were used material with similar characteristics was still produced. The residue that remained after warming to room temperature was analyzed by HPLC, and by several mass spectrometric methods. This material contains a rich mixture of complex compounds with mass spectral profiles resembling those found in IDPs and meteorites. Surface tension measurements show that an amphiphilic component is also present. These species do not appear in various controls or in unphotolyzed samples. Residues from the simulations were also dispersed in aqueous media for microscopy. The organic material forms 10-40 gm diameter droplets that fluoresce at 300-450 nm under UV excitation. These droplets have a morphology and internal structure which appear strikingly similar to those produced by extracts of the Murchison meteorite. Together, these results suggest a link between organic material photochemically synthesized on the cold grains in dense, interstellar molecular clouds and compounds that may have contributed to the organic inventory of the primitive Earth. For example, the amphiphilic properties of such compounds permit self-assembly into the membranous boundary structures that required for the first forms of cellular life.

Dworkin, Jason P.↗

The X-ray spectrum of Tycho

Baade (1945) has identified Tycho's supernova (SN) of A.D. 1572 as Type I, taking into account an analysis of the light curve recorded by Tycho. However, in spite of the obvious interest of Tycho's spectrum, to date the spectrum remains poorly understood. The present study is concerned with a reevaluation of the X-ray spectrum of Tycho. Attention is given to detailed nonequilibrium calculations and a self-consistent hydrodynamic model for ejecta consisting of pure heavy elements moving into a uniform external medium. The model provides a satisfactory fit to the spectrum, and avoids any requirement for a large mass of material in Tycho. It is demonstrated that the observed iron line emission is compatible with the presence of perhaps 0.7 solar mass of iron, of which 0.3 solar mass is shocked.

Hamilton, A. J. S.↗

Development of a miniature actuator/controller system

Development of new products is often hampered or prevented by the cost and resource commitments required by a traditional engineering approach. Schaeffer Magnetics, Inc. identified the potential need for a miniature incremental actuator with an integrated controller but did not want the development to be subject to the obstacles inherent in the traditional approach. In response a new approach - the Pathfinder Engineering Program (PEP) - was developed to streamline new product generation and improve product quality. The actuator/controller system resulting from implementation of this new procedure is an exceptionally compact and self-contained device with many applications.

Stanley, Scott P.↗

Electromagnetic Compatibility Test and Analysis Campaign of NASA's Mars 2020 Rover Final Submission

NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover—with a launch window opening July 2020, and landing expected February 2021—has mission objectives to look for evidence of habitability, seek biosignatures of past life, collect and cache samples for possible future return to Earth, and prepare for future human missions to Mars. The Rover platform is similar to the previous Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) “Curiosity” rover that landed in 2012 but contains a new suite of scientific instruments and upgrades to existing functionality: seven new and/or upgraded scientific payloads, an upgraded arm and sampling system, and a Helicopter demonstration. These changes—along with new efficiency goals to operate more Rover subsystems concurrently and thus collect more science—presented new electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) challenges. In this paper, we will describe the campaign to ensure Mars 2020 mission success from an electromagnetic environment perspective: 1) confirming existing MSL heritage subsystems and EMC requirements were compatible with the new Mars 2020 mission objectives, 2) engaging with engineers and scientists early in the project to identify and evaluate risks before hardware assembly and performing ambitious risk reduction tests, 3) undertaking a comprehensive subsystem qualification test program based on tailored MIL-STD-461F requirements, occasionally leading to redesign, 4) synthesizing the data collected to perform detailed analyses toward the goal of making risk-informed decisions at a system level. The spacecraft successfully completed all three planned system level tests, demonstrating self-compatibility with minimal impact to operations from electromagn

Gonzales, Edward C↗

Two multifrequency observations of 3C 371

Observations of 3C371 made at frequencies from the radio to the ultraviolet and coordinated during two short time intervals separated by 3 months are presented. Also presented are 1 keV X-ray flux densities measured at a different time. The multifrequency measurements indicate spectral steepening at visual wavelengths, and that an extrapolation of the ultraviolet continuum falls below the X-ray data. The infrared through X-ray data is explained as relativistically beamed synchrotron self-Compton emission, and source parameters are derived for two possible models. The present ultraviolet spectra both show strong Lyman-alpha emission at the same redshift as weak optical emission lines reported previously. Production of these lines by recombination of gas, after its ionization by the ultraviolet to X-ray continuum radiation, is favored as an explanation. C IV and N V absorption lines are tentatively identified in one ultraviolet spectrum, which, if real, suggest the presence of a hot (about 300,000 K) gaseous halo in 3C 371.

Puschell, J. J.↗