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Results for “laboratory directed research and development”

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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2003

Cell Science and Cell Biology Research at MSFC: Summary

The common theme of these research programs is that they investigate regulation of gene expression in cells, and ultimately gene expression is controlled by the macromolecular interactions between regulatory proteins and DNA. The NASA Critical Path Roadmap identifies Muscle Alterations and Atrophy and Radiation Effects as Very Serious Risks and Severe Risks, respectively, in long term space flights. The specific problem addressed by Dr. Young's research ("Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Muscle Cell Signaling") is that skeletal muscle loss in space cannot be prevented by vigorous exercise. Aerobic skeletal muscles (i.e., red muscles) undergo the most extensive atrophy during long-term space flight. Of the many different potential avenues for preventing muscle atrophy, Dr. Young has chosen to study the beta-adrenergic receptor (betaAR) pathway. The reason for this choice is that a family of compounds called betaAR agonists will preferentially cause an increase in muscle mass of aerobic muscles (i.e., red muscle) in animals, potentially providing a specific pharmacological solution to muscle loss in microgravity. In addition, muscle atrophy is a widespread medical problem in neuromuscular diseases, spinal cord injury, lack of exercise, aging, and any disease requiring prolonged bedridden status. Skeletal muscle cells in cell culture are utilized as a model system to study this problem. Dr. Richmond's research ("Radiation & Cancer Biology of Mammary Cells in Culture") is directed toward developing a laboratory model for use in risk assessment of cancer caused by space radiation. This research is unique because a human model will be developed utilizing human mammary cells that are highly susceptible to tumor development. This approach is preferential over using animal cells because of problems in comparing radiation-induced cancers between humans and animals.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1991

Commercial applications of new photovoltaic technologies

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has directed and managed photovoltaic (PV) research and development (R&D) activities for the Department of Energy for more than 13 years. The NREL budget for these activities is almost $33 million for FY 1991. With the world's increasing concern for the environment and the United States' renewed apprehension over secure and adequate energy supplies, the use of semiconducting materials for the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity - photovoltaics - is an excellent example of government-supported high technology ready for further development by U.S. companies. Some new PV technologies and their research progress, some commercial applications of PV, and NREL's technology transfer activities for helping U.S. industry in its efforts to bring new products or services to the marketplace are described.

Mcconnell, R.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Automated real-time software development

A Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) system has been developed at the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory (CSDL) under the direction of the NASA Langley Research Center. The CSDL CASE tool provides an automated method of generating source code and hard copy documentation from functional application engineering specifications. The goal is to significantly reduce the cost of developing and maintaining real-time scientific and engineering software while increasing system reliability. This paper describes CSDL CASE and discusses demonstrations that used the tool to automatically generate real-time application code.

Jones, Denise R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Applications of an automated programming system

A Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) system has been developed at the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory (CSDL) under the direction of the NASA Langley Research Center. The Automated Programming Subsystem is the core of the CSDL CASE system. The Automated Programming Subsystem allows an engineer to describe software specifications as hierarchical engineering block diagrams, a natural design technique for the specification of real-time software. The objective of the Automated Programming Subsystem is to capture completely and consistently both logical and schematic information as diagrams are developed, and then to automatically transform this information into source code (Ada or C) and documentation. The Automated Programming Subsystem of CSDL CASE has been used on many applications, from small to moderate size. Six of these applications are described in this paper.

Walker, Carrie K.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Recent Experiences in Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization, part 1

Papers presented at the NASA Symposium on Recent Experiences in Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization held at NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia April 24 to 26, 1984 are given. The purposes of the symposium were to exchange information about the status of the application of optimization and associated analyses in industry or research laboratories to real life problems and to examine the directions of future developments. Information exchange has encompassed the following: (1) examples of successful applications; (2) attempt and failure examples; (3) identification of potential applications and benefits; (4) synergistic effects of optimized interaction and trade-offs occurring among two or more engineering disciplines and/or subsystems in a system; and (5) traditional organization of a design process as a vehicle for or an impediment to the progress in the design methodology.

Sobieski, J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Recent Experiences in Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization, part 2

The papers presented at the NASA Symposium on Recent Experiences in Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization held at NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia, April 24 to 26, 1984 are given. The purposes of the symposium were to exchange information about the status of the application of optimization and the associated analyses in industry or research laboratories to real life problems and to examine the directions of future developments.

Sobieski, J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

ECUT (Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies) program: Biocatalysis project

The Annual Report presents the fiscal year (FY) 1988 research activities and accomplishments, for the Biocatalysis Project of the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies (ECUT) Division. The ECUT Biocatalysis Project is managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. The Biocatalysis Project is a mission-oriented, applied research and exploratory development activity directed toward resolution of the major generic technical barriers that impede the development of biologically catalyzed commercial chemical production. The approach toward achieving project objectives involves an integrated participation of universities, industrial companies and government research laboratories. The Project's technical activities were organized into three work elements: (1) The Molecular Modeling and Applied Genetics work element includes research on modeling of biological systems, developing rigorous methods for the prediction of three-dimensional (tertiary) protein structure from the amino acid sequence (primary structure) for designing new biocatalysis, defining kinetic models of biocatalyst reactivity, and developing genetically engineered solutions to the generic technical barriers that preclude widespread application of biocatalysis. (2) The Bioprocess Engineering work element supports efforts in novel bioreactor concepts that are likely to lead to substantially higher levels of reactor productivity, product yields and lower separation energetics. Results of work within this work element will be used to establish the technical feasibility of critical bioprocess monitoring and control subsystems. (3) The Bioprocess Design and Assessment work element attempts to develop procedures (via user-friendly computer software) for assessing the energy-economics of biocatalyzed chemical production processes, and initiation of technology transfer for advanced bioprocesses.

Baresi, Larry↗
NASA NTRS1994

Testing and Performance Analysis of a 650 Mbps QPPM Modem for Free-space Laser Communications

The testing and performance of a prototype modem developed at NASA Lewis Research Center for high-speed free-space direct detection optical communications is described. The testing was performed under laboratory conditions using computer control with specially developed test equipment that simulates free-space link conditions. The modem employs quaternary pulse position modulation (QPPM) at 325 Megabits per second (Mbps) on two optical channels, which are multiplexed to transmit a single 650 Mbps data stream. The measured results indicate that the receiver's automatic gain control (AGC), phased-locked-loop slot clock recovery, digital symbol clock recovery, matched filtering, and maximum likelihood data recovery circuits were found to have only 1.5 dB combined implementation loss during bit-error-rate (BER) performance measurements. Pseudo random bit sequences and real-time high quality video sources were used to supply 650 Mbps and 325 Mbps data streams to the modem. Additional testing revealed that Doppler frequency shifting can be easily tracked by the receiver, that simulated pointing errors are readily compensated for by the AGC circuits, and that channel timing skew affects the BER performance in an expected manner. Overall, the needed technologies for a high-speed laser communications modem were demonstrated.

Mortensen, Dale J.↗
NASA NTRS1965

Research and Advanced Development. Volume I - Supporting Research and Technology for the Office of Space Sciences and Applications, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Semiannual Review, 1 Jan. - 30 Jun. 1968.

This volume contains a review of all supporting research and technology in progress at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory during the period January 1 to June 30, 1965, under direction of the Office of Research and Advanced Development for the Office of Space Sciences and Applications. The work units are arranged in numerical sequence by NASA code in each subject section.

NASA PROGRAM↗
NASA NTRS2003

Bringing an Effective Solar Sail Design Toward TRL 6

Solar sails reflect photons streaming from the sun and convert some of the energy into thrust. This thrust, though small, is continuous and acts for the life of the mission without the need for propellant ( I ) . Recent advances in sail materials and ultra-low mass structures have enabled a host of useful missions utilizing solar sail propulsion. The team of L Garde, Jet Propulsion Laboratories, Ball Aerospace, and Langley Research Center, under the direction of NASA, has been developing a solar sail configuration to address NASA s future space propulsion needs. Utilizing inflatably deployed and Sub Tg rigidized boom components, this 10,000 sq m sailcraft achieves an areal density of 14.1 g/sq m and a characteristic acceleration of 0.58 mm/s . The entire configuration released by the upper stage has a mass of 232.9 kg and requires just 1.7 d of volume in the booster. After deployment, 92.2 kg of non-flight required equipment is jettisoned resulting in a sailcraft mass, including payload and control system, of 140.7 kg. This document outlines the accomplishments of a Phase 1 effort to advance the technology readiness level (TRL) of the concept from 3 toward a TRL of 6. The Phase 1 effort, the first of three proposed phases, addressed the design of the solar sail, its application to several missions currently under review at NASA, and developed a ground tes plan to bring the technology toward a TRL of 6.

Lichodziejewski, David↗
NASA NTRS1997

Computer Based Training: Field Deployable Trainer and Shared Virtual Reality

Astronaut training has traditionally been conducted at specific sites with specialized facilities. Because of its size and nature the training equipment is generally not portable. Efforts are now under way to develop training tools that can be taken to remote locations, including into orbit. Two of these efforts are the Field Deployable Trainer and Shared Virtual Reality projects. Field Deployable Trainer NASA has used the recent shuttle mission by astronaut Shannon Lucid to the Russian space station, Mir, as an opportunity to develop and test a prototype of an on-orbit computer training system. A laptop computer with a customized user interface, a set of specially prepared CD's, and video tapes were taken to the Mir by Ms. Lucid. Based upon the feedback following the launch of the Lucid flight, our team prepared materials for the next Mir visitor. Astronaut John Blaha will fly on NASA/MIR Long Duration Mission 3, set to launch in mid September. He will take with him a customized hard disk drive and a package of compact disks containing training videos, references and maps. The FDT team continues to explore and develop new and innovative ways to conduct offsite astronaut training using personal computers. Shared Virtual Reality Training NASA's Space Flight Training Division has been investigating the use of virtual reality environments for astronaut training. Recent efforts have focused on activities requiring interaction by two or more people, called shared VR. Dr. Bowen Loftin, from the University of Houston, directs a virtual reality laboratory that conducts much of the NASA sponsored research. I worked on a project involving the development of a virtual environment that can be used to train astronauts and others to operate a science unit called a Biological Technology Facility (BTF). Facilities like this will be used to house and control microgravity experiments on the space station. It is hoped that astronauts and instructors will ultimately be able to share common virtual environments and, using telephone links, conduct interactive training from separate locations.

Mullen, Terence J.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Advanced Optical Diagnostics for Ice Crystal Cloud Measurements in the NASA Glenn Propulsion Systems Laboratory

A light extinction tomography technique has been developed to monitor ice water clouds upstream of a direct connected engine in the Propulsion Systems Laboratory (PSL) at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). The system consists of 60 laser diodes with sheet generating optics and 120 detectors mounted around a 36-inch diameter ring. The sources are pulsed sequentially while the detectors acquire line-of-sight extinction data for each laser pulse. Using computed tomography algorithms, the extinction data are analyzed to produce a plot of the relative water content in the measurement plane. To target the low-spatial-frequency nature of ice water clouds, unique tomography algorithms were developed using filtered back-projection methods and direct inversion methods that use Gaussian basis functions. With the availability of a priori knowledge of the mean droplet size and the total water content at some point in the measurement plane, the tomography system can provide near real-time in-situ quantitative full-field total water content data at a measurement plane approximately 5 feet upstream of the engine inlet. Results from ice crystal clouds in the PSL are presented. In addition to the optical tomography technique, laser sheet imaging has also been applied in the PSL to provide planar ice cloud uniformity and relative water content data during facility calibration before the tomography system was available and also as validation data for the tomography system. A comparison between the laser sheet system and light extinction tomography resulting data are also presented. Very good agreement of imaged intensity and water content is demonstrated for both techniques. Also, comparative studies between the two techniques show excellent agreement in calculation of bulk total water content averaged over the center of the pipe.

Bencic, Timothy J.↗
NASA NTRS1995

ICASE/LaRC Workshop on Adaptive Grid Methods

Solution-adaptive grid techniques are essential to the attainment of practical, user friendly, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications. In this three-day workshop, experts gathered together to describe state-of-the-art methods in solution-adaptive grid refinement, analysis, and implementation; to assess the current practice; and to discuss future needs and directions for research. This was accomplished through a series of invited and contributed papers. The workshop focused on a set of two-dimensional test cases designed by the organizers to aid in assessing the current state of development of adaptive grid technology. In addition, a panel of experts from universities, industry, and government research laboratories discussed their views of needs and future directions in this field.

South, Jerry C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2003

High-Temperature Sprayable Phosphor Coating Developed for Measuring Surface Temperatures

The use of phosphor thermography for noncontact temperature measurements in harsh environments has been proven over the last decade, but it has suffered from difficult application procedures such as vapor deposition or sputtering techniques. We have developed a high-temperature-sensitive paint that is easily applied with commercially available paint-spraying equipment and have successfully demonstrated it to temperatures up to 1500 C. Selected phosphors have also shown measurable signals to 1700 C, thus allowing a combination of phosphors to be used in high-temperature binders to make surface temperature measurements from ambient to over 1500 C. Phosphor thermography is an optical technique that measures the time response of fluorescence light, which is a function of the phosphor temperature. The phosphors are excited with short wavelength light (ultraviolet or blue), and they emit light at a longer wavelength. This technique has a benefit over other temperature measurements, such as thermocouples and infrared thermography, in difficult environments such as high blackbody backgrounds, vibration, flames, high electromagnetic noise, or where special windows may be needed. In addition, the sprayable phosphor paints easily cover large or complicated structures, providing full-surface information with a single measurement. Oak Ridge National Laboratories developed and tested the high-temperature binders and phosphors under the direction of the NASA Glenn Research Center. Refractory materials doped with rare earth metals were selected for their performance at high temperature. Survivability, adhesion, and material compatibility tests were conducted at high temperatures in a small furnace while the fluorescent response from the phosphors was being measured. A painted sample in a furnace with a clearly visible fluorescing dot excited by a pulsed laser is shown. Measuring the decay time of this fluorescence yields the surface temperature. One new paint was recently tested in a rocket test stand at Glenn. The floor of a square duct nozzle was painted, and full-field lifetime decay measurements were acquired for multiple firings of the rocket. Good agreement with predicted results was obtained, matching temperature gradients along the length of the nozzle and clearly showing shock structures. These good results were very satisfactory given that the measurements were made looking through the combustion plume. Infrared pyrometry was incapable of making the surface measurements because of the interference from the rocket exhaust, which contaminated the infrared signature.

Bencic, Timothy J.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Development of Network-based Communications Architectures for Future NASA Missions

Since the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) announcement, NASA has been developing a communications infrastructure that combines existing terrestrial techniques with newer concepts and capabilities. The overall goal is to develop a flexible, modular, and extensible architecture that leverages and enhances terrestrial networking technologies that can either be directly applied or modified for the space regime. In addition, where existing technologies leaves gaps, new technologies must be developed. An example includes dynamic routing that accounts for constrained power and bandwidth environments. Using these enhanced technologies, NASA can develop nodes that provide characteristics, such as routing, store and forward, and access-on-demand capabilities. But with the development of the new infrastructure, challenges and obstacles will arise. The current communications infrastructure has been developed on a mission-by-mission basis rather than an end-to-end approach; this has led to a greater ground infrastructure, but has not encouraged communications between space-based assets. This alone provides one of the key challenges that NASA must encounter. With the development of the new Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), NASA has the opportunity to provide an integration path for the new vehicles and provide standards for their development. Some of the newer capabilities these vehicles could include are routing, security, and Software Defined Radios (SDRs). To meet these needs, the NASA/Glenn Research Center s (GRC) Network Emulation Laboratory (NEL) has been using both simulation and emulation to study and evaluate these architectures. These techniques provide options to NASA that directly impact architecture development. This paper identifies components of the infrastructure that play a pivotal role in the new NASA architecture, develops a scheme using simulation and emulation for testing these architectures and demonstrates how NASA can strengthen the new infrastructure by implementing these concepts.

Slywczak, Richard A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Observations of directional gamma prime coarsening during engine operation

Two alloys with negative mismatch parameters, NASAIR 100 and a modified NASAIR 100 called Alloy 3 were run as turbine blades in an experimental ground based Garret TFE731 engine for up to 200 hr. The directional coarsening of gamma prime (rafting) that developed during engine testing was analyzed and compared to previous research from laboratory tests. The blades were found to be rafted normal to the centrifugal stress axis over much of the span, but near the surfaces, the blades were found to be rafted parallel to the centrifugal stress axis for certain cycles. Representative photomicrographs of the blades and the effects of stress and temperature on raft formation are shown.

Draper, Susan L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Observations of directional gamma prime coarsening during engine operation

Two alloys, NASAIR 100 and a modified NASAIR 100 called Alloy 3, were run as turbine blades in an experimental ground-based Garrett TFE731 engine for up to 200 hours. The stress induced directional coarsening of gamma-prime (rafting) that developed during engine testing was analyzed and compared to previous research from laboratory tests. The blades were found to have formed a lamellar structure, the lamellae being normal to the centrifugal stress axis over much of the span. However, near the surfaces, the blades were found to have formed lamellae parallel to the centrifugal stress axis for certain cycles. Representative photomicrographs of the blades and the effects of stress and temperature on lamellae formation are shown.

Draper, S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Electrical isolation design and electrochemical corrosion in thin-film photovoltaic modules

The development of a proposed wet insulation-resistance qualification test specification for production-line modules is presented. Laboratory research directed toward understanding and eliminating problems associated with electrical isolation of thin-film photovoltaic module circuitry is presented. Test results serve to measure module field life as limited by electrochemical corrosion degradation mechanisms. Current module-level research covering encapsulant voltage withstand capability is also described, and suggestions for improving module electrical isolation are offered.

Sugimura, R. S.↗