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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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NASA NTRS1995

Emergency vehicle alert system (EVAS)

The Emergency Vehicle Alert System (EVAS) program is sponsored by the NASA/MSFC Technology Utilization (TU) office. The program was conceived to support the needs of hearing impaired drivers. The objective of the program is to develop a low-cost, small device which can be located in a personal vehicle and warn the driver, via a visual means, of the approach of an emergency vehicle. Many different technologies might be developed for this purpose and each has its own advantages and drawbacks. The requirements for an acoustic detection system, appear to be pretty stringent and may not allow the development of a reliable, low-cost device in the near future. The problems include variations in the sirens between various types of emergency vehicles, distortions due to wind and surrounding objects, competing background noise, sophisticated signal processing requirements, and omni-directional coverage requirements. Another approach is to use a Radio Frequency (RF) signal between the Emergency Vehicle (EV) and the Personal Vehicle (PV). This approach requires a transmitter on each EV and a receiver in each PV, however it is virtually assured that a system can be developed which works. With this approach, the real technology issue is how to make a system work as inexpensively as possible. This report gives a brief summary of the EVAS program from its inception and concentrates on describing the activities that occurred during Phase 4. References 1-3 describe activities under Phases 1-3. In the fourth phase of the program, the major effort to be expended was in development of the microcontroller system for the PV, refinement of some system elements and packaging for demonstration purposes. An EVAS system was developed and demonstrated which used standard spread spectrum modems with minor modifications.

Reed, Bill↗

NASA NTRS1985

Which calibration-pulse location method is robust?

The Threshold method, with high threshold and contiguous-block parameter values, was found to be a robust method of locating calibration pulses in the presence of light-leak and shutter-edge pulses within the calibration window. Tests used digitized calibration-window background and light-pulse data from the Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) instrument, analyzed by special software on an Apple II+ personal computer and on a VAX 11/780 minicomputer.

Gunther, F. J.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Proceedings of the Twentieth NASA Propagation Experimenters Meeting (NAPEX XX) and the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) Propagation Studies Miniworkshop

The NASA Propagation Experimenters (NAPEX) Meeting and associated Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) Propagation Studies Miniworkshop convene yearly to discuss studies supported by the NASA Propagation Program. Representatives from the satellite communications (satcom)industry, academia, and government with an interest in space-ground radio wave propagation have peer discussion of work in progress, disseminate propagation results, and interact with the satcom industry. NAPEX XX, in Fairbanks, Alaska, June 4-5, 1996, had three sessions: (1) "ACTS Propagation Study: Background, Objectives, and Outcomes," covered results from thirteen station-years of Ka-band experiments; (2) "Propagation Studies for Mobile and Personal Satellite Applications," provided the latest developments in measurement, modeling, and dissemination of propagation phenomena of interest to the mobile, personal, and aeronautical satcom industry; and (3)"Propagation Research Topics," covered a range of topics including space/ground optical propagation experiments, propagation databases, the NASA Propagation Web Site, and revision plans for the NASA propagation effects handbooks. The ACTS Miniworkshop, June 6, 1996, covered ACTS status, engineering support for ACTS propagation terminals, and the ACTS Propagation Data Center. A plenary session made specific recommendations for the future direction of the program.

Golshan, Nassar↗

NASA NTRS1991

Advanced laptop and small personal computer technology

Advanced laptop and small personal computer technology is presented in the form of the viewgraphs. The following areas of hand carried computers and mobile workstation technology are covered: background, applications, high end products, technology trends, requirements for the Control Center application, and recommendations for the future.

Johnson, Roger L.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Brain wave correlates of attentional states: Event related potentials and quantitative EEG analysis during performance of cognitive and perceptual tasks

The increased use of automation in the cockpits of commercial planes has dramatically decreased the workload requirements of pilots, enabling them to function more efficiently and with a higher degree of safety. Unfortunately, advances in technology have led to an unexpected problem: the decreased demands on pilots have increased the probability of inducing 'hazardous states of awareness.' A hazardous state of awareness is defined as a decreased level of alertness or arousal which makes an individual less capable of reacting to unique or emergency types of situations. These states tend to be induced when an individual is not actively processing information. Under such conditions a person is likely to let his/her mind wander, either to internal states or to irrelevant external conditions. As a result, they are less capable of reacting quickly to emergency situations. Since emergencies are relatively rare, and since the high automated cockpit requires progressively decreasing levels of engagement, the probability of being seduced into a lowered state of awareness is increasing. This further decreases the readiness of the pilot to react to unique circumstances such as system failures. The HEM Lab at NASA-Langley Research Center has been studying how these states of awareness are induced and what the physiological correlates of these different states are. Specifically, they have been interested in studying electroencephalographic (EEG) measures of different states of alertness to determine if such states can be identified and, hopefully, avoided. The project worked on this summer involved analyzing the EEG and the event related potentials (ERP) data collected while subjects performed under two conditions. Each condition required subjects to perform a relatively boring vigilance task. The purpose of using these tasks was to induce a decreased state of awareness while still requiring the subject to process information. Each task involved identifying an infrequently presented target stimulus. In addition to the task requirements, irrelevant tones were presented in the background. Research has shown that even though these stimuli are not attended, ERP's to them can still be elicited. The amplitude of the ERP waves has been shown to change as a function of a person's level of alertness. ERP's were also collected and analyzed for the target stimuli for each task. Brain maps were produced based on the ERP voltages for the different stimuli. In addition to the ERP's, a quantitative EEG (QEEG) was performed on the data using a fast Fourier technique to produce a power spectral analysis of the EEG. This analysis was conducted on the continuous EEG while the subjects were performing the tasks. Finally, a QEEG was performed on periods during the task when subjects indicated that they were in an altered state of awareness. During the tasks, subjects were asked to indicate by pressing a button when they realized their level of task awareness had changed. EEG epochs were collected for times just before and just after subjects made this reponse. The purpose of this final analysis was to determine whether or not subjective indices of level of awareness could be correlated with different patterns of EEG.

Freeman, Frederick G.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Respiratory Protection Program medical clearance for respirator use

Background on occupational exposure to various inhalents is discussed including on-site hazard control measures, procedures, physiological effects, and interpretation of results for the medical clearance of employee for use of personal respiratory protection devices. The purpose of the Respiratory Protection Program at LeRC is outlined, and the specifics of the Medical Surveillance Program for Respiratory Protection at LeRC are discussed.

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NASA NTRS1984

Captain Development Training at US Air

The flight training program practiced at US Air is reviewed. The background and development of the program are discussed. Specific program activities and curricula are considered. The issue of educating pilots to be aware of and admit significant flight stress and stress in their personal lives is addressed.

Fickes, S.↗

NASA NTRS2024

Update to NASA's Clinical Practice Guideline for Renal Stone Surveillance in U.S. Astronauts

BACKGROUND: For the past 9 years all NASA astronauts received specialized renal ultrasound screening for precursors to renal stones, our so called “mineralized renal material” (MRM), to reduce the possibility of sending a person to space with a renal stone that could cause morbidity and threaten mission objectives. A recent analysis of this data shows no increased incidence of clinical or sub-clinical renal stones associated with spaceflight; thus, our clinical practice guideline has been updated. OVERVIEW: Astronauts previously received a renal ultrasound screening at selection and at every annual recertification exam. In total, 73 individuals have been scanned and 282 total studies have been performed as of April 2023.This data shows no observed statistical change seen in MRM burden pre-to postflight, therefore a reduction in the frequency of the screening exams is appropriate. DISCUSSION: Data presented in this panel have shown no direct correlation between spaceflight and development of MRM or renal stones in astronaut kidneys out to at least 6 months of spaceflight. The MRM burden does not seem to change appreciably over time and so far, has no demonstrated correlation to external factors. Therefore, we find it appropriate, in lieu of yearly exams, to reduce the frequency of screening to: initial selection, first annual exam after selection, and pre/postflight. This balances the screening frequency of our astronauts, against the potential for unnecessary medical procedures, while still serving the purpose of risk reduction.

D Reyes↗

NASA NTRS2003

Hearing is Believing

This paper presents a discussion on the cochlear implant. This device was developed by Adam Kissiah, who suffers from hearing loss. Driven by his own hearing problem and three failed corrective surgeries, Kissiah started working in the mid-1970s on this surgically implantable device that provides hearing sensation to persons with severe-to-profound hearing loss who receive little or no benefit from hearing aids. Uniquely, the cochlear implant concept was not based on theories of medicine, as Kissiah had no medical background whatsoever. Instead, he utilized the technical expertise he learned while working as an electronics instrumentation engineer at NASA s Kennedy Space Center for the basis of his invention. This took place over 3 years, when Kissiah would spend his lunch breaks and evenings in Kennedy s technical library, studying the impact of engineering principles on the inner ear. In April of 2003, Kissiah was inducted into the Space Foundation's U.S. Space Technology Hall of Fame for his invention

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NASA NTRS1972

Employee Communication at the NASA Langley Research Center

The means of employee communication at the NASA Langley Research Center are reported, and their effectiveness evaluated. The history, purpose, and structure of the organization as well as the employee educational background and salary status are discussed. Some of the approaches used by Langley Research Center management in communicating with their men are addressed and compared with recommendations of experts in employee communication. The results of personal interviews involving both employee and management assessment of management-employee communication are presented and evaluated. Employees need a great deal more recommunication from management providing rationale behind the cancellation of existing projects or the disapproval of proposed research projects. Also NASA management needs to establish a policy and guidelines for the rapid and simultaneous dissemination of all non-restricted information to employees during organizational activities having potential adverse effects on large numbers of personnel. Finally some improvements should be made in employee orientation procedures.

Bendura, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Scintillator handbook with emphasis on cesium iodide

This report provides a background of reasonable depth and reference material on scintillators in general. Particular attention is paid to the cesium iodide scintillators as used in the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO) experiments. It is intended especially for use by persons such as laboratory test personnel who need to obtain a working knowledge of these materials and their characteristics in a short time.

Tidd, J. L.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Coronal mass ejections and coronal structures

Research on coronal mass ejections (CMF) took a variety of forms, both observational and theoretical. On the observational side there were: case studies of individual events, in which it was attempted to provide the most complete descriptions possible, using correlative observations in diverse wavelengths; statistical studies of the properties CMEs and their associated activity; observations which may tell us about the initiation of mass ejections; interplanetary observations of associated shocks and energetic particles even observations of CMEs traversing interplanetary space; and the beautiful synoptic charts which show to what degree mass ejections affect the background corona and how rapidly (if at all) the corona recovers its pre-disturbance form. These efforts are described in capsule form with an emphasis on presenting pictures, graphs, and tables so that the reader can form a personal appreciation of the work and its results.

Hildner, E.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Concepts of Mathematics for Students of Physics and Engineering: A Dictionary

A physicist with an engineering background, the author presents a mathematical dictionary containing material encountered over many years of study and professional work at NASA. This work is a compilation of the author's experience and progress in the field of study represented and consists of personal notes and observations that can be used by students in physics and engineering.

Kolecki, Joseph C.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Cleanser, Detergent, Personal Care Product Pretreatment Evaluation

The purpose of the Cleanser, Detergent, Personal Care Product, and Pretreatment Evaluation & Selection task is to identify the optimal combination of personal hygiene products, crew activities, and pretreatment strategies to provide the crew with sustainable life support practices and a comfortable habitat. Minimal energy, mass, and crew time inputs are desired to recycle wastewater during long duration missions. This document will provide a brief background on the work this past year supporting the ELS Distillation Comparison Test, issues regarding use of the hygiene products originally chosen for the test, methods and results used to select alternative products, and lessons learned from testing.

Adam, Niklas↗

NASA NTRS2011

Cleanser, Detergent, Personal Care Product, and Pretreatment Evaluation

Adam, Niklas↗

NASA NTRS1974

Continued investigation of kinetic aspects of bone mineral metabolism

The total body calcium in humans was determined by measuring expired Ar-37 after neutron irradiation. The excretion of Ar-37 from humans was found to be much slower than the excretion from rats and dogs, and to be related to the age of a person. A study of the uniformity of the Ar-37 production throughout the thickness of the body was studied using phantoms. The results indicate that it should be possible to obtain a uniformity within plus or minus 3% for the production of Ar-37 per unit of calcium by using a bilateral irradiation. New low background, large volume proportional counters were developed and constructed, for more sensitive measurement of Ar-37 in the expired air from patients. A new irradiation enclosure was developed for measuring total body calcium in rats by the Ar-37 method. With this enclosure the Ar-37 production per gram of calcium is constant with a standard deviation of plus or minus 2.8% for any size rat between 100 and 500 grams. The use of Na-22 as measure of bone replacement in the fractured femur of a dog was not successful.

Palmer, H. E.↗

NASA NTRS2025

Evaluating the Viability of Compact and Portable X-Ray Systems for an Exploration Medical System in a Ground Demonstration

MOTIVATION FOR INCLUDING X-RAY CAPABILITIES For upcoming exploration missions, the need for enhanced medical care becomes critical due to extended mission durations, significant communication delays, and minimal evacuation opportunities. Previous evidence by our team has revealed that among the 119 medical conditions targeted for management during spaceflight within NASA Exploration Medical Capability’s IMPACT Condition List, at least 36 could benefit from radiography (XR). Utilizing XR for diagnosis and management is hypothesized to significantly improve management of crew health by enabling the immediate evaluation and confirmation of potential injuries or illnesses. Beyond clinical applications, XR also holds potential for non-destructive testing (NDT). This includes applications such as assessing the structural integrity of the spacecraft, analyzing surface and meteorite samples, and inspecting onboard electronics. THREE CANDIDATE X-RAY SYSTEMS CHOSEN FOR GROUND DEMONSTRATION The Exploration Medical Capability Element (ExMC) and the Exploration Medical Integrated Product Team (XMIPT) of the Mars Campaign Office initiated early background work for ground demonstrations. In FY21, ExMC published a Concept of Operations to guide requirements development. By FY23, XMIPT and yet2, a technology scouting and open innovation consulting firm, had completed a market survey and trade study to identify potential miniature XR systems. Selection criteria included commercial-off-the-shelf availability, low mass and volume, and regulatory compliance. The top three candidate devices—Remedi REMEX-KA6, MinXray Impact, and FujiFilm Xair—were acquired to characterize the requirements and capabilities of each device. To facilitate testing, phantoms, and radiographic personal protective equipment (PPE) were purchased, and a dedicated space was designated for XRS usage at Glenn Research Center. During this presentation, the mass, volume, and power requirements for each of the three piloted devices are revealed, as well as information regarding the detector, mA, and kV of the devices. GOAL AND OBJECTIVES OF A MINI XRS GROUND DEMONSTRATION The primary goal of ExMC/XMIPT technology demonstrations is to bridge the gap in available, flight-ready medical device technology by flight-testing diagnostic and treatment technologies essential for managing medical conditions during exploration missions. These technologies must adhere to vehicle constraints such as mass, volume, power, and data requirements, integrate seamlessly with medical decision-support tools, and support increasingly Earth-independent operations. There are three main objectives for the future ground demonstration of these three devices. First, we aim to determine the full capabilities of these three miniature XR systems within the context of the spaceflight environment. While medical applications are the primary focus for the miniature XR, a comprehensive exploration of non-medical uses has been initiated by an XMIPT-sponsored NASA SPARK campaign to identify collaborators. Second, we plan to establish criteria and to use insights gained from evaluating each miniature XR against those criteria to select the most suitable system among the three candidates. Third, we intend to evaluate their suitability for flight certification, which includes assessing its durability for launch, reentry, and exposure to high background radiation, as well as its compatibility with existing data architecture systems. Numerous subject matter experts from NASA and partner institutions will support these objectives.

C A Haddix↗

NASA NTRS1981

Identification and evaluation of software measures

A large scale, systematic procedure for identifying and evaluating measures that meaningfully characterize one or more elements of software development is described. The background of this research, the nature of the data involved, and the steps of the analytic procedure are discussed. An example of the application of this procedure to data from real software development projects is presented. As the term is used here, a measure is a count or numerical rating of the occurrence of some property. Examples of measures include lines of code, number of computer runs, person hours expended, and degree of use of top down design methodology. Measures appeal to the researcher and the manager as a potential means of defining, explaining, and predicting software development qualities, especially productivity and reliability.

Card, D. N.↗