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DOE OSTI2019

Opportunistic bone density screening for the abdominal radiologist using colored CT images: a pilot retrospective study

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to develop an accurate and reproducible method for detecting low spinal bone density on abdominal CT images. Methods: For this IRB-approved HIPAA-compliant single-center retrospective study, nonenhanced CT images of the lower abdomen were obtained in 631 African-American participants. Mean attenuation of L3/L4 was associated with quantitative CT bone density (QCT) in a randomly selected training cohort (N = 511), and receiver operating characteristics analysis was used to identify the optimal mean attenuation threshold for differentiating normal from low bone density. Custom image processing software was used to generate grayscale and colored CT images of the midline spine, with green for normal and red for low bone density. Five radiologists independently assessed bone density at L3/L4 in a validation cohort (N = 120) using various methods: QCT, visual assessment of sagittal grayscale images (Grayscale), quantitative measurement of mean attenuation on a midline sagittal image (Attenuation), and visual assessment of a midline sagittal colored image (Color). Accuracy was calculated using the average QCT bone density as a reference standard. Inter-observer agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The optimal mean attenuation threshold for differentiating normal from low bone density at L3/L4 was 145 Hounsfield Units. The average accuracy of Grayscale, Attenuation, and Color methods was 58, 87, and 91% (p < 0.001), respectively. Inter-observer agreement was poor for Grayscale (ICC: 0.20; 95% CI 0.12, 0.28) and excellent for both Attenuation (ICC: 0.85; 95% CI 0.73, 0.91) and Color methods (ICC: 0.87; 95% CI 0.83, 0.90). Conclusion: Detection of low spinal bone density using colored abdominal CT images was highly accurate and reproducible.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Pilot Controls for a Hybrid Turbine-Electric 17 Engine Aircraft

NASA is exploring the development of a 180-passenger subsonic single engine aft turbine aircraft where the aft turbine provides electric power in a hybrid design to wing mounted electric engines. A pilot-in-the-loop study was conducted at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia to explore the design of a flight deck for the hybrid electric aircraft with 16 wing fans and an aft mounted turbine engine. Current flight deck designs provide control inceptors for each propulsion engine and display of all engine parameters for all primary aircraft engines. Automation trends and increasing automation in flight controls and throttle controls indicate less controls instead of more. The design team researched state-of-the-art and recommended study of three, two, and one throttle levers. Engine displays were researched and two were recommended for initial evaluation. 16 airline pilots evaluated the three throttle configurations and two engine display options. Engine failures for known probable indications were evaluated against all throttle and display configurations. This included one, four symmetric, eight non-symmetric, and sixteen momentary electric engine failures with the loss of the aft turbine. The turbine engine was evaluated for complete and partial failure during critical phases of takeoff as well as enroute. This paper details the pilot study including pilot comments supporting the potential for increased automation and a single throttle control. Detailed recommendations are provided for a novel single throttle control and additional pilot controls to support selection of engines during start, shutdown, and engine troubleshooting procedures. This design deviates significantly from current practice of providing throttles for each propulsion engine. Engine display recommendations are provided based on pilot feedback during a guided post-evaluation interview. Recommendations for future study are documented with supporting research and current observations about upcoming flight deck certifications.

autothrottle↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Pilot Controls for a Hybrid Turbine-Electric 17-Engine Aircraft

NASA is exploring the development of a 180-passenger subsonic single engine aft turbine aircraft where the aft turbine provides electric power in a hybrid design to wing mounted electric engines. A pilot-in-the-loop study was conducted at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia to explore the design of a flight deck for the hybrid electric aircraft with 16 wing fans and an aft mounted turbine engine. Current flight deck designs provide control inceptors for each propulsion engine and display of all engine parameters for all primary aircraft engines. Automation trends and increasing automation in flight controls and throttle controls indicate less controls instead of more. The design team researched state-of-the-art and recommended study of three, two, and one throttle levers. Engine displays were researched and two were recommended for initial evaluation. 16 airline pilots evaluated the three throttle configurations and two engine display options. Engine failures for known probable indications were evaluated against all throttle and display configurations. This included one, four symmetric, eight non-symmetric, and sixteen momentary electric engine failures with the loss of the aft turbine. The turbine engine was evaluated for complete and partial failure during critical phases of takeoff as well as enroute. This presentation details the pilot study including pilot comments supporting the potential for increased automation and a single throttle control. Detailed recommendations are provided for a novel single throttle control and additional pilot controls to support selection of engines during start, shutdown, and engine troubleshooting procedures. This design deviates significantly from current practice of providing throttles for each propulsion engine. Engine display recommendations are provided based on pilot feedback during a guided post-evaluation interview. Recommendations for future study are documented with supporting research and current observations about upcoming flight deck certifications.

autothrottle↗

NASA NTRS2004

Computer-Aided Systems Engineering for Flight Research Projects Using a Workgroup Database

An online systems engineering tool for flight research projects has been developed through the use of a workgroup database. Capabilities are implemented for typical flight research systems engineering needs in document library, configuration control, hazard analysis, hardware database, requirements management, action item tracking, project team information, and technical performance metrics. Repetitive tasks are automated to reduce workload and errors. Current data and documents are instantly available online and can be worked on collaboratively. Existing forms and conventional processes are used, rather than inventing or changing processes to fit the tool. An integrated tool set offers advantages by automatically cross-referencing data, minimizing redundant data entry, and reducing the number of programs that must be learned. With a simplified approach, significant improvements are attained over existing capabilities for minimal cost. By using a workgroup-level database platform, personnel most directly involved in the project can develop, modify, and maintain the system, thereby saving time and money. As a pilot project, the system has been used to support an in-house flight experiment. Options are proposed for developing and deploying this type of tool on a more extensive basis.

Mizukami, Masahi↗

NASA NTRS2006

The Making of a Self-Neglect Severity Scale

Research in elder self-neglect has lagged behind that of other forms of mistreatment, despite the fact that self-neglect is the most common allegation reported to Adult Protective Service agencies throughout the US. The lack of a gold-standard to measure self-neglect has hampered efforts to study this phenomenon. Researchers designed the Self-neglect Severity Scale (SSS) based on interviews with Adult Protective Service workers and a national expert panel. The SSS is based on observation and interview and is administered in the home to include an environmental assessment. It was piloted, extensively field tested and then revised. The CREST SSS was developed using survey data and consultation with experts in the field. This instrument utilizes observer ratings, interview responses, and assesses subjects physical and environmental domains. It also assesses functional status as it relates to health and safety issues. After field and pilot testing the SSS was finalized and is currently undergoing reliability and validity testing. The CREST SSS was developed as a state scale to provide a common language for describing cases of self-neglect. It is the first self-neglect severity scale available to researchers. If found to be both reliable and valid it can be used in future intervention studies.

Smith, Scott M.↗

DOE OSTI2014

SkyMine Carbon Mineralization Pilot Project

This Topical Report addresses accomplishments achieved during Phase 2b of the SkyMine® Carbon Mineralization Pilot Project. The primary objectives of this project are to design, construct, and operate a system to capture CO2 from a slipstream of flue gas from a commercial coal-fired cement kiln, convert that CO2 to products having commercial value (i.e., beneficial use), show the economic viability of the CO2 capture and conversion process, and thereby advance the technology to the point of readiness for commercial scale demonstration and deployment. The overall process is carbon negative, resulting in mineralization of CO2 that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. The project will also substantiate market opportunities for the technology by sales of chemicals into existing markets, and identify opportunities to improve technology performance and reduce costs at the commercial scale. The project is being conducted in two phases. The primary objectives of Phase 1 were to evaluate proven SkyMine® process chemistry for commercial pilot-scale operation and complete the preliminary design for the pilot plant to be built and operated in Phase 2, complete a NEPA evaluation, and develop a comprehensive carbon life cycle analysis. The objective of Phase 2b was to build the pilot plant to be operated and tested in Phase 2c.

Christenson, Norm↗

DOE OSTI2023

AI-Driven Smart Community Control for Accelerating PV Adoption and Enhancing Grid Resilience

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a Connected Communities program that supports projects that expand DOE's network of grid-interactive, efficient building communities nationwide. As an early pilot of Connected Communities, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and its partners have developed and demonstrated a community-scale, hierarchical control solution to address the potential grid issues arising from high penetration of solar photovoltaics (PV) as well as to improve grid reliability and resilience in this residential community. A field pilot study has been performed at an affordable housing development called the Basalt Vista Community, which was built for school teachers and other professionals in the local workforce and represents an autonomous energy grid with all-electric, energy-efficient homes. With no natural gas line in the community, this is the first all-electric net-zero community in rural Colorado. In the field pilot study, NREL has validated the performance of the hierarchical control solution, which consists of NREL's foresee home energy management systems (HEMS) and community aggregators, in increasing demand flexibility and self-consuming PV, reducing potential over-voltages, and supporting critical loads during emergency events. In this presentation, we will present the methodology, simulation and field pilot results, and lessons learned from the project.

all-electric community↗

DOE OSTI2024

A Reactor Scale-Up Methodology from Lab-Scale to Pilot-Scale Operations: Numerical Modeling of THFA Dehydration to DHP in Packed-Bed Reactors

This manuscript discusses developing a model-based scale-up methodology for a successful technology transfer of gas-phase catalytic reactors from a lab-scale to a pilot-scale operation. The manuscript demonstrates the methodology for gas-phase dehydration of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) to dihydropyran (DHP) process over commercial Al 2 O 3 catalysts. A two-dimensional reactor model was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1 software. The model solves heat and mass transport equations in bed-scale and particle scales simultaneously. This powerful feature enables accurate prediction of the heat and mass transfer limitations in pilot-scale reactors, if any exists. Further, the model uses isothermal lab-scale experimental data to derive and validate the reaction chemistry, flow fields and boundary conditions. The model was then scaled-up to project conversion, selectivity, yield and formation rate of DHP in a pilot-scale reactor. The results highlight the complex nature of chemistry, heat, and mass transfer effects in lab-scale and pilot-scale reactors. The model results inform the possible operational limitations of the pilot-scale reactor and design strategies to improve process efficiency. Although the scale-up approach is explained through the THFA dehydration process, the methodology is applicable to any catalytic packed-bed reactor models for a successful process scale-up.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

NASA NTRS2015

Rigging Test Bed Enables Development of Multi-Stage Decelerator Extraction

The Low Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) project developed a Parachute Deployment System (PDS) for use on its Supersonic Flight Dynamics Tests (SFDT). The PDS involves a multi-stage pilot driven extraction of a supersonic parachute. The uncertainties and complexities of developing the design for the lines and rigging of the PDS were addressed through testing in the Rigging Test Bed (RTB). The RTB provided a facility capable of simulating a variety of extraction scenarios with full scale hardware on the ground. Through more than 100 tests conducted in the facility, a wealth of data and experience were gained that fueled the PDS development. The utility of this testing and the lessons learned are presented in this paper. The goal is to inform the development of similar systems in the future and highlight the value and flexibility this type of testing offers rapid hardware development. The RTB provided a great compliment to the analytical models greatly compressing what would have otherwise been a very lengthy analytical effort or potentially much expanded flight test campaign.

Kenig, Sivan J.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Cross coupling in pilot/vehicle systems

Multiloop pilot/vehicle analysis is applied to the problem of determining crossfeed techniques which may be employed by pilots in minimizing the effects of vehicle cross coupling. As used here, cross coupling refers to unwanted vehicle motion which occurs in one control axis or loop as the result of pilot control actuation in another control axis or loop. The minimization or elimination of such cross coupling can contribute significantly to the 'workload' associated with tasks like nap-of-the-earth helicopter flight. In contrast, situations arise in which pilot's may use vehicle cross coupling to improve performance by coordinating two control actuations in the control of a single response variable. A crossfeed model is developed based upon simple control system design principles and configured in a manner amenable to pilot pursuit or precognitive control activity. A handling qualities theory developed to analyze single loop tasks is applied to the multiloop problem. The crossfeed model is applied to five different vehicles/configurations ranging from helicopters to fighter aircraft. Results indicate relatively simple crossfeed commands can significantly reduce cross coupling and, in some improve handling qualities as predicted by the single loop theory.

Hess, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1980

HiMAT systems development results and projections

Significant findings of the Highly Maneuverable Aircraft Technology Remotely Piloted Research Vehicle (HiMAT RPRV) flight test program are presented. Among the topics covered are: aerodynamic scaling relationships, the aeroelastic tailoring of wing and canard twist and camber, and laminate graphite/epoxy composite primary structure performance under high-g loading maneuvers. Attention is also given to the set of actuators used in the test and development program, with a view to the minimization of costs through modularity and interchangeability of components and the extensive use of off-the-shelf equipment. The relationship between composite ply geometry and the shape and magnitude of aeroelastic deformations during maneuvering is discussed in detail.

Brown, L. E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1986

The application of quadratic optimal cooperative control synthesis to a CH-47 helicopter

A control-system design method, Quadratic Optimal Cooperative Control Synthesis (CCS), is applied to the design of a Stability and Control Augmentation Systems (SCAS). The CCS design method is different from other design methods in that it does not require detailed a priori design criteria, but instead relies on an explicit optimal pilot-model to create desired performance. The design model, which was developed previously for fixed-wing aircraft, is simplified and modified for application to a Boeing Vertol CH-47 helicopter. Two SCAS designs are developed using the CCS design methodology. The resulting CCS designs are then compared with designs obtained using classical/frequency-domain methods and Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) theory in a piloted fixed-base simulation. Results indicate that the CCS method, with slight modifications, can be used to produce controller designs which compare favorably with the frequency-domain approach.

Townsend, Barbara K.↗

NASA NTRS1987

The application of quadratic optimal cooperative control synthesis to a CH-47 helicopter

A control-system design method, quadratic optimal cooperative control synthesis (CCS), is applied to the design of a stability and control augmentation system (SCAS). The CCS design method is different from other design methods in that it does not require detailed a priori design criteria, but instead relies on an explicit optimal pilot-model to create desired performance. The design method, which was developed previously for fixed-wing aircraft, is simplified and modified for application to a Boeing CH-47 helicopter. Two SCAS designs are developed using the CCS design methodology. The resulting CCS designs are then compared with designs obtained using classical/frequency-domain methods and linear quadratic regulator (LQR) theory in a piloted fixed-base simulation. Results indicate that the CCS method, with slight modifications, can be used to produce controller designs which compare favorably with the frequency-domain approach.

Townsend, Barbara K.↗

DOE OSTI2015

Irreversible Wash Aid Additive for Cesium Mitigation. Small-Scale Demonstration and Lessons Learned

The Irreversible Wash Aid Additive process has been under development by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne). This process for radioactive cesium mitigation consists of a solution to wash down contaminated structures, roadways, and vehicles and a sequestering agent to bind the radionuclides from the wash water and render them environmentally immobile. The purpose of this process is to restore functionality to basic services and immediately reduce the consequences of a radiologically-contaminated urban environment. Research and development have resulted in a down-selection of technologies for integration and demonstration at the pilot-scale level as part of the Wide Area Recovery and Resiliency Program (WARRP) under the Department of Homeland Security and the Denver Urban Area Security Initiative. As part of developing the methods for performing a pilot-scale demonstration at the WARRP conference in Denver in 2012, Argonne conducted small-scale field experiments at Separmatic Systems. The main purpose of these experiments was to refine the wash water collection and separations systems and demonstrate key unit operations to help in planning for the large scale demonstration in Denver. Since the purpose of these tests was to demonstrate the operations of the system, we used no radioactive materials. After a brief set of experiments with the LAKOS unit to familiarize ourselves with its operation, two experiments were completed on two separate dates with the Separmatic systems.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

NASA NTRS2017

Collaborative Data Publication Utilizing the Open Data Repository's (ODR) Data Publisher

Introduction: For small communities in diverse fields such as astrobiology, publishing and sharing data can be a difficult challenge. While large, homogenous fields often have repositories and existing data standards, small groups of independent researchers have few options for publishing standards and data that can be utilized within their community. In conjunction with teams at NASA Ames and the University of Arizona, the Open Data Repository's (ODR) Data Publisher has been conducting ongoing pilots to assess the needs of diverse research groups and to develop software to allow them to publish and share their data collaboratively. Objectives: The ODR's Data Publisher aims to provide an easy-to-use and implement software tool that will allow researchers to create and publish database templates and related data. The end product will facilitate both human-readable interfaces (web-based with embedded images, files, and charts) and machine-readable interfaces utilizing semantic standards. Characteristics: The Data Publisher software runs on the standard LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) stack to provide the widest server base available. The software is based on Symfony (www.symfony.com) which provides a robust framework for creating extensible, object-oriented software in PHP. The software interface consists of a template designer where individual or master database templates can be created. A master database template can be shared by many researchers to provide a common metadata standard that will set a compatibility standard for all derivative databases. Individual researchers can then extend their instance of the template with custom fields, file storage, or visualizations that may be unique to their studies. This allows groups to create compatible databases for data discovery and sharing purposes while still providing the flexibility needed to meet the needs of scientists in rapidly evolving areas of research. Research: As part of this effort, a number of ongoing pilot and test projects are currently in progress. The Astrobiology Habitable Environments Database Working Group is developing a shared database standard using the ODR's Data Publisher and has a number of example databases where astrobiology data are shared. Soon these databases will be integrated via the template-based standard. Work with this group helps determine what data researchers in these diverse fields need to share and archive. Additionally, this pilot helps determine what standards are viable for sharing these types of data from internally developed standards to existing open standards such as the Dublin Core (http://dublincore.org) and Darwin Core (http://rs.twdg.org) metadata standards. Further studies are ongoing with the University of Arizona Department of Geosciences where a number of mineralogy databases are being constructed within the ODR Data Publisher system. Conclusions: Through the ongoing pilots and discussions with individual researchers and small research teams, a definition of the tools desired by these groups is coming into focus. As the software development moves forward, the goal is to meet the publication and collaboration needs of these scientists in an unobtrusive and functional way.

easy to use and implement software tool↗

DOE OSTI2025

Grid Architecture Mapping to Understand Transformation (GAMUT): Concept Definition

The electric power system is undergoing significant transformation driven by changes in the generation mix, increasing reliance on information and communication technologies, evolving customer expectations, and a dynamic cyber-physical environment. To address these challenges, substantial investments will be made over the next decade to create a flexible, affordable, secure, reliable, and resilient electric system. In response, the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity is developing knowledge management tools aimed at systematically documenting technology pilots and demonstration projects. This initiative seeks to improve understanding of operating contexts, planning steps, and integration requirements for innovative grid technologies. The Department of Energy project leverages Grid Architecture principles to collect and organize insights into the interdependencies, requirements, and capabilities of various grid solutions. By employing a systematic approach, the project aims to perform a feasibility study for the development of a software tool that will support stakeholders, including regulators, transmission and distribution system operators, distributed energy resources aggregators, and technology providers. By offering a systematic, software-based framework to document technologies, understand their benefits and impacts, and inform deployment strategies, the proposed Grid Architecture Mapping to Understand Transformation (GAMUT) Tool is intended to reduce costs, enhance decision-making, and facilitate scaling and effective deployment of new technologies. The feasibility study will evaluate the technical and financial viability of the GAMUT Tool, identifying stakeholder needs and assessing risks and mitigation strategies. Ultimately, the GAMUT team aims to develop an initial minimal viable product, followed by staged improvements, to aid in the modernization of the electric grid, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2016

MO-FG-202-06: Improving the Performance of Gamma Analysis QA with Radiomics- Based Image Analysis

Purpose: The use of gamma analysis for IMRT quality assurance has well-known limitations. Traditionally, a simple thresholding technique is used to evaluated passing criteria. However, like any image the gamma distribution is rich in information which thresholding mostly discards. We therefore propose a novel method of analyzing gamma images that uses quantitative image features borrowed from radiomics, with the goal of improving error detection. Methods: 368 gamma images were generated from 184 clinical IMRT beams. For each beam the dose to a phantom was measured with EPID dosimetry and compared to the TPS dose calculated with and without normally distributed (2mm sigma) errors in MLC positions. The magnitude of 17 intensity histogram and size-zone radiomic features were derived from each image. The features that differed most significantly between image sets were determined with ROC analysis. A linear machine-learning model was trained on these features to classify images as with or without errors on 180 gamma images.The model was then applied to an independent validation set of 188 additional gamma distributions, half with and half without errors. Results: The most significant features for detecting errors were histogram kurtosis (p=0.007) and three size-zone metrics (p<1e-6 for each). The sizezone metrics detected clusters of high gamma-value pixels under mispositioned MLCs. The model applied to the validation set had an AUC of 0.8, compared to 0.56 for traditional gamma analysis with the decision threshold restricted to 98% or less. Conclusion: A radiomics-based image analysis method was developed that is more effective in detecting error than traditional gamma analysis. Though the pilot study here considers only MLC position errors, radiomics-based methods for other error types are being developed, which may provide better error detection and useful information on the source of detected errors. This work was partially supported by a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, grant number R18 HS022244-01.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS1981

The role of manipulator characteristics in selecting the ideal effective vehicle

A structural model of the human pilot is introduced and discussed. The model is used to provide a rationale for certain nonlinear pilot control behavior such as stick pulsing and serves as a framework for studying aspects of motor skill development. In light of the theoretical background provided by the model, some past empirical pilot response phenomena are analyzed and shown to be attributable to manipulator or control stick characteristics. In particular, some recent problems associated with pilot/vehicle performance in glideslope tracking in short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft are analyzed. The apparent contribution of the cockpit manipulator (throttle) characteristics to these problems are outlined and a solution proposed and evaluated in both simulation and flight test.

Hess, R. A.↗