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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-I-17: Evaluation of Commercially Available Extension Plates for the ACR CT Accreditation Phantom

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of commercially available extension plates on Hounsfield Unit (HU) values in the ACR CT accreditation phantom (Model 464, Gammex Inc., Middleton, Wi). The extension plates are intended to improve water HU values in scanners where the traditional solution involves scanning the phantom with an adjacent water or CTDI phantom. Methods: The Model 464 phantom was scanned on 9 different CT scanners at 8 separate sites representing 16 and 64 slice MDCT technology from four CT manufacturers. The phantom was scanned with and without the extension plates (Gammex 464 EXTPLT-KIT) in helical and axial modes. A water phantom was also scanned to verify water HU calibration. Technique was 120 kV tube potential, 350 mAs, and 210 mm display field of view. Slice thickness and reconstruction algorithm were based on site clinical protocols. The widest available beam collimation was used. Regions of interest were drawn on the HU test objects in Module 1 of the phantom and mean values recorded. Results: For all axial mode scans, water HU values were within limits with or without the extension plates. For two scanners (both Lightspeed VCT, GE Medical Systems, Waukesha WI), axial mode bone HU values were above the specified range both with and without the extension plates though they were closer to the specified range with the plates installed. In helical scan mode, two scanners (both GE Lightspeed VCT) had water HU values above the specified range without the plates installed. With the plates installed, the water HU values were within range for all scanners in all scan modes. Conclusion: Using the plates, the Lightspeed VCT scanners passed the water HU test when scanning in helical mode. The benefit of the extension plates was evident in helical mode scanning with GE scanners using a nominal 4 cm beam. Disclosure: The extension plates evaluated in this work were provided free of charge to the authors. The authors have no other financial interest in Gammex Inc.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1999

NASA Ames Research Center R and D Services Directorate Biomedical Systems Development

The Ames Research Center R&D Services Directorate teams with NASA, other government agencies and/or industry investigators for the development, design, fabrication, manufacturing and qualification testing of space-flight and ground-based experiment hardware for biomedical and general aerospace applications. In recent years, biomedical research hardware and software has been developed to support space-flight and ground-based experiment needs including the E 132 Biotelemetry system for the Research Animal Holding Facility (RAHF), E 100 Neurolab neuro-vestibular investigation systems, the Autogenic Feedback Systems, and the Standard Interface Glove Box (SIGB) experiment workstation module. Centrifuges, motion simulators, habitat design, environmental control systems, and other unique experiment modules and fixtures have also been developed. A discussion of engineered systems and capabilities will be provided to promote understanding of possibilities for future system designs in biomedical applications. In addition, an overview of existing engineered products will be shown. Examples of hardware and literature that demonstrate the organization's capabilities will be displayed. The Ames Research Center R&D Services Directorate is available to support the development of new hardware and software systems or adaptation of existing systems to meet the needs of academic, commercial/industrial, and government research requirements. The Ames R&D Services Directorate can provide specialized support for: System concept definition and feasibility Mathematical modeling and simulation of system performance Prototype hardware development Hardware and software design Data acquisition systems Graphical user interface development Motion control design Hardware fabrication and high-fidelity machining Composite materials development and application design Electronic/electrical system design and fabrication System performance verification testing and qualification.

Pollitt, J.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Research on the International Space Station - An Overview

The International Space Station (ISS) celebrates ten years of operations in 2008. While the station did not support permanent human crews during the first two years of operations November 1998 to November 2000 it hosted a few early science experiments months before the first international crew took up residence. Since that time and simultaneous with the complicated task of ISS construction and overcoming impacts from the tragic Columbia accident science returns from the ISS have been growing at a steady pace. As of this writing, over 162 experiments have been operated on the ISS, supporting research for hundreds of ground-based investigators from the U.S. and international partners. This report summarizes the experimental results collected to date. Today, NASA's priorities for research aboard the ISS center on understanding human health during long-duration missions, researching effective countermeasures for long-duration crewmembers, and researching and testing new technologies that can be used for future exploration crews and spacecraft. Through the U.S. National Laboratory designation, the ISS is also a platform available to other government agencies. Research on ISS supports new understandings, methods or applications relevant to life on Earth, such as understanding effective protocols to protect against loss of bone density or better methods for producing stronger metal alloys. Experiment results have already been used in applications as diverse as the manufacture of solar cell and insulation materials for new spacecraft and the verification of complex numerical models for behavior of fluids in fuel tanks. A synoptic publication of these results will be forthcoming in 2009. At the 10-year point, the scientific returns from ISS should increase at a rapid pace. During the 2008 calendar year, the laboratory space and research facilities were tripled with the addition of ESA's Columbus and JAXA's Kibo scientific modules joining NASA's Destiny Laboratory. All three laboratories, together with external payload accommodations, support a wide variety of research racks and science and technology experiments. In 2009, the number of crewmembers will increase from three to six, greatly increasing the time available for research. The realization of the international scientific partnership provides new opportunities for scientific collaboration and broadens the research potential on the ISS. Engineers and scientists from around the world are working together to refine their operational relationships and build from their experiences conducting early science to ensure maximum utilization of the expanded capabilities aboard ISS. This paper will summarize science results and accomplishments, and discuss how the early science utilization provides the foundation for continuing research campaigns aboard the ISS that will benefit future exploration programs.

Evans, Cynthia A.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Advances in Thrust-Based Emergency Control of an Airplane

Engineers at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center have received a patent on an emergency flight-control method implemented by a propulsion-controlled aircraft (PCA) system. Utilizing the preexisting auto-throttle and engine-pressure-ratio trim controls of the airplane, the PCA system provides pitch and roll control for landing an airplane safely without using aerodynamic control surfaces that have ceased to function because of a primary-flight-control-system failure. The installation of the PCA does not entail any changes in pre-existing engine hardware or software. [Aspects of the method and system at previous stages of development were reported in Thrust-Control System for Emergency Control of an Airplane (DRC-96-07), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 25, No. 3 (March 2001), page 68 and Emergency Landing Using Thrust Control and Shift of Weight (DRC-96-55), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 26, No. 5 (May 2002), page 58.]. Aircraft flight-control systems are designed with extensive redundancy to ensure low probabilities of failure. During recent years, however, several airplanes have exhibited major flight-control-system failures, leaving engine thrust as the last mode of flight control. In some of these emergency situations, engine thrusts were successfully modulated by the pilots to maintain flight paths or pitch angles, but in other situations, lateral control was also needed. In the majority of such control-system failures, crashes resulted and over 1,200 people died. The challenge lay in creating a means of sufficient degree of thrust-modulation control to safely fly and land a stricken airplane. A thrust-modulation control system designed for this purpose was flight-tested in a PCA an MD-11 airplane. The results of the flight test showed that without any operational control surfaces, a pilot can land a crippled airplane (U.S. Patent 5,330,131). The installation of the original PCA system entailed modifications not only of the flight-control computer (FCC) of the airplane but also of each engine-control computer. Inasmuch as engine-manufacturer warranties do not apply to modified engines, the challenge became one of creating a PCA system that does not entail modifications of the engine computers.

Creech, Gray↗
NASA NTRS2016

HIAD Advancements and Extension of Mission Applications

The Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) technology has made significant advancements over the last decade with flight test demonstrations and ground development campaigns. The first generation (Gen-1) design and materials were flight tested with the successful third Inflatable Reentry Vehicle Experiment flight test of a 3-m HIAD (IRVE-3). Ground development efforts incorporated materials with higher thermal capabilities for the inflatable structure (IS) and flexible thermal protection system (F-TPS) as a second generation (Gen-2) system. Current efforts and plans are focused on extending capabilities to improve overall system performance and reduce areal weight, as well as expand mission applicability. F-TPS materials that offer greater thermal resistance, and ability to be packed to greater density, for a given thickness are being tested to demonstrated thermal performance benefits and manufacturability at flight-relevant scale. IS materials and construction methods are being investigated to reduce mass, increase load capacities, and improve durability for packing. Previous HIAD systems focused on symmetric geometries using stacked torus construction. Flight simulations and trajectory analysis show that symmetrical HIADs may provide L/D up to 0.25 via movable center of gravity (CG) offsets. HIAD capabilities can be greatly expanded to suit a broader range of mission applications with asymmetric shapes and/or modulating L/D. Various HIAD concepts are being developed to provide greater control to improve landing accuracy and reduce dependency upon propulsion systems during descent and landing. Concepts being studied include a canted stack torus design, control surfaces, and morphing configurations that allow the shape to be actively manipulated for flight control. This paper provides a summary of recent HIAD development activities, and plans for future HIAD developments including advanced materials, improved construction techniques, and alternate geometry concepts that will greatly expand HIAD mission applications.

Johnson, R. Keith↗
DOE OSTI2022

Microwave Heating-Induced Temperature Gradients in Liquid–Liquid Biphasic Systems

Microwaves (MWs) can enable the electrification and intensification of chemical manufacturing. They have been applied to various unit separations, such as drying, distillation, and extraction, entailing gas–liquid and solid–liquid systems. However, a limited quantitative understanding of MW-heated liquid–liquid biphasic systems related to extraction exists. This work measures the temporal and spatial temperature difference between an aqueous and an organic phase in batch and continuous microfluidic modes. We demonstrate permanent temperature differences between phases over 35 °C and spatiotemporal periodic and quasiperiodic oscillations modulated by the flow patterns. The temperature differences are primarily driven by the faster absorption rate of MW irradiation by the aqueous phase versus the slower heat transfer from the aqueous phase to the organic phase. These are amplified by low specific interfacial area and modifications of the electromagnetic field. We employ a multiphysics model to predict the temperature difference in a batch system. The model is in good agreement with the experiments. We demonstrate a strong effect of input power, dielectric properties of organic solvents, the volume of solvents, and the volume ratio between phases on the temperature difference. A simple analytical model describes the temperature difference and provides design principles. Furthermore, the combined approach offers new insights into the design and optimization of the MW-heated biphasic systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Ultra-High-Performance Concrete And Advanced Manufacturing Methods For Modular Construction

Small modular reactors (SMR) allow for less onsite construction, increase nuclear material security, and provide a flexible and cost-effective energy alternative. SMR can be factory-built as modular components, and shipped to desired locations for fast assembly. This project successfully developed a new class of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), which features a compressive strength greater than 22 ksi (150 MPa) without special treatment and self-consolidating characteristics desired for SMR modular construction. With an ultra-high strength and dense microstructure, it will facilitate rapid construction of steel plate-concrete (SC) beams and walls with thinner and lighter modules, and can withstand harsh environments and mechanical loads anticipated during the service life of nuclear power plants. In addition, the self-consolidating characteristics are crucial for the fast construction and assembly of SC modules with reduced labor costs and improved quality. Following the UHPC material development, the capacity of producing self-consolidating UHPC in mass quantities was investigated and compared to accepted self-consolidating concrete standards. With slightly adjusted mixing procedure using large-scale gravity-based mixers (compared with small-scale force-based mixer), the self-consolidating UHPC has been successfully processed at six cubic yards; the product met both minimum compressive strength requirements and self-consolidating concrete standards. Steel plate-UHPC beams (15 ft. long, 12 in. wide and 16 in. deep) and wall panels (40 in. X 40 in. X 3 in.) were then constructed using the self-consolidating UHPC without any external vibration. Quality control guidelines for producing UHPC in large scale were developed. When the concrete is replaced by UHPC in a steel plate concrete (SC) beam, it is critical to evaluate its structural behavior with both flexure and shear-governed failure modes. In recent years, SC has been widely used for buildings and nuclear containment structures to resist lateral forces induced by severe earthquakes and heavy winds. SC modules have good potential for SMR because of their cost-effectiveness and reduced construction time. However, the minimum shear reinforcement (i.e. cross tie) ratio needs to be determined for the steel plate-UHPC (S-UHPC) beams to exhibit a ductile failure mode. In this project, S-UHPC beams were designed and constructed. The beams were tested to evaluate structural capacity and identify the minimum cross ties ratios. In addition, as the bond between UHPC and steel plate is essential for ensuring structural integrity under shear and flexure, it was measured and examined in this project through digital image correlation system and smart piezoelectric aggregate sensors. Large-scale testing and finite element simulation were also performed on S-UHPC wall panels. New bond slip-based constitutive models of steel plate were developed for S-UHPC, which were used in finite element analysis program to predict S-UHPC behavior under shear. The results were well validated through experimental data. The long-term durability of UHPC were established in this project. UHPC specimens were tested under free shrinkage, restrained shrinkage, elevated temperature, water permeation, chloride diffusion, corrosion, and alkali silica reaction. UHPC has demonstrated significantly improved durability compared with control concrete specimens. This research led to a new generation of steel plate-UHPC modules for SMR that can provide large benefits to the electric power industry. Taking advantage of the high strength and durability of UHPC, their modularity and ease of assembly can address the high cost barriers of typical nuclear power plants.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Grid Resilient, Self-Powered, Fuel Flexible, High Efficiency Heating System (Final Report)

The Grid Independent High Efficiency System (GIHES) delivers a heating system that operates free from the power grid and provides ultra-low emissions and high efficiency heating for residential and commercial buildings. The project demonstrated two weeks of continuous grid independent operation of a storage water heater equipped with a powered damper. The Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) integrated GIHES technology revolutionizes heating systems to provide grid resilient hot water production, while delivering significant value to the end user by eliminating impacts of power interruption and enhancing comfort, convenience and productivity. The system maximizes the thermal-to-electric conversion efficiency by optimizing location and orientation of the TEGs and durability while lowering system costs. The TEGs generate enough power to charge a battery and run the storage water heater unit with a powered damper uninterrupted by providing the required parasitic electrical power for start-up, shutdown and during idling. Several TEGs were analytically and experimentally evaluated based on the size, surface area and the power being generated before designing and fabricating a complete multi-TEG assembly for integration with the water heater. The GIHES technology can be extended to boilers, furnaces and tankless water heaters and integrated with heat pump to further increase the overall equipment efficiency. The technology has the potential to reduce the amount of dispatch power and peak power plant operation. An advanced burner was designed, developed and 3D printed for fuel flexible operation. The burner was designed to enable tighter integration with TEGs for potentially higher TEG output, should this be necessary. A bench-scale test rig to perform testing of a 200,000 Btu/h burner and capable of handling up to 10% H2 (by volume) was setup at GTI’s laboratory with appropriate safety and controls to ensure smooth and safe operation. Testing of the 3D burner showed < 5 ppm NOx emissions can be achieved for the entire firing range and with different levels of hydrogen blends with natural gas. The burner will enable a more integrated TEG-burner module design for improved system performance, should this be required in the future. Techno-economic analysis (TEA) of the TEG integrated with the water heaters was performed. The testing data and the power output were used to develop the TEA. The analysis for the storage unit with damper showed that the TEG integrated system costs $95. This is much lower than a one-time charge needed to wire and install dedicated power. Discussions with TEG manufacturers and OEM’s will provide more detailed information and methods to further lower these costs.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1995

Preliminary results of the on-demand vortex-generator experiments

This is a report on the continuation of our experimental investigations (Saddoughi 1994) of 'on-demand' vortex generators. Conventional vortex generators as found on aircraft wings are mainly for suppression of separation during the off-design conditions. In cruise they perform no useful function and exert a significant drag penalty. Therefore, replacement of fixed rectangular or delta-wing generators by devices that could be activated when needed would be of interest. Also in our previous report, we described one example of an 'on-demand' device, which was developed by Jacobson & Reynolds (1995) at Stanford University, suitable for manufacture by micro-electro-mechanical technology. This device consists of a surface cavity elongated in the stream direction and covered with a lid cantilevered at the upstream end. The lid, which is a metal sheet with a sheet of piezoelectric ceramic bonded to it, lies flush with the boundary. On application of a voltage the ceramic expands or contracts; however, adequate amplitude can be obtained only by running at the cantilever resonance frequency and applying amplitude modulation: for 2.5 mm x 20 mm cantilevered lids, they obtained maximum tip displacements of the order of 100 pm. Thus fluid is expelled from the cavity through the gap around the lid on the downstroke. They used an asymmetrical gap configuration and found that periodic emerging jets on the narrow side induced periodic longitudinal vorticity into the boundary layer. Their device was used to modify the inner layer of the boundary layer for skin-friction reduction. The same method could be implemented for the replacement of the conventional vortex generators; however, to promote mixing and suppress separation we needed to deposit longitudinal vortices into the outer layer of the boundary layer, which required a larger vortex generator than the device built by Jacobson & Reynolds. Our vortex generator was built with a mechanically-driven cantilevered lid with an adjustable frequency. The device was made about ten times the size of Jacobson & Reynolds', the shape or size of the cavity and lid (28 mm x 250 mm) could be easily changed. The cavity depth, the cantilever-tip displacement, and the maximum lid frequency were 20 mm, 10 mm, and 60 Hz respectively. Our vortex generator was mounted on a turntable so that its yaw angle could be changed. Finally, tests over a range of ratios of vortex generator size to boundary-layer thickness could be carried out simply by changing the streamwise location of the device.

Saddoughi, Seyed G.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Chapter 9: Reliability

This chapter describes the accumulated knowledge on CPV reliability with its fundamentals and qualification. It explains the reliability of solar cells, modules (including optics) and plants. The chapter discusses the statistical distributions, namely exponential, normal and Weibull. The reliability of solar cells includes: namely the issues in accelerated aging tests in CPV solar cells, types of failure and failures in real time operation. The chapter explores the accelerated life tests, namely qualitative life tests (mainly HALT) and quantitative accelerated life tests (QALT). It examines other well proven and experienced PV cells and/or semiconductor devices, which share similar semiconductor materials, manufacturing techniques or operating conditions, namely, III-V space solar cells and light emitting diodes (LEDs). It addresses each of the identified reliability issues and presents the current state of the art knowledge for their testing and evaluation. Finally, the chapter summarizes the CPV qualification and reliability standards.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

A One‐Pot Biocatalytic Cascade to Access Diverse l ‐Phenylalanine Derivatives from Aldehydes or Carboxylic Acids

Abstract Nonstandard amino acids (nsAAs) that are l ‐phenylalanine derivatives with aryl ring functionalization have long been harnessed in natural product synthesis, therapeutic peptide synthesis, and diverse applications of genetic code expansion. Yet, to date, these chiral molecules have often been the products of poorly enantioselective and environmentally harsh organic synthesis routes. Here, we reveal the broad specificity of multiple natural pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP)‐dependent enzymes, specifically an l ‐threonine transaldolase, a phenylserine dehydratase, and an aminotransferase, toward substrates that contain aryl side chains with diverse substitutions. We exploit this tolerance to construct a one‐pot biocatalytic cascade that achieves high‐yield synthesis of 18 diverse l ‐phenylalanine derivatives from aldehydes under mild aqueous reaction conditions. We demonstrate the addition of a carboxylic acid reductase module to this cascade to enable the biosynthesis of l ‐phenylalanine derivatives from carboxylic acids that may be less expensive or less reactive than the corresponding aldehydes. Finally, we investigate the scalability of the cascade by developing a lysate‐based route for preparative‐scale synthesis of 4‐formyl‐ l ‐phenylalanine, a nsAA with a bio‐orthogonal handle that is not readily market‐accessible. Overall, this work offers an efficient, versatile, and scalable route with the potential to lower manufacturing costs and democratize synthesis for many valuable nsAAs.

Anderson, Shelby R. [Department of Chemical and Bi↗
NASA NTRS1982

The OSS-1/STS-3 mission

Integration, test, flight operations, program and science management, and experiment results from the OSS-1/STS-3 flight are reviewed. The experimental pallet, manufactured by ESA members, carried instrumentation for astronomy, space plasma studies, physics, planetology, solar physics, and life sciences. The ability of the equipment to operate in a worst-case Orbiter thermal environment was tested, as was the plasma environment around the Orbiter. The solar UV spectral irradiance monitor microprocessor was found to reset concurrently with start-up of the Shuttle hydraulic pumps. Degradations were also observed in one of the three solar flare X ray polarimeter modules, the thermal cannister experiment microprocessor, and the scientific data recorder no. 2. The Orbiter was determined to perform well during firing of an electron beam. A contamination monitor recorded matter accretion to be dependent on the solar orientation of the Orbiter. Finally, the distribution of the responsibilities and tasks for mission management are reviewed.

Kissin, K.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Lessons Learned from Recent Space Flight Assessments

This paper highlights four space flight assessments, each with an important lesson. The first assessment points to the challenge of material substitution for weight saving. Space Shuttle’s external tank stringers were changed from Al 2024 to Al 2090 without comprehensive analysis. Lack of understanding the low Short-Transverse (S-T) strength associated with Al 2090 led to widespread cracking. The second assessment addresses the failure to understand that time-dependent relationships and loading interactions of multiple disciplines can lead to non-conservative results. An aerodynamic test article of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) Launch Abort System (LAS) was analyzed for worst-case single discipline loads, showing positive structural margins. When disciplines were combined with time dependent loading, the analysis resulted in negative margins. The third assessment highlights the pitfalls of putting blind trust in historical architecture. The MPCV re-entry heat shield adopted the Apollo design approach despite fundamental differences between the two designs (e.g., the underlying substructure design, material differences, scale, and geometry). Manufacturing resulted in cracking along seams of the cured MPCV heat shield and produced lower mechanical properties of the Avcoat witness panels. Subsequently, the design was changed to a block architecture, which introduced unperceived technical, cost, and schedule risk. The fourth assessment shows how the lack of a comprehensive investigation of design modifications and inappropriate Finite Element Analyses (FEA) can lead to trouble. A mass reduction campaign eliminated highly critical internal struts on the ISS Node-1 pressurized module based on inadequate and uncorrelated FEA. High strains were noted and ignored as a modeling aberration. A system level high fidelity FEA discovered large plastic strains in the gussets of all four radial ports. These findings initiated a full-scale test campaign, new test correlated assembly-level FEA, and significant design modifications.

James P Smith↗
DOE OSTI2026

On the formation of swelling and related flaws in laser powder bed fusion

Process monitoring in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing can provide insights into stochastic anomalies, melt pool and plume dynamics, and part quality. Swelling, a build anomaly where overbuilt material protrudes through the powder layer after recoating, is readily detectable in post-recoat visible light images of the powder bed. Here, this work identifies several of the underlying mechanisms driving swelling formation by analyzing the influence of processing parameters, laser scan paths, and build plate locations on the presence of swelling detected in situ. Swelling near the edge of the part and swelling in the internal region of the part are shown to correlate with different process conditions. Edge and internal swelling may be driven by different phenomena, with edge swelling predominately occurring on the edge of a part facing the laser module and correlated to clusters of near-surface voids (detected with X-ray computed tomography). A larger spot size, higher laser power, and lower scan velocity also increased the presence of edge swelling. Laser spot size and scan path influenced internal swelling, which occurred preferentially with a larger spot size and in regions with large melt pools, caused by localized heat accumulation due to non-optimal processing parameters or scan path strategies. For coupons processed with a slicer-defined maximum scan vector length, swelling seldom occurred at internal vector-stripe boundaries. These results provide a mechanistic understanding of how swelling can be linked to material flaws, insight into how some instances of swelling can be avoided, and evidence supporting the use of swelling as an in situ indicator for quality assurance and part qualification.

Anomaly↗
DOE OSTI2019

Improving reliability and reducing cost in CdTe photovoltaics via grain boundary engineering

A key pathway toward achieving the SunShot 2030 goals for thin films devices is to increase the overall module efficiency and reliability. Photovoltaic devices based on polycrystalline CdTe thin films are the leading candidate, followed closely by Si, that have achieved the 2020 SunShot target of $\$0.05$/kWh. However, to reach the goal for the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of less than $\$0.03$/kWh by 2030, several fundamental problems of CdTebased devices will need to be addressed: i) low Voc and conversion efficiencies of even the best research cell, ii) large variability of individual cell performances manufactured under identical conditions, and iii) degradation of cell performance within the first few years of operation in the field.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1994

Photonics: From target recognition to lesion detection

Since 1989, Martin Marietta has invested in the development of an innovative concept for robust real-time pattern recognition for any two-dimensioanal sensor. This concept has been tested in simulation, and in laboratory and field hardware, for a number of DOD and commercial uses from automatic target recognition to manufacturing inspection. We have now joined Rose Health Care Systems in developing its use for medical diagnostics. The concept is based on determining regions of interest by using optical Fourier bandpassing as a scene segmentation technique, enhancing those regions using wavelet filters, passing the enhanced regions to a neural network for analysis and initial pattern identification, and following this initial identification with confirmation by optical correlation. The optical scene segmentation and pattern confirmation are performed by the same optical module. The neural network is a recursive error minimization network with a small number of connections and nodes that rapidly converges to a global minimum.

Henry, E. Michael↗
DOE OSTI2018

Analysis of the Solar Energy Collection for In-Plane Rotation Two Axes Micro-Tracking Systems

Concentrator photovoltaic technologies (CPV) have long been regarded as the obvious way to increase the solar power collection efficiency but the use of bulky two axes tracking systems has been proven to be a fatal handicap for both economic and technical reasons. On the other hand, the continuous development of multijunction high efficiency solar cells encourages the research of novel CPV architectures that can leverage the new cells potential. Here we present a study on the solar energy collection of an ideal hybrid two axes micro-tracking system suitable for rooftop installations. In this study, we analyze in detail the optimal installation angle in relation to the latitude and the partial shading effect on modules of the same solar panel. The study is focused on optimizing the average collection efficiency over the astronomical year period as opposed to maximize the collection on any given day of the year. Additionally, we conducted a techno-economic analysis of the hybrid In-Plane Micro Tracker, using “Bottom-Up” methodology for determining the cost of the micro-tracking concept where the materials, assembly, utilities, maintenance costs are included for each step of the manufacturing process.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Manufacturing Supply Chain Development for Modular Solar-Thermochemical Conversion Platform [Abstract]

We will develop a tunable pulsed electron source capable of generating variable intensity highly-focused electron pulses at high repetition rates. Specifically, we need to demonstrate a high-speed variable electron gun capable of generating a variable intensity electron pulse containing between 102 and 105 electrons with an accelerating voltage of 1kV focused into a spot size <100nm in diameter at with a pulse rate >10MHz (with path to 300MHz). This combined performance cannot be achieved by commercially available electron sources. The primary technology path selected for this work will be to use a photocathode approach, where an easily modulated UV laser is used to stimulate electron emission. The approach utilizes the advances made in the development of the Dynamic TEM (DTEM), though this project will be simpler in that the pulse intensity is lower and there is no requirement for coherency. Alternate paths, including using a traditional electron beam modulated using a v-shaped slit and electrostatically deflecting the beam to adjust intensity; will also be considered for future capabilities. The electron source will then be used generate optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) in lithium fluoride (LiF) substrates to demonstrate the potential for OSL to serve as a basis technology for next generation data storage systems.

42 ENGINEERING↗