Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Blind”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Flying Blind: Keeping aircraft safe without a pilot on board.

The unmanned aircraft market is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world today, poised to become a billion dollar industry in the next several years. This explosive growth in unmanned aircraft, both small and large, brings an increased risk of these vehicles interfering with current aircraft, or harming unsuspecting bystanders. This talk will discuss some of the research NASA is doing to keep the airspace safe, while allowing drone pilots the freedom to fly. The discussion will center on two NASA-developed systems: Safeguard, a platform-independent geofence; and DAIDALUS, a software suite for detect and avoid. In addition to describing what the systems are supposed to do, we'll also discuss how NASA uses formal methods to provide assurance that they actually do as intended.

unmanned aircraft↗
NASA NTRS2023

A Blind Convolutional Deep Autoencoder for Spectral Unmixing of Hyperspectral Images Over Waterbodies

Harmful algal blooms have dangerous repercussions for biodiversity, the ecosystem, and public health. Automatic identification based on remote sensing hyperspectral image analysis provides a valuable mechanism for extracting the spectral signatures of harmful algal blooms and their respective percentage in a region of interest. This paper proposes a new model called a non-symmetrical autoencoder for spectral unmixing to perform endmember extraction and fractional abundance estimation. The model is assessed in benchmark datasets, such as Jasper Ridge and Samson. Additionally, a case study of the HSI2 image acquired by NASA over Lake Erie in 2017 is conducted for extracting optical water types. The results using the proposed model for the benchmark datasets improve unmixing performance, as indicated by the spectral angle distance compared to five baseline algorithms. Improved results were obtained for various metrics. In the Samson dataset, the proposed model outperformed other methods for water (0.060) and soil (0.025) endmember extraction. Moreover, the proposed method exhibited superior performance in terms of mean spectral angle distance compared to the other five baseline algorithms. The non-symmetrical autoencoder for the spectral unmixing approach achieved better results for abundance map estimation, with a root mean square error of 0.091 for water and 0.187 for soil, compared to the ground truth. For the Jasper Ridge dataset, the non-symmetrical autoencoder for the spectral unmixing model excelled in the tree (0.039) and road (0.068) endmember extraction and also demonstrated improved results for water abundance maps (0.1121). The proposed model can identify the presence of chlorophyll-a in waterbodies. Chlorophyll-a is an essential indicator of the presence of the different concentrations of macrophytes and cyanobacteria. The non-symmetrical autoencoder for spectral unmixing achieves a value of 0.307 for the spectral angle distance metric compared to a reference ground truth spectral signature of chlorophyll-a. The source code for the proposed model, as implemented in this manuscript, can be found at https://github.com/EstefaniaAlfaro/autoencoder_owt_spectral.git.

hyperspectral imaging↗
DOE OSTI2025

Probabilistic Predictions for Fastener Failure in the Sandia Mechanics Challenge Using the Discrete-Direct Uncertainty Quantification Approach

This paper documents the blind and post-blind analysis predictions for the 2023 Sandia Mechanics Challenge (SMC), which involved predicting the behavior of a threaded fastener joint structure subjected to shock loading. Utilizing repeat sets of fastener calibration data from various experimental configurations including tension, double shear, and joint tension, we developed a library of calibrated models which were propagated through the application model using the Discrete-Direct (DD) uncertainty quantification (UQ) approach. Although the initial blind predictions did not incorporate spare-sample processing to quantify fastener failure probabilities, the analyses yielded reasonable conclusions aligned with experimental results. In the post-blind analysis phase, we focused on enhancing the fidelity of the aluminum constitutive model and innovating the DD approach to obtain probabilistic predictions for fastener failure, particularly when quantities of interest (QoIs) approach their bounds. The improved aluminum model captures the behavior of the cantilever under shock loading more accurately, predicting both partial and complete cracks, although it tends to underpredict failure propagation. The enhanced DD approach facilitates probabilistic predictions that reflect the interdependent failure mechanisms of the fasteners and the cantilever, revealing that while certain fasteners are more likely to fail, the failure does not necessarily follow a progressive pattern. Overall, the post-blind analyses significantly improved the predictive capabilities of the model, providing valuable insights into the SMC application and establishing a robust foundation for informed engineering decisions. The methodology demonstrates a cost-effective and extensible approach suitable for a wide range of applications, highlighting the importance of uncertainty quantification to provide context for engineering decision making.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1998

A Novel Approach for Adaptive Signal Processing

Adaptive linear predictors have been used extensively in practice in a wide variety of forms. In the main, their theoretical development is based upon the assumption of stationarity of the signals involved, particularly with respect to the second order statistics. On this basis, the well-known normal equations can be formulated. If high- order statistical stationarity is assumed, then the equivalent normal equations involve high-order signal moments. In either case, the cross moments (second or higher) are needed. This renders the adaptive prediction procedure non-blind. A novel procedure for blind adaptive prediction has been proposed and considerable implementation has been made in our contributions in the past year. The approach is based upon a suitable interpretation of blind equalization methods that satisfy the constant modulus property and offers significant deviations from the standard prediction methods. These blind adaptive algorithms are derived by formulating Lagrange equivalents from mechanisms of constrained optimization. In this report, other new update algorithms are derived from the fundamental concepts of advanced system identification to carry out the proposed blind adaptive prediction. The results of the work can be extended to a number of control-related problems, such as disturbance identification. The basic principles are outlined in this report and differences from other existing methods are discussed. The applications implemented are speech processing, such as coding and synthesis. Simulations are included to verify the novel modelling method.

Chen, Ya-Chin↗
NASA NTRS1998

Nonphotic entrainment of the human circadian pacemaker

In organisms as diverse as single-celled algae and humans, light is the primary stimulus mediating entrainment of the circadian biological clock. Reports that some totally blind individuals appear entrained to the 24-h day have suggested that nonphotic stimuli may also be effective circadian synchronizers in humans, although the nonphotic stimuli are probably comparatively weak synchronizers, because the circadian rhythms of many totally blind individuals "free run" even when they maintain a 24-h activity-rest schedule. To investigate entrainment by nonphotic synchronizers, we studied the endogenous circadian melatonin and core body temperature rhythms of 15 totally blind subjects who lacked conscious light perception and exhibited no suppression of plasma melatonin in response to ocular bright-light exposure. Nine of these fifteen blind individuals were able to maintain synchronization to the 24-h day, albeit often at an atypical phase angle of entrainment. Nonphotic stimuli also synchronized the endogenous circadian rhythms of a totally blind individual to a non-24-h schedule while living in constant near darkness. We conclude that nonphotic stimuli can entrain the human circadian pacemaker in some individuals lacking ocular circadian photoreception.

NASA Discipline Regulatory Physiology↗
NASA NTRS2009

Large Eddy Simulation of Transonic Flow Field in NASA Rotor 37

The current paper reports on numerical investigations on the flow characteristics in a transonic axial compressor, NASA Rotor 37. The flow field was used previously as a CFD blind test case conducted by American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1994. Since the CFD blind-test exercise, many numerical studies on the flow field in the NASA Rotor 37 have been reported. Although steady improvements have been reported in both numerical procedure and turbulence closure, it is believed that all the important aspects of the flow field have not been fully explained with numerical studies based on the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solution. Experimental data show large dip in total pressure distribution near the hub at downstream of the rotor at 100% rotor speed. Most original numerical solutions from the blind test exercise did not predict this total pressure deficit correctly. This total pressure deficit at the rotor exit was attributed to a hub corner flow separation by the author. Several subsequent numerical studies with different turbulence closure model also calculated this dip in total pressure rise. Also, several studies attributed this total pressure deficit to a small leakage flow coming from the hub in the test article. As the experimental study cannot be repeated, either explanation cannot be validated. The primary purpose of the current investigation is to investigate the transonic flow field with both RANS and a Large Eddy Simulation (LES). The RANS approach gives similar results presented at the original blind test exercise. Although the RANS calculates higher overall total pressure rise, the total pressure deficit near the hub is calculated correctly. The numerical solution shows that the total pressure deficit is due to a hub corner flow separation. The calculated pressure rise from the LES agrees better with the measured total pressure rise especially near the casing area where the passage shock interacts with the tip clearance vortex and flow becomes unsteady due to this interaction. The LES simulation also calculates the total pressure rise deficit near the hub and it agrees well with the measured data.

Hah, Chunill↗
DOE OSTI2026

Validation Data for Benchmarking Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Process Simulations

Residual stresses cause geometric distortion and affect mechanical performance of additively manufactured structures, yet they are notoriously difficult to assess and predict. Distortion (warpage) can drive parts outside dimensional tolerance limits, leading to part rejection or rework. For parts that meet tolerance, locked-in residual stress fields can affect structural integrity during operation, particularly subcritical cracking by fatigue, creep, or corrosion. This work develops benchmark data for a common additive manufacturing process (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing) that can be applied for calibration and validation of physical process models that predict residual stress fields. The work includes design of two different samples of differing geometry, detailed manufacturing records for a set of physical samples, and an extensive set of residual stress measurement data developed using two diverse techniques (the contour method and neutron diffraction). An initial application of the work is also reported, where a modeling challenge was issued to secure residual stress model predictions from two independent laboratories that were blind to residual stress measurement data. These initial blind residual stress predictions show significant discrepancies relative to the measurement data, illustrating the potential value of the underlying validation data. An open repository for this work, including the sample designs, manufacturing process records, and the residual stress data, is also provided for future application in non-blind validation efforts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluating a Commercial Dynamic Line Rating Software with the National PMU Dataset

To accelerate the development of data-driven applications for power systems, the Department of Energy (DOE) supported the collection and curation of a synchrophasor dataset spanning two years of observations from transmission utilities across the US. This National PMU Dataset (NPDS) was anonymized and distributed to awardees of a DOE research grant under nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) but has also been retained at PNNL to enable further research. Agreements with data contributors prevent the data from being shared outside the organization. However, establishing a blind research validation methodology is envisioned to maximize the value proposition of the NPDS. In this validation strategy, researchers may share algorithms/software (potentially as executables to protect intellectual property) with PNNL, and PNNL will share feedback about the software’s performance on subsets of the NPDS. Such a blind methodology ensures that sensitive information about critical infrastructure remains protected, but the value of the NPDS can be extended to research beyond PNNL. Through iterative feedback, the algorithms may be tweaked to address real-world artifacts. As the NPDS data is temporally and geographically diverse, it may capture features absent in smaller datasets used during the development of the algorithm under test. This report presents lessons learned from applying the blind validation methodology to LineID™, a synchrophasor-based dynamic line rating software developed by Topolonet Corporation. Improvements made to the software through iterative feedback, limitations of the validation methodology, as well as how the limitations of the NPDS affected the evaluation process are discussed. Observations indicate that the proposed validation methodology can be valuable for evaluating other tools in the future.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1970

Color identification testing device

Testing device, which determines ability of a technician to identify color-coded electric wires, is superior to standard color blindness tests. It tests speed of wire selection, detects partial color blindness, allows rapid testing, and may be administered by a color blind person.

Brawner, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Imaging radar observations of Askja Caldera, Iceland

A 'blind' test involving interpretation of computer-enhanced like- and cross-polarized radar images is used to evaluate the surface roughness of Askja Caldera, a large volcanic complex in central Iceland. The 'blind' test differs from earlier analyses of radar observations in that computer-processes images and both qualitative and quantitative analyses are used. Attention is given to photogeologic examination and subsequent survey-type field observations, along with aerial photography during the field trip. The results indicate that the 'blind' test of radar interpretation of the Askja volcanic area can be considered suitable within the framework of limitations of radar data considered explicitly from the onset. The limitations of the radar techniques can be eliminated by using oblique-viewing conditions to remove geometric distortions and slope effects.

Malin, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Hydraulics and geology related to beach restoration in Lee County, Florida

The erosion problem on Captiva Island is discussed. It is due to a deficit in the sand budget of the littoral drift system; a system with losses due to attrition of the particles and mass losses into the lagoons, to offshore, and to lateral transport. The effect that reopening Blind Pass would have, and the placement of sediment retaining structures in the surf zone at the northern and southern limits of the Captiva beach system, wave examined. A geological approach was used to study the origin and dynamic changes that have occurred. Through hydraulic modeling, changes that will occur by reopening and stabilizing Blind Pass are predicted. It is concluded that if the island is to be stabilized, beach nourishment with proper amounts and particle size is a necessity and that jetties adequate to restrict lateral and offshore losses are essential. It is shown that the reopening of Blind Pass would have minimal effects on the passes to the north and south, and would improve the environmental conditions in the sound with no adverse effects on the beach system.

Winton, T.↗