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Field study of communication and workload in police helicopters - Implications for AI cockpit design
This paper reports on the work performed by civilian helicopter crews, using audio and video recordings and a variety of workload measures (heart rate and subjective ratings) obtained in a field study of public service helicopter missions. The number and frequency of communications provided a significant source of workload. This is relevant to the design of automated cockpit systems, since many designs presuppose the use of voice I/O systems. Fluency of communications (including pauses, hesitation markers, repetitions, and false starts) furnished an early indication of the effects of fatigue. Three workload measures were correlated to identify high workload segments of flight, and to suggest alternate task allocations between crew members.
Martian and Terrestrial Rock Abrasion from Wind Tunnel and Field Studies
Earth and Mars exhibit ventifacts, rocks that have been abraded by saltating sand. Previous theoretical and laboratory studies have determined abrasion susceptibilities of rocks as a function of sand type and impact angle and rock material strengths. For the last two years we have been engaged in wind tunnel and field studies to better understand the fundamental factors which control and influence rock abrasion and ventifact formation on Earth and Mars. In particular, we are examining: 1) What types of rocks (composition, texture, and shape) preferentially erode and what are the relative rates of one type vs. another? 2) What are the controlling factors of the aeolian sand cloud (flux, particle speed, surface roughness, etc) which favor rock abrasion?, 3) How do specific ventifact characteristics tie into their mode of formation and rock properties? We find several important factors: 1) Initial rock shape controls the rate of abrasion, with steeper faces abrading faster than shallower ones. The relationship is partly dependent on angle-dependent flux (proportional to sin[theta]) but exhibits additional non-linear effects from momentum transfer efficiency and rebound effects that vary with incidence angle. 2) Irregular targets with pits or grooves abrade at greater rates than targets with smooth surfaces, with indentations generally enlarging with time. Surfaces become rougher with time. 3) Targets also abrade via slope retreat, which is roughly dependent on the slope of the front face. The formation of basal sills is common, as observed on terrestrial and Martian ventifacts.
Modular Multi-family Construction: A Field Study of Energy Code Compliance and Performance through Offsite Prefabrication
Prefabrication in a controlled, factory setting may improve the energy code compliance and energy performance of modular buildings compared to traditional site-built buildings. To test this premise, the work detailed in this DOE-funded commercial field study (EE0009082) compares the energy code compliance of 25 modular and 30 site-built multifamily buildings under construction in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Seattle representing climate zones 3B, 3C, 4A and 4C respectively. This dataset includes full data on 20 modular and site-built buildings and partial data on 35 modular and site-built buildings that had started prior to or were completed after the 18-month data collection period. This study also compares the post-occupancy energy performance or energy use intensity (EUI) of an additional 23 modular multifamily buildings and 128 site-built multifamily buildings.
Washington Geothermal Play Fairway Analysis Data From Potential Field Studies
A recent study which adapts play fairway analysis (PFA) methodology to assess geothermal potential was conducted at three locations (Mount Baker, Mount St. Helens seismic zone, and Wind River valley) along the Washington Cascade Range (Forson et al. 2017). Potential field (gravity and magnetic) methods which can detect subsurface contrasts in physical properties, provides a means for mapping and modeling subsurface geology and structure. As part of the WA-Cascade PFA project, we performed potential field studies by collecting high-resolution gravity and ground-magnetic data, and rock property measurements to (1) identify and constrain fault geometries (2) constrain subsurface lithologic distribution (3) study fault interactions (4) identify areas favorable to hydrothermal flow, and ultimately (5) guide future geothermal exploration at each location.
High-Resolution Mapping of SO2 Using Airborne Observations from the GeoTASO Instrument During the KORUS-AQ Field Study: PCA-Based Vertical Column Retrievals
The Geostationary Trace gas and Aerosol Sensor Optimization (GeoTASO) instrument is an airborne hyperspectral spectrometer measuring backscattered solar radiation in the ultraviolet (290–400 nm) and visible (415–695 nm) wavelength regions. This paper presents high-resolution sulfur dioxide (SO2) maps over the Korean Peninsula, produced by SO2 retrievals from GeoTASO measurements during the Korea–United States Air Quality Field Study (KORUS-AQ) from May to June 2016. The highly sensitive GeoTASO instrument with a spatial resolution of ~250 m × 250 m can detect point emission sources of SO2 within its fields of view, even without merging multiple overlapping observations. To retrieve SO2 vertical columns from the GeoTASO measurements, we apply an algorithm based on principal component analysis (PCA), which is effective in suppressing noise and biases in SO2 retrievals. The retrievals successfully capture SO2 plumes and various point sources such as power plants, a petrochemical complex, and a steel mill, located in South Chungcheong Province, some of which are not detected by a ground-based in situ measurement network. Spatial distributions of SO2 from GeoTASO observations in source areas are consistent with those from the Stack Tele-Monitoring System reports and airborne in situ SO2 measurements. Comparisons of SO2 retrievals from GeoTASO and existing satellite sensors demonstrate the significance of high-resolution SO2 observations, by indicating that GeoTASO detects small SO2 emission sources that are not precisely resolved by single overpasses of satellites. To assess future geostationary SO2 observations having a higher spatial resolution, we upscale the GeoTASO SO2 retrievals to a spatial resolution of the Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS). Since the upscaled GeoTASO retrievals also detect SO2 plumes clearly, we expect from GEMS to identify even small SO2 emission sources over Asia.
Unified field studies of the algae testbed public-private partnership as the benchmark for algae agronomics
National scale agronomic projections are an important input for assessing potential benefits of algae cultivation on the future of innovative agriculture. The Algae Testbed Public-Private Partnership was established with the goal of investigating open pond algae cultivation across different geographic, climatic, seasonal, and operational conditions while setting the benchmark for quality data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Identical algae cultivation systems and data analysis methodologies were established at testbed sites across the continental United States and Hawaii. Within this framework, the Unified Field Studies were designed for algae cultivation during all 4 seasons across the testbed network. With increasingly diverse algae research and development, and field deployment strategies, the challenges associated with data collection, quality, and dissemination increase dramatically. The dataset presented here is the complete, curated, climatic, cultivation, harvest, and biomass composition data for each season at each site. Furthermore, these data enable others to do in-depth cultivation, harvest, techno-economic, life cycle, resource, and predictive growth modelling analysis, as well as development of crop protection strategies throughout the algae cultivation industry.
Recommended Laboratory and Field Studies ahead of Future Mercury Exploration
Data from Mariner 10, MESSENGER, and ground-based telescopic observations have facilitated great advancements towards understanding the geochemistry, geology, internal structure, and space environment (exosphere/magnetosphere) of Mercury. Future exploration efforts by BepiColombo, landed science, and sample return will revolutionize our understanding of this planet. However, to enhance the scientific return of past, present, and future data collection at Mercury, it is imperative that laboratory and field-based studies be conducted over the next decade. This white paper gives examples of laboratory and field studies, including instrument testing, which should take place over the next decade to facilitate the interpretation of data and preparation of future missions to the inner-most planet. By no means are the topics in this paper exhaustive, but rather are meant to demonstrate the immense amount of work that needs to be completed ahead of, or in conjunction with, current and future exploration efforts of Mercury. This work would amplify the benefits from additional data obtained from the planet’s surface to the fullest extent possible, and to aid in decision making of future instrument payloads. We have chosen to focus our inputs here on geochemistry, geology, and space environment related efforts, but we emphasize that extensive research in the areas of geophysics and other geosciences-related disciplines will benefit from additional studies.
Plug Load Management System Field Study
In 2018, NREL performed a demonstration of the IBIS InteliNetwork(TM) plug load management system, which includes: intelligent socket devices, which plug into existing electrical outlets and collect energy usage information; a gateway, which manages communication between the intelligent sockets and the PLM cloud service; and a PLM network, which is a cloud-based measurement and control network for the entire system. Two retail stores served as the field study sites. The PLM system was found to be effective at reducing plug load energy use, with a projected annual plug load reduction of 11% and 18% at the test locations. Retail staff reported that the hardware was easy to use, but no one used the online data management system, intended to analyze and control the hardware. This PLM solution shows promise as an effective means to monitor, control, and reduce plug load energy use, but the economics of the system need to be improved.
Radioactivity of Sediments at the Atacama Rover Astrobiology Drilling Studies Field Site
Introduction: During the 2018 Atacama Rover Astrobiology Drilling Studies (ARADS) field activities, we conducted a survey of surface and subsurface sediment radioactivity. Our objective was to characterize the radiation environment of various near-surface sampling locations, as well as along the entire profile of a 2.60 m deep pit that had been dug near one of the ARADS rover drill site locations. This pit was used to collect samples that have been well characterized [2] for comparison to samples collected and analyzed by the rover.
From fault-detection to automated fault correction: A field study
A fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) tool, as addressed by this study, is a tool that continuously identifies the presence of faults and efficiency improvement opportunities through a one-way interface to the building automation system and the application of automated analytics. Although FDD tools can inform operators of building operational faults, currently an action is always required to correct the faults to generate energy savings. Fault auto-correction integrating with commercial FDD technology offerings can close the loop between the passive diagnostics and active control, increase the savings generated by FDD tools, and reduce the reliance on human intervention. This paper presents the field study of seven fault auto-correction algorithms implemented in commercial FDD platforms. Implementation includes software changes in the FDD tools and additional controls hardware or software changes in the BAS that were required to enable the execution of different types of auto-correction algorithms in real buildings. The routines successfully and automatically correct faults and improve the operation of large built-up Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, common in most commercial buildings. The auto-correction algorithms are tested across four buildings and three different building automation systems, following a rigorous procedure to make sure they work properly and do not negatively impact the system and building occupants. Finally, technology benefits, market drivers, and scalability changes are drawn from the implementation effort and test results, to drive future research and industry engagement.
Field Study of 120-volt Heat Pump Water Heaters in the Big Easy
To meet long-term goals for reducing carbon emissions and lessen the impacts of climate change, the U.S. plans to decarbonize its building stock, which includes the replacement of fossil fuel-burning end uses with energy efficient electric alternatives. As part of this strategy, the replacement of fossil fuel water heaters with heat pump water heaters (HPWH) has the potential to avoid substantial carbon emissions. An estimated 10-15 million single-family homes with fossil fuel water heaters do not have the electrical panel capacity to install a 240-volt, 30-amp HPWH. For these homes, a technology recently introduced to the market, the 120-volt plug-in HPWH, can provide energy efficient electrification of water heating without an expensive panel and wiring retrofit. This paper presents the results of an ongoing 120-volt HPWH field study conducted in 17 homes in New Orleans, LA. Key installation scenarios are profiled for retrofitting from gas-fired water heaters to 120-volt HPWHs, accounting for space, air volume, air temperature, condensate drainage, and electrical. Each HPWH had its surrounding air temperature, relative humidity, inlet and outlet water temperature, flow, and energy consumption monitored. Using these data, hot water delivery and energy efficiency performance were analyzed based on home characteristics. Hot water run outs were investigated to understand how hot water usage, inlet water temperature, and surrounding air temperature impact the HPWH’s ability to meet load. From these results, best practices for 120-volt HPWH siting, sizing, and installation were developed. In addition, results are explored further to add insight for electrification policies and product development.
Mode Transitions in Glass Cockpit Aircraft: Results of a Field Study
One consequence of increased levels of automation in complex control systems is the presence of modes. A mode is a particular configuration of a control system that defines how human command inputs are interpreted. In complex systems, modes also often determine a specific allocation of control authority between the human and automated systems. Even in simple static devices (e.g., electronic watches, word processors), the presence of modes has been found to cause problems in either-the acquisition or production of skilled performance. Many of these problems arise due to the fact that the selection of a mode causes device behavior to be mediated by hidden internal state information. For these simple systems, many of these interaction problems can be solved by the design of appropriate feedback to communicate internal state information to the human operator. In complex dynamic systems, however, the design issues associated with modes seem to trancend the problem of merely communicating internal state information via displayed feedback. In complex supervisory control systems (e.g., aircraft, spacecraft, military command and control), a key function of modes is the selection of a particular configuration of control authority between the human operator and automated control systems. One mode may result in full manual control, another may result in a mix of manual and automatic control, while a third may result in full automatic control over the entire system. The human operator selects an appropriate mode as a function of current goals, operating conditions, and operating procedures. Thus, the operator is put in a position of essentially trying to control two coupled dynamic systems: the target system itself, and also a highly complex suite of automation controlling the target system. From a historical perspective, it should probably not come as a surprise that very little information is available to guide the design of mode-oriented control systems. The topic of function allocation (i.e., the proper division of control authority among human and computer) has a long history in human-machine systems research. Although this research has produced some relevant guidelines, a design approach capable of defining appropriate allocations of control function between the human and automation is not yet available. As a result, the function allocation decision itself has been allocated to the operator, to be performed in real-time, in the operation of mode-oriented control systems. A variety of documented aircraft accidents and incidents suggest that the real-time selection and monitoring of control modes is a weak link in the effective operation of complex supervisory control systems. Research in human-machine systems and human-computer interaction has barely scraped the surface of the problem of understanding how operators manage this task.The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a field study which examined how operators manage mode selection in a complex supervisory control system. Data on mode engagements using the Boeing B757/767 auto-flight system were collected during approach and descent into four major airports in the East Coast of the United States. Protocols documenting mode selection, automatic mode changes, pilot actions, quantitative records of flight-path variables, and verbal reports during and after mode engagements were collected by an observer from the jumpseat. Observations were conducted on two typical trips between three airports. Each trip was be replicated 11 times, which yielded a total of 22 trips and 66 legs on which data were collected. All data collected concerned the same flight numbers, and therefore, the same time of day, same type of aircraft, and identical operational environments (e.g., ATC facilities, weather patterns, traffic flow etc.)
A field study of solid rocket exhaust impacts on the near-field environment
Large solid rocket motors release large quantities of hydrogen chloride and aluminum oxide exhaust during launch and testing. Measurements and analysis of the interaction of this material with the deluge water spray and other environmental factors in the near field (within 1 km of the launch or test site) are summarized. Measurements of mixed solid and liquid deposition (typically 2 normal HCl) following space shuttle launches and 6.4 percent scale model tests are described. Hydrogen chloride gas concentrations measured in the hours after the launch of STS 41D and STS 51A are reported. Concentrations of 9 ppm, which are above the 5 ppm exposure limits for workers, were detected an hour after STS 51A. A simplified model which explains the primary features of the gas concentration profiles is included.
Field Study of Nighttime Leakage Currents in Bifacial PV Modules: Correlation with Atmospheric Electric Field Data
Leakage currents measured on PV modules in the field originate from a potential difference between the modules' frame and the cells. They can be a relative indicator of Potential-Induced Degradation (PID) severity, especially when comparing the same module design in a different environment. As modules are not operating at night, no leakage current should be observed but our team has reported several events of nighttime leakage currents on bifacial PV modules. These events have been firstly observed during a thunderstorm that are characterized by strong atmospheric electrical field values. This lead us to believe that nighttime leakage currents could originate from the atmospheric electric charges. In this paper, we correlate nighttime leakage currents measured on bifacial PV modules with field mill data to identify the origin of nighttime leakage currents. Our results show that so far, no leakage currents at night occur when the atmospheric electric field is between 0 and 150–200 V/m (standard value for fair weather). As soon as the atmospheric electric field is out of this range, leakage currents are observed with or without rain involved. This suggests a transport of charged particles from the atmosphere to the modules' frame. A combination of heavy rain with strong atmospheric electric field results into high nighttime leakage currents with a magnitude up to 8 times higher than what observed during the day with -1500V applied. This is explained by an easier transport of the charged particles through the water droplets. Based on these results, leakage currents observed during the day might not be only due to the inherent potential difference between the frame and the cells depending on the atmospheric electric field activity. We believe that it should be taken into account in PID studies.
Interaction Between Flames and Electric Fields Studied
The interaction between flames and electric fields has long been an interesting research subject that has theoretical importance as well as practical significance. Many of the reactions in a flame follow an ionic pathway: that is, positive and negative ions are formed during the intermediate steps of the reaction. When an external electric field is applied, the ions move according to the electric force (the Coulomb force) exerted on them. The motion of the ions modifies the chemistry because the reacting species are altered, it changes the velocity field of the flame, and it alters the electric field distribution. As a result, the flame will change its shape and location to meet all thermal, chemical, and electrical constraints. In normal gravity, the strong buoyant effect often makes the flame multidimensional and, thus, hinders the detailed study of the problem.
Solar magnetic field studies using the 12 micron emission lines. II - Stokes profiles and vector field samples in sunspots
Polarimetric observations at 12 microns of two sunpots are reported. The horizontal distribution of parameters such as magnetic field strength, inclination, azimuth, and magnetic field filling factors are presented along with information about the height dependence of the magnetic field strength. Comparisons with contemporary magnetostatic sunspot models are made. The magnetic data are used to estimate the height of 12 micron line formation. From the data, it is concluded that within a stable sunspot there are no regions that are magnetically filamentary, in the sense of containing both strong-field and field-free regions.
Magnetic field studies by Voyager 2 - Preliminary results at Saturn
Results of Voyager 2 studies of the magnetosphere and planetary magnetic field of Saturn are presented. Magnetometer studies have confirmed the results obtained by Voyager 1, indicating the magnetic field to be that of a centered dipole of moment 0.21 gauss Saturn radii-cubed, tilted approximately 0.8 deg from the rotation axis and a maximum measured field intensity of 1187 nT at latitude 17.3 deg N just before periapsis. Voyager 2 observed multiple bow shock and magnetopause crossings during its inbound and outbound trajectories, which were complementary to those of Voyager 1, including magnetopause crossing at 18.5 Saturn radii on the inbound trajectory, and at 48.4-50.9 Saturn radii outbound indicative of magnetospheric expansion due to changing solar wind conditions. Throughout the outbound passage, the magnetospheric field was observed to be relatively steady and smooth, with no evidence for any azimuthal asymmetry or magnetic anomaly. Results thus are incapable of accounting for the observed periodic modulation of the Saturnian kilometric radio emissions.