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Altimetry for the Future: Building on 25 Years of Progress

In 2018 we celebrated 25 years of development of radar altimetry, and the progress achieved by this methodology in the fields of global and coastal oceanography, hydrology, geodesy and cryospheric sciences. Many symbolic major events have celebrated these developments, e.g., in Venice, Italy, the 15th (2006) and 20th (2012) years of progress and more recently, in 2018, in Ponta Delgada, Portugal, 25 Years of Progress in Radar Altimetry. On this latter occasion it was decided to collect contributions of scientists, engineers and managers involved in the worldwide altimetry community to depict the state of altimetry and propose recommendations for the altimetry of the future. This paper summarizes contributions and recommendations that were collected and provides guidance for future mission design, research activities, and sustainable operational radar altimetry data exploitation. Recommendations provided are fundamental for optimizing further scientific and operational advances of oceanographic observations by altimetry, including requirements for spatial and temporal resolution of altimetric measurements, their accuracy and continuity. There are also new challenges and new openings mentioned in the paper that are particularly crucial for observations at higher latitudes, for coastal oceanography, for cryospheric studies and for hydrology. The paper starts with a general introduction followed by a section on Earth System Science including Ocean Dynamics, Sea Level, the Coastal Ocean, Hydrology, the Cryosphere and Polar Oceans and the ‘‘Green” Ocean, extending the frontier from biogeochemistry to marine ecology. Applications are described in a subsequent section, which covers Operational Oceanography, Weather, Hurricane Wave and Wind Forecasting, Climate projection. Instruments’ development and satellite missions’ evolutions are described in a fourth section. A fifth section covers the key observations that altimeters provide and their potential complements, from other Earth observation measurements to in situ data. Section 6 identifies the data and methods and provides some accuracy and resolution requirements for the wet tropospheric correction, the orbit and other geodetic requirements, the Mean Sea Surface, Geoid and Mean Dynamic Topography, Calibration and Validation, data accuracy, data access and handling (including the DUACS system). Section 7 brings a transversal view on scales, integration, artificial intelligence, and capacity building (education and training). Section 8 reviews the programmatic issues followed by a conclusion.

Saleh Abdalla

Fire Station #1 Area, SWMU 116 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Site Assessment Progress Report Kennedy Space Center, Florida

This Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Site Assessment (SA) Progress Report (SAPR) discusses the investigation activities and findings for the Fire Station #1 (FS1) Area (formerly known as Fire Station #4) located at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida (Figure 1-1). This site has been designated Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 116 under KSC’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Program. This PFAS SA is being managed under SWMU 116 as the fire station was identified as a potential source of PFAS to the environment. This PFAS SAPR was prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc., for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract 80KSC019D0011-80KSC019F0070. This is the first progress report to document on-going SA activities; supplemental progress reports will be provided as additional data is collected. During the SA, a total of six soil, 48 groundwater direct push technology (DPT), eight groundwater monitoring well, and one surface water sample were collected between October 2021 and March 2022. The samples were analyzed for 28 PFAS compounds using the Department of Defense Quality Systems Manual-compliant Method. SA sample results were used along with historical results to evaluate the extent of PFAS impacts to the environment in the FS1 Area. Data generated to date and prior results were screened against the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) May 2022 Tap Water Regional Screening Levels (RSLs) for groundwater and residential RSLs for soil (hazard quotient of 0.1). Surface water results were screened against the State of Florida Human Health Surface Water Screening Levels (SWSLs). Overall, results from the SA showed exceedances of the applicable screening criteria for soil, groundwater and surface water. Considering the current and historical dataset, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is the prevalent PFAS compound, which is indicative of AFFF releases. Based on results of the SA, additional groundwater DPT and surface water sampling should be considered, focused on evaluating surface water bodies in the southeast portion of the Industrial Area, which discharge into the Banana River. Additionally, installation of monitoring wells should be considered to evaluate the interaction between groundwater and surface water in the FS1 Area.

PFAS

Sewage Treatment Plant #1 Area, SWMU 117 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Site Assessment Progress Report

This Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Site Assessment (SA) Progress Report (SAPR) discusses the investigation activities and findings for the Sewage Treatment Plant #1 (STP1) Area located at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida (Figure 1-1). This site has been designated Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 117 under KSC’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Program, as the sewage treatment plant and associated areas were identified as a potential source of PFAS to the environment. This PFAS SAPR was prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc., for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract 80KSC019D0011-80KSC019F0070. This is the first progress report to document on-going SA activities; supplemental progress reports will be provided as additional data is collected. PFAS SA activities were conducted between April 2020 and March 2022 to collect additional data to supplement the existing datasets to better understand the extent of PFAS impacts to the environment in the STP1 Area. The SA for the STP1 Area covers an approximately 130-acre investigation area with multiple structures and buildings. The focus of the SA is the STP1 Complex and associated structures, including the former Polishing Pond, former Sludge Disposal8 Area, and former Spray Field. The STP1 Complex is located in the KSC Industrial Area, at the southwest corner of 4th Street SE and C Avenue SE. The STP1 Complex is located approximately ¼-mile south and downgradient of the Fire Station #1 site (SWMU 116), which is also currently undergoing a PFAS SA because of potential releases of PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). During the SA, a total of seven soil, 131 groundwater direct push technology (DPT), 24 groundwater monitoring well, and 11 surface water samples were collected between April 2020 and March 2022. Monitoring well samples were analyzed for 18 PFAS compounds, with all other samples analyzed for 28 PFAS compounds. The SA sample results were used along with historical results to evaluate the extent of PFAS impacts to the environment in the STP1 Area. Data generated to date and prior results were screened against the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) May 2022 Tap Water Regional Screening Levels (RSL) for groundwater and residential RSLs for soil (hazard quotient of 0.1). Surface water results were screened against the State of Florida Human Health Surface Water Screening Levels (SWSLs). Results from the SA showed exceedances of the applicable screening criteria for groundwater and surface water. Considering the current and historical dataset, PFOS is the prevalent PFAS compound. Based on these results, additional groundwater DPT and surface water sampling should be considered for PFAS analysis, focused on evaluating surface water bodies in the southeast portion of the Industrial Area, which discharge into the Banana River. Additionally, installation of monitoring wells should be considered to evaluate the interaction between the groundwater and surface water at the site. Collection of additional samples for TOC analysis should also be considered from representative groundwater (saturated soils) and surface water locations to further evaluate potential correlations between PFAS and TOC to provide a more comprehensive dataset to assist in fate and transport analyses.

Sewage Treatment Plant

A Multiscale Progressive Failure Modeling Methodology for Composites that Includes Fiber Strength Stochastics

A multiscale modeling methodology was developed for continuous fiber composites that incorporates a statistical distribution of fiber strengths into coupled multiscale micromechanics/finite element (FE) analyses. A modified two-parameter Weibull cumulative distribution function, which accounts for the effect of fiber length on the probability of failure, was used to characterize the statistical distribution of fiber strengths. A parametric study using the NASA Micromechanics Analysis Code with the Generalized Method of Cells (MAC/GMC) was performed to assess the effect of variable fiber strengths on local composite failure within a repeating unit cell (RUC) and subsequent global failure. The NASA code FEAMAC and the ABAQUS finite element solver were used to analyze the progressive failure of a unidirectional SCS-6/TIMETAL 21S metal matrix composite tensile dogbone specimen at 650 degC. Multiscale progressive failure analyses were performed to quantify the effect of spatially varying fiber strengths on the RUC-averaged and global stress-strain responses and failure. The ultimate composite strengths and distribution of failure locations (predominately within the gage section) reasonably matched the experimentally observed failure behavior. The predicted composite failure behavior suggests that use of macroscale models that exploit global geometric symmetries are inappropriate for cases where the actual distribution of local fiber strengths displays no such symmetries. This issue has not received much attention in the literature. Moreover, the model discretization at a specific length scale can have a profound effect on the computational costs associated with multiscale simulations.models that yield accurate yet tractable results.

Generalized Method of Cells

GEONEX: Progressive Conditional Generative Adversarial Training Using Transfer learning

Obtaining accurate segmentation on large scale images is an open problem in deep learning. The main problem is the amount of labeled data that exists for large scale images. Traditionally, the common solution to this problem is to crop the large images into smaller images to increase the amount of available data and train a Conditional Generative Adversarial Network (CGAN). CGANs are currently the state of the art in image to image translation and provide better accuracy than the traditional method of training a encoder based conv-net architecture to minimize the loss at each pixel. This method can produce noisy and discontinuous images with inaccurate results. We seek to solve this problem by utilizing the concepts of transfer learning and progressive training to create a CGAN that can segment large scale images with a limited amount of labeled data. In transfer learning we recognize that many learned features are applicable to many classes from multiple domains. This introduces the concept of feature reusability, which is the basis for finetuning. Progressive training got its start in training models on the same images at different resolutions. In this work we instead train a GAN on increasing image scales by transferring the weights from the smaller scales to the larger scales. The learned features at the smaller scales are continually reused and applied to larger scales to create a CGAN that can perform accurate segmentation on large scale images. We apply this method to detect building footprints on very high-resolution overhead imagery (e.g Digital Globe and high resolution airborne platforms).

GEONEX

Progressive Failure Analysis Correlation with Notched Composite Laminate Test Data

Testing of small and intermediate laminate panels with notches was performed and Progressive Failure Analyses (PFA) models were developed for aid in test planning and for correlation with the test data. Two progressive damage failure models were included in the study: the commercially available Abaqus built-in damage model and COmplete STress Reduction (COSTR) damage model developed at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). The finite elements models used for the analysis were developed using shell elements. The pre-test PFA results obtained from the two damage models were compared to test data. Then a post-test PFA with updated material properties based on additional available material property data was executed with the COSTR damage model and compared to the test data. The panels tested in compression all exhibited less scatter in the failure load with self-similar failure behavior. The panels tested in tension exhibited more scatter in the failure load with a failure mode that included delamination of plies. However, a self-similar crack path was also observed as the overall failure mode for all panels tested. When comparing test data to the pre-test analysis results, both damage models with shell element models were considered adequate for predicting the behavior and failure load of both the small and intermediate panels when tested in compression. However, for the tension load cases, larger differences were observed between the test and analysis results. When comparing test data to the post-test analysis performed using the COSTR damage model, better correlation was observed. However, large discrepancies were still observed for the tension load cases. Consequently, a higher fidelity finite element model including solid elements for sub-laminates and the modeling of cohesive layers between sub-laminate layers is recommended for tension loading of notched composite laminates.

Damage Model,Progressive Failure Analysis,Open Hol

Composite Progressive Delamination Analysis of Thin Ply Buckling

The NASA Advanced Composites Project is a multi-year consortium of government, industry and academia to develop and validate technology that will reduce development and certification of advanced composite materials for aircraft structures. One of its tasks is to simulate and predict composite damage progression accurately through high fidelity finite element models. It included a subtask to verify an approach based on the Virtual Crack Closure Technology (VCCT) as well as Floating Node Method (FNM). This paper discusses predicted damage onset and growth in a thin-ply buckling problem. Sensitivity of the simulations to various initial crack length is studied. The compressive load-displacement curves are plotted and the crack growth critical load is predicted. Overall, the crack progression follows simulation benchmarks well. However, the critical-load overshoot phenomenon is observed in both VCCT and FNM, suggesting further investigation may be worth pursuing.

damage progression

Progressive Damage and Failure Analysis of Thermoplastic Composites in Low Velocity Impact Using MAT299

As part of the NASA Hi-Rate Composite Aircraft Manufacturing (HiCAM) Project, state-of-the-art progressive damage and failure analysis (PDFA) tools developed for use with thermosets are being evaluated for use in modeling alternative material systems, like thermoplastics. Experimental low-velocity impact data of a thermoplastic material system, AS4D/PEKK-FC, is presented and includes characterization of the impact damage mechanisms as well as associated load and displacement data. Following the presentation of experimental results, two simulation approaches using the PDFA tool MAT299 in the commercial off-the-shelf finite element software LS-DYNA are employed to predict damage area and force-displacement responses of thermoplastic panels subjected to various impact energies. The first modeling method uses solid elements with a high-density mesh and a ply-by-ply modeling approach similar to previously published work for thermosets. This method has the capability of capturing individual crack development, progression, and delamination on a per ply basis. The second modeling method uses TSHELL elements that have in-plane dimensions that are an order of magnitude larger than the elements used in the solid element approach and reduces the number of elements through the thickness of the laminate. The second method produces a lower-fidelity model with reduced run times that is incapable of monitoring every delamination plane and damage within each ply. Results from both simulation methods are compared to experiment, and limitations of the methods are discussed.

Composite material

Progressive Damage and Failure Analysis of Thermoplastic Composites in Low Velocity Impact Using MAT299

As part of the NASA Hi-Rate Composite Aircraft Manufacturing (HiCAM) Project, state-of-the-art progressive damage and failure analysis (PDFA) tools developed for use with thermosets are being evaluated for use in modeling alternative material systems, like thermoplastics. Experimental low-velocity impact data of a thermoplastic material system, AS4D/PEKK-FC, is presented and includes characterization of the impact damage mechanisms as well as associated load and displacement data. Following the presentation of experimental results, two simulation approaches using the PDFA tool MAT299 in the commercial off-the-shelf finite element software LS-DYNA are employed to predict damage area and force-displacement responses of thermoplastic panels subjected to various impact energies. The first modeling method uses solid elements with a high-density mesh and a ply-by-ply modeling approach similar to previously published work for thermosets. This method has the capability of capturing individual crack development, progression, and delamination on a per ply basis. The second modeling method uses TSHELL elements that have in-plane dimensions that are an order of magnitude larger than the elements used in the solid element approach and reduces the number of elements through the thickness of the laminate. The second method produces a lower-fidelity model with reduced run times that is incapable of monitoring every delamination plane and damage within each ply. Results from both simulation methods are compared to experiment, and limitations of the methods are discussed.

Composite material

Progress Report No. 3 on Studies in the Fields of Space Flight and Guidance Theory

This paper contains progress reports of NASA-sponsored studies in the areas of space flight theory and guidance theory. The studies are carried on by several universities and industrial companies. This progress report covers the period from June 15, 1962 to December 20, 1962. The technical supervisor of the contracts is W.E. Miner, Deputy Chief of the Future Projects Branch of Aeroballistics Division, George C. Marshall Space Flight Center.

SPACECRAFT GUIDANCE

Studies in the fields of space flight and guidance theory progress report no. 7, 23 jul. 1964 - 1 apr. 1965

The progress reports of NASA-sponsored studies in the areas of space flight and guidance theory are presented. The studies are carried on by several universities and industrial companies. This progress report covers the period from July 23, 1964 to April 1, 1965. The contracts are technically supervised by personnel of the Astrodynamics and Guidance Theory Division, Aero-Astrodynamics Laboratory, Marshall Space Flight Center.

NASA Program

Automating the design process - Progress, problems, prospects, potential.

The design process for large aerospace vehicles is discussed, with particular emphasis on structural design. Problems with current procedures are identified. Then, the contributions possible from automating the design process (defined as the best combination of men and computers) are considered. Progress toward automated design in the aerospace and other communities is reviewed, including NASA studies of the potential development of Integrated Programs for Aerospace-Vehicle Design (IPAD). The need for and suggested directions of future research on the design process, both technical and social, are discussed. Although much progress has been made to exploit the computer in design, it is concluded that technology is available to begin using the computer to speed communications and management as well as calculations in the design process and thus build man-computer teams that can design better, faster and cheaper.

Heldenfels, R. R.

Progress in advanced high temperature materials technology

Significant progress has recently been made in many high temperature material categories pertinent to such applications by the industrial community. These include metal matrix composites, superalloys, directionally solidified eutectics, coatings, and ceramics. Each of these material categories is reviewed and the current state-of-the-art identified, including some assessment, when appropriate, of progress, problems, and future directions.

Freche, J. C.

Progress satellite: An automatic cargo spacecraft

The requirement for resupplying long term orbital space stations is discussed. The operation of Progress (an unmanned automatic resupply spacecraft) is described. It concludes that the development of Progress is a major contribution of Soviet science to domestic and world aeronautics.

Novikov, N.

Changes in cardiac output and tibial artery flow during and after progressive LBNP

A 3.0 MHz Pulsed Doppler velocity meter (PD) was used to determine blood velocities in the ascending aorta from the suprasternal notch before, during and after progressive 5 min stages of lower body negative pressure (LBNP) in 7 subjects. Changes in stroke volume were calculated from the systolic velocity integrals. A unique 20 MHz PD was used to estimate bloodflow in the posterior tibial artery. With -20 torr mean stroke volume fell 11% and then continued to decline by 48% before LBNP was terminated. Mean tibial flow fell progressively with LBNP stress, due to an increase in reverse flow component and a reduction in peak forward flow and diameter. Stroke volume increased and heart rate fell dramatically during the first 15 sec of recovery. The LBNP was terminated early in 2 subjects because of vasovagal symptons (V). During V the stroke volume rose 86% which more than compensated for the drop in heart rate. This implies that V is accompanied by a paradoxical increase in venous return and that the reduction in HR is the primary cardiovascular event. During the first 15 sec of recovery these 2 subjects had a distinctive marked rise to heart rate reminiscent of the Bainbridge reflex.

Source record

Progressive fracture of fiber composites

Refined models and procedures are described for determining progressive composite fracture in graphite/epoxy angleplied laminates. Lewis Research Center capabilities are utilized including the Real Time Ultrasonic C Scan (RUSCAN) experimental facility and the Composite Durability Structural Analysis (CODSTRAN) computer code. The CODSTRAN computer code is used to predict the fracture progression based on composite mechanics, finite element stress analysis, and fracture criteria modules. The RUSCAN facility, CODSTRAN computer code, and scanning electron microscope are used to determine durability and identify failure mechanisms in graphite/epoxy composites.

Irvin, T. B.

A New Finite Element Approach for Prediction of Aerothermal Loads: Progress in Inviscid Flow Computations

Recent progress in the development of finite element methodology for the prediction of aerothermal loads is described. Two dimensional, inviscid computations are presented, but emphasis is placed on development of an approach extendable to three dimensional viscous flows. Research progress is described for: (1) utilization of a commerically available program to construct flow solution domains and display computational results, (2) development of an explicit Taylor-Galerkin solution algorithm, (3) closed form evaluation of finite element matrices, (4) vector computer programming strategies, and (5) validation of solutions. Two test problems of interest to NASA Langley aerothermal research are studied. Comparisons of finite element solutions for Mach 6 flow with other solution methods and experimental data validate fundamental capabilities of the approach for analyzing high speed inviscid compressible flows.

Bey, K. S.