Laboratory contaminant sensor Final report
Design and development of prototype contaminant sensor for manned space missions
Rotheram, M. A.↗
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Development of a high temperature static strain sensor
The goal of this program is to develop an electrical resistance strain gage system which will accurately measure the static strains of superalloy blades and vanes in gas turbine engines running on a test stand. Accurate knowledge of these strains is essential to reaching the goals of the HOST program in the selection and experimental verification of the various theoretical models developed to understand and improve the performance of these engines. The specific objective is to develop a complete system capable of making strain measurements of up to + or - 10 percent of full scale during a 50 hour period at temperatures as high as 1250 K. In addition to survival and stability, attaining a low temperature coefficient of resistance, of the order of 20 ppm/K or less, was a major goal. This requirement arises from the presently unavoidable uncertainties in measurement of the exact temperatures inside gas turbines for use in making corrections for apparent strain due to temperature.
Hulse, Charles O.↗
Development Plan for Ultrasonic Pressure Sensors [Slides]
Current light water reactors (LWRs) utilize differential pressure cells, based on strain gauges, which are remotely located from the reactor vessel via impulse lines. These pressure sensors are used to measure liquid level within the vessel and to give a general indication of system health with regard to leaks and flow system fouling. The advanced reactor types currently under development generally operate at higher temperatures than light-water reactors and utilize coolants that may be highly corrosive (i.e., liquid metals). They will use pressure measurements for varied measurands, such as level and flow rate, as well as indications of accident conditions or off-normal operating conditions. More robust pressure sensors are needed to address these more challenging conditions.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
MLA instrument concepts for future land remote sensing
The evolution of various Multispectral Linear Array (MLA) sensor concepts occurred over the past several years in response to a corresponding evolution in mission requirements. Initial efforts were concered with sensors for an Operational Land Observation System (OLOS), with free-flying spacecraft at a principal altitude of 705 km. In 1982, studies related to the definition of instruments for an Experimental Land Observation System (ELOS) were conducted. The ELOS mission involves a series of Space-Shuttle sortie flights. The ELOS MLA instrument is to perform two roles. It is to be a key tool for conducting science experiments from the Shuttle, and it is to demonstrate the technology for an eventual free-flying spacecraft. Attention is given to MLA instrument-design concepts, efforts regarding the development of sensors with many narrow spectral bands, and aspects of technology development.
Mika, A. M.↗
Comparison of Event Detection Methods for Centralized Sensor Networks
The development of an Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) for space vehicles has become a great concern. Smart Sensor Networks is one of the promising technologies that are catching a lot of attention. In this paper, we propose to a qualitative comparison of several local event (hot spot) detection algorithms in centralized redundant sensor networks. The algorithms are compared regarding their ability to locate and evaluate the event under noise and sensor failures. The purpose of this study is to check if the ratio performance/computational power of the Mote Fuzzy Validation and Fusion algorithm is relevant compare to simpler methods.
Sauvageon, Julien↗
Integrated Liquid Bismuth Propellant Feed System
A prototype bismuth propellant feed and control system was constructed and tested. An electromagnetic pump was used in this system to provide fine control of the hydrostatic pressure, and a new type of in-line flow sensor was developed to provide an accurate, real-time measurement of the mass flow rate. High-temperature material compatibility was a driving design requirement for the pump and flow sensor, leading to the selection of macor for the main body of both components. Post-test inspections of both components revealed no cracks or leaking in either. In separate proof-of-concept experiments, the pump produced a linear pressure rise as a function of current that compared favorably with theoretical pump pressure predictions, with a pressure of 10 kPa at 30 A. Flow sensing was successfully demonstrated in a bench-top test using gallium as a substitute liquid metal. A real-time controller was successfully used to control the entire system, simultaneously monitoring all power supplies and performing data acquisition duties.
Polzin, Kurt A.↗
Cloud Water Content Sensor for Sounding Balloons and Small UAVs
A lightweight, battery-powered sensor was developed for measuring cloud water content, which is the amount of liquid or solid water present in a cloud, generally expressed as grams of water per cubic meter. This sensor has near-zero power consumption and can be flown on standard sounding balloons and small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The amount of solid or liquid water is important to the study of atmospheric processes and behavior. Previous sensing techniques relied on strongly heating the incoming air, which requires a major energy input that cannot be achieved on sounding balloons or small UAVs.
Bognar, John A.↗
High Precision Relative Position Sensing System for Formation Flying Spacecraft
Three candidate sensors under development - Longitudinal Sensing: Precision Laser Ranger (PLR) - Periodic laser pulses are reflected off a distant target. - Heterodyne analysis of returning pulses enables high resolution ranging. - Transverse Sensing = Transverse Alignment Sensor (TAS) - Laser beam is focused onto distant laser position sensor. - Analog sensor provides coordinates of spot on sensor. - 3D PLR: Alternative approach to transverse sensing: - Combine PLR with 3D target covered with retroreflective material. - 6 degree of freedom sensing using PLR. - May eliminate need for TAS.
Anne-Marie Novo-Gradac↗
Holt film wall shear instrumentation for boundary layer transition research
Measurements of the performance of hot-film wall-shear sensors were performed to aid development of improved sensors. The effect of film size and substrate properties on the sensor performance was quantified through parametric studies carried out both electronically and in a shock tube. The results show that sensor frequency response increases with decreasing sensor size, while at the same time sensitivity decreases. Substrate effects were also studied, through parametric variation of thermal conductivity and heat capacity. Early studies used complex dual-layer substrates, while later studies were designed for both single-layer and dual-layer substrates. Sensor failures and funding limitations have precluded completion of the substrate thermal-property tests.
Schneider, Steven P.↗
Dual Cryogenic Capacitive Density Sensor
A dual cryogenic capacitive density sensor has been developed. The device contains capacitive sensors that monitor two-phase cryogenic flow density to within 1% accuracy, which, if temperature were known, could be used to determine the ratio of liquid to gas in the line. Two of these density sensors, located a known distance apart, comprise the sensor, providing some information on the velocity of the flow. This sensor was constructed as a proposed mass flowmeter with high data acquisition rates. Without moving parts, this device is capable of detecting the density change within a two-phase cryogenic flow more than 100 times a second. Detection is enabled by a series of two sets of five parallel plates with stainless steel, cryogenically rated tubing. The parallel plates form the two capacitive sensors, which are measured by electrically isolated digital electronics. These capacitors monitor the dielectric of the flow essentially the density of the flow and can be used to determine (along with temperature) the ratio of cryogenic liquid to gas. Combining this information with the velocity of the flow can, with care, be used to approximate the total two-phase mass flow. The sensor can be operated at moderately high pressures and can be lowered into a cryogenic bath. The electronics have been substantially improved over the older sensors, incorporating a better microprocessor, elaborate ground loop protection and noise limiting circuitry, and reduced temperature sensitivity. At the time of this writing, this design has been bench tested at room temperature, but actual cryogenic tests are pending
Youngquist, Robert↗
Active Flow Control of Lifting Surface With Flap-Current Activities and Future Directions
The main objective is to develop effective control strategies for separation control of an airfoil with a single hinge flap. The specific objectives are: Develop an active control architecture for flow control around an airfoil with flap. Design, fabricate, a wind tunnel test of a high lift wing (with flap) with integrated actuators and sensors. Design, development and fabrication of synthetic jet actuators. Develop appropriate control strategy for application to the airfoil. Wind tunnel testing of the high lift wing at various angles of attack and flap positions with closed loop control.
Ahmadi, G.↗
Latest Development in Radiative Transfer Models and Retrieval Algorithms Using Principal Components
The radiative transfer model (RTMs) has a wide range of applications in satellite remote sensing and atmospheric radiation applications. However, millions of line-by-line (LBL) radiative transfer calculations at fine monochromatic frequencies are needed in order to properly calculate spectral contributions of water vapor and trace gases in the atmosphere in infrared and solar spectral regions. Therefore, fast and accurate RTMs are needed to efficiently process large amount of satellite data. A Principal Component-based Radiative Transfer Model (PCRTM) was first developed in 2004 at NASA Langley Research Centre to fulfil this need. By using PC-compression, one can reduce the data dimension significantly while maintaining original information content. The PCRTM can directly compute PC-scores and their derivatives with respect to retrieved parameters. The PCRTM can simulate the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiance or reflectance spectra from 0.250 µm (400000 cm-1) to 2000 µm (50 cm-1) with several orders of magnitude faster speed as compared to a LBL RTM. It is also extremely accurate compared to LBL RTM benchmarks (0.03 K RMS error in IR and 0.05% in solar). The PCRTM model has been developed for hyperspectral sensors such as AIRS, CrIS, IASI, NAST-I, SHIS, FIRST, and CLARREO-IR in thermal IR spectral region and CLARREO-Solar, CPF, TEMPO, EMIT, OMI, and SCIAMACHY in solar spectral region. The PCRTM accuracy has been demonstrated via RTM intercomparisons and with real satellite observations from AIRS, CrIS, IASI, SCHIAMACHY, and EMIT etc. In this presentation, we will describe two PCRTM-based inversion algorithms to retrieve atmospheric temperature, water vapor, and trace gas profiles, as well as cloud and surface properties from hyperspectral sounders such as AIRS, CrIS, IASI, and NAST-I. The first one is called Single Fieldof-view Sounder Atmospheric Product (SiFSAP) algorithm. It provides L2 products with 9-times higher area spatial resolution as compared to current cloud-clearing sounder algorithms. The SiFSAP L2 and L3 products are available at NASA's Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) for public access. The second inversion algorithm is called Climate Fingerprinting Atmospheric Product (ClimFiSP) algorithm. It is designed to produce high quality climate products (trends, anomalies, daily, and monthly profiles of temperature, water vapor, traces, clouds, and surface properties) from multiple satellite sensors such AIRS on Aqua and CrIS on multiple satellites. This product will be available at NASA GES DISC later this year. The PCRTMbased high fidelity simulators for CLARREO and CPF have been used for sensor performance trade studies, algorithm development, and inter-satellite calibrations. We have also used PCRTM generated TOA radiance spectra to train an AI-based algorithm and successfully retrieved cloud properties from EMIT solar hyperspectral imagers.
PCRTM↗
Development of a Venus Surface Wind Sensor
To better understand the atmospheric structure and dynamics on the Venus surface and provide input to climate models, there is a need to measure the wind velocity and direction on the surface and track changes over extended periods. A wind sensor based on a miniature drag-force anemometer is being developed to meet the challenges for wind measurements and operational requirements on the surface of Venus. The sensor materials are chosen to enhance durability and prevent reactivity with the Venus surface atmosphere. Advantages of this approach include that it is independent of variable heat transfer, has been matured in other harsh environment applications, and has a low mass and power requirement. Prototype drag-force anemometers were demonstrated, integrated with a high-temperature operational amplifier, recording transient effects in a simulated Venus surface environment. For multidirectional wind monitoring, the sensors are small enough to be deployed orthogonally as a three-dimensional array on a small arm or mast. This presentation describes the development and demonstration of this miniature drag-force anemometer integrated with high temperature electronics in a simulated Venus surface environment.
wind measurement↗
Enhanced TCAS 2/CDTI traffic Sensor digital simulation model and program description
Digital simulation models of enhanced TCAS 2/CDTI traffic sensors are developed, based on actual or projected operational and performance characteristics. Two enhanced Traffic (or Threat) Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems are considered. A digital simulation program is developed in FORTRAN. The program contains an executive with a semireal time batch processing capability. The simulation program can be interfaced with other modules with a minimum requirement. Both the traffic sensor and CAS logic modules are validated by means of extensive simulation runs. Selected validation cases are discussed in detail, and capabilities and limitations of the actual and simulated systems are noted. The TCAS systems are not specifically intended for Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) applications. These systems are sufficiently general to allow implementation of CDTI functions within the real systems' constraints.
Goka, T.↗
Development of IR radiation simulator for spacecraft thermal testing
The aim was to simulate, in a ground test, the solar radiation environment to which the Ofeq satellite would be exposed in orbit. The solar simulator usually used is very expensive, as are its operation and maintenance, therefore an infrared (IR) simulator was used; its development involved the creation of uniform IR fluxes onto the irregular geometry of a spacecraft. The tests were carried out on a thermal model of the satellite and the model was verified in a solar simulator test at a European space center. Heat flux mapping software was developed to plan the positioning of the heating elements which generated the IR fluxes and a system was built for heat flux and temperature monitoring and control. A special heat flux sensor was developed to measure the energy absorbed by the satellite surfaces; its calibration had to be independent of wavelength, so that the measurements obtained at IR wavelengths would be equivalent to the actual solar radiation effects. The results of the verification experiment are presented; their conformity with predicted values indicates that the technique developed is a suitable tool for satellite design verification.
Shimrony, Yoram↗
Combining Radar and Optical Data for Forest Disturbance Studies
Disturbance is an important factor in determining the carbon balance and succession of forests. Until the early 1990's researchers have focused on using optical or thermal sensors to detect and map forest disturbances from wild fires, logging or insect outbreaks. As part of a NASA Siberian mapping project, a study evaluated the capability of three different radar sensors (ERS, JERS and Radarsat) and an optical sensor (Landsat 7) to detect fire scars, logging and insect damage in the boreal forest. This paper describes the data sets and techniques used to evaluate the use of remote sensing to detect disturbance in central Siberian forests. Using images from each sensor individually and combined an assessment of the utility of using these sensors was developed. Transformed Divergence analysis and maximum likelihood classification revealed that Landsat data was the single best data type for this purpose. However, the combined use of the three radar and optical sensors did improve the results of discriminating these disturbances.
Ranson, K. Jon↗
Combining Radar and Optical Data for Forest Disturbance Studies
Disturbance is an important factor in determining the carbon balance and succession of forests. Until the early 1990's researchers have focused on using optical or thermal sensors to detect and map forest disturbances from wild fires, logging or insect outbreaks. As part of a NASA Siberian mapping project, a study evaluated the capability of three different radar sensors (ERS, JERS and Radarsat) and an optical sensor (Landsat 7) to detect fire scars, logging and insect damage in the boreal forest. This paper describes the data sets and techniques used to evaluate the use of remote sensing to detect disturbance in central Siberian forests. Using images from each sensor individually and combined an assessment of the utility of using these sensors was developed. Transformed Divergence analysis and maximum likelihood classification revealed that Landsat data was the single best data type for this purpose. However, the combined use of the three radar and optical sensors did improve the results of discriminating these disturbances.
Ranson, K. Jon↗
Successful Development of an Automated Rendezvous and Capture System
During the 1990's, the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) conducted pioneering research in the development of an automated rendezvous and capture/docking system for U.S. space vehicles. Development and demonstration of a rendezvous sensor was identified early in the AR&C Program as the critical enabling technology that allows automated proximity operations and docking. A first generation rendezvous sensor, the Video Guidance Sensor (VGS) was developed and successfully flown on STS 87 and again on STS 95, proving the concept of a video-based sensor. Advances in both video and signal processing technologies and the lessons learned from the two successful flight experiments provided a baseline for the development, by the MSFC, of a new generation of video based rendezvous sensor. The Advanced Video Guidance Sensor (AVGS) has greatly increased performance and additional capability for longer-range operation with a new Target designed as a direct replacement for existing ISS hemispherical reflectors. A ground demonstration of the entire system and software was successfully tested.
Roe, Fred D.↗