Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “progress monitoring”

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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2017

Elastomeric Sensing of Pressure with Liquid Metal and Wireless Inductive Coupling

This project describes resistance-based soft sensors filled with liquid metal, which permit measurements of large strains (0 percent to 110 percent), associated with small forces of less than 30 Newtons. This work also demonstrates a methodology for wireless transfer of these strain measurements without connected electrodes. These sensors allow intermittent detection of pressure on soft membranes with low force. Adapting these sensors for passive wireless pressure sensing will eliminate the need for embedded batteries, and will allow the sensors to transmit pressure data through non-conductive materials including glass and acrylic. The absence of batteries allows us to embed these sensors into materials for long-term use because the sensors only use passive analog circuit elements. We found the oxidation of the liquid metal (eutectic gallium indium) plays a role in the repeatability of the soft sensors. We investigated how the oxidation layer affected the behavior of the sensor by encapsulating materials (silicone, fluorosilicone, and PVC) with varied permeabilities to oxygen. We measured the effects of mechanical loading on the oxidation layer and the effects of wireless inductive coupling on the oxidation layer. We concluded our research by investigating the effects of embedding self-resonant circuits into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Efforts to design engineered systems with soft materials are a growing field with progress in soft robotics, epidermal electronics, and wearable electronics. In the field of soft robotics, PDMS-based grippers are capable of picking up delicate objects because their form-fitting properties allow them to conform to the shape of objects more easily than conventional robotic grippers. Epidermal devices also use PDMS as a substrate to hold electronic components such as radios, sensors, and power supply circuits. Additionally, PDMS-based soft sensors can monitor human motion with liquid metal embedded within micro-channels. Passive wireless sensors have applications in structural health monitoring and medical health monitoring. Doctors can take wireless blood pressure measurements inside arteries to monitor the progression of heart disease. Glaucoma patients can use this technology to monitor the pressure in their eyes to track the progression of the disease.

Dick, Jacob↗
NASA NTRS1990

Planning for execution monitoring on a planetary rover

A planetary rover will be traversing largely unknown and often unknowable terrain. In addition to geometric obstacles such as cliffs, rocks, and holes, it may also have to deal with non-geometric hazards such as soft soil and surface breakthroughs which often cannot be detected until rover is in imminent danger. Therefore, the rover must monitor its progress throughout a traverse, making sure to stay on course and to detect and act on any previously unseen hazards. Its onboard planning system must decide what sensors to monitor, what landmarks to take position readings from, and what actions to take if something should go wrong. The planning systems being developed for the Pathfinder Planetary Rover to perform these execution monitoring tasks are discussed. This system includes a network of planners to perform path planning, expectation generation, path analysis, sensor and reaction selection, and resource allocation.

Gat, Erann↗
NASA NTRS2004

Recent progress in the development of antimonide-based mid-ir interband cascade lasers

Antimonide-based type-II interband cascade lasers are promising in becoming efficient and compact mid-infrared light sources for many applications such as gas sensing and environmental monitoring. Significant progress toward such a goal has recently been made in terms of achieving low threshold current densities, high temperature operation, and continuous wave operation of single-mode distributed feedback lasers. We review the recent progress of Sb-based mid-IR IC lasers and address the requirements for further improvements in their performance.

semiconductor superlattices↗
NASA NTRS2013

Application of Advanced Nondestructive Evaluation Techniques for Cylindrical Composite Test Samples

Two nondestructive methods were applied to composite cylinder samples pressurized to failure in order to determine manufacturing quality and monitor damage progression under load. A unique computed tomography (CT) image processing methodology developed at NASA Glenn Research was used to assess the condition of the as-received samples while acoustic emission (AE) monitoring was used to identify both the extent and location of damage within the samples up to failure. Results show the effectiveness of both of these methods in identifying potentially critical fabrication issues and their resulting impact on performance.

Martin, Richard E.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Promoted-Combustion Chamber with Induction Heating Coil

An improved promoted-combustion system has been developed for studying the effects of elevated temperatures on the flammability of metals in pure oxygen. In prior promoted-combustion chambers, initial temperatures of metal specimens in experiments have been limited to the temperatures of gas supplies, usually near room temperature. Although limited elevated temperature promoted-combustion chambers have been developed using water-cooled induction coils for preheating specimens, these designs have been limited to low-pressure operation due to the hollow induction coil. In contrast, the improved promoted-combustion chamber can sustain a pressure up to 10 kpsi (69 MPa) and, through utilization of a solid induction coil, is capable of preheating a metal specimen up to its melting point [potentially in excess of 2,000 F (approximately equal to 1,100 C)]. Hence, the improved promoted combustion chamber makes a greater range of physical conditions and material properties accessible for experimentation. The chamber consists of a vertical cylindrical housing with an inner diameter of 8 in. (20.32 cm) and an inner height of 20.4 in. (51.81 cm). A threaded, sealing cover at one end of the housing can be unscrewed to gain access for installing a specimen. Inlet and outlet ports for gases are provided. Six openings arranged in a helical pattern in the chamber wall contain sealed sapphire windows for viewing an experiment in progress. The base of the chamber contains pressure-sealed electrical connectors for supplying power to the induction coil. The connectors feature a unique design that prevents induction heating of the housing and the pressure sealing surfaces; this is important because if such spurious induction heating were allowed to occur, chamber pressure could be lost. The induction coil is 10 in. (25.4 cm) long and is fitted with a specimen holder at its upper end. At its lower end, the induction coil is mounted on a ceramic base, which affords thermal insulation to prevent heating of the base of the chamber during use. A sapphire cylinder protects the coil against slag generated during an experiment. The induction coil is energized by a 6-kW water-cooled power supply operating at a frequency of 400 kHz. The induction coil is part of a parallel-tuned circuit, the tuning of which is used to adjust the coupling of power to the specimen. The chamber is mounted on a test stand along with pumps, valves, and plumbing for transferring pressurized gas into and out of the chamber. In addition to multiple video cameras aimed through the windows encircling the chamber, the chamber is instrumented with gauges for monitoring the progress of an experiment. One of the gauges is a dual-frequency infrared temperature transducer aimed at the specimen through one window. Chamber operation is achieved via a console that contains a computer running apparatus-specific software, a video recorder, and real-time video monitors. For safety, a blast wall separates the console from the test stand.

Richardson, Erin↗
NASA NTRS1967

A simplified PERT system

Modified PERT technique processes the input data and arranges it in familiar graphic form in a booklet which is issued at periodic intervals. The tabulated data provides readily available information to management personnel concerned with monitoring the progress of a program.

Duncan, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Definition of experiments and instruments for a communication/navigation research laboratory. Volume 1: Executive summary

This study was undertaken to develop conceptual designs for a manned, space shuttle sortie mission laboratory capable of supporting a wide variety of experiments in conjunction with communications and navigation research. This space/laboratory would be one in which man may effectively increase experiment efficiency by certain observations, modifications, setup, calibration, and limited maintenance steps. In addition, man may monitor experiment progress and perform preliminary data evaluation to verify proper equipment functioning and may terminate or redirect experiments to obtain the most desirable end results. The flexibility and unique capabilities of man as an experimenter in such a laboratory will add greatly to the simplification of space experiments and this provides the basis for commonality in many of the supportive subsystems, thus reaping the benefits of reusability and reduced experiment costs. For Vol. 4, see N73-19268.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1975

Remotely sensing wheat maturation with radar

The scattering properties of wheat were studied in the 8-18 GHz band as a function of frequency, polarization, incidence angle, and crop maturity. Supporting ground truth was collected at the time of measurement. The data indicate that the radar backscattering coefficient is sensitive to both radar system parameters and crop characteristics particularly at incidence angles near nadir. Linear regression analyses of the radar backscattering coefficient on both time and plant moisture content result in rather good correlation. Furthermore, by calculating the average time rate of change of the radar backscattering coefficient it is found that it undergoes rapid variations shortly before and after the wheat is harvested. Both of these analyses suggest methods for estimating wheat maturity and for monitoring the progress of harvest.

Bush, T. F.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Monitoring wheat growth with radar

The scattering properties of wheat in the 8-18 GHz band were studied as a function of frequency, polarization, incidence angle, and crop maturity. Supporting ground truth was collected at the time of measurement. The data indicate the radar backscattering coefficient is sensitive to both radar system parameters and crop characteristics, particularly at incidence angles near nadir. Linear regression analysis of the backscattering coefficient (dB) on both time and plant moisture content result in rather good correlation, as high as 0.9, with the slope of these regression lines being 0.55 dB/day and -0.275 dB% plant moisture at 9.4 GHz at nadir. It is found that the coefficient undergoes rapid variations shortly before and after the wheat is harvested. Both of these analyses suggest methods for estimating wheat maturity and for monitoring the progress of harvest.

Bush, T. F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Stochastic models for software project management

A method for determining the number and characteristics of milestones to be achieved during a development project is presented in order that effective monitors of progress can be provided. Projections of progress data lead to estimates of the completion with determinable accuracy, but accuracy imposes a requirement that the number of milestones be inversely proportional to the estimate-error variance, and that the milestones themselves be defined in such a way that each represents approximately the same level of effort to complete.

Tausworthe, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Landsat imagery for surface-mine inventory

The feasibility of using Landsat imagery for routine monitoring of surface mining and reclamation was tested in a two-county (1541 sq km) area of western Maryland. Two digital analysis methods were studied. The first, a four-band analysis distinguishing various strip mine associated classes and conditions, proved useful, but has limited extendibility over a seasonal or annual period. In the second approach, a band-ratio method was developed for measuring disturbed surface areas, and it proved to be both temporally and geographically extendible. For mines ranging between 31 and 244 acres, the measurement accuracy of total affected acreage was 92%. The use of Landsat satellite data together with multilevel sampling of aircraft and field verification inspections has shown that multispectral analysis of digital data is an effective means of monitoring the progress of surface mining operations.

Anderson, A. T.↗
NASA NTRS1979

LANDSAT Remote Sensing: Observations of an Appalachian mountaintop surface coal mining and reclamation operation

The potential benefits of using LANDSAT remote sensing data by state agencies as an aide in monitoring surface coal mining operations are reviewed. A mountaintop surface mine in eastern Kentucky was surveyed over a 5 year period using satellite multispectral scanner data that were classified by computer analyses. The analyses were guided by aerial photography and by ground surveys of the surface mines procured in 1976. The application of the LANDSAT data indicates that: (1) computer classification of the various landcover categories provides information for monitoring the progress of surface mining and reclamation operations; (2) successive yearly changes in barren and revegetated areas can be qualitatively assessed for surface mines of 100 acres or more of disrupted area; (3) barren areas consisting of limestone and shale mixtures may be recognized, and revegetated areas in various stages of growth may be identified against the hilly forest background.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1987

Surface characterization of InP using photoluminescence

Photoluminescence (PL) measurements have been performed on InP samples in situ during various surface treatments including chemical etching, wet anodization, and low-pressure chemical vapor deposition. It was found, in agreement with previously published results, that the magnitude of the PL signal varies markedly with surface treatment due presumably to changes in either surface-state density, and/or surface potential. In an attempt to assess the effectiveness of this noninvasive method as a tool for characterizing and monitoring the progressive development of a semiconductor surface during processing, a number of experiments on InP have been performed. The results indicate that although some uncertainty may exist in assigning a mechanism for the PL change in any given experiment, the general trend appears to be that surface degradation results in a reduced signal. As a result, process steps which enhance the PL intensity are likely to be beneficial in the preparation of a high-quality interface.

Chang, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Use of satellite data in volcano monitoring

It is argued that Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) data, especially data on sulfur dioxide detection in volcanic clouds, and weather satellite data complement each other. TOMS data is most useful for discovering previously unknown eruptions and indicating a minimum volume of SO sub 2 produced by a given eruption. Once an eruption has been reported, weather satellite data can be used to accurately monitor its progress. To be used effectively, these data need to be analyzed jointly and in real time. Toward this end, it is hoped that full and timely utilization can be made of existing TOMS data, a polar orbiting TOMS can be launched in the near future, and that TOMS type instruments can be included on future geostationary satellites.

Mcclelland, Lindsay↗
NASA NTRS1987

Progress toward an advanced condition monitoring system for reusable rocket engines

A new generation of advanced sensor technologies will allow the direct measurement of critical/degradable rocket engine components' health and the detection of degraded conditions before component deterioration affects engine performance, leading to substantial improvements in reusable engines' operation and maintenance. When combined with a computer-based engine condition-monitoring system, these sensors can furnish a continuously updated data base for the prediction of engine availability and advanced warning of emergent maintenance requirements. Attention is given to the case of a practical turbopump and combustion device diagnostic/prognostic health-monitoring system.

Maram, J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

PROMIS (Procurement Management Information System)

The PROcurement Management Information System (PROMIS) provides both detailed and summary level information on all procurement actions performed within NASA's procurement offices at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). It provides not only on-line access, but also schedules procurement actions, monitors their progress, and updates Forecast Award Dates. Except for a few computational routines coded in FORTRAN, the majority of the systems is coded in a high level language called NATURAL. A relational Data Base Management System called ADABAS is utilized. Certain fields, called descriptors, are set up on each file to allow the selection of records based on a specified value or range of values. The use of like descriptors on different files serves as the link between the falls, thus producing a relational data base. Twenty related files are currently being maintained on PROMIS.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1989

Lunar deep drill apparatus

A self contained, mobile drilling and coring system was designed to operate on the Lunar surface and be controlled remotely from earth. The system uses SKITTER (Spatial Kinematic Inertial Translatory Tripod Extremity Robot) as its foundation and produces Lunar core samples two meters long and fifty millimeters in diameter. The drill bit used for this is composed of 30 per carat diamonds in a sintered tungsten carbide matrix. To drill up to 50 m depths, the bit assembly will be attached to a drill string made from 2 m rods which will be carried in racks on SKITTER. Rotary power for drilling will be supplied by a Curvo-Synchronous motor. SKITTER is to support this system through a hexagonal shaped structure which will contain the drill motor and the power supply. A micro-coring drill will be used to remove a preliminary sample 5 mm in diameter and 20 mm long from the side of the core. This whole system is to be controlled from earth. This is carried out by a continuously monitoring PLC onboard the drill rig. A touch screen control console allows the operator on earth to monitor the progress of the operation and intervene if necessary.

Harvey, Jill↗
NASA NTRS1991

TDRSS momentum unload planning

A knowledge-based system is described which monitors TDRSS telemetry for problems in the momentum unload procedure. The system displays TDRSS telemetry and commands in real time via X-windows. The system constructs a momentum unload plan which agrees with the preferences of the attitude control specialists and the momentum growth characteristics of the individual spacecraft. During the execution of the plan, the system monitors the progress of the procedure and watches for unexpected problems.

Cross, George R.↗