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At least 487 records · Page 27

Development of a High Fidelity Dynamic Module of the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Using Adams

NASA's Digital Astronaut Project (DAP) implements well-vetted computational models to predict and assess spaceflight health and performance risks, and enhance countermeasure development. DAP provides expertise and computation tools to its research customers for model development, integration, or analysis. DAP is currently supporting the NASA Exercise Physiology and Countermeasures (ExPC) project by integrating their biomechanical models of specific exercise movements with dynamic models of the devices on which the exercises were performed. This presentation focuses on the development of a high fidelity dynamic module of the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) on board the ISS. The ARED module, illustrated in the figure below, was developed using the Adams (MSC Santa Ana, California) simulation package. The Adams package provides the capabilities to perform multi rigid body, flexible body, and mixed dynamic analyses of complex mechanisms. These capabilities were applied to accurately simulate: Inertial and mass properties of the device such as the vibration isolation system (VIS) effects and other ARED components, Non-linear joint friction effects, The gas law dynamics of the vacuum cylinders and VIS components using custom written differential state equations, The ARED flywheel dynamics, including torque limiting clutch. Design data from the JSC ARED Engineering team was utilized in developing the model. This included solid modeling geometry files, component/system specifications, engineering reports and available data sets. The Adams ARED module is importable into LifeMOD (Life Modeler, Inc., San Clemente, CA) for biomechanical analyses of different resistive exercises such as squat and dead-lift. Using motion capture data from ground test subjects, the ExPC developed biomechanical exercise models in LifeMOD. The Adams ARED device module was then integrated with the exercise subject model into one integrated dynamic model. This presentation will describe the development of the Adams ARED module including its capabilities, limitations, and assumptions. Preliminary results, validation activities, and a practical application of the module to inform the relative effect of the flywheels on exercise will be discussed.

Humphreys, B. T.↗

Development and Testing of a Temperature-swing Adsorption Compressor for Carbon Dioxide in Closed-loop Air Revitalization Systems

The air revitalization system of the International Space Station (ISS) operates in an open loop mode and relies on the resupply of oxygen and other consumables from earth for the life support of astronauts. A compressor is required for delivering the carbon dioxide from a removal assembly to a reduction unit to recover oxygen and thereby dosing the air-loop. We have developed a temperature-swing adsorption compressor (TSAC) that is energy efficient, quiet, and has no rapidly moving parts for performing these tasks. The TSAC is a solid-state compressor that has the capability to remove CO2 from a low- pressure source, and subsequently store, compress, and deliver at a higher pressure as required by a processor. The TSAC is an ideal interface device for CO2 removal and reduction units in the air revitalization loop of a spacecraft for oxygen recovery. This paper discusses the design and testing of a TSAC for carbon dioxide that has application in the ISS and future spacecraft for closing the air revitalization loop.

Mulloth, Lila M.↗

Potential High-Temperature Shape-Memory Alloys Identified in the Ti(Ni,Pt) System

"Shape memory" is a unique property of certain alloys that, when deformed (within certain strain limits) at low temperatures, will remember and recover to their original predeformed shape upon heating. It occurs when an alloy is deformed in the low-temperature martensitic phase and is then heated above its transformation temperature back to an austenitic state. As the material passes through this solid-state phase transformation on heating, it also recovers its original shape. This behavior is widely exploited, near room temperature, in commercially available NiTi alloys for connectors, couplings, valves, actuators, stents, and other medical and dental devices. In addition, there are limitless applications in the aerospace, automotive, chemical processing, and many other industries for materials that exhibit this type of shape-memory behavior at higher temperatures. But for high temperatures, there are currently no commercial shape-memory alloys. Although there are significant challenges to the development of high-temperature shape-memory alloys, at the NASA Glenn Research Center we have identified a series of alloy compositions in the Ti-Ni-Pt system that show great promise as potential high-temperature shape-memory materials.

Noebe, Ronald D.↗

Multifrequency Ultra-High Resolution Miniature Scanning Microscope Using Microchannel And Solid-State Sensor Technologies And Method For Scanning Samples

A miniature, ultra-high resolution, and color scanning microscope using microchannel and solid-state technology that does not require focus adjustment. One embodiment includes a source of collimated radiant energy for illuminating a sample, a plurality of narrow angle filters comprising a microchannel structure to permit the passage of only unscattered radiant energy through the microchannels with some portion of the radiant energy entering the microchannels from the sample, a solid-state sensor array attached to the microchannel structure, the microchannels being aligned with an element of the solid-state sensor array, that portion of the radiant energy entering the microchannels parallel to the microchannel walls travels to the sensor element generating an electrical signal from which an image is reconstructed by an external device, and a moving element for movement of the microchannel structure relative to the sample. Discloses a method for scanning samples whereby the sensor array elements trace parallel paths that are arbitrarily close to the parallel paths traced by other elements of the array.

Wang, Yu↗

Application of acoustic surface wave technology to shuttle radar

The application of surface acoustic wave (SAW) signal processing devices in the space shuttle was explored. In order to demonstrate the functions which a SAW device might perform, a breadboard pulse compression filter (PCF) module was assembled. The PCF permits a pulse radar to operate with a large duty cycle and low peak power, a regime favorable to the use of solid state RF sources. The transducer design, strong coupling compensation, circuit model analysis, fabrication limitations, and performance evaluation of a PCF are described. The nominal value of the compression ratio is 100:1 with 10-MHz bandwidth centered at 60 MHz and 10-microsecond dispersive delay. The PCF incorporates dispersive interdigital transducers and a piezoelectric lithium niobate substrate.

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Interplanetary optical navigation using Charge Coupled Devices

Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) will be used as optical navigation image detectors in space missions planned for the 1980's. This paper presents analyses directed at assessing the performance of an imaging system employing a CCD (i.e., a solid state imager (SSI)), for a Jovian satellite tour environment. CCD operating principles are summarized and methods of calculating theoretical dynamic range presented. Methods of analyzing the SSI's ability to perform the fundamental optical navigation function of imaging a target body and one or more stars, are presented. This capability is expressed as a function of SSI optical and electronic parameters and of astrophysical parameters. The influence of these factors and pointing control errors on navigation picture budgets is analyzed. The effect of the sun's glare is analyzed from the standpoint of its reduction of SSI dynamic range and increase of navigation picture budget. Radiation effects on SSI navigation imaging performance are discussed and a method of analyzing probabilities of distinguishing real from false stars presented.

Davis, R. P.↗

Detectors for energies greater than 10 MeV

The detector telescopes used in gamma ray astronomy in general are more similar to particle detectors than to optical devices, since the high frequency of the radiation precludes the use of reflection or diffraction techniques, but the high energy content of each photon does enable them to be detected with scintillators, track imaging chambers, and solid state detectors. Within the gamma ray range, the basic design of the instrument changes as the energy of the gamma ray exceeds 10 to 20 MeV, and therefore, moves from the region where the Compton effect predominates in the absorption of the gamma ray to that where electron pair production is most important. In the energy range from 10 to 20 MeV to several times 10,000 MeV, gamma ray telescopes are usually built so that the electron pair may be seen and the properties of the electrons measured.

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Long-Duration Testing of a Temperature-Swing Adsorption Compressor for Carbon Dioxide for Closed-Loop Air Revitalization Systems

This paper describes the results of long-duration testing of a temperature-swing adsorption compressor that has application in the International Space Station (ISS) and future spacecraft for closing the air revitalization loop. The air revitalization system of the ISS operates in an open loop mode and relies on the resupply of oxygen and other consumables from Earth for the life support of astronauts. A compressor is required for delivering the carbon dioxide from a removal assembly to a reduction unit to recover oxygen and thereby closing the air-loop. The TSAC is a solid-state compressor that has the capability to remove CO2 from a low-pressure source, and subsequently store, compress, and deliver at a higher pressure as required by a processor. The TSAC is an ideal interface device for CO2 removal and reduction units in the air revitalization loop of a spacecraft for oxygen recovery. The TSAC was developed and its operation was successfully verified in integration tests with the flight-like Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) at Marshall Space Flight Center prior to the long-duration tests. Long-duration tests reveal the impacts of repeated thermal cycling on the compressor components and the adsorbent material.

Rosen, Micha↗

Automatically classifying Earth features from orbit

Solid state circuit classifies satellite imagery by spectral signature of vegetation, bare land, water, clouds, or snow. Circuit can be used to sort and separate specific imagery by signature so that only useful data is transmitted to earth. Device saves time and costs involved in manual separation of data.

Holstrom, R. L.↗

Radiation damage effects on solid state detectors

Totally depleted silicon diodes are discussed which are used as nuclear particle detectors in investigations of galactic and solar cosmic radiation and trapped radiation. A study of radiation and chemical effects on the diodes was conducted. Work on electron and proton irradiation of surface barrier detectors with thicknesses up to 1 mm was completed, and work on lithium-drifted silicon devices with thicknesses of several millimeters was begun.

Trainor, J. H.↗

Characterization of a 30-GHz IMPATT solid state amplifier

Described are the characterization and testing of a 20 W solid state amplifier operating in the Ka band to be used in low cost experimental ground terminals. The amplifier was developed by the TRW Electronic Systems Group under NASA Contract NAS3-23266 as a proof-of-concept (POC) device in support of the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) program. Additional goals were development of high-power IMPATT devices and circulators, and multistage diode circuits, which are an integral part of the amplifier. The amplifier underwent acceptance testing at the NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio. Characteristics measured include the output power of 42 dB m, gain of 30 dB, an injection-locking RF bandwidth of 260 MHz, and an overall direct current-to-radiofrequency (dc-to-RF) efficiency of 6.7 percent.

Wald, Lawrence W.↗

Solid-state Distributed Temperature Control for International Space Station

A newly developed solid-state temperature controller will offer greater flexibility in the thermal control of aerospace vehicle structures. A status of the hardware development along with its implementation on the Multi- Purpose Logistics Module will be provided. Numerous advantages of the device will also be discussed with regards to current and future flight vehicle implementations.

Holladay, Jon B.↗

New Polymer Electrolyte Cell Systems

PAPERS PUBLISHED: 1. Pappenfus, Ted M.; Henderson, Wesley A.; Owens, Boone B.; Mann, Kent R.; Smyrl, William H. Complexes of Lithium Imide Salts with Tetraglyme and Their Polyelectrolyte Composite Materials. Journal of the Electrochemical Society (2004), 15 1 (2), A209-A2 15. 2. Pappenfus, Ted M.; Henderson, Wesley A.; Owens, Boone B.; Mann, Kent R.; Smyrl, William H. Ionic-liquidlpolymer electrolyte composite materials for electrochemical device applications. Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering (2003), 88 302. 3. Pappenfus, Ted R.; Henderson, Wesley A.; Owens, Boone B.; Mann, Kent R.; and Smyrl, William H. Ionic Conductivity of a poly(vinylpyridinium)/Silver Iodide Solid Polymer Electrolyte System. Solid State Ionics (in press 2004). 4. Pappenfus Ted M.; Mann, Kent R; Smyrl, William H. Polyelectrolyte Composite Materials with LiPFs and Tetraglyme. Electrochemical and Solid State Letters, (2004), 7(8), A254.

Smyrl, William H.↗

Development of an earth resource pushbroom scanner utilizing a 90-element 8-14 micrometer /Hg,Cd/Te array

A detailed description is presented of thermal infrared 'pushbroom' scanners being developed for NASA's earth resources survey experiments in the middle to late 1980's. The devices offer high spectral, temporal and spatial resolution, and great reliability as well, due to simplicity of design. Their mode of operation does not require moving optics, since chopping and calibration are integral. The specific device described, a 90-element IR/CCD instrument, was developed to demonstrate scan imagery in the 8-14 micron spectral region in simulated aircraft tests. The scanning operation covers a straight-line path with a linear array of solid-state IR detectors, whose elements are activated sequentially in the cross-track direction while being swept forward along a flight path that, at an aircraft altitude of 10 km, is 7 km wide.

Brown, T. J.↗

Improved Solid-State Microanemometer

Improved solid-state microanemometer suitable for measuring flows in variety of biomedical, industrial, and other applications. Small size, unique design, and one-piece construction provides combination of short response time, structural rigidity, optimal dissipation of heat, and versatility in application. Device includes four integral sensing resistors exposed to flow measured and serves as hot-film anemometer subunits. Sensing resistors connected to external excitation-and-measurement circuits operating in any of standard hot-film-anemometer modes; constant input voltage, constant input current, or constant resistance with feedback.

Henderson, H. Thurman↗

NASA's Design and Development of a Field Goniometer Instrument Using Solid Works

With NASA suffering severe funding cutbacks, engineers at NASA are required to produce state-of-the-art hardware with limited personnel and financial resources. In light of these constraints, the new NASA mandate is to build better, faster and cheaper. In April of 1998, Stennis Space Center's Commercial Remote Sensing Program contracted to the Systems Engineering Division at NASA Ames Research Center to develop a device known as a Field Goniometer. A Field Goniometer is a device that measures bi-directional reflectance of a target, such as vegetation, relative to the sun and an imaging system in an aircraft or spacecraft. The device is able to provide a spectral fingerprint of the surface it is measuring in wavelengths from 350nm-2500nm using a hyperspectral imager. To accomplish this project, several obstacles had to be overcome. First, the design had to be completed in less than four months. Second, due to the complexity of the design, the use of solid modeling was highly desirable but most of the group's solid modelers were assigned to other jobs. Third, the amount of funding available from the customer was one half to one third the funding typically expended for a job of this nature. Our choices for this project were to design with standard 2-D CAD systems currently used in-house or train additional engineers on our existing solids package or purchase a new solid model package. The use of a 2D CAD system was very undesirable due to the complexity of the design. Using our existing solids modeler would have required a learning curve for our engineers that would be incompatible with our schedule. Prior to this project, a member of our design group researched the solid modeling industry and decided to purchase SolidWorks. After examining the product for ease of use, modeling capability, training time required and cost, we decided our highest probability of success would be to design with Solidworks. During the design phase, our fabrication group was able to provide input at the very early stages, which added significant benefit to the final product. Fabrication cost and schedule savings have been realized by having complex part geometries translated directly from the SolidWorks design models to Surfcam and other computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. This direct model translation capability optimized the fabrication processes. The end result was that we were able to successfully complete the project on time and on budget. Other advantages of using SolidWorks, as cited by the design team, include a rapid negotiation of the initial learning curve, the ability to develop solid model hardware prototypes (used to communicate the design intent to both the customer and the fabricator), and the ability to work as a team collaborating on a large, complex model. These types of tools and efforts represent our response to NASA's challenge to produce higher quality products within shorter design and fabrication times.

Turner, Mark↗