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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 91 records · Page 5

Specification goals for a Mars seismic network

A seismic network on Mars should have enough stations (e.g., 24) to characterize the seismicity of the planet for comparison with a diversity of structural features; be comprised of low noise stations, preferably underground, 3 to 4 orders of magnitude more sensitive than those used on Viking; record over a sufficient band-width (DC-30 Hz) to detect micro-earthquakes to normal modes; and record for a sufficient duration (10 years) and data rate (10(exp 8) Mb/day/station) to obtain a data set comparable to that from the Apollo mission to the Moon so that locations of major internal boundaries can be inferred, such as those in the Earth, i.e., crust - lithosphere - asthenosphere - upper - lower phase transitions - outer - inner core. The proposed Mars Global Network Mission provides an opportunity to sense the dynamics and probe the interior of the planet. The seismic objectives, the availability of the instrumentation and trade-offs to meet them are discussed.

Davis, Paul M.↗

Investigation and modification of a commercially available tactile sensor suited for robotic applications

Active (dynamic) tactile sensing was explored using a commercially available tactile array sensor. This task requires the redesign of the sensor interface and a full understanding of the old sensor hardware implementation. There were different stages to this research; the first stage involved the reverse engineering of the old tactile sensor. The second stage had to do with the exploration of the characteristics and behavior of the tactile sensor pad. The next stage dealt with the redesign of the sensor interface using the knowledge gained from the previous two stages. Finally, in the last stage, software to control the tactile sensor was developed to aid in the data acquisition process.

Creus, Carolina↗

The role of orbital observations in detecting and monitoring geologic hazards - Prospects for the future

Prospects for improving the overall situation in the earth orbital remote sensing of dynamic phenomena related to geological hazards within the next decade are examined. In particular, attention is given to the development of the NASA's Earth Observing System Project, development of a high spatial resolution (better than 100 m/pixel) multispectral imager as proposed for a potential NASA Geostationary Earth Observatory mission, and implementation of a variety of relatively low-cost single-purpose satellite missions in low earth orbit. The importance of improving worldwide communications and international cooperation for taking advantage of the emerging operational technology is emphasized.

Pieri, David↗

Instrumental and observational requirements for space-based imaging of magnetospheric emissions

Simulated images of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emissions from energetic outflowing ions have been constructed to study techniques for remotely sensing the dynamic behavior of hot plasmas in the near-Earth environment. These calculations include realistic assumptions about the energetic ion outflow from high latitudes and take into account the effects of cold plasmaspheric and ionospheric ions. The energetic ion outflow is determined from a statistical study based on five years of measurements from the Energetic Ion Composition Spectrometer on Dynamics Explorer 1. The simulated images change significantly with viewing geometry and certain spacecraft locations are clearly favorable for observing emissions from energetic ions. For example, for a near equatorial orbit, viewing locations greater than 9 Earth radii are required to observe outflowing ions above the cold plasmaspheric background. We will discuss other important considerations for magnetospheric imaging including the sensitivity requirements of the detector. In particular, we consider the performance of multi-layer optics for EUV wavelengths.

Robinson, R. M.↗

800 °C Demonstrated kHz SiC IC Electronics and Pressure Sensors as Technical Foundation for Realizing MHz DARPA HOTS Goals

The HOTS program will develop a technology for high-bandwidth, high-dynamic-range sensing at high temperature. Performance will be validated through the development and demonstration of a pressure sensor module (i.e., integrated transducer and signal-conditioning microelectronics) achieving the following performance goals: NASA Glenn has unique technology experience in extreme environment pressure sensors & IC electronics, including at 800 °C in air, providing significant risk reduction in meeting DARPA HOTS goals. Appropriate partnership and tech transfer should accelerate realization of DARPA HOTS hard technical challenges.

SiC pressure sensor electronics high temperature↗

Remotely Sensed Soil Moisture Can Capture Dynamics Relevant to Plant Water Uptake

A frequently expressed viewpoint across the Earth science community is that global soil moisture estimates from satellite L-band (1.4 GHz) measurements represent moisture only in a shallow surface layer (0–5 cm) and consequently are of limited value for studying global terrestrial ecosystems because plants use water from deeper rootzones. Using this argumentation, many observation-based land surface studies avoid satellite-observed soil moisture. Here, based on peer-reviewed literature across several fields, we argue that such a viewpoint is overly limiting for two reasons. First, microwave soil emission depth considerations and statistical considerations of vertically correlated soil moisture information together indicate that L-band measurements carry information about soil moisture extending below the commonly referenced 5 cm in many conditions. However, spatial variations of effective depths of representation remain uncertain. Second, in reviewing isotopic tracer field studies of plant water uptake, we find a prevalence of vegetation that primarily draws moisture from these upper soil layers. This is especially true for grasslands and croplands covering more than a third of global vegetated surfaces. Even some deeper-rooted species (i.e., shrubs and trees) preferentially or seasonally draw water from the upper soil layers. Therefore, L-band satellite soil moisture estimates are more relevant to global vegetation water uptake than commonly appreciated (i.e., relevant beyond only shallow soil processes like soil evaporation). Our commentary encourages the application of satellite soil moisture across a broader range of terrestrial hydrosphere and biosphere studies while urging more rigorous estimates of its effective depth of representation.

Andrew F. Feldman↗

Androgynous, Reconfigurable Closed Loop Feedback Controlled Low Impact Docking System With Load Sensing Electromagnetic Capture Ring

The present invention relates to a fully androgynous, reconfigurable closed loop feedback controlled low impact docking system with load sensing electromagnetic capture ring. The docking system of the present invention preferably comprises two Docking- assemblies, each docking assembly comprising a load sensing ring having an outer face, one of more electromagnets, one or more load cells coupled to said load sensing ring. The docking assembly further comprises a plurality of actuator arms coupled to said load sensing ring and capable of dynamically adjusting the orientation of said load sensing ring and a reconfigurable closed loop control system capable of analyzing signals originating from said plurality of load cells and of outputting real time control for each of the actuators. The docking assembly of the present invention incorporates an active load sensing system to automatically dynamically adjust the load sensing ring during capture instead of requiring significant force to push and realign the ring.

Lewis, James L.↗

Use of Semantic Technology to Create Curated Data Albums

One of the continuing challenges in any Earth science investigation is the discovery and access of useful science content from the increasingly large volumes of Earth science data and related information available online. Current Earth science data systems are designed with the assumption that researchers access data primarily by instrument or geophysical parameter. Those who know exactly the data sets they need can obtain the specific files using these systems. However, in cases where researchers are interested in studying an event of research interest, they must manually assemble a variety of relevant data sets by searching the different distributed data systems. Consequently, there is a need to design and build specialized search and discover tools in Earth science that can filter through large volumes of distributed online data and information and only aggregate the relevant resources needed to support climatology and case studies. This paper presents a specialized search and discovery tool that automatically creates curated Data Albums. The tool was designed to enable key elements of the search process such as dynamic interaction and sense-making. The tool supports dynamic interaction via different modes of interactivity and visual presentation of information. The compilation of information and data into a Data Album is analogous to a shoebox within the sense-making framework. This tool automates most of the tedious information/data gathering tasks for researchers. Data curation by the tool is achieved via an ontology-based, relevancy ranking algorithm that filters out nonrelevant information and data. The curation enables better search results as compared to the simple keyword searches provided by existing data systems in Earth science.

Ramachandran, Rahul↗

Use of Semantic Technology to Create Curated Data Albums

One of the continuing challenges in any Earth science investigation is the discovery and access of useful science content from the increasingly large volumes of Earth science data and related information available online. Current Earth science data systems are designed with the assumption that researchers access data primarily by instrument or geophysical parameter. Those who know exactly the data sets they need can obtain the specific files using these systems. However, in cases where researchers are interested in studying an event of research interest, they must manually assemble a variety of relevant data sets by searching the different distributed data systems. Consequently, there is a need to design and build specialized search and discovery tools in Earth science that can filter through large volumes of distributed online data and information and only aggregate the relevant resources needed to support climatology and case studies. This paper presents a specialized search and discovery tool that automatically creates curated Data Albums. The tool was designed to enable key elements of the search process such as dynamic interaction and sense-making. The tool supports dynamic interaction via different modes of interactivity and visual presentation of information. The compilation of information and data into a Data Album is analogous to a shoebox within the sense-making framework. This tool automates most of the tedious information/data gathering tasks for researchers. Data curation by the tool is achieved via an ontology-based, relevancy ranking algorithm that filters out non-relevant information and data. The curation enables better search results as compared to the simple keyword searches provided by existing data systems in Earth science.

Ramachandran, Rahul↗

Control of nonlinear systems with applications to constrained robots and spacecraft attitude stabilization

This thesis is organized in two parts. In Part 1, control systems described by a class of nonlinear differential and algebraic equations are introduced. A procedure for local stabilization based on a local state realization is developed. An alternative approach to local stabilization is developed based on a classical linearization of the nonlinear differential-algebraic equations. A theoretical framework is established for solving a tracking problem associated with the differential-algebraic system. First, a simple procedure is developed for the design of a feedback control law which ensures, at least locally, that the tracking error in the closed loop system lies within any given bound if the reference inputs are sufficiently slowly varying. Next, by imposing additional assumptions, a procedure is developed for the design of a feedback control law which ensures that the tracking error in the closed loop system approaches zero exponentially for reference inputs which are not necessarily slowly varying. The control design methodologies are used for simultaneous force and position control in constrained robot systems. The differential-algebraic equations are shown to characterize the slow dynamics of a certain nonlinear control system in nonstandard singularly perturbed form. In Part 2, the attitude stabilization (reorientation) of a rigid spacecraft using only two control torques is considered. First, the case of momentum wheel actuators is considered. The complete spacecraft dynamics are not controllable. However, the spacecraft dynamics are small time locally controllable in a reduced sense. The reduced spacecraft dynamics cannot be asymptotically stabilized using continuous feedback, but a discontinuous feedback control strategy is constructed. Next, the case of gas jet actuators is considered. If the uncontrolled principal axis is not an axis of symmetry, the complete spacecraft dynamics are small time locally controllable. However, the spacecraft attitude cannot be asymptotically stabilized using continuous feedback, but a discontinuous stabilizing feedback control strategy is constructed. If the uncontrolled principal axis is an axis of symmetry, the complete spacecraft dynamics cannot be stabilized. However, the spacecraft dynamics are small time locally controllable in a reduced sense. The reduced spacecraft dynamics cannot be asymptotically stabilized using continuous feedback, but again a discontinuous feedback control strategy is constructed.

Krishnan, Hariharan↗

Application of magnetospheric imaging techniques to global substorm dynamics

The application of remote sensing techniques to the analysis of the dynamics of storms and substorm processes is discussed. The Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) mission, its mission and instruments are presented. The following are discussed: neutral atom imaging; radio plasma techniques; photon imaging, and substorm observations.

Green, James L.↗

Mineralogical clues to the origins of asteroid dynamical families

Remote-sensing data are the bases of the present tabulation of the mineralogical composition of the asteroid dynamical families' parent bodies, in which correlations are presented between Tholen's (1984) taxonomic types and the family-membership lists of Hirayama (1933), Brouwer (1951), Arnold (1969), Carusi and Massaro (1978), Kozai (1979), and Williams (1979). In conjunction with recently obtained IR and radar data, these tables suggest that most of the smaller proposed families cannot share the origin of the larger, well-defined families as fragments of collisionally disrupted parent bodies.

Bell, Jeffrey F.↗

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on the NASA Aqua Spacecraft: A General Remote Sensing Tool for Understanding Atmospheric Structure, Dynamics and Composition

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on the EOS Aqua Spacecraft was launched on May 4, 2002. Early in the mission, the AIRS instrument demonstrated its value to the weather forecasting community with better than 6 hours of improvement on the 5 day forecast. Now with over eight years of consistent and stable data from AIRS, scientists are able to examine processes governing weather and climate and look at seasonal and interannual trends from the AIRSdata with high statistical confidence. Naturally, long-term climate trends require a longer data set, but indications are that the Aqua spacecraft and the AIRS instrument should last beyond 2018. This paper briefly describes the AIRS data products and presents some of the most significant findings involving the use of AIRS data in the areas of weather forecast improvement, climate processes and model validation, cloud and polar processes, and atmospheric composition (chemistry and dust).

Temperature↗

System and method for inspecting parts using dynamic response function

A system and method for the non-destructive testing of additively manufactured parts. An input mechanism excites with an excitation force (e.g., a vibration) an additive manufacturing build structure, which includes a part on a build platform, to induce a dynamic response in the part. An output mechanism (e.g., a non-contact transducer) senses the induced dynamic response in the part. A processor determines and examines the relationship between the response and excitation to identify an indication of a defect in the part, and communicates an alert if the indication is identified. The processor may compare the phase, magnitude, coherence, or time delay of the relationship to a reference relationship and/or may compare the modal frequency or the modal damping to a reference to identify a deviation greater than a pre-established threshold.

Hartwig, Troy Juan↗

Observations of Convective and Dynamical Instabilities in Tropopause Folds and their Contribution to Stratosphere-Troposphere Exchange

With aircraft-mounted in-situ and remote sensing instruments for dynamical, thermal. and chemical measurements, we studied two cases of tropopause folding. In both folds we found Kelvin-Helmholtz billows with horizontal wavelength of about 900 m and thickness of about 120 m. In one case the instability was effectively mixing the bottomside of the fold, leading to the transfer of stratospheric air into the troposphere. Also we discovered in both cases small-scale secondary ozone maxima shortly after the aircraft ascended past the topside of the fold that corresponded to regions of convective instability. We interpreted this phenomenon as convectively breaking gravity waves. Therefore, we posit that convectively breaking gravity waves acting on tropopause folds must be added to the list of important irreversible mixing mechanisms leading to stratosphere-troposphere exchange.

Cho, John Y. N.↗