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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 739 records · Page 41
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Leaf gas exchange raw data, 2015 - 2017, at Manaus, Brazil

This data package contains raw leaf gas exchange data from the NGEE Tropics K34 tower site on a plateau near Manaus, Brazil. Data was collected using sensor and leaf sample measurements. Leaves on a target tree were chosen by accessing a branch near the tower. In some cases, the branch was naturally positioned near the tower and in other cases, a small rope was used to pull the branch closer to the tower for better access to leaves. Mature leaves were targeted in nearly all cases. The gas exchange system was hauled with a climbing rope to the level of the branch on the tower and the sensor head/leaf enclosure was installed near the branch of interest using a magic arm. We measured leaf gas exchange from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM, randomly cycling through the approximately 20 leaves in the targeted branch(es). Data were collected over two time periods, detailed within the files. The attached data files contain raw data, sensor manuals, and PDFs with detailed methods and procedures separated into multiple folders. Data is in Excel file format. See data references for data package containing related metadata. This dataset replaces the leaf gas exchange data of two retired packages, NGT0019 and NGT0040.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1972

Solar bus regulator and battery charger for IMP's H, I, and J

Interplanetary Monitoring Probe (IMP) spacecrafts H, I, and J utilize a direct energy transfer (DET) type of power system operating from a solar array source. A shunt type of regulator prevents the bus voltage from exceeding a preset voltage level. The power system utilizes a single differential amplifier with dual outputs to control the battery charge/shunt regulator and the discharge regulator. A two-voltage level, current limited, series charger and a current sensor control battery state of charge of the silver-cadmium battery pack. Premature termination of the battery charge is prevented by a power available gate that also initiates charge current to the battery upon availability of excess power.

Paulkovich, J.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Investigation of application of two-degree-of-freedom dry tuned-gimbal gyroscopes to strapdown navigation systems

The work is described which was accomplished during the investigation of the application of dry-tuned gimbal gyroscopes to strapdown navigation systems. A conventional strapdown configuration, employing analog electronics in conjunction with digital attitude and navigation computation, was examined using various levels of redundancy and both orthogonal and nonorthogonal sensor orientations. It is concluded that the cost and reliability performance constraints which had been established could not be met simultaneously with such a system. This conclusion led to the examination of an alternative system configuration which utilizes an essentially new strapdown system concept. This system employs all-digital signal processing in conjunction with the newly-developed large scale integration (LSI) electronic packaging techniques and a new two-degree-of-freedom dry tuned-gimbal instrument which is capable of providing both angular rate and acceleration information. Such a system is capable of exceeding the established performance goals.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1975

Development of a chemiluminescent and bioluminescent system for the detection of bacteria in wastewater effluent

Automated chemiluminescent and bioluminescent sensors were developed for continuous monitoring of microbial levels in wastewater effluent. Development of the chemiluminescent system included optimization of reagent concentrations as well as two new techniques which will allow for increased sensitivity and specificity. The optimal reagent concentrations are 0.0025 M luminol and 0.0125 M sodium perborate in 0.75N sodium hydroxide before addition of sample. The methods developed to increase specificity include (1) extraction of porphyrins from bacteria collected in a filter using 0.1N NaOH - 50 percent Ethanol, and (2) use of the specific reaction rate characteristics for the different luminol catalysts. Since reaction times are different for each catalyst, the reaction can be made specific for bacteria by measuring only the light emission from the particular reaction time zone specific for bacteria. Developments of the bioluminescent firefly luciferase system were in the area of flow system design.

Thomas, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Evaluation of the spatial and temporal measurement requirements of remote sensors for monitoring regional air pollution episodes

The spatial and temporal measurement requirements of satellite sensors for monitoring regional air pollution episodes were evaluated. Use was made of two sets of data from the Sulfate Regional Experiment (SURE), which provided the first ground-based aerosol measurements from a regional-scale station network. The sulfate data were analyzed for two air pollution episode cases. The results of the analysis indicate that the key considerations required for episode mapping from satellite sensors are the following: (1) detection of sulfate levels exceeding 20 micron-g/cu m; (2) capability to view a broad area (of the order of 1500 km swath) because of regional extent of pollution episodes; (3) spatial resolution sufficient to detect variations in sulfate levels of greater than 10 micron-g/cu m over distances of the order of 50 to 75 km; (4) repeat coverage at least on a daily basis; and (5) satellite observations during the mid to late morning local time, when the sulfate levels have begun to increase after the early morning minimum levels, and convective-type cloud cover has not yet increased to the amount reached later in the afternoon. Analysis of the satellite imagery shows that convective clouds can obscure haze patterns. Additional parameters based on spectral analysis include wavelength and bandwidth requirements.

Burke, H. H. K.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Biomagnetic instrumentation and measurement

The instruments and techniques of biomagnetic measurement have progressed greatly in the past 15 years and are now of a quality appropriate to clinical applications. The paper reports on recent developments in the design and application of SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) magnetometers to biomagnetic measurement. The discussion covers biomagnetic field levels, magnetocardiography, magnetic susceptibility plethysmography, ambient noise and sensor types, principles of operation of a SQUID magnetometer, and laboratory techniques. Of the many promising applications of noninvasive biomagnetic measurement, magnetocardiography is the most advanced and the most likely to find clinical application in the near future.

Iufer, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Advanced techniques for future observations from space

Advanced remote sensing techniques for the study of global meteorology and the chemistry of the atmosphere are considered. Remote sensing from Spacelab/Shuttle and free-flying satellites will provide the platforms for instrumentation based on advanced technology. Several laser systems are being developed for the measurement of tropospheric winds and pressure, and trace species in the troposphere and stratosphere. In addition, a high-resolution passive infrared sensor shows promise for measuring temperature from sea level up through the stratosphere. Advanced optical and microwave instruments are being developed for wind measurements in the stratosphere and mesosphere. Microwave techniques are also useful for the study of meteorological parameters at the air-sea interface.

Hinkley, E. D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

High-resolution imaging studies of the near-nucleus regions of comets

High-resolution, calibrated images of the near-nucleus regions of Halley, Giacobini-Zinner (for ICE encounter) and additional comets displaying widely differing levels of activity were acquired with a CCD sensor at the Cassegrain focus of the 3.6 m Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). The International Halley Watch designated interference filters were used. Successful correlation of ICE magnetic field data with the optical images obtained with the CFHT on the night of encounter (11 Sept. 1985) primarily through the H2O(+) and neighboring continuum passbands and with 300 km spatial resolution provokes reinterpretation of the observed structure of cometary ion tails. The observations of Halley, limited by bad weather, were made at significant periods of the apparition: the first, in December 1984 with the comet at 5.3 AU during the period of the onset of activity; and the last, in November 1985 with the comet near opposition. The December observations show evidence of residual activity. The 18 November data show a highly-condensed inner coma with an extreme falloff in brightness from the region of the nucleus. These data provide the basis for characterizing the gas and dust environment in the immediate vicinity of the active nucleus.

Goldberg, B. A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The KATE shell: An implementation of model-based control, monitor and diagnosis

The conventional control and monitor software currently used by the Space Center for Space Shuttle processing has many limitations such as high maintenance costs, limited diagnostic capabilities and simulation support. These limitations have caused the development of a knowledge based (or model based) shell to generically control and monitor electro-mechanical systems. The knowledge base describes the system's structure and function and is used by a software shell to do real time constraints checking, low level control of components, diagnosis of detected faults, sensor validation, automatic generation of schematic diagrams and automatic recovery from failures. This approach is more versatile and more powerful than the conventional hard coded approach and offers many advantages over it, although, for systems which require high speed reaction times or aren't well understood, knowledge based control and monitor systems may not be appropriate.

Cornell, Matthew↗
NASA NTRS1988

Correlation studies on surface particle detection methods

The accurate determination of dust levels on optical surfaces is necessary to assess sensor system performance. A comparison study was made on several particle measurement methods including those based on direct imaging and light scattering. The effectiveness of removing the particles from the surface prior to determining particle size distributions was also assessed. These studies revealed that some methods, especially those requiring particle removal before analysis, are subject to large systematic errors affecting particle size distributions. Thus, an understanding of the particle measurement methods employed is necessary before any surface cleanliness or obstruction value assignments are accepted as true representations of an optical surface contamination condition.

Peterson, Ronald V.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Three-Zone Programmable Temperature Controller

Microprocessor-based controller regulates electrical power supplied to heater in each zone of three-zone directional-solidification furnace. Intended primarily for use in microgravity experiments aboard KC-135 airplane, controller also used on ground. Offers advantage of low electrical noise and consequent minimal interference with low-level signals put out by thermocouples and other sensors used in experiments. Achieved by heating with direct (instead of alternating) current and not pulsing heating current.

Smith, Guy A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Portable Dextrous Force Feedback Master for robot telemanipulation (PDMFF)

A major drawback of open loop masters is a lack of force feedback, limiting their ability to perform complex tasks such as assembly and repair. Researchers present a simple dextrous force feedback master for computer assisted telemanipulation. The device is compact, portable and can be held in the operator hand, without the need for a special joystick or console. The system is capable of both position feed forward and force feedback, using electronic position sensors and a pneumatic micro-actuator. The level of forces exercised by the pneumatic actuator is such that near rigidity may be attained. Experimental results showing good system linearity and small time lag are given.

Burdea, Grigore C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

NASA radar altimeter for the Topex/Poseidon Project

The Topex/Poseidon Project is a joint U.S. and French mission to develop and operate an earth-orbiting satellite with sensors capable of making accurate measurements of sea level. The NASA Radar Altimeter (NRA), a fifth-generation U.S. altimeter, will provide the primary measurement for the Topex/Poseidon altimetric mission. This paper presents the requirements, altimeter fundamentals, design description, integration and test program, primary elements of ground processing, and assessment for the dual-frequency NRA.

Zieger, Alfred R.↗
NASA NTRS1995

SeaWiFS technical report series. Volume 28: SeaWiFS algorithms, part 1

This document provides five brief reports that address several algorithm investigations sponsored by the Calibration and Validation Team (CVT) within the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) Project. This volume, therefore, has been designated as the first in a series of algorithm volumes. Chapter 1 describes the initial suite of masks, used to prevent further processing of contaminated radiometric data, and flags, which are employed to mark data whose quality (due to a variety of factors) may be suspect. In addition to providing the mask and flag algorithms, this chapter also describes the initial strategy for their implementation. Chapter 2 evaluates various strategies for the detection of clouds and ice in high latitude (polar and sub-polar regions) using Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) data. Chapter 3 presents an algorithm designed for detecting and masking coccolithosphore blooms in the open ocean. Chapter 4 outlines a proposed scheme for correcting the out-of-band response when SeaWiFS is in orbit. Chapter 5 gives a detailed description of the algorithm designed to apply sensor calibration data during the processing of level-1b data.

Hooker, Stanford B.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Mode Transitions for the ST7 Disturbance Reduction System Experiment

The Space Technology 7 Disturbance Reduction System experiment will perform an on-orbit system-level validation of two technologies: a gravitational reference sensor employing a free-floating test mass and a set of colloidal micronewton thrusters. The Disturbance Reduction System is designed to maintain the spacecraft s position with respect to a free floating test mass to less than 10 nm/& over the frequency range of 1 to 30 m= mi paper presents the modes that compose the Disturbance Reduction System spacecraft control as well as the strategy used to transition between modes. A high-fidelity model of the system, which incorporates rigid-body models of the spacecraft and two test masses (18 degrees of freedom), is developed and used to evaluate the performance of each mode and the efficacy of the transition strategy.

Hsu, Oscar C.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Advanced Microgravity Acceleration Measurement Systems (AMAMS) Being Developed

The Advanced Microgravity Acceleration Measurement Systems (AMAMS) project is part of NASA s Instrument Technology Development program to develop advanced sensor systems. The primary focus of the AMAMS project is to develop microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for acceleration sensor systems to replace existing electromechanical sensor systems presently used to assess relative gravity levels aboard spacecraft. These systems are used to characterize both vehicle and payload responses to low-gravity vibroacoustic environments. The collection of microgravity acceleration data is useful to the microgravity life sciences, microgravity physical sciences, and structural dynamics communities. The inherent advantages of semiconductor-based systems are reduced size, mass, and power consumption, with enhanced long-term calibration stability.

Sicker, Ronald J.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Optical Detection of Formaldehyde

The potential for buildup .of formaldehyde in closed space environments poses a direct health hazard to personnel. The National Aeronautic Space Agency (NASA) has established a maximum permitted concentration of 0.04 ppm for 7 to 180 days for all space craft. Early detection is critical to ensure that formaldehyde levels do not accumulate. above these limits. New sensor technologies are needed to enable real time,in situ detection in a compact and reusable form factor. Addressing this need,research into the use of reactive fluorescent dyes which reversibly bind to formaldehyde (liquid or gas) has been conducted to support the development of a formaldehyde.sensor. In the presence of formaldehyde the dyes' characteristic fluorescence peaks shift providing the basis for an optical detection. Dye responses to formaldehyde exposure were characterized; demonstrating the optical detection of formaldehyde in under 10 seconds and down to concentrations of 0.5 ppm. To .incorporate the dye .in.an optical sensor device requires. a means of containing and manipulating the dye. Multiple form factors using two dissimilar s~bstrates were considered to determine a suitable configuration. A prototype sensor was demonstrated and considerations for a field able sensor were presented. This research provides a necessary first step toward the development of a compact, reusable; real time optical formaldehyde sensor suitable for use in the U.S. space program,

Patty, Kira D.↗