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At least 757 records · Page 42

Recap of DIP Workshop Series: #1 DIP Architecture and Data Integrations Services

This workshop will cover DIP architecture and data integration services to obtain feedback from America for Airlines (A4A) Air Traffic Management Council (ATMC). Participants will get a look at how the DIP architecture is set-up as well as how data integration services are planned to be hosted on the platform. The DIP architecture review is intended to cover how DIP was envisioned and how DIP is being developed to address data needs across the industry. Participants will have a chance to provide feedback on the DIP architecture and gain insight into how one might interface with the DIP to send or receive data. The data integration services portion is intended to cover DIP’s technical approach to data integration. As an example implementation, there will be a first look at possible data fusion on the platform, including utilizing NASA’s Fuser, and tailoring for industry data consumers. Descriptions, at a high-level, of input to and output of the Fuser will also be discussed.

ATM-X↗

Integrating the Science Opportunity Analyzer with a Reusable Opportunity Search Framework

In our interactions with the Science Opportunity Analyzer (SOA) software, we recognized how its ability to search for geometric events in space is a need for robotic space missions in general. To satisfy this need, we propose the Tychonis framework, which is built upon the principles of: (1) separations of concerns, (2) extensibility, (3) reusability, and (4) independent verification and validation. Tychonis’ separation of concerns results in the availability of different constructs to model geometric events and search for them. These constructs can be extended by users as needed and reused across missions without changes. Given the low coupling between concerns, and the fact Tychonis can be augmented in isolation, its constructs can be validated independently from other pieces of software. This paper elaborates on these topics and presents an integration case study between Tychonis and SOA that relies on the concept of dynamic integration. Dynamic integration entails that augmentations of the framework are reflected automatically in the host application without any changes to the host application’s code. The SOA-Tychonis integration case study can be extrapolated to other tools that need to search for geometric events as the pattern repeats across implementations: (i) the manipulation of a user interface to model opportunities, (ii) the execution of algorithms to search for opportunities, and (iii) the presentation of search results to users. Overall, Tychonis’ is a story about how the application of proven software principles and good design choices can reduce risk and cost to space missions

Soria, Manel↗

An Integrated Recursive Framework for Arbitrarily Multiscale and Multi-fidelity Modeling

The NASA Multiscale Analysis Tool (NAMSAT) serves as a state-of-the-art, “plug and play,” massively multiscale modeling (M3) platform for hierarchical materials and structures. The development of NASMAT has focused on modularity, upgradability and maintainability, interoperability, and utility. Application Program Interfaces (APIs) have been developed to facilitate the integration NASMAT into other programs (commercial, research, and user-defined) as well as the integration of other codes into NASMAT. NASMAT is an integrated, recursive platform that seamlessly allows for an arbitrary number of scales, and a variety of modeling fidelity, in a single, non-linear analysis. Thus, the macroscopic response of a material can be directly linked to the behavior of the microstructure(s), including subscale defects, making it a suitable tool for integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) because . Examples using NASMAT for simulation of polycrystalline metals at elevated temperatures will be presented.

Multiscale Modeling↗

Towards Integrated Computational Materials Engineering for Quantifying Performance Impacts of Microstructure and Defect Interactions in Powder Bed Fusion Parts

Powder bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) enables the creation of parts with complexity and functionality levels that were previously impossible with traditional manufacturing methods. By modifying the laser power, hatch spacing, or the numerous other processing parameters, the PBF process supports the production of a wide set of materials and geometries. However, that same process parameter design flexibility causes the process-design space of PBF to be massive and expensive to explore experimentally. Another challenge is quality variation across a build. As a part is being built, geometric variance between locations, such as at a thin-wall section vs. the bulk material, may cause the specified processing parameters to no longer be acceptable for producing defect-free printing. Furthermore, if the processing parameters deviate during the print process, it is difficult to assess if the part will still perform satisfactorily. Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) provides a way to understand and address these various challenges. This talk will present advancements in process-structure simulations of PBF at NASA Langley Research Center. The ability to simulate grain-scale PBF microstructures using the Physically Based Monte Carlo method will be demonstrated and compared to experimental measurements. Techniques for simulating three-dimensional lack-of-fusion and keyhole porosity defects based on the specific processing conditions and approaches for integrating the two porosity prediction techniques alongside the computational microstructure evolution models will be shown. Finally, the integration of simulated PBF microstructures, embedded process defects, and crystal plasticity finite element models to elucidate the interaction of porosity and microstructure on micromechanical fields will be demonstrated. These integrated techniques demonstrate an example of using ICME to relate processing to performance for PBF AM materials. With continued maturity, it is hoped that such ICME approaches will lead to next-generation computational-materials supported qualification and certification of AM parts.

Additive manufacturing↗

Obtaining Accurate Derivatives Across Adaptive-Step Integration

Obtaining derivatives through the integration of a set of ordinary differential equations is of interest to a number of fields of research. Approaches for doing so that are available in the literature, however, do not account for details associated with variable step integrator that cause inaccuracies in the total derivatives. In this paper, we explore the causes of the accumulation of derivative error in adaptive-step Runge-Kutta integration schemes and propose a solution to eliminate them. The new algorithm proposed is a transformation of each step of a Runge-Kutta integration into a set of residual equations. This work demonstrates the improvement in accuracy of total derivatives when the new algorithm is utilized.

Kaushik Ponnapalli↗

Testing the Effectiveness of Integrated Plume Shield for a Hall Thruster

Hall thrusters have been shown to exhibit side plumes with varying degree of erosive power. This article presents the concept of the integrated plume shield for the purpose of mitigating the erosive power of said side plume. A test was conducted on a low-power Hall thruster with and without integrated plume shield and the effect on thruster performance and plume characteristics were measured. Collected data shows that the thruster performed identically to within uncertainty in terms of thrust, specific impulse, and discharge oscillation characteristics. Plume measurements showed up to a 48% reduction in ion current density when averaging over 80° to 105° from the firing axis. A brief analytical study was performed to determine the advantages and disadvantages of using integrated plume shield as opposed to using spacecraft surface covering and placing thrusters on booms. The integrated plume shield was found to provide varying level of advantages in mass, design restrictions, and complexity, which are likely to lead to major cost savings in the long term.

Electric Propulsion↗

(ODIN): An Open Source, Low-Latency Data Integration & Visualization Framework for the NASA System Wide Safety Project's Disaster Response Safety Demonstration Series

The Open Data Integration Framework (ODIN) is an open source, low latency data integration and visualization framework (https://github.com/NASARace/race-odin) developed under NASA’s System WideSafety Program to demonstrate new safety capabilities designed to improve US airspace operations. Safety demonstrations are a set of increasingly complex (from public safety perspective) disaster response scenarios under which air systems must operate with increased capacity and include: 1) Wildland fire response, 2) Hurricane relief and recovery, 4) Emergency medical delivery via UAS and 4) Urban disaster relief. To accommodate disaster response, ODIN is field deployable and can scale on one or more multi-core, commodity laptops operating with full to limited or intermittent internet connectivity, conditions likely encountered during operations. ODIN runs as webserver with local, persistent data storage to serve either public or a secured, ad hoc network (e.g., an incident command post). The current released ODIN, ODIN-Fire is tailored for wildland fire management incorporating information on satellite overpasses with links to the near real-time data and imagery from the respective agencies. Included are winds data, an important variable for emergency responders and airspace operations, and high-resolution wind forecasts generated by super-computing resources and ingested into ODIN. As an open-source project, ODIN has attracted interest from multiple entities. We will show how 1) a commercial field instrument and data provider uses ODIN to help users visualize, publish and integrate their in-situ sensor network data and 2) ODIN’s capabilities to ingest, integrate and display near-real time satellite data with air traffic and a USFS winds forecast model used in fire response and post-fire assessment. Within NASA ODIN demonstrated novel, near terminal airspace safety capabilities for a project close-out event and previously it monitored the national airspace in real-time to meet an agency milestone. ODIN is presently under development for the anticipated hurricane relief and response demonstration notionally scheduled for the 2025-27 time frame and is available from NASA's github at the above link.

Aeronautics↗

xEMU Suit Integrated Audio Communications System: Ambient and EVA Pressure Testing System Performance

Testing across several airlock and EVA thermal and pressure scenarios has demonstrated that the Integrated Audio System of NASA’s Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) spacesuits transmits and receives intelligible audio communications without the use of a commcap or similar worn device. The xEMU audio system consists of internal loudspeakers and digital microphones (Integrated Communications System –ICS) combined with an adaptive Acoustic Echo Canceller (AEC), outbound voice operated transmission (VOX), and automatic gain control (AGC). Transducers are mounted in an “exploded commcap” configuration with helmet-attached speakers near the ears and three microphones positioned at the collar. The AGC removes inbound audio signals (e.g.,suit, Mission Control, Lander, C&W tones) from the outbound comms stream, reducing echo and feedback (squeal) in low-noise suit environments. The reduction of worn communication equipment increases crewmember comfort, range of movement, and situational awareness. However, test results also highlight the need for proper fan, duct, pump, and gas flow integration with suit acoustics and audio. Ductwork may serve as waveguides for various component and structure-borne noise. Sharply angled ducts can generate turbulent-flow noise. Gas flow from inlets above the crewmember’s head can generate noise when cascading over the faceplate and collar (or commcap) microphones. Sufficient acoustic noise levels (1) require increased gain to boost inbound audio, and (2) may distort signals resulting in AEC disruption or artifacts. Suit-noise levels decline with reduced pressure (density), but then elevated speech and audio effort/power become necessary. Whether the Integrated Audio System, commcap, or other device is used, suit acoustic noise can mask speech in outbound comms. This reduces intelligibility and requires other AECs/devices to suppress comms noise. Yet, adjusting a few components may yield significant improvement. We discuss xEMU audio functionality, demonstrate how acoustical treatment combined with inbound signal conditioning improved clarity during tests, and discuss future modifications.

xEMU↗

Overview of Integrated Random Vibration Testing of the NASA Orion Crew Survival Suit

The launch ascent and abort random vibration environments from NASA’s Orion spacecraft drove the need to test the NASA Orion Crew Survival Suit as an integrated system with exposure to the design levels. In order to properly characterize component responses, a series of integrated tests were designed to incorporate the interaction between a crew member, suit, seat, and the attenuation system. The first Development Test (2017) included human subjects, and was performed with early development seat and suit components, and low level inputs. It provided a baseline for frequency response and behavior of the integrated system. The next two tests, Development Test (2019) and Qualification Test (2020), used manikin surrogates to represent the crew member and increasing levels of component hardware fidelity in order to test to higher input levels. Testing was performed at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Vibration Labs and provided the input levels required to represent the ascent and abort vehicle profiles as well as recorded component response behavior from accelerometer instrumentation and high speed cameras. Inspection of the suit and related components showed that for all seat orientations, and input environments, no damage occurred. Additional pre and post-test checks confirmed the functionality of all suited hardware. Response data of the suited components generally showed heavy attenuation across most of the tested frequency range. Transmissibility plots showed some amplification of components at lower frequency ranges. Overall this series of integrated tests showed that 1) the use of surrogate manikins in the tests were adequate for representing crew in a vibration environment, 2) full vibration levels for ascent and abort were heavily attenuated in the suit components and were non-damaging, and 3) the suit and related components are qualified for the Orion random vibration environments.

Jeffrey D Suhey↗

On the Integration of Loudness Over Time for the Prediction of Single-Event Annoyance

Loudness is the quality of human perception that is most related to acoustic intensity and energy, however there is no agreed-upon way of integrating loudness over time for the prediction of noise-induced annoyance. Most noise metrics used today for aircraft certification and regulation employ the “Equal-Energy Hypothesis” (EEH) and sum the acoustical energy of one or more noise events over time to create a single metric value that represents the entire exposure. Using the EEH creates a natural tradeoff between the peak energy and the duration of a single noise event, the “hypothesis” being that this tradeoff optimally predicts annoyance in a wide variety of situations. This work proposes a strategy for integrating a loudness-like time series which is flexible in two ways: First, it includes a parameter b ∈ [0,1]. When b = 0, the metric will return the peak of the time series. At b = .5, the metric will behave in accordance with the EEH. At b = 1, the metric will penalize the duration of the sound more than the EEH would. Second, transformations are given so that the strategy can be computed from, or generate quantities in units analogous to, decibels (or phon), physical units (acoustic pressure/power), or perceptually-scaled units (sone). This approach is demonstrated on a dataset of annoyance responses to single events of UAV and road vehicle noise that is fit with an augmented linear regression. Analyses based on this integration of A-weighted level and the output of the “Zwicker” loudness model yield similar results: that subjects may have been slightly more sensitive to the durations of the events than the EEH would suppose, but that the EEH cannot be disproven using these data. The time-integrated metrics outperform both time-averaged and centile-based metrics.

Psychoacoustics↗

xEMU Suit Integrated Audio Communications System: Ambient and EVA Pressure Testing System Performance

Testing across several airlock and EVA thermal and pressure scenarios has demonstrated that the Integrated Audio System of NASA’s Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) spacesuits transmits and receives intelligible audio communications without the use of a commcap or similar worn device. The xEMU audio system consists of internal loudspeakers and digital microphones (Integrated Communications System –ICS) combined with an adaptive Acoustic Echo Canceller (AEC), outbound voice operated transmission (VOX), and automatic gain control (AGC). Transducers are mounted in an “exploded commcap” configuration with helmet-attached speakers near the ears and three microphones positioned at the collar. The AGC removes inbound audio signals (e.g.,suit, Mission Control, Lander, C&W tones) from the outbound comms stream, reducing echo and feedback (squeal) in low-noise suit environments. The reduction of worn communication equipment increases crewmember comfort, range of movement, and situational awareness. However, test results also highlight the need for proper fan, duct, pump, and gas flow integration with suit acoustics and audio. Ductwork may serve as waveguides for various component and structure-borne noise. Sharply angled ducts can generate turbulent-flow noise. Gas flow from inlets above the crewmember’s head can generate noise when cascading over the faceplate and collar (or commcap) microphones. Sufficient acoustic noise levels (1) require increased gain to boost inbound audio, and (2) may distort signals resulting in AEC disruption or artifacts. Suit-noise levels decline with reduced pressure (density), but then elevated speech and audio effort/power become necessary. Whether the Integrated Audio System, commcap, or other device is used, suit acoustic noise can mask speech in outbound comms. This reduces intelligibility and requires other AECs/devices to suppress comms noise. Yet, adjusting a few components may yield significant improvement. We discuss xEMU audio functionality, demonstrate how acoustical treatment combined with inbound signal conditioning improved clarity during tests, and discuss future modifications.

xEMU↗

Overview of Integrated Random Vibration Testing of the NASA Orion Crew Survival Suit

The launch ascent and abort random vibration environments from NASA’s Orion spacecraft drove the need to test the NASA Orion Crew Survival Suit as an integrated system with exposure to the design levels. In order to properly characterize component responses, a series of integrated tests were designed to incorporate the interaction between a crew member, suit, seat, and the attenuation system. The first Development Test (2017) included human subjects, and was performed with early development seat and suit components, and low level inputs. It provided a baseline for frequency response and behavior of the integrated system. The next two tests, Development Test (2019) and Qualification Test (2020), used manikin surrogates to represent the crew member and increasing levels of component hardware fidelity in order to test to higher input levels. Testing was performed at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Vibration Labs and provided the input levels required to represent the ascent and abort vehicle profiles as well as recorded component response behavior from accelerometer instrumentation and high speed cameras. Inspection of the suit and related components showed that for all seat orientations, and input environments, no damage occurred. Additional pre and post-test checks confirmed the functionality of all suited hardware. Response data of the suited components generally showed heavy attenuation across most of the tested frequency range. Transmissibility plots showed some amplification of components at lower frequency ranges. Overall this series of integrated tests showed that 1) the use of surrogate manikins in the tests were adequate for representing crew in a vibration environment, 2) full vibration levels for ascent and abort were heavily attenuated in the suit components and were non-damaging, and 3) the suit and related components are qualified for the Orion random vibration environments.

Jeffrey Suhey↗

On the Integration of Loudness Over Time for the Prediction of Single-Event Annoyance

Loudness is the quality of human perception that is most related to acoustic intensity and energy, however there is no agreed-upon way of integrating loudness over time for the prediction of noise-induced annoyance. Most noise metrics used today for aircraft certification and regulation employ the “Equal-Energy Hypothesis” (EEH) and sum the acoustical energy of one or more noise events over time to create a single metric value that represents the entire exposure. Using the EEH creates a natural tradeoff between the peak energy and the duration of a single noise event, the “hypothesis” being that this tradeoff optimally predicts annoyance in a wide variety of situations. This work proposes a strategy for integrating a loudness-like time series which is flexible in two ways: First, it includes a parameter b ∈ [0,1]. When b = 0, the metric will return the peak of the time series. At b = .5, the metric will behave in accordance with the EEH. At b = 1, the metric will penalize the duration of the sound more than the EEH would. Second, transformations are given so that the strategy can be computed from, or generate quantities in units analogous to, decibels (or phon), physical units (acoustic pressure/power), or perceptually-scaled units (sone). This approach is demonstrated on a dataset of annoyance responses to single events of UAV and road vehicle noise that is fit with an augmented linear regression. Analyses based on this integration of A-weighted level and the output of the “Zwicker” loudness model yield similar results: that subjects may have been slightly more sensitive to the durations of the events than the EEH would suppose, but that the EEH cannot be disproven using these data. The time-integrated metrics outperform both time-averaged and centile-based metrics.

Psychoacoustics↗

Status and Predicted Performance for the AstroPIC Integrated Photonic Coronagraph

Integrated photonics is a promising coronagraph technology option for exoplanet-imaging missions like NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory flagship. It is theoretically capable of achieving better performance than traditional bulk-optic coronagraphs because arrays of integrated interferometers can be combined to implement any linear operator. However, photonic coronagraphs require significant maturation to be ready for a space telescope mission. The AstroPIC project is advancing this technology by developing a proof-of-concept integrated photonic coronagraph based on silicon photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology. Specifically, the AstroPIC program is investigating the impact of a PIC coronagraph on the predicted scientific yield of the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) mission concept. In this talk, we will present the current status of the AstroPIC design, including the layout of the most recent PIC. We will also present on the status of simulations that predict the performance of the instrument and feed into scientific yield estimations for HWO Exoploratory Analytic Cases (EACs) 1-3. Finally, we will present the status of the development of a PIC testbed at NASA Ames and results from preliminary PIC laboratory testing at Stanford.

Photonics↗

Mass Economy Evaluation for Integrated ECLSS and Propulsion Architecture

As missions in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) lengthen and extend to deep space, minimizing resupply needs becomes vital for sustaining crewed operations. Traditional life support systems depend on consumables resupplied from Earth, a method that is increasingly impractical for missions beyond LEO, such as lunar outposts or Mars transit. Long-duration missions require more efficient, autonomous systems that can recycle essential resources, particularly water and oxygen, to minimize the frequency and mass of resupply missions. The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) is essential to such missions, with the International Space Station (ISS) serving as a testbed for advanced water recovery and partial oxygen recycling via physico-chemical methods. Yet, ECLSS and propulsion subsystems generally operate independently, despite overlapping requirements and potential areas for synergy. For instance, ECLSS byproducts, water, CO₂, and hydrogen, could be repurposed for propulsion, potentially reducing dedicated propellant mass and increasing overall system efficiency. One promising approach is to develop shared-resource architectures that integrate ECLSS with propulsion systems. This study examines the potential of such integration through the Sabatier CO₂ reduction process, focusing on water management as a key factor in system mass trade-offs. The Sabatier reaction produces water and methane from metabolic CO₂ and electrolytic hydrogen, partially closing the life support loop and providing methane, which could serve as a propellant. This integration could minimize waste, reduce resupply requirements, and enhance mission mass efficiency. A dynamic modeling framework will be used to simulate resource flows over long missions, capturing interactions between life support and propulsion. By comparing integrated versus separate system configurations, the study aims to quantify mass benefits and penalties, informing future habitat designs and trade studies for missions prioritizing autonomy and mass efficiency.

ECLSS↗

Mass Economy Evaluation for Integrated ECLSS and Propulsion Architecture

As missions in low Earth orbit (LEO) lengthen and extend to deep space, minimizing resupply needs becomes vital for sustaining crewed operations. Traditional life support systems depend on consumables resupplied from Earth, a method that is increasingly impractical for missions beyond LEO, such as lunar outposts or Mars transit. Long-duration missions require more efficient, autonomous systems that can recycle essential resources, particularly water and oxygen, to minimize the frequency and mass of resupply missions. The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) is essential to such missions, with the International Space Station (ISS) serving as a testbed for advanced water recovery and partial oxygen recycling via physico-chemical methods. Yet, ECLSS and propulsion subsystems generally operate independently, despite overlapping requirements and potential areas for synergy. For instance, ECLSS byproducts, water, CO 2 , and hydrogen, could be repurposed for propulsion, potentially reducing dedicated propellant mass and increasing overall system efficiency. One promising approach is to develop shared-resource architectures that integrate ECLSS with propulsion systems. This study examines the potential of such integration through the Sabatier CO₂ reduction process, focusing on water management as a key factor in system mass trade-offs. The Sabatier reaction produces water and methane from metabolic CO 2 and electrolytic hydrogen, partially closing the life support loop and providing methane, which could serve as a propellant. This integration could minimize waste, reduce resupply requirements, and enhance mission mass efficiency. A dynamic modeling framework will be used to simulate resource flows over long missions, capturing interactions between life support and propulsion. By comparing integrated versus separate system configurations, the study aims to quantify mass benefits and penalties, informing future habitat designs and trade studies for missions prioritizing autonomy and mass efficiency.

ECLSS↗

Mathematics Integrated with Computer Science through Scratch: Curricular Modules for the Middle Grades

A project funded by the National Science Foundation, Computer Science Integrated with Mathematics in Middle Schools (CSIMMS) (DRL-1640039), brought middle-school mathematics teachers together with university computer science (CS) faculty and STEM education faculty to design, develop, and test curriculum modules in which CS is integrated into instruction for middle-school general-mathematics courses. The project developed integrated math/CS curriculum modules (for grades 6, 7, and 8), complete with student tasks and teacher materials to guide classroom implementation. Across the project, sixteen teachers from four middle schools representing different school contexts (both urban and suburban, serving students from a range of demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds) participated as members of the design team and trial testers of the math/CS modules. All modules underwent multiple years of testing and refinement, with extensive input from the teachers who co-designed and implemented them. Approximately 50-100 middle-school students participated in the classes of those who taught each year. The modules in this volume feature a range of models for integrating mathematics and computer science at the 6th and 7th grade levels. All modules foreground the teaching of grade-level mathematics content, with computer science functioning to motivate and/or reinforce these ideas.

Andrews larson, Christine↗

Optical device having a light-emitting structure and a waveguide integrated capacitor to monitor light

Examples described herein relate to an optical device with an integrated light-emitting structure to generate light and a waveguide integrated capacitor to monitor light. The light-emitting structure may emit light upon the application of electricity to the optical device. The waveguide integrated capacitor may be formed under the light-emitting structure to monitor the light emitted by the light-emitting structure. The waveguide integrated capacitor includes a waveguide region carrying at least a portion of the light. The waveguide region includes one or more photon absorption sites causing the generation of free charge carriers relative to an intensity of the light confined in the waveguide region resulting in a change in the conductance of the waveguide region.

Srinivasan, Sudharsanan↗