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DOE OSTI2021

Mid Infra-Red Laser Sensor for Continuous Sulfur Trioxide Monitoring to Improve Coal-Fired Power Plant Performance during Flexible Operations

During the course of this project, we performed exhaustive research and development of SO3/H2SO4 sensing technology for coal-fired power plant applications (Figure 1). The development culminated in a successful field campaign of a prototype continuous real-time H2SO4 monitor at a coal-fired power plant (TRL 6) accomplishing the primary goal of the project. The developed sensors utilize tunable laser absorption spectroscopy (TLAS) operating in the mid-infrared (Mid-IR) wavelength region, which is the so-called “molecular fingerprint” region. Systems operating in the Mid-IR have orders of magnitude more sensitivity than systems operating at shorter wavelengths, such as near-infrared (NIR). However, NIR systems are more widespread due to more mature supporting technology (e.g., fiber optics, optical components, etc.). In this project, we not only produced a specific Mid-IR sensor, we also advanced Mid-IR sensor technology in general through the development and demonstration of such supporting technology. In this project, we also developed proprietary broad tuning lasers enabling the ability to effectively measure SO3, H2SO4, H2O, and SO2. Different molecular species have unique spectral signatures that can be probed with lasers operating at different wavelengths. Standard TLAS uses relatively narrow wavelength tuning distributed feedback (DFB) lasers, which can typically only target a single species with narrow features, and are not appropriate for species with broad features, such as SO3 or H2SO4. In contrast, by developing unique, broad-tuning laser technology, we were able to measure these species, as well as SO2 and H2O simultaneously. Furthermore, to enable real-time analysis at a power plant, we modified a commercially available heated gas cell to operate in the Mid-IR wavelength range and fiber coupled the lasers to enable remote delivery of the beams. To generate reference data (library spectra), our collaborators at the University of California Irvine (UCI) developed a catalytic SO3 generation facility. It is worth mentioning that representative H2SO4 and SO3 Mid-IR spectra are not a part of any publicly available database and the data generated under this project is a valuable resource in and of itself. In addition, based on the UCI study we determined that detection of SO3 is complicated by the very strong SO2 absorption. For that reason, we concentrated on H2SO4 detection. Since SO3 and H2SO4 exist in a flue gas in a state of equilibrium, which depends on temperature and humidity, by measuring water concentration and controlling the temperature of the gas cell, we developed an approach to determine SO3 concentration from the H2SO4 measurement. During the development phase of the project, we performed three testing campaigns at our collaborator’s FERCo flue gas facility with conditions representative of the coal-fired power plant (~ 40ppm SO3, 1700ppm to 2800 ppm SO2, 10% water) with the exception of particulate matter. After three test campaigns at FERCo we performed field testing at Harrison Power Station. The final system was mounted on a duct and measured H2SO4, SO2 and water. The tests were highly successful with a demonstrated real-time H2SO4 precision of 1 ppm with a 1 second update. Our collaborators at EPRI conducted an industry survey and determined that there is a very high interest for the SO3/H2SO4 monitoring in the power generation industry as well as in heavy industries in general. Furthermore, work performed by OptoKnowledge beyond the scope of this project under a synergistic DOE SBIR determined another approach to SO3 detection. We applied for Phase II on this SBIR for development a of versatile SO3/H2SO4 sensor but were not selected. We are currently looking for another opportunity to leverage all the technological advancements produced by this project including but not limited to the flue gas facility at UCI, the hardware and software developed, and relationships with FERCo, EPRI CEMTEK, and Harrison Station.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

DOE OSTI2020

Safety-Related Instrumentation and Control Pilot Upgrade (Initial Scoping Phase Implementation Report)

This research report (1) describes the process followed and products developed during the SR I&C Pilot Project Initial Scoping Phase, and (2) captures lessons learned. Exelon Generation and LWRS collaborated to develop a Digital Transformation Strategy as part of a larger Advanced Concept of Operations. The proposed SR I&C Pilot Upgrade provides a foundation stone for this Digital Transformation that will improve plant safety, reliability, and operational performance while lowering plant Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Initial Scoping Phase activities for this Pilot Project have been performed in accordance with industry processes that have been adapted to better support digital upgrades. These processes include IP-ENG-001, Standard Design Process (SDP), NISP-EN-04, Standard Digital Engineering Process (SDEP), and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Report 3002011816, Digital Engineering Guide (DEG). Completing Initial Scoping Phase Engineering and Operations, Licensing, and Project Management Activities was necessary to sufficiently bound the scope, schedule, and estimated cost of the Project to enable utility management to authorize moving into the Conceptual Design Phase. A significant finding of the Business Case Analysis (BCA) methodology developed and applied as part of this effort was that the growth rate of material costs for sustaining the operation of obsolete SR I&C equipment is accelerating. This directly contributed to the Project Economic Analysis created to justify continuing the Project. Project Initial Scoping Phase lessons learned have also been captured to assist the larger industry in understanding the Digital Transformation Strategy and SR I&C Pilot Project Initial Scoping Phase efforts. This is in keeping with the public/private partnership that has been established between the Department of Energy (DOE) and Exelon for this effort with engagement from the NRC. By addressing first-of-a-kind (FOAK) risks and capturing lessons learned, the SR I&C Pilot Upgrade Project addresses technical, regulatory, and business risks to enable subsequent implementers of similar upgrade.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

NASA NTRS1995

Helicopter Human Factors

Even under optimal conditions, helicopter flight is a most demanding form of human-machine interaction, imposing continuous manual, visual, communications, and mental demands on pilots. It is made even more challenging by small margins for error created by the close proximity of terrain in NOE flight and missions flown at night and in low visibility. Although technology advances have satisfied some current and proposed requirements, hardware solutions alone are not sufficient to ensure acceptable system performance and pilot workload. However, human factors data needed to improve the design and use of helicopters lag behind advances in sensor, display, and control technology. Thus, it is difficult for designers to consider human capabilities and limitations when making design decisions. This results in costly accidents, design mistakes, unrealistic mission requirements, excessive training costs, and challenge human adaptability. NASA, in collaboration with DOD, industry, and academia, has initiated a program of research to develop scientific data bases and design principles to improve the pilot/vehicle interface, optimize training time and cost, and maintain pilot workload and system performance at an acceptable level. Work performed at Ames, and by other research laboratories, will be reviewed to summarize the most critical helicopter human factors problems and the results of research that has been performed to: (1) Quantify/model pilots use of visual cues for vehicle control; (2) Improve pilots' performance with helmet displays of thermal imagery and night vision goggles for situation awareness and vehicle control; (3) Model the processes by which pilots encode maps and compare them to the visual scene to develop perceptually and cognitively compatible electronic map formats; (4) Evaluate the use of spatially localized auditory displays for geographical orientation, target localization, radio frequency separation; (5) Develop and flight test control/display concepts; (6) Quantify, model, predict, and improve pilots, workload-management strategies; and (7) Design computer-game trainers to reduce training time and cost.

Hart, Sandra G.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

TECHEDSAT-7 and 10: The Little Spacecraft That Could

The NOW (Nanosatellite Orbital Workshop) of NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) has two cubesats in orbit at this time: 6 U TechEdSat-10 (T-10) and the 3U TechEdSat-7 (T-7). T10 was jettisoned from the ISS via the NANORACKS system 7/13/2020, and T-7 was launched via Virgin Orbit 1/17/2021. Both were built by the Nano-satellite Orbital Workshop (NOW) at NASA ARC, and designed and fabricated by interns and students in collaboration with educational institutions. Prototyping novel technologies for non-powered re-entry and communications from orbit are primary research interests, however all subsystems including power generation and distribution, subsystem control, navigation, positioning, heat management etc. extend current technologies. Use of distributed processors using open software platforms and standards other based technologies and software is integral to all segments of spacecraft design. Here, we will present an overview of the spacecraft, experiments, and accomplishments – as well as the next three flight experiments. Some of these experiments include: The exo-brake re-entry system is being developed to enable sample return and end of life disposal; Internal communications for sensors, inter-subsystem and experiments uses both a Zigbee based PAN and internal Wi-Fi for high-speed inter-device communications; The Iridium small message LEO system (Short Burst Data) is used to both command the spacecraft and send data to the ground; Experimental use of the Global-Star system for L-band system comparison and back-up; Collaborative NOAA an experiment to communicate from LEO to the GOES geostationary satellite using the DCS (Data Collection System) with on-board Doppler correction; Mars and Lunar experimental communication systems for future cis-lunar and interplanetary nano-satellites; First demonstration of the NASA Near Earth Network systems with nano-satellites at NASA/Wallops Island; Solar array design and implementation for unique future flexible structures; Power distribution using Tardigrade rad-hard processor omni-board (designed by the team); Distributed processors with internal Wi-Fi connectivity; and Initial experiments with AI/Machine Learning.

M Murbach↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Preliminary Design of an 'Autonomous Medical Response Agent' Interface Prototype for Long Duration Spaceflight

Major challenges for astronauts in future long-duration exploration missions (LDEMs) will be that crewmembers are not expected to be medical professionals, may be under high workload and stress, are facing physiological challenges caused by spaceflight, and will have limited, delayed voice communications with medical support from Earth. An autonomous medical response agent (AMRA) is envisioned to help astronauts address medical complaints, develop a differential diagnosis, and guide self-treatment until a healthy state is restored. AMRA develops a process of personalized diagnosis and treatment through a Bayesian predictive control system that recommends therapeutic control actions including diagnostic tests and treatments to crewmembers (Menon, 2020). The Human Computer Interaction (HCI) lab from NASA Ames Research Center’s Human Systems Integration Division (Code TH) has collaborated with Nahlia Inc in human-centered design augmentation research for AMRA. The project, titled Design of ‘Autonomous Medical Response Agent Interface Prototype for Long Duration Spaceflight, has been funded by the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) and introduces an interactive user-interface prototype that guides astronauts through self-diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation while communicating with remote specialists in ground support (most notably a patient’s flight surgeon). Our project develops the interaction design for the crewmember using AMRA through user research, iterative design, and usability testing to evaluate the user interface and workflow designed. The interface design deliverable for this project, titled AMRA Aggregate Information Display (AMRA AID) is an integrated information display system for comprehensive autonomous medical guidance, diagnosis, and treatment of in-flight medical conditions experienced by crewmembers. AMRA AID demonstrates how we might ensure crew autonomy, increase the crew’s medical capabilities, and decrease cognitive burden within a front-end user interface. AMRA AID refrains from relying on input from ground or mission control for self-treatment of medical issues—though ground awareness and communication with ground is maintained as a means of ensuring trust between mission control and crew. AMRA AID demonstrates how the crew’s on-board medical system might integrate with information from vehicle monitoring and crew schedule, without assuming causal relationships. AMRA AID’s comprehensive view enables efficient information access for both crew and ground support, reducing cognitive burden in the event of an unplanned or emergency medical incident and enabling informed analytical decisions to be made based on both crew and vehicle health. Human-centered design augmentation advanced within the prototype included: enhanced workflow and treatment guidance for two medical scenarios for a non-specialist user base with various levels of medical training, interaction design which considered speech (conversational user interface) elements and on-screen interactions to be developed in future iterations of the project, communication design and functional requirements relevant to self-care versus caring for another astronaut, as well as user testing of the prototype with an international space medical community. This project arrives at critical findings regarding usability needs, communication requirements, and integrated information requirements for a future technology interface functioning to increase confidence between ground support and LDEM crewmembers.

TRISH↗

DOE OSTI2020

AGGREGATE: dAta-driven modelinG preservinG contRollable dEr for outaGe mAnagemenT and rEsiliency (Report for Task 13: Functional Specification Report(Deliverable D9))

This report provides functional specification for the AGGREGATE project and associated modules/ tools being developed for outage management and restoration with the Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). This report also provide initial validation of the developed modules and performance metrics. The AGGREGATE team at this stage has been collaborating with General Electric (GE) and Seattle City Light (SCL) to move forward from offline validation to online validation using commercial advanced distribution management system (ADMS). Hence, the functional specifications documents, which outline the requirement of various modules, is provided to address the integration of the modules, including 1) real-time model update and aggregation tools module, 2) observability and controllability metric module, 3) fault location solution service restoration module, 4) transmission-distribution co-simulation module, and 5) advanced distribution management system module. integration of different AGGREGATE modules and functional specification provides the foundation for online multi-scenario testing using SCL system model.

42 ENGINEERING↗

NASA NTRS2016

Advanced EVA Suit Camera System Development Project

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) is developing a new extra-vehicular activity (EVA) suit known as the Advanced EVA Z2 Suit. All of the improvements to the EVA Suit provide the opportunity to update the technology of the video imagery. My summer internship project involved improving the video streaming capabilities of the cameras that will be used on the Z2 Suit for data acquisition. To accomplish this, I familiarized myself with the architecture of the camera that is currently being tested to be able to make improvements on the design. Because there is a lot of benefit to saving space, power, and weight on the EVA suit, my job was to use Altium Design to start designing a much smaller and simplified interface board for the camera's microprocessor and external components. This involved checking datasheets of various components and checking signal connections to ensure that this architecture could be used for both the Z2 suit and potentially other future projects. The Orion spacecraft is a specific project that may benefit from this condensed camera interface design. The camera's physical placement on the suit also needed to be determined and tested so that image resolution can be maximized. Many of the options of the camera placement may be tested along with other future suit testing. There are multiple teams that work on different parts of the suit, so the camera's placement could directly affect their research or design. For this reason, a big part of my project was initiating contact with other branches and setting up multiple meetings to learn more about the pros and cons of the potential camera placements we are analyzing. Collaboration with the multiple teams working on the Advanced EVA Z2 Suit is absolutely necessary and these comparisons will be used as further progress is made for the overall suit design. This prototype will not be finished in time for the scheduled Z2 Suit testing, so my time was also spent creating a case for the original interface board that is already being used. This design is being done by use of Creo 2. Due to time constraints, I may not be able to complete the 3-D printing portion of this design, but I was able to use my knowledge of the interface board and Altium Design to help in the task. As a side project, I assisted another intern in selecting and programming a microprocessor to control linear actuators. These linear actuators will be used to move various increments of polyethylene for controlled radiation testing. For this, we began the software portion of the project using the Arduino's coding environment to control an Arduino Due and H-Bridge components. Along with the obvious learning of computer programs such as Altium Design and Creo 2, I also acquired more skills with networking and collaborating with others, being able to multi-task because of responsibilities to work on various projects, and how to set realistic goals in the work place. Like many internship projects, this project will be continued and improved, so I also had the chance to improve my organization and communication skills as I documented all of my meetings and research. As a result of my internship at JSC, I desire to continue a career with NASA, whether that be through another internship or possibly a co-op. I am excited to return to my university and continue my education in electrical engineering because of all of my experiences at JSC.

Mock, Kyla↗

NASA NTRS2016

An Overview of Air-Breathing Propulsion Efforts for 2015 SBIR Phase I

NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focuses on technological innovation by investing in development of innovative concepts and technologies to help NASA mission directorates address critical research needs for Agency programs. This report highlights 24 of the innovative SBIR 2015 Phase I projects that emphasize one of NASA Glenn Research Center's six core competencies-Air-Breathing Propulsion. The technologies cover a wide spectrum of applications such as hybrid nanocomposites for efficient aerospace structures; plasma flow control for drag reduction; physics-based aeroanalysis methods for open rotor conceptual designs; vertical lift by series hybrid power; fast pressure-sensitive paint systems for production wind tunnel testing; rugged, compact, and inexpensive airborne fiber sensor interrogators based on monolithic tunable lasers; and high sensitivity semiconductor sensor skins for multi-axis surface pressure characterization. Each featured technology describes an innovation and technical objective and highlights NASA commercial and industrial applications. This report provides an opportunity for NASA engineers, researchers, and program managers to learn how NASA SBIR technologies could help their programs and projects, and lead to collaborations and partnerships between the small SBIR companies and NASA that would benefit both.

aerospace structures↗

NASA NTRS2019

UAS Integration in the NAS Detect and Avoid Subproject: Kitty Hawk - NASA Collaboration Discussion

NASA is conducting research under the UAS Integration in the NAS Project to develop standards that will enable mid-size and large unmanned aircraft to fly unrestricted in the National Airspace System. As these efforts move into its second phase, NASA is planning a series of flight tests and demonstrations, integrating industry partners' technologies. These events will not only provide valuable data to inform the RTCA Special Committee 228 DAA and C2 MOPS, but also provide an opportunity for the UAS community to test their technologies in a realistic environment. An overview of NASA UAS-NAS research will be presented touching on human systems integration, modeling and simulation and guidance and control. Plans for Flight Test 6 and Systems Integration Operationalization (SIO) will also be presented. The purpose of this meeting is to share with Kitty Hawk, at a high level, UAS-NAS research and discuss potential future collaboration between NASA and Kitty Hawk.

Shively, Jay↗

DOE OSTI2026

Collaborative: Fundamental studies of how water influences the synthesis and behavior of zeolite catalysts for reactions in the circular carbon economy (Final Technical Report)

This project established a computational framework to predict and interpret how synthesis conditions control active site location in MFI zeolites and how those site distributions influence catalytic reactivity. The Hibbitts Group led the theoretical effort, applying periodic DFT calculations to quantify (i) SDA–framework–heteroatom interactions during crystallization and (ii) the energetics and mechanisms of arene methylation reactions within distinct MFI environments.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2021

Line identification of boron and nitrogen emissions in EUV and VUV wavelength ranges in the impurity powder dropping experiments of LHD and its application to spectroscopic diagnostics

An impurity powder dropper was installed in the 21st campaign of the Large Helical Device experiment (Oct. 2019–Feb. 2020) under a collaboration between the National Institute for Fusion Science and the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory for the purposes of real-time wall conditioning and edge plasma control. In order to assess the effective injection of the impurity powders, spectroscopic diagnostics were applied to observe line emission from the injected impurity. Therefore, extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) and vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) emission spectra were analyzed to summarize observable impurity lines with B and BN powder injection. Emission lines released from B and N ions were identified in the EUV wavelength range of 5–300 Å measured using two grazing incidence flat-field EUV spectrometers and in the VUV wavelength range of 300–2400 Å measured using three normal incidence 20 cm VUV spectrometers. BI–BV and NIII–NVII emission lines were identified in the discharges with the B and BN powder injection, respectively. Useful B and N emission lines which have large intensities and are isolated from other lines were successfully identified as follows: BI (1825.89, 1826.40) Å (blended), BII 1362.46 Å, BIII (677.00, 677.14, 677.16) Å (blended), BIV 60.31 Å, BV 48.59 Å, NIII (989.79, 991.51, 991.58) Å (blended), NIV 765.15 Å, NV (209.27, 209.31) Å (blended), NVI 1896.80 Å, and NVII 24.78 Å. Applications of the line identifications to the advanced spectroscopic diagnostics were demonstrated, such as the vertical profile measurements for the BV and NVII lines using a space-resolved EUV spectrometer and the ion temperature measurement for the BII line using a normal incidence 3 m VUV spectrometer.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2026

Lattice calculation of light meson radiative leptonic decays

In this work, we perform a lattice QCD calculation of the branching ratios and the form factors\r\nof radiative leptonic decays P →ℓνℓγ (P= π,K) using Nf = 2+1 domain wall fermion ensembles\r\ngenerated by the RBC and UKQCD collaborations at the physical pion mass. We adopt the\r\ninfinite-volume reconstruction (IVR) method, which extends lattice data to infinite volume and\r\neffectively controls the finite-volume effects. This study represents a first step toward a complete\r\ncalculation of radiative corrections to leptonic decays using the IVR method, including both real\r\nphoton emissions and virtual photon loops. For decays involving a final-state electron, collinear\r\nradiative corrections, enhanced by the large logarithmic factors such as ln(m2\r\nπ/m2e) and ln(m2K/m2e), can reach the level of O(10%) and are essential at the current level of theoretical and experimental precision. After including these corrections, our result for π →eνeγ agrees with the PIBETA measurement; for K →eνeγ, our results are consistent with the KLOE data and exhibit a 1.7σtension with E36; and for K →µνµγ, where radiative corrections are negligible, our results confirm the previously observed discrepancies between lattice results and the ISTRA/OKA measurements at large photon energies, and with the E787 results at large muon–photon angles.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2018

Meta-Level Design Guidance and Operator Performance Measures for Hybrid Control Rooms

The purpose of this grant was to refine and test methods to evaluate digital human system interfaces (HSI) for existing largely analog nuclear power plant (NPP) control rooms (CRs). We hypothesized that CR operator performance (CROP) in hybrid NPP CRs will be improved if future digital HSI is designed based on: 1) more robust design guidelines for operator situation awareness (SA) and decision-making (DM); 2) enhanced CROP metrics during HSI evaluation; 3) an ontology for selecting simulation scenarios to evaluate digital HSI; and 4) a model to predict optimal HSI design attributes given CROP objectives. The team conducted numerous nuclear power plant site visits (e.g., to Brown’s Ferry, Palo Verde, Sequoyah and Vogtle) to study control room operations and crisis management and 3 visits to the NRC Chattanooga Training Center. We observed research studies at DC Cook and NRC Chattanooga in collaboration with the Halden Reactor Project. We collected operator performance and workload data in one NPP simulator. A comprehensive human (i.e., CROP) performance literature review was published in Applied Ergonomics. We obtained operator team performance data from CAER to produce our data fusion model and a paper delineating the results have been accepted (revision submitted) in Resilience Engineering and System Safety. We analyzed interview data related to scenario ontology development; a manuscript is still in preparation.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2020

Lighting Technology Energy Solutions (LiTES) (Final Technical Report)

The Lighting Technologies Energy Solutions (LiTES) Program Final Technical Report is a collaborative effort between NextEnergy, Consumers Energy, DTE Energy (DTE) and the Detroit Joint Apprentice Training Center (DJATC) to evaluate customer and contractor experiences deploying advanced/networked lighting controls systems (ALC/NLC). The LiTES Program, funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE), sought to reduce energy use in small and medium commercial buildings (SMCB) by accelerating the adoption of ALC/NLC through contractor training and technology deployment. Leveraging recommendations already outlined by the Design Lights Consortium Commercial Advanced Lighting Controls (DLC CALC) project, NextEnergy led an effort to train contractors, evaluate the experience of ALC/NLC demonstration projects, identify opportunities to reduce market barriers, and accelerate the increased adoption of ALC/NLC technologies within SMCB. The LiTES Program defined SMCB as commercial buildings under 100,000 square feet. The LiTES Program efforts also included evaluating current ALC/NLC utility incentives, piloting ALC/NLC incentives specific to SMCB, and identifying opportunities to better align utility incentives with current ALC/NLC technology to support accelerating the adoption of ALC/NLC in SMCB. This report shares the survey results and M&V data findings, including energy savings, market barriers, experience of installations, impact of incentives/financing programs and provides recommendations for the increased deployment of ALC/NLC systems in small and medium commercial buildings. Utility survey results, incentive alternatives and recommendations, including a cost benefit analysis outlining energy and economic impacts of the provided ALC/NLC incentives on SMCB projects are also provided.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

NASA NTRS1989

Space radiation studies

Two Active Radiation Dosimeters (ARD's) flown on Spacelab 1, performed without fault and were returned to Space Science Laboratory, MSFC for recalibration. During the flight, performance was monitored at the Huntsville Operations Center (HOSC). Despite some problems with the Shuttle data system handling the verification flight instrumentation (VFI), it was established that the ARD's were operating normally. Postflight calibrations of both units determined that sensitivities were essentially unchanged from preflight values. Flight tapes were received for approx. 60 percent of the flight and it appears that this is the total available. The data was analyzed in collaboration with Space Science Laboratory, MSFC. Also, the Nuclear Radiation Monitor (NRM) was assembled and tested at MSFC. Support was rendered in the areas of materials control and parts were supplied for the supplementary heaters, dome gas-venting device and photomultiplier tube housing. Performance characteristics of some flight-space photomultipliers were measured. The NRM was flown on a balloon-borne test flight and subsequently performed without fault on Spacelab-2. This data was analyzed and published.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS2002

Verification and Validation of Neural Networks for Aerospace Systems

The Dryden Flight Research Center V&V working group and NASA Ames Research Center Automated Software Engineering (ASE) group collaborated to prepare this report. The purpose is to describe V&V processes and methods for certification of neural networks for aerospace applications, particularly adaptive flight control systems like Intelligent Flight Control Systems (IFCS) that use neural networks. This report is divided into the following two sections: Overview of Adaptive Systems and V&V Processes/Methods.

Mackall, Dale↗

NASA NTRS2002

Verification and Validation of Neural Networks for Aerospace Systems

The Dryden Flight Research Center V&V working group and NASA Ames Research Center Automated Software Engineering (ASE) group collaborated to prepare this report. The purpose is to describe V&V processes and methods for certification of neural networks for aerospace applications, particularly adaptive flight control systems like Intelligent Flight Control Systems (IFCS) that use neural networks. This report is divided into the following two sections: 1) Overview of Adaptive Systems; and 2) V&V Processes/Methods.

Mackall, Dale↗

NASA NTRS2016

An Integrated Gate Turnaround Management Concept Leveraging Big Data Analytics for NAS Performance Improvements

"Gate Turnaround" plays a key role in the National Air Space (NAS) gate-to-gate performance by receiving aircraft when they reach their destination airport, and delivering aircraft into the NAS upon departing from the gate and subsequent takeoff. The time spent at the gate in meeting the planned departure time is influenced by many factors and often with considerable uncertainties. Uncertainties such as weather, early or late arrivals, disembarking and boarding passengers, unloading/reloading cargo, aircraft logistics/maintenance services and ground handling, traffic in ramp and movement areas for taxi-in and taxi-out, and departure queue management for takeoff are likely encountered on the daily basis. The Integrated Gate Turnaround Management (IGTM) concept is leveraging relevant historical data to support optimization of the gate operations, which include arrival, at the gate, departure based on constraints (e.g., available gates at the arrival, ground crew and equipment for the gate turnaround, and over capacity demand upon departure), and collaborative decision-making. The IGTM concept provides effective information services and decision tools to the stakeholders, such as airline dispatchers, gate agents, airport operators, ramp controllers, and air traffic control (ATC) traffic managers and ground controllers to mitigate uncertainties arising from both nominal and off-nominal airport gate operations. IGTM will provide NAS stakeholders customized decision making tools through a User Interface (UI) by leveraging historical data (Big Data), net-enabled Air Traffic Management (ATM) live data, and analytics according to dependencies among NAS parameters for the stakeholders to manage and optimize the NAS performance in the gate turnaround domain. The application will give stakeholders predictable results based on the past and current NAS performance according to selected decision trees through the UI. The predictable results are generated based on analysis of the unique airport attributes (e.g., runway, taxiway, terminal, and gate configurations and tenants), and combined statistics from past data and live data based on a specific set of ATM concept-of-operations (ConOps) and operational parameters via systems analysis using an analytic network learning model. The IGTM tool will then bound the uncertainties that arise from nominal and off-nominal operational conditions with direct assessment of the gate turnaround status and the impact of a certain operational decision on the NAS performance, and provide a set of recommended actions to optimize the NAS performance by allowing stakeholders to take mitigation actions to reduce uncertainty and time deviation of planned operational events. An IGTM prototype was developed at NASA Ames Simulation Laboratories (SimLabs) to demonstrate the benefits and applicability of the concept. A data network, using the System Wide Information Management (SWIM)-like messaging application using the ActiveMQ message service, was connected to the simulated data warehouse, scheduled flight plans, a fast-time airport simulator, and a graphic UI. A fast-time simulation was integrated with the data warehouse or Big Data/Analytics (BAI), scheduled flight plans from Aeronautical Operational Control AOC, IGTM Controller, and a UI via a SWIM-like data messaging network using the ActiveMQ message service, illustrated in Figure 1, to demonstrate selected use-cases showing the benefits of the IGTM concept on the NAS performance.

Efficent ATM systems↗