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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2002

Daytime Aspect Camera for Balloon Altitudes

We have designed, built, and flight-tested a new star camera for daytime guiding of pointed balloon-borne experiments at altitudes around 40 km. The camera and lens are commercially available, off-the-shelf components, but require a custom-built baffle to reduce stray light, especially near the sunlit limb of the balloon. This new camera, which operates in the 600- to 1000-nm region of the spectrum, successfully provides daytime aspect information of approx. 10 arcsec resolution for two distinct star fields near the galactic plane. The detected scattered-light backgrounds show good agreement with the Air Force MODTRAN models used to design the camera, but the daytime stellar magnitude limit was lower than expected due to longitudinal chromatic aberration in the lens. Replacing the commercial lens with a custom-built lens should allow the system to track stars in any arbitrary area of the sky during the daytime.

Dietz, Kurt L.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Wavenumber-frequency Spectra of Pressure Fluctuations on a Generic Space Vehicle Measured via Unsteady Pressure-Sensitive Paint

Time histories of pressure fluctuations on a generic, hammerhead space vehicle model were measured using unsteady Pressure-Sensitive Paint (uPSP). The test was conducted in the 11-foot transonic wind tunnel of NASA Ames Research Center over a Mach number range of 0.6 M 1.2, and angles of attack of -4 4. The model was coated with a porous binder and PtTFPP-based porous polymer paint. An elaborate system of four high-speed cameras, and forty LED lamps was used for image acquisition. Various steps for image registration, reduction of shot noise, photogrammetry procedure to map images from the four cameras on a grid for the model, and finally a calibration procedure to convert the measured fluctuations in light intensity to fluctuating pressure, are discussed in the paper. The calibration process using a set of unsteady pressure sensors mounted on the model, was found to overcome some of the inherent problems of the fast response paint, such as rapid photo-degradation, non-linearity in pressure response, and significant temperature sensitivity. Comparison of spectra of pressure fluctuations between UPSP and pressure sensors demonstrated the ability of the paint to faithfully follow fluctuations up to 10 kHz, the maximum attempted. It was also found that the camera bit-depth and the illumination level limited the lowest measurable levels of pressure fluctuations to around 140dB. The large data set exposed various critical transonic flow physics not seen before, such as a coupling of the shock motion on the Payload Fairing (PF) with the separated flow region on the upper stage of the launch vehicle, and upstream convection of pressure fluctuation on PF at certain Mach numbers. The data also confirmed the expectation of a general lowering of the coefficient of pressure fluctuation with Mach number. The availability of the data set on a dense, regularly-spaced, surface grid allowed for the calculation of wavenumber-frequency (k-) spectra via straightforward applications of Fourier transform. The k- spectra were compared for the separated flow regions on the Second Stage, and the shock-boundary layer interactions on PF. The former showed self-similarity with Mach number while the latter was distinctly different, and confirmed the upstream propagation of pressure fluctuations. The k- spectra were dominated by the convected fluctuations; the acoustic domain was not discernable. These data, valuable for the vibro-acoustics analysis of aerospace vehicles, are believed to be the first obtained for the transonic flight regime, and pave the path for application on production models of aerospace vehicles.

buffet↗
NASA NTRS1971

Comparison of photogrammetric and astrometric data reduction results for the wild BC-4 camera

The results of astrometric and photogrammetric plate reduction techniques for a short focal length camera are compared. Several astrometric models are tested on entire and limited plate areas to analyze their ability to remove systematic errors from interpolated satellite directions using a rigorous photogrammetric reduction as a standard. Residual plots are employed to graphically illustrate the analysis. Conclusions are made as to what conditions will permit the astrometric reduction to achieve comparable accuracies to those of photogrammetric reduction when applied for short focal length ballistic cameras.

Hornbarger, D. H.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Attitude identification for SCOLE using two infrared cameras

An algorithm is presented that incorporates real time data from two infrared cameras and computes the attitude parameters of the Spacecraft COntrol Lab Experiment (SCOLE), a lab apparatus representing an offset feed antenna attached to the Space Shuttle by a flexible mast. The algorithm uses camera position data of three miniature light emitting diodes (LEDs), mounted on the SCOLE platform, permitting arbitrary camera placement and an on-line attitude extraction. The continuous nature of the algorithm allows identification of the placement of the two cameras with respect to some initial position of the three reference LEDs, followed by on-line six degrees of freedom attitude tracking, regardless of the attitude time history. A description is provided of the algorithm in the camera identification mode as well as the mode of target tracking. Experimental data from a reduced size SCOLE-like lab model, reflecting the performance of the camera identification and the tracking processes, are presented. Computer code for camera placement identification and SCOLE attitude tracking is listed.

Shenhar, Joram↗
DOE OSTI2025

Novel technology of non-contact real-time radiation damage sensors for high power targets.

This report summarizes the contributions of an intern participating in the Community College Internship (CCI) program at Fermilab, focusing on the development of a novel, non-contact, real-time radiation damage sensor technology. The core objective is to create a reliable sensor capable of measuring radiation-induced degradation on high-power targets without physical contact. The experiment involves using a Class 3B supercontinuum laser directed toward a single material sample placed within a vacuum test chamber. The laser beam reflects off the sample's surface, with changes in reflectivity, indicative of radiation damage, measured by a spectrometer positioned at the chamber’s output port. The intern’s primary responsibilities included designing an interlock system to ensure laser operational safety, developing a camera-based monitoring system using Raspberry Pi devices, and creating structural supports using 3D modeling and printing techniques. Components for the interlock and camera systems were successfully designed and ordered, with preliminary 3D models printed and refined through iterative testing. Challenges encountered in the 3D printing process, such as fragile initial prototypes and difficult support removal, were overcome by adjusting printer settings and incorporating design enhancements like chamfered edges. Future activities, pending component delivery, involve installing and configuring the interlock and camera systems, as well as further improving the structural supports. Overall, the internship significantly enhanced the intern’s technical proficiency in hardware design, software integration, and advanced 3D printing, contributing directly to Fermilab’s operational safety standards and experimental effectiveness in high-energy physics research.

Pumarino Meza, Rafael [Unlisted; Fermilab]↗
NASA NTRS1989

An algorithm for attitude identification for SCOLE using two infrared cameras

This report presents an algorithm that incorporates real-time data from two infrared cameras and computes the attitude parameters of the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE), a laboratory apparatus representing an offset-feed antenna attached to the Space Shuttle by a flexible mast. The algorithm utilizes camera position information of three miniature LEDs, mounted on the SCOLE platform, permitting arbitrary camera placement and an on-line attitude extraction. The continuous nature of the algorithm allows identification of the placement of the two cameras with respect to some initial position of the three reference LEDs, followed by on-line six degrees of freedom attitude tracking, regardless of the attitude time history. The report provides a description of the algorithm in the camera identification mode as well as the mode of target tracking. Experimental data from a reduced-size SCOLE-like laboratory model, reflecting the performance of the camera identification and tracking processes, are presented.

Shenhar, J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

High resolution multispectral camera system for ERTS A & B.

A very-high resolution multispectral television camera system is being developed for use on the earth resources technology satellite (ERTS) program. There are three cameras in the system, each viewing the same area but operating in the blue-green, red, and near-infrared spectral bands. In the laboratory the cameras' limiting resolution is 4500 TV lines over the 25 + 25-mm image format of the return beam vidicon (RBV). A model was developed to predict the resolving power performance of the RBV camera under realistic conditions. To verify the model, tests were conducted using the RBV camera, a laser-beam image reproducer and a series of AF tribar test patterns of known values of contrast. As a more graphic demonstration, simulated multispectral images were generated using color-IR photographs from Apollo 9. The measured signal-to-noise, resolution, and spectral characteristics of the ERTS Flight A and Flight B three-camera systems are presented in conclusion.

Miller, B. P.↗
DOE OSTI2024

U.S. Domestic Molten Salt Reactor: Security-by-Design

U.S. nuclear power facilities face increasing challenges in meeting dynamic security requirements caused by evolving and expanding threats while keeping costs reasonable to make nuclear energy competitive. The past approach has often included implementing security features after a facility has been designed and without attention to optimization, which can lead to cost overruns. Incorporating security in the design process can provide robust, economical, and effective physical protection systems (PPS). The purpose of this work is both to develop a framework for the integration of security into the design phase of a molten salt reactor (MSR) and show how to effectively design a PPS with a reduced staffing headcount. Specifically, this work focuses on integrating PPS design features into a developed facility layout by making minor modifications to building structures. A suite of tools, including Scribe3D©, PathTrace©, and Blender©, were used to model a hypothetical, generic domestic MSR facility. Physical protection elements such as sensors, cameras, barriers, and responders were added into the model based on defending the hypothetical MSR facility against a hypothetical design basis threat (DBT). Multiple outsider sabotage scenarios were examined, with adversary team sizes ranging from 4–8 to determine security system effectiveness. The results of this work will influence PPS designs and facility designs for U.S. domestic MSRs. This work will also demonstrate how a series of experimental and modeling capabilities across the Department of Energy (DOE) complex can impact the design and completion of security-by-design (SeBD) for small modular reactors (SMRs). The conclusions and recommendations in this document may be applicable to all SMR designs.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS1987

Satellite camera image navigation

Pixels within a satellite camera (1, 2) image are precisely located in terms of latitude and longitude on a celestial body, such as the earth, being imaged. A computer (60) on the earth generates models (40, 50) of the satellite's orbit and attitude, respectively. The orbit model (40) is generated from measurements of stars and landmarks taken by the camera (1, 2), and by range data. The orbit model (40) is an expression of the satellite's latitude and longitude at the subsatellite point, and of the altitude of the satellite, as a function of time, using as coefficients (K) the six Keplerian elements at epoch. The attitude model (50) is based upon star measurements taken by each camera (1, 2). The attitude model (50) is a set of expressions for the deviations in a set of mutually orthogonal reference optical axes (x, y, z) as a function of time, for each camera (1, 2). Measured data is fit into the models (40, 50) using a walking least squares fit algorithm. A transformation computer (66 ) transforms pixel coordinates as telemetered by the camera (1, 2) into earth latitude and longitude coordinates, using the orbit and attitude models (40, 50).

Kamel, Ahmed A.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Vehicular Re-Identification from Uncontrolled Multiple Views

Vehicle re-identification (re-ID) across disparate sensing modalities remains a fundamental challenge for transportation research. In this work, we introduce a deep multi-view vehicle re-ID framework that leverages Siamese networks to compare pairs of vehicle images and produce matching scores, enabling robust association across drastically different viewpoints such as those from UAVs, surveillance cameras, and ground sensors. The model exploits convolutional neural networks to learn features that remain discriminative under changes in angle, distance, and illumination, supporting more generalizable re-ID performance. As part of this effort, we also developed an automated pipeline to synchronize roadside and UAV video streams, producing a multi-perspective dataset that complements preexisting real collections and a synthetic dataset generated in this study. Together, these contributions advance the capability to re-identify vehicles across wide viewing baselines; establish a foundation for scalable, reproducible research in vehicle re-ID; and open pathways for future applications, such as inferring routine behaviors, movement patterns, and daily habits of the individual associated with the vehicle.

convolutional neural networks↗
NASA NTRS1971

Television research

Model of solid state television camera without imaging tube and using mosaic of phototransistors

Huggins, C. T.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Measurement of material recession and shock standoff in plasma windtunnel using neural nets

Arcjets are plasma wind tunnels used to test the performance of heatshield materials for spacecraft atmospheric entry. These facilities present an extremely harsh flow environment with heat fluxes up to 10^9 W/m^2 for up to 30 minutes. The plasma is low-temperature (~1 eV) but high pressure (> 10 kPa) creating high-enthalpy supersonic flows similar to atmospheric entry conditions. Typically, material samples are measured before and after a test to characterize the total recession. However, this does not capture time-dependent effects such as material expansion and non-linear recession. This work will present new analysis of arcjet test videos which measure both the time-dependent 2D recession of the material samples and the shock standoff distance. New results showing non-linear material erosion rates will be highlighted. The material and shock edges are extracted from the videos by training and applying a convolutional neural network. Due to the consistent camera settings, the machine learning model achieves high accuracy (~99%) on new data with only a small number of training frames (~80). The new results will be discussed in the context of temperature dependent plasma-surface interaction.

Magnus A Haw↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Measurement of Material Recession and Shock Standoff in Plasma Windtunnel using Neural Nets

Arcjets are plasma wind tunnels used to test the performance of heatshield materials for spacecraft atmospheric entry. These facilities present an extremely harsh flow environment with heat fluxes up to 109 W/m2 for up to 30 minutes. The plasma is low-temperature (∼1 eV) but high pressure (> 10 kPa) creating high-enthalpy supersonic flows similar to atmospheric entry conditions. Typically, material samples are measured before and after a test to characterize the total recession. However, this does not capture time-dependent effects such as material expansion and non-linear recession. This work will present new analysis of arcjet test videos which measure both the time-dependent 2D recession of the material samples and the shock standoff distance. The results show non-linear time-dependent effects are present for some conditions. The material and shock edges are extracted from the videos by training and applying a convolutional neural network. Due to the consistent camera settings, the machine learning model achieves high accuracy (± 2 px) relative to manually segmented images with only a small number of training frames (80).

Neural network↗
DOE OSTI2024

Addressing Issues with Working Memory in Video Object Segmentation

Contemporary state-of-the-art video object segmentation (VOS) models compare incoming unannotated images to a history of image-mask relations via affinity or cross-attention to predict object masks. We refer to the internal memory state of the initial image-mask pair and past image-masks as a working memory buffer. While the current state of the art models perform very well on clean video data, their reliance on a working memory of previous frames leaves room for error. Affinity-based algorithms include the inductive bias that there is temporal continuity between consecutive frames. To account for inconsistent camera views of the desired object, working memory models need an algorithmic modification that regulates the memory updates and avoid writing irrelevant frames into working memory. A simple algorithmic change is proposed that can be applied to any existing working memory-based VOS model to improve performance on inconsistent views, such as sudden camera cuts, frame interjections, and extreme context changes. The resulting model performances show significant improvement on video data with these frame interjections over the same model without the algorithmic addition. Our contribution is a simple decision function that determines whether working memory should be updated based on the detection of sudden, extreme changes and the assumption that the object is no longer in frame. By implementing algorithmic changes, such as this, we can increase the real-world applicability of current VOS models.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS2020

Development of Unsteady Pressure-Sensitive Paint Application on NASA Space Launch System

The key measurement to acquire for understanding unsteady flow is surface pressure. Unsteady Pressure-Sensitive Paint (uPSP) is an emerging optical technique used in wind tunnel testing to measure fluctuating surface pressures. Recently, tests were conducted on NASA’s Space Launch System in NASA Ames Research Center’s Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel to determine the aeroacoustics environment and assist in developing the buffet forcing functions. Unsteady PSP data was collected during this test campaign. Steady state PSP data, infrared thermography, shadowgraph, accelerometer data, and dynamic pressure transducer data were also collected. In all 50 TB of data were collected during the three days of testing. During these three days of testing, a repeating transonic and supersonic alpha sweep condition was acquired. This paper presents these two wind tunnel conditions and examines how the temperature influences the PSP data. In the first large demonstration of uPSP in 2015 on an NESC-, AETC-sponsored wind tunnel test, lifetime PSP results highlighted the influence the model temperature had on the PSP data. A best practice of heat soaking the model before acquiring calibration images was followed during the test campaign presented in this paper. An infrared thermography camera and thermocouples were installed in the model to collect more details of the model surface temperature. Data processing schemes for uPSP are still in development but will be briefly presented here as well.

Roozeboom, Nettie H.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Feasibility of Motion Tracking Camera System for Magnetic Suspension Wind Tunnel Tests

The Entry Systems Modeling (ESM) Program at NASA has actively participated in the re-development of the Magnetic Suspension Balance System (MSBS) at the six-inch subsonic wind tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center. This initiative aims to enhance the MSBS system's capabilities, enabling the testing of stingless entry vehicle models at supersonic speeds. To achieve this, control algorithms are required to ensure magnetic levitation control and stability for models during free-oscillation dynamic responses. Currently, the system relies on electromagnetic position sensors to provide real-time 3 degrees of freedom in a rigid body. While this approach has proven successful for subsonic speeds, expanding testing under higher pressure conditions may necessitate the incorporation of real-time roll and pitch measurements to quantify the dynamic stability characteristics of the models in free-oscillation. In collaboration with Old Dominion University, the team at NASA Langley Research Center proposes the implementation of a motion-tracking camera system. This system will provide real-time five degrees of freedom output, which will be utilized within a closed feedback control system and a two-step system identification model to isolate aerodynamic forces from their corresponding magnetic forces. The motion-tracking cameras will offer precise and accurate control over the levitation system, facilitating precise and repeatable experiments within the wind tunnel. The real-time feedback provided by the cameras enables prompt adjustments to ensure the maintenance of stable levitation throughout the testing process.

Entry Systems Modeling↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Feasibility of Motion Tracking Camera System for Magnetic Suspension Wind Tunnel Tests

The Entry Systems Modeling (ESM) Program at NASA has actively participated in the re-development of the Magnetic Suspension Balance System (MSBS) at the six-inch subsonic wind tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center. This initiative aims to enhance the MSBS system's capabilities, enabling the testing of stingless entry vehicle models at supersonic speeds. To achieve this, control algorithms are required to ensure magnetic levitation control and stability for models during free-oscillation dynamic responses. Currently, the system relies on electromagnetic position sensors to provide real-time 3 degrees of freedom in a rigid body. While this approach has proven successful for subsonic speeds, expanding testing under higher pressure conditions may necessitate the incorporation of real-time roll and pitch measurements to quantify the dynamic stability characteristics of the models in free-oscillation. In collaboration with Old Dominion University, the team at NASA Langley Research Center proposes the implementation of a motion-tracking camera system. This system will provide real-time five degrees of freedom output, which will be utilized within a closed feedback control system and a two-step system identification model to isolate aerodynamic forces from their corresponding magnetic forces. The motion-tracking cameras will offer precise and accurate control over the levitation system, facilitating precise and repeatable experiments within the wind tunnel. The real-time feedback provided by the cameras enables prompt adjustments to ensure the maintenance of stable levitation throughout the testing process.

Entry Systems Modeling↗