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Results for “accelerated exposures”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

An objective determination of +Gz acceleration tolerance

Until recently, human +Gz acceleration tolerance has relied solely on subjective criteria relating to loss of vision. By use of newly developed noninvasive instrumentation using a transcutaneous Doppler flow system, objective end point criteria have been developed based on measured blood flow to the head. The system consists of miniature 8 MHz Doppler sensors (2 x 1 x 0.5 cm) placed on the forehead over both frontal branches of the temporal arteries to detect blood flow velocity from back scattered ultrasound. Its use has allowed for correlation of altered, decreased and actual reversal of eye level blood flow with subsequent central light loss. Over 100 subjects have now been studied during more than 2,000 centrifuge runs. Objective changes in temporal artery flow velocity consistently preceded visual degradation for each subject during all acceleration profiles. No subject has gone unconscious without first exhibiting a minimum 6 sec of total flow cessation. Retrograde flow followed by complete flow cessation always preceded central light loss. Results indicate that this method can be successfully used with a wide variety of tasks during exposure to +Gz acceleration. It is recommended for use during evaluation of protective maneuvers or devices on the centrifuge or during actual flight in high performance aircraft. It may also serve as a potential safety monitor during space Shuttle re-entry if there is doubt about a passenger's cardiovascular status.

Unconsciousness/prevention & control↗
NASA NTRS1977

Flight simulation testing of advanced composites for supersonic cruise aircraft applications

The goal of this program is to characterize advanced composite systems before and after exposures to simulated supersonic cruise environments for real times of up to 50,000 hours. Fatigue data for specimens tested at various temperatures and stress ratios are presented. The changes in properties and the degradation mechanisms during high temperature aging are discussed and illustrated using metallographic and fractographic techniques. Initial results of long term flight simulation tests are presented and compared with wearout model predictions based on accelerated flight simulation exposures.

Haskins, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Reduction in plasma vasopressin levels of dehydrated rats following acute stress

Results are presented for an investigation directed to substantiate and extend preliminary findings of stress-induced reduction in plasma arginine vasopressin (pAVP). Since normally hydrated rats have very low levels of pAVP, it is difficult to measure reliably any decrease in pAVP that may result from stress. To overcome this problem, the pAVP levels of the tested rats were raised by dehydration prior to application of stress. A radioimmunoassay for pAVP is described and used to determine the levels of vasopressin in the plasma of nondehydrated and dehydrated rats after exposure to ether or acceleration stress. Plasma pAVP is also determined in rats following nicotine administration. It is shown that exposure of nondehydrated rats to ether or acceleration stress does not elicit any significant alterations in circulating pAVP levels while nicotine injections stimulate a marked increase. In particular, ether and acceleration stress produce a rapid reduction in the pAVP level of dehydrated rats, the decrease being observed in both large and small animals. The mechanism for this reduction in pAVP level following stress is yet unknown.

Keil, L. C.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Deep Multitask Learning Models for Radiation Estimation at High Energy Accelerator Facility

Controlling the dose of radiation exposure in potential radioactive facilities is critical for ensuring the safety of staff and the public. Here, in this paper, we developed machine learning models to estimate radiation exposure efficiently at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab), aiming to enhance safety in both accelerator facilities and public areas. Multiple sensors were deployed around the three experimental halls at JLab. Data on single-beam currents, energy levels, and radiation values at the sensor locations were collected during accelerator operation. We proposed a multi-task learning model for radiation estimation, utilizing either one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1-D CNNs) or long short-term memory networks (LSTMs) as the backbone. The proposed model was trained to simultaneously estimate radiation levels at the sensor locations. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed model with LSTM backbone achieved the best estimation performance, with an average R 2 score of 0.7557 for estimation within the same year and 0.7157 for estimation across different years. These results significantly surpassed those of competing models.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2024

Nitrogen‐Nitrogen Bond Breaking in Irradiation Products of Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20)

While the primary result of an interaction of ionizing radiation with an organic material is the ejection of electrons from molecular orbitals producing cations, the free electrons can further interact, yielding excited states; and, potentially, anions. In this work, we computed reaction barriers and energies for N−N bond breaking in the CL-20 cation, anion, and excited state to investigate if CL-20 degradation is accelerated after radiation exposure. We focused on N−N bond dissociation because it is the rate-determining step in the thermal degradation of CL-20. We found that N−N cleavage rapidly takes place in the CL-20 cation and anion with greatly reduced reaction energies as compared to CL-20. We also outlined a potential path for photodissociation of the N−N bond. While CL-20 is kinetically stable, initial degradation occurs readily in its irradiation products. In conclusion, this is of importance for the performance of the explosive after high-dose exposure and influences aging if CL-20 is irradiated at a low dose over extended periods of time.

CL-20 anion↗
DOE OSTI2022

Evaluation of Applied Stress on Atmospheric Corrosion and Pitting Characteristics in 304L Stainless Steel

For this study, the effects of applied stress, ranging from tensile to compressive, on the atmospheric pitting corrosion behavior of 304L stainless steel (SS304L) were analyzed through accelerated atmospheric laboratory exposures and microelectrochemical cell analysis. After exposing the lateral surface of a SS304L four-point bend specimen to artificial seawater at 50°C and 35% relative humidity for 50 d, pitting characteristics were determined using optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy. The SS304L microstructure was analyzed using electron backscatter diffraction. Additionally, localized electrochemical measurements were performed on a similar, unexposed, SS304L four-point bend bar to determine the effects of applied stress on corrosion susceptibility. Under the applied loads and the environment tested, the observed pitting characteristics showed no correlation with the applied stress (from 250 MPa to -250 MPa). Pitting depth, surface area, roundness, and distribution were found to be independent of location on the sample or applied stress. The lack of correlation between pitting statistics and applied stress was more likely due to the aggressive exposure environment, with a sea salt loading of 4 g/m 2 chloride. The pitting characteristics observed were instead governed by the available cathode current and salt distribution, which are a function of sea salt loading, as well as pre-existing underlying microstructure. In microelectrochemical cell experiments performed in Cl - environments comparable to the atmospheric exposure and in environments containing orders of magnitude lower Cl - concentrations, effects of the applied stress on corrosion susceptibility were only apparent in open-circuit potential in low Cl - concentration solutions. Cl - concentration governed the current density and transpassive dissolution potential.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1978

Effect of gravitational and inertial forces on vertical distribution of pulmonary blood flow

Vertical distribution of pulmonary blood flow (VDPBF) was studied, using radioactive microsphere emboli, in dogs without thoracotomy in the right decubitus position during exposure to lateral accelerations of 1, 2, 4, and 6 G. At all levels of force environment studied, an inverse linear relationship was observed between vertical height in the thorax and pulmonary blood flow (ml/min/ml lung tissue) with a decrease in flow to the most dependent region of the lung despite large increases in intravascular pressures at this site. Changes in blood flow were smallest at the mid-lung level, the hydrostatic 'balance point' for vascular and pleural pressures. These force environment-dependent changes in VDPBF are not readily explainable by the Starling resistor analog. Gravity-dependent regional differences in pleural and associated interstitial pressures, plus possible changes in vascular tone resulting from inadequate aeration of blood in the most dependent regions of the lung, probably also affect VDPBF.

Chevalier, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Effect Of Bed Rest On Tolerance To Acceleration

Report describes experimental comparative study of tolerance of aerobically fit men and sedentary men to +Gz acceleration. Designed to confirm or deny previous observations that long-term aerobic training reduces tolerance to acceleration. Data accumulated in study showed decrease in tolerance to acceleration caused by deconditioning effect of bed rest more pronounced in fit men than in sedentary men. Suggests physically fit people need additional measures to reduce loss of tolerance to acceleration during microgravity exposure.

Goldwater, Danielle J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Book Preservation

Books produced since 1850, held in the Library of Congress, have a very high acid content, hence a shorter life expectancy than prior-published volumes. A means of "deacidifying" books on a large, economically-viable scale is of great interest, particularly to the research library community, which stores millions of valuable, often irreplaceable documents. The General Electric vacuum chamber used in deacidification tests serves a dual purpose. It creates an environment in which DEZ can do its job without presence of oxygen and also dries the books. After the drying phase, DEZ is introduced to the chamber as a paper-penetrating vapor. The complete process typically takes eight days, four days for vacuum drying and four days of book exposure to DEZ. Accelerated aging tests showed that the process can extend paper life almost fourfold, even on color illustrations.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2003

Hypergravity Stimulates the Extracellular Matrix/Integrin-Signaling Axis and Proliferation in Primary Osteoblasts

We set out to determine the molecular mechanisms involved in the proliferative response of primary rat osteoblasts to mechanical stimulation using cell culture centrifugation as a model for hypergravity. We hypothesized that this proliferative response is mediated by specific integrin/Extracellular Matrix (ECM) interactions. To investigate this question we developed a cell culture centrifuge and an automated system that performs cell fixation during hypergravity loading. We generated expression vectors for various focal adhesion and cytoskeletal proteins fused to GFP or dsRed and visualized these structures in transfected (or infected) osteoblasts. The actin cytoskeleton was also visualized using rhodamine-phalloidin staining and Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) levels were assessed biochemically. We observed that a 24 hour exposure to 50-g stimulated proliferation compared to the 1-g control when cells were plated on fibronectin, collagen Type I , and collagen Type IV, but not on uncoated tissue culture plastic surfaces. This proliferative response was greatest for osteoblasts grown on fibronectin (2-fold increase over 1-g control) and collagen Type I (1.4 fold increase over 1-g control), suggesting that specific matrices and integrins are involved in the signaling pathways required for proliferation. Exposing osteoblasts grown on different matrices to 10-g or 25-g showed that effects on proliferation depended on both matrix type and loading level. We found that osteoblasts exposed to a short pulse of hypergravity during adhesion spread further and had more GFP-FAK containing focal adhesions compared to their 1-g controls. While overall levels of FAK did not change, more FAK was in the active (phosphorylated) form under hypergravity than in the 1-g controls. Cytoskeletal F-actin organization into filaments was also more prominent after brief exposures to hypergravity during the first five minutes of adhesion. These results suggest that specific integrins sense hypergravity and activate distinct matrix-dependent FAK signaling pathways that can enhance proliferation. Our results also imply that brief exposures to hypergravity accelerate cell adhesion and spreading processes via the focal adhesion-signaling axis. These results support the role of the ECM/integrin-signaling axis in osteoblast response to hypergravity loading.

Parra, M.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Visual Acuity Using Head-fixed Displays During Passive Self and Surround Motion

The ability to read head-fixed displays on various motion platforms requires the suppression of vestibulo-ocular reflexes. This study examined dynamic visual acuity while viewing a head-fixed display during different self and surround rotation conditions. Twelve healthy subjects were asked to report the orientation of Landolt C optotypes presented on a micro-display fixed to a rotating chair at 50 cm distance. Acuity thresholds were determined by the lowest size at which the subjects correctly identified 3 of 5 optotype orientations at peak velocity. Visual acuity was compared across four different conditions, each tested at 0.05 and 0.4 Hz (peak amplitude of 57 deg/s). The four conditions included: subject rotated in semi-darkness (i.e., limited to background illumination of the display), subject stationary while visual scene rotated, subject rotated around a stationary visual background, and both subject and visual scene rotated together. Visual acuity performance was greatest when the subject rotated around a stationary visual background; i.e., when both vestibular and visual inputs provided concordant information about the motion. Visual acuity performance was most reduced when the subject and visual scene rotated together; i.e., when the visual scene provided discordant information about the motion. Ranges of 4-5 logMAR step sizes across the conditions indicated the acuity task was sufficient to discriminate visual performance levels. The background visual scene can influence the ability to read head-fixed displays during passive motion disturbances. Dynamic visual acuity using head-fixed displays can provide an operationally relevant screening tool for visual performance during exposure to novel acceleration environments.

Wood, Scott J.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Advanced Stirling Convertor Durability Testing: Plans and Interim Results

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lockheed Martin Corporation (LM), and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have been developing the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) for use as a power system for space science missions. In support of this program, GRC has been involved in testing Stirling convertors, including the Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC), for use in the ASRG. This testing includes electromagnetic interference/compatibility (EMI/EMC), structural dynamics, advanced materials, organics, and unattended extended operation. The purpose of the durability tests is to experimentally demonstrate the margins in the ASC design. Due to the high value of the hardware, previous ASC tests focused on establishing baseline performance of the convertors within the nominal operating conditions. The durability tests present the first planned extension of the operating conditions into regions beyond those intended to meet the product spec, where the possibility exists of lateral contact, overstroke, or over-temperature events. These tests are not intended to cause damage that would shorten the life of the convertors, so they can transition into extended operation at the conclusion of the tests. This paper describes the four tests included in the durability test sequence: 1) start/stop cycling, 2) exposure to constant acceleration in the lateral and axial directions, 3) random vibration at increased piston amplitude to induce contact events, and 4) overstroke testing to simulate potential failures during processing or during the mission life where contact events could occur. The paper also summarizes the analysis and simulation used to predict the results of each of these tests.

Meer, David W.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Advanced Stirling Convertor Durability Testing: Plans and Interim Results

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lockheed Martin Corporation (LM), and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have been developing the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) for use as a power system for space science missions. In support of this program, NASA?s Glenn Research Center (GRC) has been involved in testing Stirling convertors, including the Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC), for use in the ASRG. This testing includes electromagnetic interference/compatibility (EMI/EMC), structural dynamics, advanced materials, organics, and unattended extended operation. The purpose of the durability tests is to experimentally demonstrate the margins in the ASC design. Due to the high value of the hardware, previous ASC tests focused on establishing baseline performance of the convertors within the nominal operating conditions. The durability tests present the first planned extension of the operating conditions into regions beyond those intended to meet the product spec, where the possibility exists of lateral contact, overstroke, or over-temperature events. These tests are not intended to cause damage that would shorten the life of the convertors, so they can transition into extended operation at the conclusion of the tests. This paper describes the four tests included in the durability test sequence: 1) start/stop cycling, 2) exposure to constant acceleration in the lateral and axial directions, 3) random vibration at increased piston amplitude to induce contact events, and 4) overstroke testing to simulate potential failures during processing or during the mission life where contact events could occur. The paper also summarizes the analysis and simulation used to predict the results of each of these tests.

Meer, Dave↗
NASA NTRS2014

An Advanced Neutron Spectrometer for Future Manned Exploration Missions

An Advanced Neutron Spectrometer (ANS) is being developed to support future manned exploration missions. This new instrument uses a refined gate and capture technique that significantly improves the identification of neutrons in mixed radiation fields found in spacecraft, habitats and on planetary surfaces. The new instrument is a composite scintillator comprised of PVT loaded with litium-6 glass scintillators. We will describe the detection concept and show preliminary results from laboratory tests and exposures at particle accelerators

Christl, Mark↗
NASA NTRS1998

Design of the Experimental Exposure Conditions to Simulate Ionizing Radiation Effects on Candidate Replacement Materials for the Hubble Space Telescope

In this effort, experimental exposure times for monoenergetic electrons and protons were determined to simulate the space radiation environment effects on Teflon components of the Hubble Space Telescope. Although the energy range of the available laboratory particle accelerators was limited, optimal exposure times for 50 keV, 220 keV, 350 keV, and 500 KeV electrons were calculated that produced a dose-versus-depth profile that approximated the full spectrum profile, and were realizable with existing equipment. For the case of proton exposure, the limited energy range of the laboratory accelerator restricted simulation of the dose to a depth of .5 mil. Also, while optimal exposure times were found for 200 keV, 500 keV and 700 keV protons that simulated the full spectrum dose-versus-depth profile to this depth, they were of such short duration that the existing laboratory could not be controlled to within the required accuracy. In addition to the obvious experimental issues, other areas exist in which the analytical work could be advanced. Improved computer codes for the dose prediction- along with improved methodology for data input and output- would accelerate and make more accurate the calculational aspects. This is particularly true in the case of proton fluxes where a paucity of available predictive software appears to exist. The dated nature of many of the existing Monte Carlo particle/radiation transport codes raises the issue as to whether existing codes are sufficient for this type of analysis. Other areas that would result in greater fidelity of laboratory exposure effects to the space environment is the use of a larger number of monoenergetic particle fluxes and improved optimization algorithms to determine the weighting values.

Smith, L. Montgomery↗
NASA NTRS1975

The effect of sunshine testing on terrestrial solar cell system components

Samples of FEP-encapsulated silicon solar cells and various potential encapsulation or cover materials were subjected to both accelerated and real-time testing. The durability of the samples was determined by measuring changes in solar cell output or optical transmission as a function of exposure. The tests revealed some problem areas in the structural integrity of the materials, e.g., delamination and cracking in FEP. These problems were probably related to defects in fabrication. FEP and Aclar had the least transmission loss after accelerated exposure equivalents of 5 and 3 years, respectively.

Forestieri, A. F.↗