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Recent Langley Aerothermodynamic Laboratory Testing (2019-2022)

In support of flight programs, multiple wind tunnel entries were conducted on reentry vehicle configurations to investigate blunt body aeroheating environments. Blunt body block thermal protection system (TPS) roughness, the Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator aeroshell scalloping, and a woven TPS all were tested to determine the effects of those parameters on increased surface heating to the vehicle. Commercial Crew Program studies also utilized the speed and ease of testing in the LAL to analyze parametric databases of low-earth reentry configurations, like the Boeing CST-100, and vehicles designed to travel to the moon or Mars, such as the SpaceX Starship. LAL wind tunnel investigations also supported several DoD and AFRL flight projects, such as HIFiRE 6 and BOLT. External customers leveraged the LAL testing capability to advance their research programs, including UPSTAR, RocketLab, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Academia groups benefitted from the inexpensive cost to test in the tunnels for many university collaborations, such as studies conducted in partnership with the University of Maryland on a flat plate, using a pressure rake and investigating fluid structure interactions. Multiple studies in collaboration with Purdue considered boundary layer transition on various cone configurations. Another study was conducted using a cone with shaped roughness elements borrowed from the Arnold Engineering Development Complex. Internal testing included studies using a phosphor thermography system that can measure higher temperatures than the current LAL phosphor capability and a characterization study of the noise in the wind tunnel flow. The breadth of testing across research and commercial paradigms, both internal and external to NASA, different configurations, a variety of test techniques and aerodynamic and aerothermal environments will be discussed in this overview presentation of the recent work conducted in the LAL.

wind tunnel test↗

NASA NTRS2013

A System for Fault Management for NASA's Deep Space Habitat

NASA's exploration program envisions the utilization of a Deep Space Habitat (DSH) for human exploration of the space environment in the vicinity of Mars and/or asteroids. Communication latencies with ground control of as long as 20+ minutes make it imperative that DSH operations be highly autonomous, as any telemetry-based detection of a systems problem on Earth could well occur too late to assist the crew with the problem. A DSH-based development program has been initiated to develop and test the automation technologies necessary to support highly autonomous DSH operations. One such technology is a fault management tool to support performance monitoring of vehicle systems operations and to assist with real-time decision making in connection with operational anomalies and failures. Toward that end, we are developing Advanced Caution and Warning System (ACAWS), a tool that combines dynamic and interactive graphical representations of spacecraft systems, systems modeling, automated diagnostic analysis and root cause identification, system and mission impact assessment, and mitigation procedure identification to help spacecraft operators (both flight controllers and crew) understand and respond to anomalies more effectively. In this paper, we describe four major architecture elements of ACAWS: Anomaly Detection, Fault Isolation, System Effects Analysis, and Graphic User Interface (GUI), and how these elements work in concert with each other and with other tools to provide fault management support to both the controllers and crew. We then describe recent evaluations and tests of ACAWS on the DSH testbed. The results of these tests support the feasibility and strength of our approach to failure management automation and enhanced operational autonomy.

Fault management↗

NASA NTRS2013

A System for Fault Management and Fault Consequences Analysis for NASA's Deep Space Habitat

System Effects Analysis↗

NASA NTRS1987

A space transportation system operations model

Presented is a description of a computer program which permits assessment of the operational support requirements of space transportation systems functioning in both a ground- and space-based environment. The scenario depicted provides for the delivery of payloads from Earth to a space station and beyond using upper stages based at the station. Model results are scenario dependent and rely on the input definitions of delivery requirements, task times, and available resources. Output is in terms of flight rate capabilities, resource requirements, and facility utilization. A general program description, program listing, input requirements, and sample output are included.

Morris, W. Douglas↗

NASA NTRS1995

Investigation of biomass burning and aerosol loading and transport in South America utilizing geostationary satellites

This study attempts to assess the extent of burning and associated aerosol transport regimes in South America and the South Atlantic using geostationary satellite observations, in order to explore the possible roles of biomass burning in climate change and more directly in atmospheric chemistry and radiative transfer processes. Modeling and analysis efforts have suggested that the direct and indirect radiative effects of aerosols from biomass burning may play a major role in the radiative balance of the earth and are an important factor in climate change calculations. One of the most active regions of biomass burning is located in South America, associated with deforestation in the selva (forest), grassland management, and other agricultural practices. As part of the NASA Aerosol Interdisciplinary Program, we are utilizing GOES-7 (1988) and GOES-8 (1995) visible and multispectral infrared data (4, 11, and 12 microns) to document daily biomass burning activity in South America and to distinguish smoke/aerosols from other multi-level clouds and low-level moisture. This study catalogues the areal extent and transport of smoke/aerosols throughout the region and over the Atlantic Ocean for the 1988 (July-September) and 1995 (June-October) biomass burning seasons. The smoke/haze cover estimates are compared to the locations of fires to determine the source and verify the haze is actually associated with biomass burning activities. The temporal resolution of the GOES data (half-hourly in South America) makes it possible to determine the prevailing circulation and transport of aerosols by considering a series of visible and infrared images and tracking the motion of smoke, haze and adjacent clouds. The study area extends from 40 to 70 deg W and 0 to 40 deg S with aerosol coverage extending over the Atlantic Ocean when necessary. Fire activity is estimated with the GOES Automated Biomass Burning Algorithm (ABBA). To date, our efforts have focused on GOES-7 and GOES-8 ABBA development, algorithm development for aerosol monitoring, data acquisition and archiving, and participation in the SCAR-C and SCAR-B field programs which have provided valuable information for algorithm testing and validation. Implementation of the initial version of the GEOS-8 ABBA on case studies in North, Central, and South America has demonstrated the improved capability for monitoring diurnal fire activity and smoke/aerosol transport with the GOES-8 throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Menzel, Paul↗

NASA NTRS1984

Functional evaluation of the Galileo attitude and articulation control subsystem using FUNSIM

The functional performance of the Galileo spacecraft's attitude and articulation control subsystem is evaluated. The tests are performed utilizing the simulation program developed on an IBM 370 system known as the Functional Simulation (FUNSIM). FUNSIM is an entirely software-based simulation which uses the actual flight software in HAL/S and simulated spacecraft dynamics in FORTRAN language. A description of how the test cases were selected to verify that the algorithms perform functionally correctly, and a summary of the problems encountered are included in the paper. The benefits of having an alternative test bed such as FUNSIM to the real-time simulation test beds which utilize the spacecraft hardware components in discovering the problems are described. A sample test case which shows that the desired tasks were performed functionally correctly is included in the paper. The commands in this test are selected to start the dual-spin spacecraft initially in launch mode and lead it all the way to inertial mode. Major attitude control algorithms such as rotor and platform attitude estimators, clock and core platform attitude estimators, clock and core platform controllers, and the command turn and burn are examined.

Namiri, M. K.↗

NASA NTRS1992

PCIPS 2.0: Powerful multiprofile image processing implemented on PCs

Over the years, the processing power of personal computers has steadily increased. Now, 386- and 486-based PC's are fast enough for many image processing applications, and inexpensive enough even for amateur astronomers. PCIPS is an image processing system based on these platforms that was designed to satisfy a broad range of data analysis needs, while requiring minimum hardware and providing maximum expandability. It will run (albeit at a slow pace) even on a 80286 with 640K memory, but will take full advantage of bigger memory and faster CPU's. Because the actual image processing is performed by external modules, the system can be easily upgraded by the user for all sorts of scientific data analysis. PCIPS supports large format lD and 2D images in any numeric type from 8-bit integer to 64-bit floating point. The images can be displayed, overlaid, printed and any part of the data examined via an intuitive graphical user interface that employs buttons, pop-up menus, and a mouse. PCIPS automatically converts images between different types and sizes to satisfy the requirements of various applications. PCIPS features an API that lets users develop custom applications in C or FORTRAN. While doing so, a programmer can concentrate on the actual data processing, because PCIPS assumes responsibility for accessing images and interacting with the user. This also ensures that all applications, even custom ones, have a consistent and user-friendly interface. The API is compatible with factory programming, a metaphor for constructing image processing procedures that will be implemented in future versions of the system. Several application packages were created under PCIPS. The basic package includes elementary arithmetics and statistics, geometric transformations and import/export in various formats (FITS, binary, ASCII, and GIF). The CCD processing package and the spectral analysis package were successfully used to reduce spectra from the Nordic Telescope at La Palma. A photometry package is also available, and other packages are being developed. A multitasking version of PCIPS that utilizes the factory programming concept is currently under development. This version will remain compatible (on the source code level) with existing application packages and custom applications.

Smirnov, O. M.↗

NASA NTRS2024

International Space Station Satellite Deployment: Jettison Policy and Best Practices for Satellite Payload Developers

The International Space Station (ISS) deploys dozens of small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) each year. This presentation and associated paper cover the ISS Jettison Policy requirements and review/approval process, as well as best practices for satellite Payload Developers who have satellites manifested for deployment from ISS. Specifically, topics will include ISS Jettison Policy requirements to limit generation of orbital debris, limit risk of collision with ISS, and limit risk of collision with ISS visiting vehicles. The paper will include details on the ISS Program jettison candidate analysis and approval process, timelines for data submittal to ISS Program, resources for small satellite developers, and design & analysis recommendations for small satellite developers to maximize their likelihood of successful deployment from ISS. New Station deploy capabilities and ways the ISS Program addresses and facilitates innovations in small satellite technology, including propulsion systems, deorbit devices, constellation development, and novel tech demos, will also be explored. The 2024 session topic that best fits this abstract is Orbital Debris, SSA & STM. The ISS Jettison Policy intends to quantify and control the risks of deploying and operating small satellites, not only to ensure the safety of the humans flying in space, but also to preserve the orbital environment for world space activities and enable the significant benefits brought by such utilization. The ISS Program is committed to working with smallsat providers to address their challenges and enable safe, accessible, innovative missions. The Policy has grown with the industry, with each deploy yielding hard-earned lessons learned that improve our process – not only for the next deploy campaign, but with applicability and adaptability for future applications in LEO and beyond.

Jettison Policy↗

NASA NTRS1993

Additional support for the TDK/MABL computer program

An advanced version of the Two-Dimensional Kinetics (TDK) computer program was developed under contract and released to the propulsion community in early 1989. Exposure of the code to this community indicated a need for improvements in certain areas. In particular, the TDK code needed to be adapted to the special requirements imposed by the Space Transportation Main Engine (STME) development program. This engine utilizes injection of the gas generator exhaust into the primary nozzle by means of a set of slots. The subsequent mixing of this secondary stream with the primary stream with finite rate chemical reaction can have a major impact on the engine performance and the thermal protection of the nozzle wall. In attempting to calculate this reacting boundary layer problem, the Mass Addition Boundary Layer (MABL) module of TDK was found to be deficient in several respects. For example, when finite rate chemistry was used to determine gas properties, (MABL-K option) the program run times became excessive because extremely small step sizes were required to maintain numerical stability. A robust solution algorithm was required so that the MABL-K option could be viable as a rocket propulsion industry design tool. Solving this problem was a primary goal of the phase 1 work effort.

Nickerson, G. R.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Status of wind-energy conversion

The utilization of wind energy is technically feasible as evidenced by the many past demonstrations of wind generators. The cost of energy from the wind has been high compared to fossil fuel systems. A sustained development effort is needed to obtain economical systems. The variability of the wind makes it an unreliable source on a short-term basis. However, the effects of this variability can be reduced by storage systems or connecting wind generators to fossil fuel systems, hydroelectric systems, or dispersing them throughout a large grid network. The NSF and NASA-Lewis Research Center have sponsored programs for the utilization of wind energy.

Thomas, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Experiments of opportunity pay loads revisited

The design and operation of the Spartan program are discussed. The objective of the Spartan program is to utilize the Space Shuttle for conducting exoatmospheric science research. The Spartan 1 data storage and handling, attitude control, power, and thermal control systems and structure are described. The Spartan 1 was to study the structure of two prominent cosmic X-ray sources, the Perseus cluster of galaxies, and the center of the Milky Way. Spartan 1 was launched on June 17, 1985, deployed on June 20, and retrieved on June 22. The performance of the Spartan's system, and the collected data are analyzed; it was observed that the systems performed as planned. The methods used to minimize the Spartan program costs are considered.

Shrewsberry, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS1984

The PH-D proposal - A manned mission to Phobos and Deimos

The rationale for a manned mission to the satellites of Mars is discussed. The view has been expressed that NASA must define a major program to follow the Shuttle and to utilize it. However, such a program could not be initiated and proceed without public support, and to obtain this support, public interest would have to be excited. It is shown that, of a number of possible targets for manned exploration in the solar system, Mars appears to be the only possible candidate. Attention is given to a comparison of three Mars missions, a Mars 1984 mission, a manned landing on Mars surface, a manned landing on Phobos and Deimos (Ph-D project), putting men in Mars orbit, the capabilities of the Ph-D mission, a description of the spacecraft, a Ph-D project operations plan, and aspects of timing, technology, and costs.

Singer, S. F.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Automating the parallel processing of fluid and structural dynamics calculations

The NASA Lewis Research Center is actively involved in the development of expert system technology to assist users in applying parallel processing to computational fluid and structural dynamic analysis. The goal of this effort is to eliminate the necessity for the physical scientist to become a computer scientist in order to effectively use the computer as a research tool. Programming and operating software utilities have previously been developed to solve systems of ordinary nonlinear differential equations on parallel scalar processors. Current efforts are aimed at extending these capabilities to systems of partial differential equations, that describe the complex behavior of fluids and structures within aerospace propulsion systems. This paper presents some important considerations in the redesign, in particular, the need for algorithms and software utilities that can automatically identify data flow patterns in the application program and partition and allocate calculations to the parallel processors. A library-oriented multiprocessing concept for integrating the hardware and software functions is described.

Arpasi, Dale J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Automating the parallel processing of fluid and structural dynamics calculations

The NASA Lewis Research Center is actively involved in the development of expert system technology to assist users in applying parallel processing to computational fluid and structural dynamic analysis. The goal of this effort is to eliminate the necessity for the physical scientist to become a computer scientist in order to effectively use the computer as a research tool. Programming and operating software utilities have previously been developed to solve systems of ordinary nonlinear differential equations on parallel scalar processors. Current efforts are aimed at extending these capabilties to systems of partial differential equations, that describe the complex behavior of fluids and structures within aerospace propulsion systems. This paper presents some important considerations in the redesign, in particular, the need for algorithms and software utilities that can automatically identify data flow patterns in the application program and partition and allocate calculations to the parallel processors. A library-oriented multiprocessing concept for integrating the hardware and software functions is described.

Arpasi, Dale J.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Optimizing Medical Kits for Spaceflight

The Integrated Medical Model (IMM) is a probabilistic model that estimates medical event occurrences and mission outcomes for different mission profiles. IMM simulation outcomes describing the impact of medical events on the mission may be used to optimize the allocation of resources in medical kits. Efficient allocation of medical resources, subject to certain mass and volume constraints, is crucial to ensuring the best outcomes of in-flight medical events. We implement a new approach to this medical kit optimization problem. METHODS We frame medical kit optimization as a modified knapsack problem and implement an algorithm utilizing a dynamic programming technique. Using this algorithm, optimized medical kits were generated for 3 different mission scenarios with the goal of minimizing the probability of evacuation and maximizing the Crew Health Index (CHI) for each mission subject to mass and volume constraints. Simulation outcomes using these kits were also compared to outcomes using kits optimized..RESULTS The optimized medical kits generated by the algorithm described here resulted in predicted mission outcomes more closely approached the unlimited-resource scenario for Crew Health Index (CHI) than the implementation in under all optimization priorities. Furthermore, the approach described here improves upon in reducing evacuation when the optimization priority is minimizing the probability of evacuation. CONCLUSIONS This algorithm provides an efficient, effective means to objectively allocate medical resources for spaceflight missions using the Integrated Medical Model.

Optimization↗

DOE OSTI2024

The potential of carbon markets to accelerate green infrastructure based water quality trading

Green infrastructure solutions can improve in-stream water quality in lieu of building electricity-consuming gray infrastructure. Permitted under the United States Clean Water Act, these programs allow regulated utilities to trade point-source water quality obligations with non-point source mitigation efforts in the watershed. Carbon financing can provide an incentive for water quality trading. Here we combine data on impaired waters, treatment technologies, and life cycle greenhouse gas emissions in the Contiguous United States, and compare traditional treatment technologies to alternative green infrastructure. We find green infrastructure could save $\$15.6$ billion dollars, 21.2 terawatt-hours of electricity, and 29.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year while sequestering over 4.2 million tonnes CO2e per year over a 40 year time horizon. Green infrastructure solutions may have the potential to generate $\$679$ million annually in carbon credit revenue (at $\$20$ per credit), which represents a unique opportunity to help accelerate water quality trading.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2024

Spin-Controllable Dynamics in Defect-Engineered Carbon Nanotubes as Single Photon Emitters: Data-Driven Modeling and Computations

Quantum technologies, such as quantum computing and sensing, require efficient single-photon emission (SPE) sources that operate at room temperature in telecom wavelengths. While several materials can serve as SPE sources, no single platform meets all the criteria for efficiency, ambient operation, and scalability. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with covalently attached molecules offer a promising solution. Their SPE can be easily tuned via modifications of the SWCNT's diameter, chirality, and bonded molecules, enabling emission across near-IR to telecom wavelengths at ambient conditions. However, to fully realize the potential of SWCNTs and unlock their quantum capabilities, a deeper understanding of how structural defects from molecular adducts affect their emission and competing photoexcited processes is essential. To address this gap in our knowledge, this project combined quantum chemistry calculations with data-driven methods of cheminformatics (QSAR) and machine learning (ML). The developed computational approaches have provided several design strategies for covalent functionalization of SWCNTs to improve their optical response. The collaboration with Los Alamos National Lab (LANL) enabled direct comparison of computational and experimental data, facilitating method validation. This partnership was enhanced through access to LANL's Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) utilizing User Facility Program and summer internships, which provided three NDSU graduate students with hands-on experience at LANL. The outcomes of this project included (1) Advancing the current stage of computational methods in accurate modeling of non-adiabatic spin-dependent photoexcited dynamics and its applicability to nanosystems consisting of thousands of atoms, realized as open-access codes linked to existing DFT-based software; (2) Establishing the relationship between the structure of adducts and SWCNTs and intrinsic excitonic and spin properties of defect states for guiding novel synthetic strategies and experimental probes of chemically functionalized SWCNTs as near-IR emitting materials; (3) Generating virtual libraries of hypothetical functionalized SWCNTs for virtual screening of their chemical structures and optical properties, leveraging new functionalities of SWCNTs; (4) Offering a unique experience for NDSU graduate students that prepared them for future scientific careers related to materials modeling and big data processing. These results were summarized in 12 published journal papers and 3 recently submitted papers. One of a key finding is that the position of defect sites on the SWCNT surface primarily drives the emission redshift (up to 100 meV), while the polarity of the defect-inducing molecules has a much smaller effect (~10 meV). However, the electron-donating or withdrawing properties of a molecule influence selecting reactivity of defect sites. These insights important for optimizing synthetic protocols for desired emissions in SWCNTs. We also revealed that the interaction between two defects at various positions on the SWCNT enhances the redshift and optical activity of states, favoring strong near-IR emission. This suggests that manipulations in defect concentrations is a promising strategy for controlling efficient emission. Mostly important, the defect position was found controllable by the spin states of photoexcited intermediates: Excited aromatic molecules form ortho defects with SWCNTs at their singlet states in the presence of oxygen, while oxygen-free conditions favor para defects via the triplet-state mechanism. Additionally, a heat-activated [2+2] cycloaddition reaction facilitates divalent defect formation with fewer bonding positions that narrows emission bands. These groundbreaking findings have been experimentally validated and significantly advance our understanding of defect chemistry in SWCNTs. Using a novel encoding technique and 3D-MoRSE descriptors, we developed highly accurate ML/QSAR models to predict both the 3D structure and optical properties of SWCNTs with chemical defects. This model enabled the creation of a virtual library of 125,556 structures, providing new insights into the relationship between SWCNT-defect structure and emission.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

Employing MACS/ViBRANT as a Surrogate MARVEL Reactor for Startup Reactivity Tuning and Supervisory Control Processes

Advanced nuclear reactors are a key part of the future of nuclear energy both in the United States and globally. They offer unique benefits for various energy-demanding applications, including use in remote locations, compact size, modular manufacturing, remote monitoring, low and/or variable power rating operation, and reliance on novel technologies to enhance operational safety. To achieve economic feasibility, advanced reactors must significantly reduce their workforces in comparison with the current fleet. Achieving this reduction will occur through reducing staff workloads using technology to achieve autonomous or semi-autonomous operations, demonstrated by comprehensive testing and validation activities. These operations will require both software and hardware platforms during the design and testing phases. While simulations are useful during the design phase, their performance can significantly deviate during actual deployment on hardware. This report presents the outcomes of a collaborative technical initiative between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Microreactor Program (MRP) and Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation (ASI) Program. The collaboration utilized the Microreactor Automated Control System (MACS) hardware platform to bridge the gap between theoretical reactor design and actual startup and control operations. Two key use cases were investigated: facilitating the startup testing period and demonstrating supervisory control. The first use case details the key Microreactor Applications Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) reactor startup physics testing activities conducted using the MACS platform. These activities included drum worth measurements, shutdown margin assessment, temperature feedback analysis, and scram time evaluation, as well as unique testing that would apply to the MARVEL reactor to demonstrate the testing methodologies in a low-risk environment. The MACS platform, serving as a surrogate representation of the MARVEL reactor, proved instrumental in performing these tests. The exercise revealed aspects that led to optimized processes, refined hardware design, and enhanced base software capabilities. By maturing methods and technologies in this manner, the initiative promises to reduce wasted time in the actual on-site reactor deployment effort, thereby saving significant time and resources. The second use case focuses on the development and implementation of supervisory control methods aimed at managing core tilt, which can result from asymmetrical operations or manufacturing imperfections in fuel rods or reactivity control devices. A key objective was to assess and compare the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for supervisory control. The effort aimed to define the role of supervisory control to enhance performance without risking control instability. This effort explored three distinct approaches: rules-based (RB) methods, optimization techniques, and reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms. Each approach was evaluated for its ease of implementation, its usability, and its effectiveness in responding to asymmetries in neutron flux. Comparative analysis of these approaches provided valuable insights into their applicability and effectiveness, offering a robust framework for advanced reactor operations. Together, these two use cases highlight the potential of hardware test beds to help streamline the design, operation, and control of advanced nuclear reactors. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of continued innovation and experimentation in achieving the next generation of safe, reliable, and economically viable nuclear energy solutions.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗