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At least 1,135 records · Page 63

Portable Intravenous Fluid Production Device for Ground Use

There are several medical conditions that require intravenous (IV) fluids. Limitations of mass, volume, storage space, shelf-life, transportation, and local resources can restrict the availability of such important fluids. These limitations are expected in long-duration space exploration missions and in remote or austere environments on Earth. Current IV fluid production requires large factory-based processes. Easy, portable, on-site production of IV fluids can eliminate these limitations. Based on experience gained in developing a device for spaceflight, a ground-use device was developed. This design uses regular drinking water that is pumped through two filters to produce, in minutes, sterile, ultrapure water that meets the stringent quality standards of the United States Pharmacopeia for Water for Injection (Total Bacteria, Conductivity, Endotoxins, Total Organic Carbon). The device weighs 2.2 lb (1 kg) and is 10 in. long, 5 in. wide, and 3 in. high (.25, 13, and 7.5 cm, respectively) in its storage configuration. This handheld device produces one liter of medical-grade water in 21 minutes. Total production capacity for this innovation is expected to be in the hundreds of liters.

Scarpa, Philip J.↗

The Direction of Fluid Dynamics for Liquid Propulsion at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-designated center for the development of space launch systems. MSFC is particularly known for propulsion system development. Many engineering skills and technical disciplines are needed to accomplish this mission. This presentation will focus on the work of the Fluid Dynamics Branch (ER42). ER42 resides in the Propulsion Systems Department at MSFC. The branch is responsible for all aspects of the discipline of fluid dynamics applied to propulsion or propulsion-induced loads and environments. This work begins with design trades and parametric studies, and continues through development, risk assessment, anomaly investigation and resolution, and failure investigations. Applications include the propellant delivery system including the main propulsion system (MPS) and turbomachinery; combustion devices for liquid engines and solid rocket motors; coupled systems; and launch environments. An advantage of the branch is that it is neither analysis nor test centric, but discipline centric. Fluid dynamics assessments are made by analysis, from lumped parameter modeling through unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD); testing, which can be cold flow or hot fire; or a combination of analysis and testing. Integration of all discipline methods into one branch enables efficient and accurate support to the projects. To accomplish this work, the branch currently employs approximately fifty engineers divided into four teams -- Propellant Delivery CFD, Combustion Driven Flows CFD, Unsteady and Experimental Flows, and Acoustics and Stability. This discussion will highlight some of the work performed in the branch and the direction in which the branch is headed.

Griffin, Lisa W.↗

Individual Differences in the Temporal Profile of Cardiovascular Responses to Head Down Tilt and Orthostatic Stress with and Without Fluid Loading

Susceptibility of healthy astronauts to orthostatic hypotension and presyncope is exacerbated upon return from spaceflight. Hypo-volemia is suspected to play an important role in cardiovascular deconditioning following exposure to spaceflight, which may lead to increased peripheral resistance, attenuated arterial baroreflex, and changes in cardiac function. The effect of altered gravity during space flight and planetary transition on human cardiovascular function is of critical importance to maintenance of astronaut health and safety. A promising countermeasure for post-flight orthostatic intolerance is fluid loading used to restore loss fluid volume by giving crew salt tablets and water prior to re-entry. Eight men and eight women will be tested during two, 6-hour exposures to 6o HDT: 1) fluid loading, 2) no fluid loading. Before and immediately after each HDT, subjects will perform a stand test to assess their orthostatic tolerance. Physiological measures (e.g., ECG, blood pressure, peripheral blood volume) will be continuously monitored while echocardiography measures are recorded at 30-minute intervals during HDT and stand tests. Preliminary results (N=4) clearly show individual differences in responses to this countermeasure and the time course of physiological changes induced by HDT.

Cowings, Patricia↗

Fluid Shifts Before, During, and After Prolonged Space Flight and their Association with Intracranial Pressure and Visual Impairment

With the conclusion of the Space Shuttle program, NASA is focusing on long-duration missions on the International Space Station (ISS) and future exploration-class missions beyond low Earth orbit. Visual acuity changes observed in Space Shuttle crewmembers after their short-duration missions were largely transient, but more than 30% of ISS astronauts experience more profound changes in vision, some with objective structural and functional findings such as papilledema and choroidal folds on ophthalmologic examination. Globe flattening, optic nerve sheath dilatation, optic nerve tortuosity, and other findings have been noted in imaging studies. This pattern is referred to as visual impairment and intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome. The VIIP signs and symptoms, as well as postflight lumbar puncture data, suggest that elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is associated with the space flight-induced cephalad fluid shifts, but this hypothesis has not been systematically tested. The purpose of this study is to objectively characterize the fluid distribution and compartmentalization associated with long-duration space flight, and to correlate the findings with vision changes and other elements of the VIIP syndrome. We also seek to determine whether the magnitude of fluid shifts during space flight, as well as the VIIP-related effects of those shifts, can be predicted by crewmember baseline data and responses to acute hemodynamic manipulations (such as head-down tilt tests) obtained before flight. Lastly, we will evaluate the patterns of fluid distribution in astronaut subjects on the ISS during the use of lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and respiratory maneuvers to characterize and explain general and individual responses during space flight.

Stenger, M.↗

Facial Soft Tissue Measurement in Microgravity-induces Fluid Shifts

Fluid shifts are a well‐known phenomenon in microgravity, and one result is facial edema. Objective measurement of tissue thickness in a standardized location could provide a correlate with the severity of the fluid shift. Previous studies of forehead tissue thickness (TTf) suggest that when exposed to environments that cause fluid shifts, including hypergravity, head‐down tilt, and high‐altitude/lowpressure, TTf changes in a consistent and measurable fashion. However, the technique in past studies is not well described or standardized. The International Space Station (ISS) houses an ultrasound (US) system capable of accurate sub‐millimeter measurements of TTf. We undertook to measure TTf during long‐duration space flight using a new accurate, repeatable and transferable technique. Methods: In‐flight and post‐flight B‐mode ultrasound images of a single astronaut's facial soft tissues were obtained using a Vivid‐q US system with a 12L‐RS high‐frequency linear array probe (General Electric, USA). Strictly mid‐sagittal images were obtained involving the lower frontal bone, the nasofrontal angle, and the osseo‐cartilaginous junction below. Single images were chosen for comparison that contained identical views of the bony landmarks and identical acoustical interface between the probe and skin. Using Gingko CADx DICOM viewing software, soft tissue thickness was measured at a right angle to the most prominent point of the inferior frontal bone to the epidermis. Four independent thickness measurements were made. Conclusions: Forehead tissue thickness measurement by ultrasound in microgravity is feasible, and our data suggest a decrease in tissue thickness upon return from microgravity environment, which is likely related to the cessation of fluid shifts. Further study is warranted to standardize the technique with regard to the individual variability of the local anatomy in this area.

Marshburn, Thomas↗

Star-Shaped Fluid Flow Tool for Use in Making Differential Measurements

A fluid flow tool's plate-like structure has a ring portion defining a flow hole, a support portion extending radially away from the ring portion and adapted to be coupled to conduit wall, and extensions extending radially away from the ring portion such that a periphery of the plate-like structure is defined by the extensions and trough regions between adjacent extensions. One or more ports formed in the ring portion are in fluid communication with the flow hole. A first manifold in the plate-like structure is in fluid communication with each port communicating with the flow hole. One or more ports are formed in the periphery of the plate-like structure. A second manifold in the plate-like structure is in fluid communication with each port formed in the periphery. The first and second manifolds extend through the plate-like structure to terminate and be accessible at the conduit wall.

England, John Dwight↗

Leak Mitigation in Mechanically Pumped Fluid Loops for Long Duration Space Missions

Mechanically pumped fluid loops (MPFLs) are increasingly considered for spacecraft thermal control. A concern for long duration space missions is the leak of fluid leading to performance degradation or potential loop failure. An understanding of leak rate through analysis, as well as destructive and non-destructive testing, provides a verifiable means to quantify leak rates. The system can be appropriately designed to maintain safe operating pressures and temperatures throughout the mission. Two MPFLs on the Mars Science Laboratory Spacecraft, launched November 26, 2011, maintain the temperature of sensitive electronics and science instruments within a -40 deg C to 50 deg C range during launch, cruise, and Mars surface operations. With over 100 meters of complex tubing, fittings, joints, flex lines, and pumps, the system must maintain a minimum pressure through all phases of the mission to provide appropriate performance. This paper describes the process of design, qualification, test, verification, and validation of the components and assemblies employed to minimize risks associated with excessive fluid leaks from pumped fluid loop systems.

thermal controls↗

ISS-CREAM Thermal and Fluid System Design and Analysis

Thermal and Fluids Analysis Workshop (TFAWS), Silver Spring MD NCTS 21070-15. The ISS-CREAM (Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass for the International Space Station) payload is being developed by an international team and will provide significant cosmic ray characterization over a long time frame. Cold fluid provided by the ISS Exposed Facility (EF) is the primary means of cooling for 5 science instruments and over 7 electronics boxes. Thermal fluid integrated design and analysis was performed for CREAM using a Thermal Desktop model. This presentation will provide some specific design and modeling examples from the fluid cooling system, complex SCD (Silicon Charge Detector) and calorimeter hardware, and integrated payload and ISS level modeling. Features of Thermal Desktop such as CAD simplification, meshing of complex hardware, External References (Xrefs), and FloCAD modeling will be discussed.

Thermal analysis↗

Validation of a Cephalad Fluid Shift Countermeasure

INTRODUCTION: This project will provide critical data required to objectively determine how an optimized thigh cuff could be incorporated into the NASA integrated physiological countermeasure suite. This project will determine if thigh cuffs used during simulated spaceflight impact intracranial pressure (ICP), ocular structure and function, and intraocular pressure (IOP) using state of-the-art techniques. Additionally, some of the same methods, hardware, and protocols will be employed in the present investigation to enable direct comparisons to the International Space Station (ISS) "Fluid Shifts" experiment with Chibis-Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP). This study will determine the temporal physiological responses of thigh cuff application and removal on ocular and cerebral variables (including invasive ICP) in a microgravity analog. Furthermore, this proposed study will determine tissue pressure distribution applied by thigh cuffs in order to improve comfort, mobility, and efficacy of the countermeasure. Our specific aim is to determine the efficacy of a novel thigh cuff device to mitigate cephalad fluid shifts. We hypothesize that a thigh cuff countermeasure employed in a microgravity analog will temporarily reverse or attenuate ocular and cerebral-volume-pressure variables, approaching normal Earth-based seated posture, the most frequent posture assumed in daily life. In addition, we hypothesize that the magnitude of fluid and pressure redistribution using a thigh cuff countermeasure may require a longer exposure time than that of Chibis-LBNP (using ground-based data from our "Fluid Shifts" project). This project directly addresses Critical Path Roadmap Risks and Questions regarding "Risk of Spaceflight-Induced Intracranial Hypertension/Vision Alterations," and IRP Gap VIIP13: We need to identify preventative and treatment countermeasures to mitigate changes in ocular structure and function and intracranial pressure during spaceflight. METHODS: Noninvasive measures and tissue pressure distributions beneath thigh cuffs The objectives of this study are to: 1) determine the distribution of skin surface pressures beneath the advanced thigh cuff in ten subjects, 2) calibrate the built-in pressure measurement system of the advanced thigh cuff using an industry standard device, and 3) collect subjective feedback and data on the new cuff design to allow for further adjustments prior to invasive studies. A Tekscan Industrial Sensing (I-Scan) system will measure the pressure distribution of the advanced thigh cuff against the skin. In addition, we will measure blood pooling in the thigh and record the circumference of the thigh using Hokanson strain gauge plethysmography. The advanced thigh cuff will be adjusted to obtain a skin contact pressure of 30-50 mmHg as visualized on the Tekscan system. The built-in advanced thigh cuff pressure monitor will be recorded simultaneously to allow direct comparison to the Tekscan measurements. The volunteer will then remove the thigh cuff and remain at rest for five minutes with no legging applied. The thigh cuff will be donned again and pressure measurements will be taken in the same manner for up to 10 repetitions to show reproducibility of pressure after donning. At the conclusion of the study, subjects will be asked to flex their knee, stand, walk, and sit with the thigh cuff activated. During each of these maneuvers the subject will rate their pain/comfort using a modified Borg scale. Effect of thigh cuffs on ICP during simulated microgravity Ommaya reservoir patients will be recruited from the John Wayne Cancer Institute. Ommaya reservoirs provide safe and direct access for the measurement of ICP. Subjects will be instrumented for continuous blood pressure, ECG, and invasive ICP measures. The subjects will be positioned in the upright sitting posture for a 10-minute stabilization period. After the 10-minute stabilization period, imaging measures [ICP, Optical Coherence Tomography, IOP, ocular and vascular ultrasound] will be performed. Following baseline seated measures, the subject will be positioned randomly in the supine, 15deg head-down-tilt, and 15deg head-down-tilt with thigh cuffs and measures repeated. DISCUSSION: Tests to down-select thigh cuff designs will occur in early 2016. Invasive ICP and noninvasive eye imaging tests will begin in spring 2016. Supported by NSBRI through NCC 9-58.

Macias, B.↗

Application of Scanning-Imaging X-Ray Microscopy to Fluid Inclusion Candidates in Carbonates of Carbonaceous Chondrites

In order to search for such fluid inclusions in carbonaceous chondrites, a nondestructive technique using x-ray micro-absorption tomography combined with FIB sampling was developed and applied to a carbonaceous chondrite. They found fluid inclusion candidates in calcite grains, which were formed by aqueous alteration. However, they could not determine whether they are really aqueous fluids or merely voids. Phase and absorption contrast images can be simultaneously obtained in 3D by using scanning-imaging x-ray microscopy (SIXM). In refractive index, n=1-sigma+i(beta), in the real part, 1-sigma is the refractive index with decrement, sigma, which is nearly proportional to the density, and the imaginary part, beta, is the extinction coefficient, which is related to the liner attenuation coefficient, mu. Many phases, including water and organic materials as well as minerals, can be identified by SIXM, and this technique has potential availability for Hayabusa-2 sample analysis too. In this study, we examined quantitative performance of d and m values and the spatial resolution in SIXM by using standard materials, and applied this technique to carbonaceous chondrite samples. We used POM ([CH2O]n), silicon, quartz, forsterite, corundum, magnetite and nickel as standard materials for examining the sigma and mu values. A fluid inclusion in terrestrial quartz and bi-valve shell (Atrina vexillum), which are composed of calcite and organic layers with different thickness, were also used for examining the spatial resolution. The Ivuna (CI) and Sutter's Mill (CM) meteorites were used as carbonaceous chondrite samples. Rod- or cube-shaped samples 20-30 micron in size were extracted by using FIB from cross-sectional surfaces of the standard materials or polished thin sections of the chondrites, which was previously observed with SEM. Then, the sample was attached to a thin W-needle and imaged by SIXM system at beamline BL47XU, SPring-8, Japan. The slice thickness was 109.3 nm and the pixel size was mostly 100 nm.

Tsuchiyama, Akira↗

FluidCam 1 & 2 - UAV-based Fluid Lensing Instruments for High-Resolution 3D Subaqueous Imaging and Automated Remote Biosphere Assessment of Reef Ecosystems

We present NASA ESTO FluidCam 1 & 2, Visible and NIR Fluid-Lensing-enabled imaging payloads for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Developed as part of a focused 2014 earth science technology grant, FluidCam 1&2 are Fluid-Lensing-based computational optical imagers designed for automated 3D mapping and remote sensing of underwater coastal targets from airborne platforms. Fluid Lensing has been used to map underwater reefs in 3D in American Samoa and Hamelin Pool, Australia from UAV platforms at sub-cm scale, which has proven a valuable tool in modern marine research for marine biosphere assessment and conservation. We share FluidCam 1&2 instrument validation and testing results as well as preliminary processed data from field campaigns. Petabyte-scale aerial survey efforts using Fluid Lensing to image at-risk reefs demonstrate broad applicability to large-scale automated species identification, morphology studies and reef ecosystem characterization for shallow marine environments and terrestrial biospheres, of crucial importance to improving bathymetry data for physical oceanographic models and understanding climate change’s impact on coastal zones, global oxygen production, carbon sequestration.

Chirayath, Ved↗

Fully-Coupled Fluid-Structure Interaction Simulations of a Supersonic Parachute

A validated computational fluid-structure interaction method for simulating the complex interaction between the large deformation of very thin, highly deformable structures and compressible flows is extended to consider large-scale problems in supersonic flows using parallel computing. The coupled fluid-structure interaction system is solved in a partitioned, or weakly-coupled, manner. The foundations of the applied fluid-structure interaction method are a higher-order, block-structured Cartesian, sharp immersed boundary method for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations and a computational structural dynamics solver employing a geometrically nonlinear 3-node shell element based on the mixed interpolation of tensorial components formulation. The method is applied to large deformation fluid-structure interaction validation cases before being applied to the inflation of a supersonic parachute in the upper Martian atmosphere where the goal is to demonstrate the capabilities of the solver when considering large-scale problems in supersonic flows.

Boustani, Jonathan↗

Direct Analysis of Early Solar System Aqueous Fluids by TOF-SIMS

We lack fundamental information related to the location and timing of the aqueous alteration in the early solar system, and the detailed nature of the aqueous fluid itself [1,2,3]. Two thermally-metamorphosed ordinary chondrite regolith breccias (Monahans 1998, hereafter simply “Monahans” (H5) and Zag (H3-6)) contain fluid inclusion-bearing halite (NaCl) crystals [4,5]. The halites were dated by K-Ar, Rb-Sr and I-Xe systematics to be ~4.5 billion years old [4,6,7] and thus the trapped aqueous fluids are at least as ancient. Through previously-published O, H, Cr isotopic work we have established that the fluid-bearing halite originated in the outer solar system[8].

M Zolensky↗

Liquefaction of Cryogenic Fluids for Production and Storage of Commodities on Extra-Terrestrial Surfaces

The Cryogenic Fluid In-situ Liquefaction for Landers (CryoFILL) activity has been investigating concepts for the liquefaction of cryogenic fluids produced on the surface of the Moon and Mars. CryoFILL consists of four activities: liquid nitrogen liquefaction testing that was completed in 2019, liquid oxygen liquefaction testing planned to begin in early 2022, fiber-optic sensor temperature measurement system development, and lightweight vacuum jacketed systems designed for the atmosphere of Mars. Additional activities include the development and validation of numerical modeling systems at three stages: thermodynamic models of the liquefaction process for basic energy/mass estimates, nodal models to predict liquefaction tank system level performance, and computational fluid dynamics to assess fluid phenomena occurring within the tank, specifically condensation and stratification within the ullage. These developments form a combined liquefaction and storage solution to support Lunar and Martian exploration. Key testing results from liquid nitrogen testing as well as plans for liquid oxygen testing will be discussed including key sensitivities from analytical evaluation of completed test results. Progress on the development and improvements on fiber optic sensor testing and developments will also be provided. Finally, work on the progress of the lightweight vacuum jacketed systems being co-developed by NASA and industry will be summarized.

Liquefaction↗

Update on Measurement of the Composition of Ryugu Fluid Inclusions

Imaging using X-ray absorption contrast by synchrotron nano-computed tomography of a Ryugu pyrrhotite crystal (C0002-FC012 - from the second Hayabusa2 spacecraft touch-down site) revealed probable fluid inclusions in the center of a crystal of pyrrhotite, suggesting the parent fluids were trapped in the early stages of crystal growth on Ryugu’s parent asteroid. We previously described the performance of Time-of Flight-Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) depth profiling and high-resolution mapping at -120°C to expose and measure the composition of the trapped fluids in a frozen state in two Ryugu inclusions [1,2]. Here we report results from follow-on measurements of additional inclusions in the same pyrrhotite crystal, and the initial results of measurement of standards. The ultimate goal is to reveal the quantitative composition of the fluids that caused aqueous alteration, in particular the H2O:CO2 ratio, which will also facilitate cosmochemical modeling of the alteration process.

M Zolensky↗

Fayalite Formation Through Hydrothermal Experiments: Insights into Early Fluid-assisted Aqueous Alteration Processes on Asteroids

In order to understand the effects of the earliest fluid-assisted hydration processes on asteroids, we performed one hydrothermal experiment using three different reactants (FeO-rich amorphous silicates, iron metal powder, and water) at conditions informed by our current state of knowledge of asteroidal alteration. This experiment provides, for the first time, clear evidence that the growth of fayalite can occur during hydrotherma lalteration, as described previously in meteorites. These newly formed fayalite crystals are elongated and porous, similar to the ones described in CV3, CK, and ordinary chondrites. The results show that (1) fayalite could form even if chemical equilibrium was not reached in the experiment, at a water to rock mass ratio (0.4 W/R at the beginning of the experiment) higher than the values calculated to be thermodynamically viable at equilibrium(W/R > 0.2); (2) the composition and the texture of the reactants changed during the hydrothermal alteration process, suggesting that the reactants, especially the amorphous silicates, underwent dissolution and reprecipitation; (3) fayalite can form at low temperature(220°C), which is at the transition between hydrothermal alteration and fluid-assisted metamorphism in chondrites. The results are consistent with previous mineralogical observations and thermodynamic models, which suggest that fayalite crystals are formed on asteroidal parent bodies by the interaction between a hydrothermal fluid and disequilibrium assemblages that compose the pristine materials that condensed in the early solar nebula. This experiment suggests that two variables play a very important role in the formation off ayalite during the hydrothermal growth (W/R mass ratio and the fluid composition). These results are similar to the recent observations of the fine-grained matrix of ordinary chondrites.

E Dobrică↗

Time-Accurate Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of a Supersonic Turbine to Assess Structural Mode Excitation

Gas turbines can experience significant unsteady loading during operation which can cause damage such as blade cracking or bearing wear. While computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of full three-dimensional gas turbine flow to verify meanline design performance is standard practice within the industry, the use of time-accurate CFD makes it possible to assess the unsteady loading which can be especially problematic at operating conditions where unsteady fluid loading aligns with structural modes. The Fluid Dynamics branch (ER42) at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a time-accurate CFD analysis methodology using the unstructured, density-based, Loci-CHEM solver which is capable of simulating the relative motion required for turbomachinery applications through sliding interface meshes. The highly-parallel unstructured solver allows for full three-dimensional, time-accurate simulation of turbines including upstream and downstream components such as manifolds, nozzles, and stators, any of which could excite a turbine structural mode. Recently, Loci-CHEM was used to analyze the FASTRAC supersonic turbine to assess the loading on the rotor. Overall performance and time-averaged loading on the rotor was computed, including the axial force over the entire rotor disk which is required for force balance calculations on the turbopump. The FASTRAC turbine has supersonic nozzles upstream of the rotor that result in significant unsteady loading on the rotor blades at multiples of the nozzle pass frequency. The unsteady blade pressure loading was decomposed into the frequency domain for direct use in structural forced response analysis. Utilizing this type of CFD analysis coupled with structural analysis has proven to be a valuable tool in identifying structural modes that are being excited by unsteady fluid loading.

M.V. Fischels↗

Early Fluid Activity on Ryugu Inferred By Oxygen, Carbon, and 53Mn-53Cr Isotopic Analyses of Carbonates and Magnetite

Samples from asteroid Ryugu returned by the Hayabusa2 mission contain evidence of extensive alteration by aqueous fluids and appear related to the CI chondrites. To understand the sources of the fluid and the timing of chemical reactions occurring during the alteration processes, we investigated the oxygen, carbon, and 53Mn-53Cr systematics of carbonate and magnetite in two Ryugu particles. We find that the fluid was initially between 0−20 °C and enriched in 13C, and 17O and 18O, and subsequently evolved towards lighter carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions as alteration proceeded. Carbonate ages show that this fluid-rock interaction took place within the first ~1.8 million years of solar system history, requiring early accretion either in a planetesimal less than ~20 km in diameter or within a larger body which was disrupted and reassembled.

Astromaterials↗