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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 487 records · Page 27
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Automated Registration of Multi-Mode Nondestructive Evaluation Data

Registration techniques play a central role in applications of image processing to computer vision, medical imaging, and automatic target tracking. Feature-based techniques such as scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) and speeded up robust features (SURF) are commonly used to register images derived from a single modality. However, SIFT and SURF struggle to register images from different modalities because the features tend to manifest rather differently and at sometimes very different length-scales. The most successful methods that have been developed to register multi-modal data use information-theoretic approaches. These methods play a key part in nondestructive evaluation scenarios where data that is collected by sensors of different modalities must be registered to be fused. In this paper, automated registration based on normalized mutual information is applied to align data derived from ultrasonic and radiographic inspections of (i) additively manufactured titanium alloy test coupons, and (ii) thin, lithium metal pouch-cell batteries. The quality of the registration is quantified in terms of computational resources and spatial accuracy. In the first case the X-ray computed tomography (XCT) data is captured on a region corresponding to a small subset of the ultrasonic data, while in the case of the lithium batteries the digital radiography (DR) captures a larger region of interest than the ultrasonic data. In both cases the radiographic data resolution is much higher than for ultrasound, but interestingly, in both cases the accuracy of the registration is approximately equal to two-to-three-pixel lengths in the ultrasonic images.

Nondestructive Evaluation↗
NASA NTRS1969

Mossbauer-effect data-collection system

Automated data collection system which uses a small, general-purpose digital computer provides data acquisition from, and minor control of, four Mossbauer-effect experiments. This system is economical with no loss of versatility to the experimenter and is useful in handling large volumes of data from research experiments.

Aschenbrenner, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Reinterpretation of the Pioneer 6 bow shock crossing.

This paper re-examines and reinterprets the interesting bow shock crossing of Pioneer 6 on December 16, 1965, by combining the high-resolution data for the magnetic field measurements with all the available plasma data. It is shown that, although a small correction of the magnetic field data improves the validity test of the MHD Rankine-Hugoniot (R-H) conditions, it is the plasma density measurements that are the principal source of the remaining inconsistencies. With the exception of the densities, the best agreement between the measurements and the R-H relations is obtained when the specific heat ratio is slightly less than the classical value of 5/3 expected for a magnetized plasma in the magnetosheath. A more accurate shock normal determination has been made, and it is found that the shock itself is possibly in motion with respect to the earth and that locally it may be approximated as a normal shock.

Mariani, F.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Optimization of thrust algorithm calibration for Computing System (TCS) for Thrust the NASA Highly Maneuverable Aircraft Technology (HiMAT) vehicle's propulsion system

A simplified gross thrust computing technique for the HiMAT J85-GE-21 engine using altitude facility data was evaluated. The results over the full engine envelope for both the standard engine mode and the open nozzle engine mode are presented. Results using afterburner casing static pressure taps are compared to those using liner static pressure taps. It is found that the technique is very accurate for both the standard and open nozzle engine modes. The difference in the algorithm accuracy for a calibration based on data from one test condition was small compared to a calibration based on data from all of the test conditions.

Hamer, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1956

A Wind-tunnel Test Technique for Measuring the Dynamic Rotary Stability Derivatives at Subsonic and Supersonic Speeds

A method is described for measuring the dynamic stability derivatives of a model airplane in a wind tunnel. The characteristic features of this system are that single-degree-of-freedom oscillations were used to obtain combinations of rolling, yawing and pitching motions; that the oscillations were excited and controlled by velocity feedback which permitted operation under conditions unfavorable for more conventional types of oscillatory testing; and that data processing was greatly simplified by using analog computer elements in the strain-gage circuitry. A small number of experimental data are included to illustrate the general scope of results obtainable with this system.

Beam, Benjamin H↗
NASA NTRS2007

Observations on Cost Modeling and Performance Measurement of Long Term Archives

This paper describes a prototype suite of Excel-based tools that could be used for estimating lifecycle costs for newly planned or modified long-term archival facilities. These tools may also prove valuable for monitoring the long-term performance of such facilities once operational. Cost estimation is by analogy, using statistical curve-fitting techniques across a database of comparable data activities. The database currently includes 29 operational data centers ranging from small (2 FTEs) to large (66 FTEs), and is readily expandable to include additional activities specifically involving data preservation and added value. Each comparable data center is described in terms of its staffing, throughput workload, archival and distribution requirements, levels of user service, overall complexity, degree of automation, and other data, comprising 94 distinct descriptors in all. The descriptors were developed by normalizing heterogeneous data from the various centers and mapping them into an Excel framework consistent with the OAIS reference model. A user-friendly tool is provided for generating input to and updating the comparables database. This tool can also be used to benchmark the performance (in terms of cost versus throughput) of an operational data center, and to update the staffing, cost and workload data on a periodic basis. The comparables database could thus provide a history of staffing and throughput over time, as a means of performance monitoring and providing feedback for continuous improvement. Ancillary tools are also provided for performing "what-if' cost exercises for planning purposes, and for graphical display of data and results. We provide a high-level description of the tools; present our experiences and observations on gathering the information and maintaining the database; and discuss how this tool set might be applied to long term archives.

Fontaine, Kathy↗
NASA NTRS2012

Thermodynamic Vent System for an On-Orbit Cryogenic Reaction Control Engine

A report discusses a cryogenic reaction control system (RCS) that integrates a Joule-Thompson (JT) device (expansion valve) and thermodynamic vent system (TVS) with a cryogenic distribution system to allow fine control of the propellant quality (subcooled liquid) during operation of the device. It enables zero-venting when coupled with an RCS engine. The proper attachment locations and sizing of the orifice are required with the propellant distribution line to facilitate line conditioning. During operations, system instrumentation was strategically installed along the distribution/TVS line assembly, and temperature control bands were identified. A sub-scale run tank, full-scale distribution line, open-loop TVS, and a combination of procured and custom-fabricated cryogenic components were used in the cryogenic RCS build-up. Simulated on-orbit activation and thruster firing profiles were performed to quantify system heat gain and evaluate the TVS s capability to maintain the required propellant conditions at the inlet to the engine valves. Test data determined that a small control valve, such as a piezoelectric, is optimal to provide continuously the required thermal control. The data obtained from testing has also assisted with the development of fluid and thermal models of an RCS to refine integrated cryogenic propulsion system designs. This system allows a liquid oxygenbased main propulsion and reaction control system for a spacecraft, which improves performance, safety, and cost over conventional hypergolic systems due to higher performance, use of nontoxic propellants, potential for integration with life support and power subsystems, and compatibility with in-situ produced propellants.

Hurlbert, Eric A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Radar astrometry of near-earth asteroids

An uncertainty analysis is conducted for four asteroids with different optical and radar observation histories in order to ascertain the degree to which near-earth asteroid ephemerides can be improved by means of radar observations. For any given set of optical and radar observations and their associated errors, the angular and earth-asteroid distance uncertainties are calculated as functions of time through 2001. The radar data furnished only a small absolute improvement in such cases as that of 1627 Ivar, where a long history of optical astrometric data exists, but dramatic reductions in ephemeris uncertainties are obtainable for asteroids having only short optical data histories.

Yeomans, D. K.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Technology Directions for the 21st Century

Data compression is an important tool for reducing the bandwidth of communications systems, and thus for reducing the size, weight, and power of spacecraft systems. For data requiring lossless transmissions, including most science data from spacecraft sensors, small compression factors of two to three may be expected. Little improvement can be expected over time. For data that is suitable for lossy compression, such as video data streams, much higher compression factors can be expected, such as 100 or more. More progress can be expected in this branch of the field, since there is more hidden redundancy and many more ways to exploit that redundancy.

Crimi, Giles↗
NASA NTRS1989

The acoustics of a small-scale helicopter rotor in hover

A 2.1 m diameter, 1/6-scale model helicopter main rotor was tested in hover in the test section of the NASA Ames 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel. Performance and noise data on a small-scale rotor at various thrust coefficients and tip Mach numbers were obtained for comparison with existing data on similar full-scale helicopter rotors. These data form part of a data base to permit the estimation of scaling effects on various rotor noise mechanisms. Another objective was to contribute to a data base that will permit the estimation of facility effects on acoustic testing. Acoustic 1/3-octave-band spectra are presented, together with variations of overall acoustic levels with rotor performance, microphone distance, and directivity angle.

Kitaplioglu, Cahit↗
NASA NTRS1975

Vector thrust induced lift effects for several ejector exhaust locations on a V/STOL wind tunnel model at forward speed

The results and analysis of aerodynamic force data obtained from a small scale model of a V/STOL research vehicle in a low speed wind tunnel are presented. The analysis of the data includes the evaluation of aerodynamic-propulsive lift performance when operating twin ejector nozzles with thrust deflected. Three different types of thrust deflector systems were examined: 90 deg downward deflected nozzle, 90 deg slotted nozzle with boundary layer control, and an externally blown flap configuration. Several nozzle locations were tested, including over and underwing positions. The interference lift of the nacelle and model due to jet exhaust thrust is compared and results show that 90 deg turned nozzles located over the wing (near the trailing edge) produce the largest interference lift increment for an untrimmed aircraft, and that the slotted nozzle located under the wing near the trailing edge (in conjunction with a BLC flap) gives a comparable interference lift in the trimmed condition. The externally blown flap nozzle produced the least interference lift and significantly less total lift due to jet thrust effects.

Sharon, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Optical data transmission technology for fixed and drag-on STS payloads umbilicals. Volume 1: Executive summary

The feasibility of using optical data handling methods to transmit payload checkout and telemetry is discussed. Optical communications are superior to conventional communication systems for the following reasons: high data capacity optical channels; small and light weight optical cables; and optical signal immunity to electromagnetic interference. Task number one analyzed the ground checkout data requirements that may be expected from the payload community. Task number two selected the optical approach based on the interface requirements, the location of the interface, the amount of time required to reconfigure hardware, and the method of transporting the optical signal. Task number three surveyed and selected optical components for the two payload data link. Task number four makes a qualitative comparison of the conventional electrical communication system and the proposed optical communication system.

St.denis, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Automated Analysis of Radar Imagery of Venus: Handling Lack of Ground Truth

Lack of verifiable ground truth is a common problem in remote sensing image analysis. For example, consider the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image data of Venus obtained by the Magellan spacecraft. Planetary scientists are interested in automatically cataloging the locations of all the small volcanoes in this data set; however, the problem is very difficult and cannot be performed with perfect reliability even by human experts. Thus, training and evaluating the performance of an automatic algorithm on this data set must be handled carefully. We discuss the use of weighted free-response receiver-operating characteristics (wFROC) for evaluating detection performance when the ground truth is subjective.

Venus Magellan remote sensing image analysis autom↗
NASA NTRS1976

Classification improvement by optimal dimensionality reduction when training sets are of small size

A computer simulation was performed to test the conjecture that, when the sizes of the training sets are small, classification in a subspace of the original data space may give rise to a smaller probability of error than the classification in the data space itself; this is because the gain in the accuracy of estimation of the likelihood functions used in classification in the lower dimensional space (subspace) offsets the loss of information associated with dimensionality reduction (feature extraction). A number of pseudo-random training and data vectors were generated from two four-dimensional Gaussian classes. A special algorithm was used to create an optimal one-dimensional feature space on which to project the data. When the sizes of the training sets are small, classification of the data in the optimal one-dimensional space is found to yield lower error rates than the one in the original four-dimensional space.

Starks, S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Development of a noise annoyance sensitivity scale

Examining the problem of noise pollution from the psychological rather than the engineering view, a test of human sensitivity to noise was developed against the criterion of noise annoyance. Test development evolved from a previous study in which biographical, attitudinal, and personality data was collected on a sample of 166 subjects drawn from the adult community of Raleigh. Analysis revealed that only a small subset of the data collected was predictive of noise annoyance. Item analysis yielded 74 predictive items that composed the preliminary noise sensitivity test. This was administered to a sample of 80 adults who later rate the annoyance value of six sounds (equated in terms of peak sound pressure level) presented in a simulated home, living-room environment. A predictive model involving 20 test items was developed using multiple regression techniques, and an item weighting scheme was evaluated.

Bregman, H. L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Data simulation for the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS)

This project aims to build a data analysis system that will utilize existing video tape scenes of lightning as viewed from space. The resultant data will be used for the design and development of the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) software and algorithm analysis. The desire for statistically significant metrics implies that a large data set needs to be analyzed. Before 1990 the quality and quantity of video was insufficient to build a usable data set. At this point in time, there is usable data from missions STS-34, STS-32, STS-31, STS-41, STS-37, and STS-39. During the summer of 1990, a manual analysis system was developed to demonstrate that the video analysis is feasible and to identify techniques to deduce information that was not directly available. Because the closed circuit television system used on the space shuttle was intended for documentary TV, the current value of the camera focal length and pointing orientation, which are needed for photoanalysis, are not included in the system data. A large effort was needed to discover ancillary data sources as well as develop indirect methods to estimate the necessary parameters. Any data system coping with full motion video faces an enormous bottleneck produced by the large data production rate and the need to move and store the digitized images. The manual system bypassed the video digitizing bottleneck by using a genlock to superimpose pixel coordinates on full motion video. Because the data set had to be obtained point by point by a human operating a computer mouse, the data output rate was small. The loan and subsequent acquisition of a Abekas digital frame store with a real time digitizer moved the bottleneck from data acquisition to a problem of data transfer and storage. The semi-automated analysis procedure was developed using existing equipment and is described. A fully automated system is described in the hope that the components may come on the market at reasonable prices in the next few years.

Boeck, William L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Development of SEDS data system flight software

The Small Expendable-tether Deployer System (SEDS) is being built for a 1991 flight on a Delta launch vehicle. SEDS will deploy a 50 lb instrument satellite as an end mass at the end of a 20 km tether. The objective of the experiment is to test the SEDS design concept by demonstrating that the system will satisfactorily deploy the full 20 km tether without stopping prematurely, come to a smooth stop on application of the brake, and cut the tether at the proper time after it swings to the vertical. SEDS will also collect data that will be used to test the accuracy of tether dynamics models for this type of deployment. Radar tracking is planned. In addition, the SEDS on-board computer system will record, store, and continuously transmit data over the Delta II S-band telemetry channel. Initial testing of the software under simulated flight conditions was performed. These tests used both assembly language routines running on SEDS data systems and C-language routines on an IBM-PC. As the software now stands relatively few additions are needed before the entire set of flight software is complete.

Pierson, William E.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Variables in automatic classification over extended remote sensing test sites.

Four major causes of variation in response of multispectral scanner data were examined utilizing data from two large test sites. In one case, data throughout a 70-mile flightline was automatically classified with a high degree of accuracy (98%), utilizing training samples from a single small segment of the data. In the second case, spectral data for wheat and other cover types were calibrated and utilized to train the computer, resulting in data up to 90 miles away being classified with an acceptable degree of accuracy (91%), although significant changes in solar illumination and ground cover conditions existed.

Hoffer, R. M.↗