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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 145 records · Page 8

Use of Tardigrade Proteins for Enhancing Cellular Stress Tolerance on the Moon

With sights set on returning a human presence to the Moon and plans to explore even farther beyond, it is imperative we understand the impact of deep space radiation, partial gravity, and the lunar surface on biology. The need for countermeasures to protect future astronauts from the unique conditions of space is ever-pressing and an assessment of bioproduction capabilities in space is a crucial step for sustaining long-term missions. The Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) aims to investigate the cell’s response to the lunar environment and test strategies for enhancing cellular tolerance on the Moon, utilizing the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a biosensor. S. cerevisiae serves as an excellent model organism due to its widespread use as an analog for human cells, well-characterized set of genetic tools, and ability to survive desiccation. However, these cells must remain desiccated for up to one year prior to launch and the radiation-sensitive strains designed for LEIA will likely be more vulnerable to desiccation effects. In this work, we introduce tardigrade proteins known for their protective mechanisms into potential LEIA strains to test genetic strategies for improving desiccation and radiation tolerance. Tardigrades are extremotolerant animals well-known for their ability to survive in harsh environments. Notably, they can survive extreme desiccation and radiation due to the upregulation of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). It has been shown that integration of these tardigrade IDPs, such as cytosolic abundant heat-soluble (CAHS) proteins, into yeast can confer increased desiccation tolerance in synergy with trehalose. Our ongoing testing and assessment of bioengineered radiation and desiccation tolerance will help us gain insight into optimizing strain design and selection for protecting LEIA’s biological payload as well as genetic engineering strategies for enhancing bioproduction potential for future missions beyond low Earth orbit.

Genetics↗

Alleviating Bundle Throughput Constriction for Delay Tolerance Networking (DTN) Bundles with Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

A load-balancing technique is proposed, executed, and tested against a Delay Tolerant Network (DTN) implementation with well-known characteristics. This would prove that transparently inserting software defined networking (SDN) to achieve load balancing without re-configuring the DTN portion is possible. Two routes were taken to alleviate a DTN bottleneck threat. The first used a P4 networking switch. This manual load-balancing test will balance the incoming packets without the users at the end-points knowing that its original packet destination and/or source may have been changed. The second route utilized a High-rate Delay Tolerant Networking (HDTN) receiving node instead of the typical the delay tolerance networking (DTN) implementation used. Bench-marking results of the DTN implementation receiving node and the HDTN receiving node will be compared.

Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN)↗

Fatigue Crack Growth Database for Damage Tolerance Analysis

The objective of this project was to begin the process of developing a fatigue crack growth database (FCGD) of metallic materials for use in damage tolerance analysis of aircraft structure. For this initial effort, crack growth rate data in the NASGRO (Registered trademark) database, the United States Air Force Damage Tolerant Design Handbook, and other publicly available sources were examined and used to develop a database that characterizes crack growth behavior for specific applications (materials). The focus of this effort was on materials for general commercial aircraft applications, including large transport airplanes, small transport commuter airplanes, general aviation airplanes, and rotorcraft. The end products of this project are the FCGD software and this report. The specific goal of this effort was to present fatigue crack growth data in three usable formats: (1) NASGRO equation parameters, (2) Walker equation parameters, and (3) tabular data points. The development of this FCGD will begin the process of developing a consistent set of standard fatigue crack growth material properties. It is envisioned that the end product of the process will be a general repository for credible and well-documented fracture properties that may be used as a default standard in damage tolerance analyses.

Metallic materials↗

Autonomous Congestion Control in Delay-Tolerant Networks

This presentation highlights communication congestion control in delay-tolerant networks (DTNs). Large-scale future space exploration will offer complex communication challenges that may be best addressed by establishing a network infrastructure. However, current internet techniques for congestion control are not well suited for operation of a network over interplanetary distances. An alternative, delay-tolerant technique for congestion control in a delay-tolerant network is presented. A simple DTN was constructed and an experimental congestion control mechanism was applied. The mechanism appeared to be effective and each router was able to make its bundle acceptance decisions autonomously. Future research will examine more complex topologies and alternative bundle acceptance rules that might enhance performance.

congestion control↗

Defining Tolerance: Impacts of Delay and Disruption when Managing Challenged Networks

Challenged networks exhibit irregularities in their communication performance stemming from node mobility, power constraints, and impacts from the operating environment. These irregularities manifest as high signal propagation delay and frequent link disruption. Understanding those limits of link disruption and propagation delay beyond which core networking features fail is an ongoing area of research. Various wireless networking communities propose tools and techniques that address these phenomena. Emerging standardization activities within the Internet Research Task Force (IRTF) and the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) look to build upon both this experience and scalability analysis. Successful research in this area is predicated upon identifying enablers for common communication functions (notably node discovery, duplex communication, state caching, and link negotiation) and how increased disruptions and delays affect their feasibility within the network. Networks that make fewer assumptions relating to these enablers provide more universal service. Specifically, reliance on node discovery and link negotiation results in network-specific operational concepts rather than scalable technical solutions. Fundamental to this debate are the definitions, assumptions, operational concepts, and anticipated scaling of these networks. This paper presents the commonalities and differences between delay and disruption tolerance, including support protocols and critical enablers. We present where and how these tolerances differ. We propose a set of use cases that must be accommodated by any standardized delay-tolerant network and discuss the implication of these on existing tool development.

mobility drivers↗

Adaptive Fault Tolerance for Many-Core Based Space-Borne Computing

This paper describes an approach to providing software fault tolerance for future deep-space robotic NASA missions, which will require a high degree of autonomy supported by an enhanced on-board computational capability. Such systems have become possible as a result of the emerging many-core technology, which is expected to offer 1024-core chips by 2015. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of this new technology, focusing on introspection-based adaptive fault tolerance that takes into account the specific requirements of applications, guided by a fault model. Introspection supports runtime monitoring of the program execution with the goal of identifying, locating, and analyzing errors. Fault tolerance assertions for the introspection system can be provided by the user, domain-specific knowledge, or via the results of static or dynamic program analysis. This work is part of an on-going project at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

fault tolerance↗

A Distributed Approach to High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networking Within a Virtualized Environment

The High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networking (HDTN) project has taken a distributed service-based approach to the development of a highly efficient delay tolerant networking (DTN) implementation. Through the analysis of many DTN implementations, system and mission requirements as well as the DTN protocol specifications, HDTN has worked to infuse modern computing technologies into the NASA approach to interplanetary networking. The initial use case of the HDTN software runs on a hypervisor representative of the International Space Station (ISS) DTN Gateway. In this scenario, multiple emulated payloads will send science data through HDTN to a mission operations center. HDTN will provide store and forward capability as well as network flow management. This paper discusses the infusion path of cognitive networking technologies in the NASA SCaN networks using the DTN architecture and protocols as the basis for cognitive routing and network management capabilities. HDTN has been developing the Bundle Protocol encoding and decoding mechanisms and messaging framework that can be used as the basis for integrating DTN with various learning and decision-making processes. The concepts of distributed computing, network virtualization, software defined networking and delay tolerant networking are basic building blocks which will further the development of cognitive networking. In addition to discussion of the HDTN software development and testing, this paper examines the role that each of these technologies play in the evolution of the current state of space networking into an intelligent network of networks.

Delay Tolerant Networking↗

Boundary Representation Tolerance Impacts on Mesh Generation and Adaptation

The control of discretization error is critical to obtaining reliable simulation results. Re-cent progress has matured anisotropic mesh adaptation, which automates discretization error control for complex geometries. However, the meshing process can fail when geometric model Boundary REPresentation (BREP) tolerances are larger than boundary layer surface nor-mal and tangential spacing requirements. Geometry sources are often created in Mechanical Computer-Aided Design (MCAD) systems, which are designed to produce models for manufacturing and not the stricter requirements of viscous flow analysis. BREP tolerances are strained by three factors: the inherent complexity of the model (e.g., large range of scales and complex topology), the numerical difficulties arising from surface/surface intersections, and the omission of crucial data during export and translation. Manual preparation of geometry is commonly employed to enable expert-guided mesh generation, which severely inhibits work-flow automation. Accommodation of loose BREP tolerances is required for automated mesh processes, because barrier issues may not be detected until well into the solution process. To raise awareness of this class of geometry issues and their impact on simulation, a survey of these barrier issues is presented with example mitigation techniques. This awareness may also impact geometry creation workflows to prevent the introduction of these artifacts.

CAD↗

Rapidly Approaching A Thermal Tolerance Tipping Point in the Eurasian Boreal Forest at Its Southern Margins

Extreme heat is becoming increasingly common across the boreal biome. Better quantification of vegetation physiology and thermal tolerance is needed to predict ecological responses to these events. Here we report that Larix sibirica, a foundation species across boreal Eurasia, has a low thermal tolerance of photosynthesis (Tcrit: ~40-48°C) at its southern range margin. Projections from Earth System Models (ESMs) participating in CMIP6 suggest that Larix sibirica’s leaf temperature might routinely exceed its Tcrit under high emission scenarios (SSP5-8.5 and SSP3-7.0) by 2050. Such exceedances would cause sustained damage to Larix sibirica’s photosynthetic apparatus and its ability to assimilate carbon. This work highlights that we may be rapidly approaching ecological tipping point in boreal Eurasia within the next two to three decades. It also demonstrates the urgent need to consider thermal tolerance information to forecast the terrestrial carbon cycle and presents a framework to do so.

Eurasian boreal forest↗

Tolerence for work-induced heat stress in men wearing liquidcooled garments

An investigation of the heat tolerance in men unable to dispose of metabolic heat as fast as it is produced within the body is discussed. Examinations were made of (a) the effect of work rate (metabolic rate) on tolerance time when body heat storage rate is a fixed quantity, and (b) tolerance time as a function of metabolic rate when heat loss is terminated after a thermal quasi-equilibrium was attained under comfortable conditions of heat transfer. The nature of the physiological mechanisms involved in such heat stress situations, and the possibility of using prediction techniques to establish standard procedures in emergencies involving cooling system failures are also discussed.

Blockley, W. V.↗

Fault-tolerance experiments with the JPL STAR computer.

Results of fault-tolerance experiments performed using an experimental computer with dynamic (standby) redundancy, including replaceable subsystems and a 'program rollback' provision to eliminate transient-caused errors. After a brief review of the specification of fault-tolerance with respect to transient faults, including a description of the method of injection of transient faults in software and system tests, fault-tolerance experiments carried out with this computer with regard to the determination of fault classes, software verification, system verification, and recovery stability are summarized. A test and repair processor is described which constitutes a special monitor unit of the computer and is used to obtain information for fault detection in the other subsystems of the computer and to ensure that proper recovery occurs when a fault is detected.

Avizienis, A.↗

Comparison of 70 deg tilt, LBNP, and passive standing as measures of orthostatic tolerance

The present study was performed to assess the reliability of lower body negative pressure (LBNP) as a test of orthostatic tolerance. The need for this assessment arose from the prior observation in this laboratory that some subjects show wide day-to-day variation in heart rate responses to LBNP. The extent of these variations was so great as to raise a serious question as to the value of LBNP as a measure of study-induced alterations (e.g., those produced by bedrest or weightlessness) in orthostatic tolerance. Five healthy volunteers were subjected to a series of tests, consisting of 70 deg tilt, LBNP, and passive standing, on three occasions preceding and three occasions following a 2-week period of bedrest. Study results show that it is possible to subdivide the volunteers into subgroups which show either great or little day-to-day variability in any of the three tests. All three tests revealed bedrest-induced alterations in orthostatic tolerance quite adequately. Of the three tests studied, LBNP most frequently resulted in the largest test-induced heart rate alterations, followed by quiet standing and, finally 70 deg tilt.

Hyatt, K. H.↗

Architectures for fault-tolerant spacecraft computers

This paper summarizes the results of a long-term research program in fault-tolerant computing for spacecraft on-board processing. In response to changing device technology this program has progressed from the design of a fault-tolerant uniprocessor to the development of fault-tolerant distributed computer systems. The unusual requirements of spacecraft computing are described along with the resulting real-time computer architectures. The following aspects of these designs are discussed: (1) architectural features to minimize complexity in the distributed computer system, (2) fault-detection and recovery, (3) techniques to enhance reliability and testability, and (4) design approaches for LSI implementation.

Rennels, D. A.↗

Validation Methods for Fault-Tolerant avionics and control systems, working group meeting 1

The proceedings of the first working group meeting on validation methods for fault tolerant computer design are presented. The state of the art in fault tolerant computer validation was examined in order to provide a framework for future discussions concerning research issues for the validation of fault tolerant avionics and flight control systems. The development of positions concerning critical aspects of the validation process are given.

Source record↗

The relation between tilt table and acceleration-tolerance and their dependence on stature and physical fitness

A group of 12 highly trained athletes and a group of 12untrained students were subjected to passive changes of position on a tilt table and positive accelerations in a centrifuge. During a 20 min tilt, including two additional respiratory maneuvers, the number of faints and average cardiovascular responses did not differ significantly between the groups. During linear increase of acceleration, the average blackout level was almost identical in both groups. Statistically significant coefficients of product-moment correlation for various relations were obtained. The coefficient of multiple determination computed for the dependence of acceleration tolerance on heart-eye distance and systolic blood pressure at rest allows the explanation of almost 50% of the variation of acceleration tolerance. The maximum oxygen uptake showed the expected significant correlation to the heart rate at rest, but not the acceleration tolerance, or to the cardiovascular responses to tilting.

Klein, K. E.↗

Damage tolerance research on composite compression panels

The damage tolerance of composites was investigated. Results show that severe degradation in material strength may occur due to impact damage and that reduced strain allowables should be considered to compensate for possible impact damage. The mechanisms of failure involved in impact so that local damage will be reduced and arrest of propagating fracture initiated at impact locations are examined. Compression strength reductions for damage due to impact by a 1.27 cm diameter spherical projectile in thick laminates representative of wing skin panels are presented. Also discussed are the results of concepts recently evaluated to improve damage tolerance. These concepts range from improvements at the materials level to advanced structural configurations designed to arrest or limit the growth of propagating fractures. The results indicate that substantial improvements in the damage tolerance of graphite-epoxy composite structures can be achieved through the proper combination of materials and structural design.

Rhodes, M. D.↗

A Voyager attitude control perspective on fault tolerant systems

In current spacecraft design, a trend can be observed to achieve greater fault tolerance through the application of on-board software dedicated to detecting and isolating failures. Whether fault tolerance through software can meet the desired objectives depends on very careful consideration and control of the system in which the software is imbedded. The considered investigation has the objective to provide some of the insight needed for the required analysis of the system. A description is given of the techniques which have been developed in this connection during the development of the Voyager spacecraft. The Voyager Galileo Attitude and Articulation Control Subsystem (AACS) fault tolerant design is discussed to emphasize basic lessons learned from this experience. The central driver of hardware redundancy implementation on Voyager was known as the 'single point failure criterion'.

Rasmussen, R. D.↗

An aircraft sensor fault tolerant system

The design of a sensor fault tolerant system which uses analytical redundancy for the Terminal Configured Vehicle (TCV) research aircraft in a Microwave Landing System (MLS) environment was studied. The fault tolerant system provides reliable estimates for aircraft position, velocity, and attitude in the presence of possible failures in navigation aid instruments and onboard sensors. The estimates, provided by the fault tolerant system, are used by the automated guidance and control system to land the aircraft along a prescribed path. Sensor failures are identified by utilizing the analytic relationship between the various sensor outputs arising from the aircraft equations of motion.

Caglayan, A. K.↗