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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Asymmetrically strained quantum dots with non-fluctuating single-dot emission spectra and subthermal room-temperature linewidths

The application of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots as single-dot light sources still requires overcoming several challenges. Recently, there has been considerable progress in suppressing intensity fluctuations (blinking) by encapsulating an emitting core into a thick protective shell. However, these nanostructures still show considerable fluctuations in both emission energy and linewidth. Here we demonstrate type-I core/shell heterostructures that overcome these deficiencies. They are made by combining wurtzite semiconductors with a large, directionally anisotropic lattice mismatch, which results in strong asymmetric compression of the emitting core. This modifies the structure of band-edge excitonic states and leads to accelerated radiative decay, reduced exciton-phonon interactions, and suppressed coupling to fluctuating electrostatic environment. As a result, individual asymmetrically strained dots exhibit highly stable emission energy (<1 meV standard deviation) and a subthermal room-temperature linewidth (~20 meV), concurrent with nearly nonblinking behaviour, high emission quantum yields, and a widely tunable emission colour.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

FREQUENCY SHIFTS OF RESONANT MODES OF THE SUN DUE TO NEAR-SURFACE CONVECTIVE SCATTERING

Measurements of oscillation frequencies of the Sun and stars can provide important independent constraints on their internal structure and dynamics. Seismic models of these oscillations are used to connect structure and rotation of the star to its resonant frequencies, which are then compared with observations, the goal being that of minimizing the difference between the two. Even in the case of the Sun, for which structure models are highly tuned, observed frequencies show systematic deviations from modeled frequencies, a phenomenon referred to as the “surface term.” The dominant source of this systematic effect is thought to be vigorous near-surface convection, which is not well accounted for in both stellar modeling and mode-oscillation physics. Here we bring to bear the method of homogenization, applicable in the asymptotic limit of large wavelengths (in comparison to the correlation scale of convection), to characterize the effect of small-scale surface convection on resonant-mode frequencies in the Sun. We show that the full oscillation equations, in the presence of temporally stationary three-dimensional (3D) flows, can be reduced to an effective “quiet-Sun” wave equation with altered sound speed, Brünt–Väisäla frequency, and Lamb frequency. We derive the modified equation and relations for the appropriate averaging of 3D flows and thermal quantities to obtain the properties of this effective medium. Using flows obtained from 3D numerical simulations of near-surface convection, we quantify their effect on solar oscillation frequencies and find that they are shifted systematically and substantially. We argue therefore that consistent interpretations of resonant frequencies must include modifications to the wave equation that effectively capture the impact of vigorous hydrodynamic convection.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Combination of searches for heavy resonances decaying into bosonic and leptonic final states using 36 fb - 1 of proton-proton collision data at s = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Searches for new heavy resonances decaying into different pairings of W, Z, or Higgs bosons, as well as directly into leptons, are presented using a data sample corresponding to 36.1 fb -1 of pp collisions at $ \sqrt{s}=13 $ TeV collected during 2015 and 2016 with the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. Analyses selecting bosonic decay modes in the qqqq, ννqq, ℓνqq, ℓℓqq, ℓνℓν, ℓℓνν, ℓνℓℓ, ℓℓℓℓ, qqbb, ννbb, ℓνbb, and ℓℓbb final states are combined, searching for a narrow-width resonance. Likewise, analyses selecting the leptonic ℓν and ℓℓ final states are also combined. These two sets of analyses are then further combined. No significant deviation from the Standard Model predictions is observed. Three benchmark models are tested: a model predicting the existence of a new heavy scalar singlet, a simplified model predicting a heavy vector-boson triplet, and a bulk Randall-Sundrum model with a heavy spin-2 Kaluza-Klein excitation of the graviton. Cross section limits are set at the 95% confidence level using an asymptotic approximation and are compared with predictions for the benchmark models. These limits are also expressed in terms of constraints on couplings of the heavy vector-boson triplet to quarks, leptons, and the Higgs boson. The data exclude a heavy vector-boson triplet with mass below 5.5 TeV in a weakly coupled scenario and 4.5 TeV in a strongly coupled scenario, as well as a Kaluza-Klein graviton with mass below 2.3 TeV.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-C-207B-04: Automated Segmentation of Pectoral Muscle in MR Images of Dense Breasts

Purpose: To develop and evaluate a fully automated method for segmentation of the pectoral muscle boundary in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of dense breasts. Methods: Segmentation of the pectoral muscle is an important part of automatic breast image analysis methods. Current methods for segmenting the pectoral muscle in breast MRI have difficulties delineating the muscle border correctly in breasts with a large proportion of fibroglandular tissue (i.e., dense breasts). Hence, an automated method based on dynamic programming was developed, incorporating heuristics aimed at shape, location and gradient features.To assess the method, the pectoral muscle was segmented in 91 randomly selected participants (mean age 56.6 years, range 49.5–75.2 years) from a large MRI screening trial in women with dense breasts (ACR BI-RADS category 4). Each MR dataset consisted of 178 or 179 T1-weighted images with voxel size 0.64 × 0.64 × 1.00 mm3. All images (n=16,287) were reviewed and scored by a radiologist. In contrast to volume overlap coefficients, such as DICE, the radiologist detected deviations in the segmented muscle border and determined whether the result would impact the ability to accurately determine the volume of fibroglandular tissue and detection of breast lesions. Results: According to the radiologist’s scores, 95.5% of the slices did not mask breast tissue in such way that it could affect detection of breast lesions or volume measurements. In 13.1% of the slices a deviation in the segmented muscle border was present which would not impact breast lesion detection. In 70 datasets (78%) at least 95% of the slices were segmented in such a way it would not affect detection of breast lesions, and in 60 (66%) datasets this was 100%. Conclusion: Dynamic programming with dedicated heuristics shows promising potential to segment the pectoral muscle in women with dense breasts.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-181: Proton Therapy Tissue-Equivalence of 3D Printed Materials

Purpose: This work investigated the proton tissue-equivalence of various 3D printed materials. Methods: Three 3D printers were used to create 5 cm cubic phantoms made of different plastics with varying percentages of infill. White resin, polylactic acid (PLA), and NinjaFlex plastics were used. The infills ranged from 15% to 100%. Each phantom was scanned with a CT scanner to obtain the HU value. The relative linear stopping power (RLSP) was then determined using a multi-layer ion chamber in a 200 MeV proton beam. The RLSP was measured both parallel and perpendicular to the print direction for each material. Results: The HU values of the materials ranged from lung-equivalent (−820 HU σ160) when using a low infill, to soft-tissue-equivalent 159 (σ12). The RLSP of the materials depended on the orientation of the beam relative to the print direction. When the proton beam was parallel to the print direction, the RLSP was generally higher than the RLSP in the perpendicular orientation, by up to 45%. This difference was smaller (less than 6%) for the materials with 100% infill. For low infill cubes irradiated parallel to the print direction, the SOBP curve showed extreme degradation of the beam in the distal region. The materials with 15–25% infill had wide-ranging agreement with a clinical HU-RLSP conversion curve, with some measurements falling within 1% of the curve and others deviating up to 45%. The materials with 100% infill all fell within 7% of the curve. Conclusion: While some materials tested fall within 1% of a clinical HU-RLSP curve, caution should be taken when using 3D printed materials with proton therapy, as the orientation of the beam relative to the print direction can result in a large change in RLSP. Further investigation is needed to measure how the infill pattern affects the material RLSP. This work was supported by PHS grant CA180803.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Preliminary results on the feasibility of using ultrasound to monitor intrafractional motion during radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer

Purpose: Substantial intrafraction organ motion during radiation therapy (RT) for pancreatic cancer is well recognized as a major limiting factor for accurate delivery of RT. The aim of this work is to determine the feasibility of monitoring the intrafractional motion of the pancreas or surrounding structures using ultrasound for RT delivery. Methods: Transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) and 4DCT data were acquired on ten pancreatic cancer patients during radiation therapy process in a prospective study. In addition, TAUS and MRI were collected for five healthy volunteers. The portal vein (PV) and the head of the pancreas (HP) along with other structures were contoured on these images. Volume changes, distance between the HP and PV, and motion difference between the HP and PV were measured to examine whether PV can be used as a motion surrogate for HP. TAUS images were acquired and processed using a research version of the Clarity autoscan ultrasound system (CAUS). Motion monitoring was performed with the ultrasound probe mounted on an arm fixed to the couch. Video segments of the monitoring sessions were captured. Results: On TAUS, PV is better visualized than HP. The measured mean volume deviation for all patients for the HP and PV was 1.4 and 0.6 ml, respectively. The distance between the HP and PV was close to a constant with 0.22 mm mean deviation throughout the ten breathing phases. The mean of the absolute motion difference for all patients was 1.7 ± 0.8 mm in LR, 1.5 ± 0.5 mm in AP, and 2.3 ± 0.7 mm in SI, suggesting that the PV is a good surrogate for HP motion estimation. By using this surrogate, the HP motion tracking using TAUS was demonstrated. Conclusions: Large intrafractional organ motion due to respiratory and/or bowel motion is a limiting factor in administering curative radiation doses to pancreatic tumors. The authors investigate the use of real-time ultrasound to track pancreas motion. Due to the poor visibility of the pancreas head on an ultrasound image, the portal vein is identified as a surrogate. The authors have demonstrated the feasibility of tracking HP motion through the localization of the PV using TAUS. This will potentially allow real-time tracking of intrafractional motion to justify small PTV-margins and to account for unusual motions, thus, improving normal tissue sparing.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1977

Spectrum and isotropy of the submillimeter background radiation

Infrared evidence referable to the spectrum and isotropy of the background radiation of the universe is considered, along with theoretical implications. Difficulties in the submillimeter region are indicated. Two types of anisotropy are treated: small-scale granularity (attributable to discrete sources such as galaxies or to condensation in the primordial plasma) and large-scale anisotropies; the anisotropies are discussed as possible indicators of the early history of the universe, and in relation to future possible generalized Michelson-Morley experiments (to detect effects on local physics of the existence of a universal rest frame). A complete blackbody spectrum is seen as the clear signature of the primordial fireball, and slight deviations from a perfect thermal spectrum (or perfect isotropy) are to be sought and scrutinized.

Muehlner, D.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Transition probabilities for the UV0.01 multiplet in N III

We report on large-scale ab initio multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock calculations for the UV0.01 multiplet, 2s(sup 2)2p(sup 2)P(sub J) - 2s2p(sup 2 4)P(sub J prime), in N III. The resulting transition probabilities agree very well with recent semiempirical calculations, and the lifetimes for two of the three upper levels agree with experiments. The deviation for the third level is discussed. Comparisons made with the highest quality IUE echelle spectra available -- those of RR Tel and V1016 Cyg (both photoionized sources with electron densities below 10(exp 8)/cu cm) -- show that computed branching ratios of lines sharing a common upper level are in agreement with observations to within uncertainties of +/- 10%. High-quality solar limb data or stellar data from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) could, in principle, be used to determine whether the theoretical or measured lifetimes for the discrepant level are in error. Unfortunately, stellar data for high-density plasmas (N(sub e) greater than 10(exp 11)/cu cm are needed) do not yet exist, and existing solar data lack the photometric precision to address this problem.

Brage, Tomas↗
DOE OSTI2015

TU-F-CAMPUS-J-04: Setup Uncertainties in the Mediastinum Area for IMRT Treatment of Lymphoma Patients

Purpose: Despite daily image guidance setup uncertainties can be high when treating large areas of the body. The aim of this study was to measure local uncertainties inside the PTV for patients receiving IMRT to the mediastinum region. Methods: Eleven lymphoma patients that received radiotherapy (breath-hold) to the mediastinum were included in this study. The treated region could range all the way from the neck to the diaphragm. Each patient had a CT scan with a CT-on-rails system prior to every treatment. The entire PTV region was matched to the planning CT using automatic rigid registration. The PTV was then split into 5 regions: neck, supraclavicular, superior mediastinum, upper heart, lower heart. Additional auto-registrations for each of the 5 local PTV regions were performed. The residual local setup errors were calculated as the difference between the final global PTV position and the individual final local PTV positions for the AP, SI and RL directions. For each patient 4 CT scans were analyzed (1 per week of treatment). Results: The residual mean group error (M) and standard deviation of the inter-patient (or systematic) error (Σ) were lowest in the RL direction of the superior mediastinum (0.0mm and 0.5mm) and highest in the RL direction of the lower heart (3.5mm and 2.9mm). The standard deviation of the inter-fraction (or random) error (σ) was lowest in the RL direction of the superior mediastinum (0.5mm) and highest in the SI direction of the lower heart (3.9mm) The directionality of local uncertainties is important; a superior residual error in the lower heart for example keeps it in the global PTV. Conclusion: There is a complex relationship between breath-holding and positioning uncertainties that needs further investigation. Residual setup uncertainties can be significant even under daily CT image guidance when treating large regions of the body.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Dynamic Ride-Matching for Large-Scale Transportation Systems

Efficient dynamic ride-matching (DRM) in large-scale transportation systems is a key driver in transport simulations to yield answers to challenging problems. Although the DRM problem is simple to solve, it quickly becomes a computationally challenging problem in large-scale transportation system simulations. Therefore, this study thoroughly examines the DRM problem dynamics and proposes an optimization-based solution framework to solve the problem efficiently. To benefit from parallel computing and reduce computational times, the problem’s network is divided into clusters utilizing a commonly used unsupervised machine learning algorithm along with a linear programming model. Then, these sub-problems are solved using another linear program to finalize the ride-matching. At the clustering level, the framework allows users adjusting cluster sizes to balance the trade-off between the computational time savings and the solution quality deviation. A case study in the Chicago Metropolitan Area, U.S., illustrates that the framework can reduce the average computational time by 58% at the cost of increasing the average pick up time by 26% compared with a system optimum, that is, non-clustered, approach. Another case study in a relatively small city, Bloomington, Illinois, U.S., shows that the framework provides quite similar results to the system-optimum approach in approximately 62% less computational time.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Influence of regional nighttime atmospheric regimes on canopy turbulence and gradients at a closed and open forest in mountain-valley terrain

Stable stratification of the nocturnal lower boundary layer inhibits convective turbulence, such that turbulent vertical transfer of ecosystem carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), water vapor (H 2 O) and energy is driven by mechanically forced turbulence, either from frictional forces near the ground or top of a plant canopy, or from shear generated aloft. The significance of this last source of turbulence on canopy flow characteristics in a closed and open forest canopy is addressed in this paper. We present micrometeorological observations of the lower boundary layer and canopy air space collected on nearly 200 nights using a combination of atmospheric laser detection and ranging (lidar), eddy covariance (EC), and tower profiling instrumentation. Two AmeriFlux/Fluxnet sites in mountain-valley terrain in the Western U.S. are investigated: Wind River, a tall, dense conifer canopy, and Tonzi Ranch, a short, open oak canopy. On roughly 40% of nights lidar detected down-valley or downslope flows above the canopy at both sites. Nights with intermittent strong bursts of “top-down” forced turbulence were also observed above both canopies. The strongest of these bursts increased sub-canopy turbulence and reduced canopy virtual potential temperature (θv) gradient at Tonzi, but did not appear to change the flow characteristics within the dense Wind River canopy. At Tonzi we observed other times when high turbulence (via friction velocity, u*) was found just above the trees, yet CO2 and θv gradients remained large and suggested flow decoupling. These events were triggered by regional downslope flow. Lastly, a set of turbulence parameters is evaluated for estimating canopy turbulence mixing strength. The relationship between turbulence parameters and canopy θv gradients was found to be complex, although better agreement between the canopy θv gradient and turbulence was found for parameters based on the standard deviation of vertical velocity, or ratios of 3-D turbulence to mean flow, than for u*. These findings add evidence that the relationship between canopy turbulence, static stability, and canopy mixing is far from straightforward even within an open canopy.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Electrical anisotropy and coexistence of structural transitions and superconductivity in IrT e 2

In this work, we report experimental investigations of the electrical transport, magnetic, and thermodynamic properties of IrTe 2 single crystals. The resistivity, magnetization, and specific heat display anomalies at T S1 ≈ 283K,T S2 ≈ 167K, and T c ≈2.5K, corresponding to two structural and one superconducting phase transitions, respectively, demonstrating the coexistence of all of these transitions in high-quality stoichiometric samples. While there is little magnetic anisotropy, a large ab-plane (ρab) and c-axis (ρc) electrical resistivity ratio (ρ c /ρ ab ≈730 at T=4K) is observed. This two-dimensional (2D) electronic character is further reflected in the disparate temperature dependences of ρ ab and ρ c , with ρab exhibiting a Fermi-liquid-like T 2 dependence below ~25K, while ρc deviates significantly from this standard metallic behavior. In contrast, the magnetization is almost isotropic and negative over a wide temperature range. Furthermore, this can be explained by larger diamagnetism induced by electronic structure reconstruction as probed by the Hall effect and smaller positive contribution from itinerant electrons due to a low density of states (DOS) at the Fermi level. A small electronic specific heat coefficient with γ ≈ 1.8mJ/molK 2 confirms this assertion. This implies that IrTe 2 is a weakly coupled superconductor. The connection between the superconductivity and the two structural transitions is discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-P-20: Predicting Waiting Times in Radiation Oncology Using Machine Learning

Purpose: Waiting times remain one of the most vexing patient satisfaction challenges facing healthcare. Waiting time uncertainty can cause patients, who are already sick or in pain, to worry about when they will receive the care they need. These waiting periods are often difficult for staff to predict and only rough estimates are typically provided based on personal experience. This level of uncertainty leaves most patients unable to plan their calendar, making the waiting experience uncomfortable, even painful. In the present era of electronic health records (EHRs), waiting times need not be so uncertain. Extensive EHRs provide unprecedented amounts of data that can statistically cluster towards representative values when appropriate patient cohorts are selected. Predictive modelling, such as machine learning, is a powerful approach that benefits from large, potentially complex, datasets. The essence of machine learning is to predict future outcomes by learning from previous experience. The application of a machine learning algorithm to waiting time data has the potential to produce personalized waiting time predictions such that the uncertainty may be removed from the patient’s waiting experience. Methods: In radiation oncology, patients typically experience several types of waiting (eg waiting at home for treatment planning, waiting in the waiting room for oncologist appointments and daily waiting in the waiting room for radiotherapy treatments). A daily treatment wait time model is discussed in this report. To develop a prediction model using our large dataset (with more than 100k sample points) a variety of machine learning algorithms from the Python package sklearn were tested. Results: We found that the Random Forest Regressor model provides the best predictions for daily radiotherapy treatment waiting times. Using this model, we achieved a median residual (actual value minus predicted value) of 0.25 minutes and a standard deviation residual of 6.5 minutes. This means that the majority of our estimates are within 6.5 minutes of the actual wait time. Conclusion: The goal of this project was to define an appropriate machine learning algorithm to estimate waiting times based on the collective knowledge and experience learned from previous patients. Our results offer an opportunity to improve the information that is provided to patients and family members regarding the amount of time they can expect to wait for radiotherapy treatment at our centre. AJ acknowledges support by the CREATE Medical Physics Research Training Network grant of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (Grant number: 432290) and from the 2014 Q+ Initiative of the McGill University Health Centre.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Application of Linear Additive Conditions for Near-Infrared Diffuse Reflectance Absorption Spectroscopy

Determining the homogeneity of material mixing in real time during product processing is critical for quality control. According to the Kubelka–Munk (K-M) function of diffuse reflectance absorption spectrum, absorbance (A) is approximately linear with the content of the components when the sample scattering coefficient (S) is in a certain range. The S is determined by the particle size of powder samples. Therefore, this study determined particle size ranges that satisfy linear additivity in near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (NIRDRS). Thus, the proposed NIRDRS analysis technique can be used to determine the homogeneity of material mixes or analyze the percentages of the components in the mixture. In this study, vitamin B3 and vitamin C were used for preparing mixed samples with varying percentages. The experimental results revealed that linear additivity is satisfied when the powder particle size is in the range of less than 280, 280–450, and 450–900 μm. When the confidence level is 0.01, the actual mixed spectra are not significantly different from the “simulated mixed spectra” constructed by linear addition, with their relative deviations less than 1.08%. The absolute errors of the actual and analytic percentages were within 2.98% for each component in the mixtures. The above conclusions also hold for sorghum, which has a complex material composition. Statistical models cannot analyze the percentages of components in the mixture. In contrast, linear addition and direct calibration approach avoids the use of a large number of samples for statistical modeling and analyze the percentages of mixed samples. Meanwhile, it can be used to discriminate and analyze the material mixing uniformity by building a mechanistic model.

Feng, Zhiyue↗
NASA NTRS1983

Climate variability and atmospheric teleconnection from satellite observed cloud fluctuations

To investigate the low-frequency variability of the large-scale circulation over the tropics and its relationship with different regions of the globe, statistics of cloud fluctuations, as inferred from outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) are used. The data consists of seven years of global OLR in a 2.5 x 2.5-deg grid derived from NOAA polar orbiting satellite observations. The time series of area-averaged monthly deviation from the seven-year mean of OLR over an equatorial Central Pacific region is presented. It is shown that positive and negative deviations reflect local drier and wetter than normal conditions, respectively. Consideration is given to teleconnection based on the Central Pacific variations and to southern oscillation contributions.

Lau, K. M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Correlation of processing and sintering variables with the strength and radiography of silicon nitride

A sintered Si3N4-SiO2-Y2O3 composition, NASA 6Y, was developed that reached four-point flexural average strength/standard deviation values of 857/36, 544/33, and 462/59 MPa at room temperature, 1200 and 1370 C respectively. These strengths represented improvements of 56, 38, and 21 percent over baseline properties at the three test temperatures. At room temperature the standard deviation was reduced by over a factor of three. These accomplishments were realized by the iterative utilization of conventional x-radiography to characterize structural (density) uniformity as affected by systematic changes in powder processing and sintering parameters. Accompanying the improvement in mechanical properties was a change in the type of flaw causing failure from a pore to a large columnar beta- Si3N4 grain typically 40 to 80 microns long, 10 to 30 microns wide, and with an aspect ratio of 5:1.

Sanders, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Correlation of processing and sintering variables with the strength and radiography of silicon nitride

A sintered Si3N4-SiO2-Y2O3 composition, NASA 6Y, was developed that reached four-point flexural average strength/standard deviation values of 857/36, 544/33, and 462/59 MPa at room temperature, 1200 and 1370 C, respectively. These strengths represented improvements of 56, 38, and 21 percent over baseline properties at the three test temperatures. At room temperature the standard deviation was reduced by over a factor of three. These accomplishments were realized by the iterative utilization of conventional X-radiography to characterize structural (density) uniformity as affected by systematic changes in powder processing and sintering parameters. Accompanying the improvement in mechanical properties was a change in the type of flaw causing failure from a pore to a large columnar beta-Si3N4 grain typically 40-80 micron long, 10-30 micron wide, and with an aspect ratio of 5:1.

Sanders, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Analysis of Separation Corridors for Visiting Vehicles from the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is a very dynamic vehicle with many operational constraints that affect its performance, operations, and vehicle lifetime. Most constraints are designed to alleviate various safety concerns that are a result of dynamic activities between the ISS and various Visiting Vehicles (VVs). One such constraint that has been in place for Russian Vehicle (RV) operations is the limitation placed on Solar Array (SA) positioning in order to prevent collisions during separation and subsequent relative motion of VVs. An unintended consequence of the SA constraint has been the impacts to the operational flexibility of the ISS resulting from the reduced power generation capability as well as from a reduction in the operational lifetime of various SA components. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the technique and the analysis that were applied in order to relax the SA constraints for RV undockings, thereby improving both the ISS operational flexibility and extending its lifetime for many years to come. This analysis focused on the effects of the dynamic motion that occur both prior to and following RV separations. The analysis involved a parametric approach in the conservative application of various initial conditions and assumptions. These included the use of the worst case minimum and maximum vehicle configurations, worst case initial attitudes and attitude rates, and the worst case docking port separation dynamics. Separations were calculated for multiple ISS docking ports, at varied deviations from the nominal undocking attitudes and included the use of two separate attitude control schemes: continuous free-drift and a post separation attitude hold. The analysis required numerical propagation of both the separation motion and the vehicle attitudes using 3-degree-of-freedom (DOF) relative motion equations coupled with rigid body rotational dynamics to generate a large set of separation trajectories.

Zaczek, Mariusz P.↗