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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 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

Automated mesoscale wind fields derived from GOES satellite imagery

A new multispectral image-processing system for extracting mesoscale wind fields automatically from sequences of GOES imagery is described. This system can produce equivalent or superior cloud-wind estimates compared to the time-consuming manual methods used on various interactive meteorological processing systems. Analysis of automated mesoscale cloud winds yield an estimated random error value of less than 1 m/s and produces both regional and mesoscale vector wind-field structure and divergence patterns that are consistent in time and highly correlated with subsequent severe thunderstorm development. As an example, the system is here applied to SMS II five-minute imagery from April 24, 1975 and the results are compared with manually obtained ones.

Wilson, G. S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Studies of the vestibulo-ocular reflex on STS 4, 5 and 6

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) may be altered by weightlessness. Since this reflex plays a large role in visual stabilization, it was important to document any changes caused by space flight. This is a report on findings on STS-4 through 6 and is part of a larger study of neurosensory adaptation done on STS-4 through 8. Voluntary horizontal head oscillations at 1/3 Hz with amplitude of 30 deg right and left of center were recorded by a potentiometer and compared to eye position recorded by electroculography under the following conditions: eyes open, head fixed, tracking horizontal targets switched 0, 15, and 30 degrees right and left (optokinetic reflex - OKR - and calibration); eyes open and fixed on static external target with oscillation, (vestibulo ocular reflex, eyes closed - VOR EC); eyes open and wearing opaque goggles with target fixed in imagination (vestibulo-ocular reflex, eyes shaded - VOR ES); and eyes open and fixed on a head synchronized target with head oscillation (VOR suppression). No significant changes were found in voluntary head oscillation frequency or amplitude in those with (n=5), and without (n=3), space motion sickness (SMS), with phase of flight or test condition. Variations in head oscillation were too small to have produced detectable changes in test results.

Thornton, William E.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Three-dimensional calculations for underexpanded and overexpanded supersonic jet flows

A three-dimensional code is developed to simulate the characteristics of the jet exhaust plume issuing from nonaxisymmetric nozzles at different flight conditions. In the present paper, the time-iterative Space Marching Scheme (SMS) is used to simulate the shock-cell structure of underexpanded supersonic jet issued from round and square nozzles. Also, the computational results are compared with the experimental data from underexpanded and overexpanded supersonic round jets. The agreement with the experimental data validates the applicability of the new technique for predicting the shock-cell structure of supersonic jet flows. The computational results reveals that the azimuthal structure of the supersonic square jet changed as the jet progressed downstream of the exit nozzle.

Abdol-Hamid, Khaled S.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Biochemical correlates of neurosensory changes in weightlessness

The possible existence of a relationship between space motion sickness and chemical and biochemical variables measured in body fluids is studied. Clinical chemistry and endocrine measurements from blood and urine samples taken before and after Space Shuttle flights were analyzed along with the occurrence of SMS during flight and provocative testing before flight. Significant positive correlations were observed with serum chloride and significant negative correlations with serum phosphate, serum uric acid, and plasma thyroid stimulating hormone.

Leach, Carolyn S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Pharmacologic considerations for Shuttle astronauts

Medication usage by crewmembers in the preflight and inflight mission periods is common in the Shuttle Program. The most common medical reports for which medication is used are: space motion sickness (SMS), sleeplessness, headache, and backache. A number of medications are available in the Shuttle Medical Kit to treat these problems. Currently, astronauts test all frequently used medications before mission assignment to identify potential side-effects, problems related to performance, personal likes/dislikes, and individual therapeutic effect. However, microgravity-induced changes in drug pharmacokinetics, in combination with multiple operational factors, may significantly alter crewmember responses inflight. This article discusses those factors that may impact pharmacologic efficacy during Shuttle missions.

Santy, Patricia A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Transportation technology: Earth-to-orbit propulsion

The topics presented are covered in viewgraph form and include the following: (1) sensor autodiagnosis and autocalibration; (2) autodiagnostic and autocalibration program; (3) plume diagnostics; (4) plume diagnostics program; (5) failure modeling; (6) mass data storage and retrieval; (7) fiber optic instrumentation bus; (8) model based diagnostics; (9) safety monitoring system (SMS); (10) control and real time diagnostics; (11) current intelligent controls program; (12) augumented intelligent controls program; (13) current real time diagnostics program; (14) augumented RT diagnostics program; and (15) control and diagnostic system hardware.

Gorland, S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Hubble Space Telescope high speed photometer science verification test report

The purpose of this report is to summarize the results of the HSP Science Verification (SV) tests, the status of the HSP at the end of the SV period, and the work remaining to be done. The HSP OV report (November 1991) covered all activities (OV, SV, and SAO) from launch to the completion of phase three alignment, OV 3233 performed in the 91154 SMS, on June 8, 1991. This report covers subsequent activities through May 1992.

Richards, Evan E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Using virtual environment technology for preadapting astronauts to the novel sensory conditions of microgravity

A unique training device is being developed at the Johnson Space Center Neurosciences Laboratory to help reduce or eliminate Space Motion Sickness (SMS) and spatial orientation disturbances that occur during spaceflight. The Device for Orientation and Motion Environments Preflight Adaptation Trainer (DOME PAT) uses virtual reality technology to simulate some sensory rearrangements experienced by astronauts in microgravity. By exposing a crew member to this novel environment preflight, it is expected that he/she will become partially adapted, and thereby suffer fewer symptoms inflight. The DOME PAT is a 3.7 m spherical dome, within which a 170 by 100 deg field of view computer-generated visual database is projected. The visual database currently in use depicts the interior of a Shuttle spacelab. The trainee uses a six degree-of-freedom, isometric force hand controller to navigate through the virtual environment. Alternatively, the trainee can be 'moved' about within the virtual environment by the instructor, or can look about within the environment by wearing a restraint that controls scene motion in response to head movements. The computer system is comprised of four personal computers that provide the real time control and user interface, and two Silicon Graphics computers that generate the graphical images. The image generator computers use custom algorithms to compensate for spherical image distortion, while maintaining a video update rate of 30 Hz. The DOME PAT is the first such system known to employ virtual reality technology to reduce the untoward effects of the sensory rearrangement associated with exposure to microgravity, and it does so in a very cost-effective manner.

Duncan, K. M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Network and user interface for PAT DOME virtual motion environment system

The Device for Orientation and Motion Environments Preflight Adaptation Trainer (DOME PAT) provides astronauts a virtual microgravity sensory environment designed to help alleviate tye symptoms of space motion sickness (SMS). The system consists of four microcomputers networked to provide real time control, and an image generator (IG) driving a wide angle video display inside a dome structure. The spherical display demands distortion correction. The system is currently being modified with a new graphical user interface (GUI) and a new Silicon Graphics IG. This paper will concentrate on the new GUI and the networking scheme. The new GUI eliminates proprietary graphics hardware and software, and instead makes use of standard and low cost PC video (CGA) and off the shelf software (Microsoft's Quick C). Mouse selection for user input is supported. The new Silicon Graphics IG requires an Ethernet interface. The microcomputer known as the Real Time Controller (RTC), which has overall control of the system and is written in Ada, was modified to use the free public domain NCSA Telnet software for Ethernet communications with the Silicon Graphics IG. The RTC also maintains the original ARCNET communications through Novell Netware IPX with the rest of the system. The Telnet TCP/IP protocol was first used for real-time communication, but because of buffering problems the Telnet datagram (UDP) protocol needed to be implemented. Since the Telnet modules are written in C, the Adap pragma 'Interface' was used to interface with the network calls.

Worthington, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Performance of a Smart Vibration Isolator for Precision Spacecraft Instruments

Under the ARPA SMS Partnership Program for Synthesis and Processing of Smart Materials, Lockheed Missiles and Space company, Inc. has developed a demonstration prototype vibration cancelling mount using electrostrictive ceramic and shape-memory alloy actuators. Shape-memory actuators provide an adaptive-passive, self-damping support for isolation, while the electrostrictive actuators are employed to provide force and position control. The demonstration device was designed to address generic requirements for vibration stabilization of precision spacecraft instruments. It is reconfigurable to operate in any of four modes; passive isolation, active-passive isolation using force cancellation, active precision positioning, and active disturbance rejection. The presentation summarizes design of the device design and results of experimental evaluations of the device in isolation (active and passive) and positioning modes. Rejection of payload-borne disturbances is also discussed with reference to predictions from experimentally calibrated simulations. Finally, avenues for further development and refinement of the device are discussed.

Regelbrugge, Marc E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The Anti-Emetic Properties of 1-Sulpiride in a Ground-Based Model of Space Motion Sickness

L-sulpiride, at a dose of 4 mg/kg, essentially abolished motion- induced emesis in a group of 6 squirrel monkeys undergoing horizontal rotation at 25 rpm, a terrestrial model of space motion sickness (SMS). Extrapyramidal side effects were not observed. In the absence of the drug, the usual emetic response returned. In comparison while typical neuroleptics were also strongly anti-emetic, they produced a considerable degree of rigidity and akinesia.

Miller, Joseph D.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Autogenic-Feedback Training Exercise (AFTE) Method and System

The Autogenic-Feedback Training Exercise (AFTE) method of the present invention is a combined application of physiologic and perceptual training techniques. such as autogenic therapy and biofeedback. This combined therapy approach produces a methodology that is appreciably more effective than either of the individual techniques used separately. The AFTE method enables sufficient magnitude of control necessary to significantly reduce the behavioral and physiologic reactions to severe environmental stressors. It produces learned effects that are persistent over time and are resistant to extinction and it can be administered in a short period of time. The AFTE method may be used efficiently in several applications, among which are the following: to improve pilot and crew performance during emergency flying conditions; to train people to prevent the occurrence of nausea and vomiting associated with motion and sea sickness, or morning sickness in early pregnancy; as a training method for preventing or counteracting air-sickness symptoms in high-performance military aircraft; for use as a method for cardiovascular training, as well as for multiple other autonomic responses, which may contribute to the alleviation of Space Motion Sickness (SMS) in astronauts and cosmonauts; training people suffering from migraine or tension headaches to control peripheral blood flow and reduce forehead and/or trapezius muscle tension; training elderly people suffering from fecal incontinence to control their sphincter muscles; training cancer patients to reduce the nauseagenic effects of chemotherapy; and training patients with Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction (CIP).

Cowings, Patricia S.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Preflight Adaptation Training for Spatial Orientation and Space Motion Sickness

Two part-task preflight adaptation trainers (PATs) are being developed at the NASA Johnson Space Center to preadapt astronauts to novel sensory stimulus conditions similar to those present in microgravity to facilitate adaptation to microgravity and readaptation to Earth. This activity is a major component of a general effort to develop countermeasures aimed at minimizing sensory and sensorimotor disturbances and Space Motion Sickness (SMS) associated with adaptation to microgravity and readaptation to Earth. Design principles for the development of the two trainers are discussed, along with a detailed description of both devices. In addition, a summary of four ground-based investigations using one of the trainers to determine the extent to which various novel sensory stimulus conditions produce changes in compensatory eye movement responses, postural equilibrium, motion sickness symptoms, and electrogastric responses are presented. Finally, a brief description of the general concept of dual-adopted states that underly the development of the PATs, and ongoing and future operational and basic research activities are presented.

Harm, Deborah L.↗
NASA NTRS1999

"Interactive Classification Technology"

The investigators are upgrading a knowledge representation language called SL (Symbolic Language) and an automated reasoning system called SMS (Symbolic Manipulation System) to enable the technologies to be used in automated reasoning and interactive classification systems. The overall goals of the project are: a) the enhancement of the representation language SL to accommodate multiple perspectives and a wider range of meaning; b) the development of a sufficient set of operators to enable the interpreter of SL to handle representations of basic cognitive acts; and c) the development of a default inference scheme to operate over SL notation as it is encoded. As to particular goals the first-year work plan focused on inferencing and.representation issues, including: 1) the development of higher level cognitive/ classification functions and conceptual models for use in inferencing and decision making; 2) the specification of a more detailed scheme of defaults and the enrichment of SL notation to accommodate the scheme; and 3) the adoption of additional perspectives for inferencing.

deBessonet, Cary↗
NASA NTRS2000

Bioavailability and Pharmacodynamics of Promethazine in Human Subjects

Space Motion Sickness (SMS) is often treated in space with promethazine (PMZ). Anecdotal reports indicate that the common side effects of drowsiness and decrements in cognitive performance that are associated with PMZ administration (50 mg IM on the ground, are absent or less pronounced in space suggesting I that-the bioavailability and/or pharmacodynamic behavior of PMZ may be altered during space flight. There are limited flight opportunities available for clinical research in space, the NRA-99, therefore, solicits research required to improve, or answer specific questions about in-flight diagnosis, therapy, and post-flight rehabilitation. We propose here, to establish a noninvasive method for pharmacodynamic and therapeutic assessment of PMZ. The specific objectives of the proposed research are to, 1. Establish a saliva to plasma ratio of PMZ after administration, 2. Estimate the relative bioavailability of the three flight-specific dosage forms of PMZ, and 3. Establish the dose-response relationship of PMZ. We will estimate the bioavailability of intramuscular injection (IM), oral tablets and rectal suppositories in normal subjects during ambulatory and antiorthostatic; bed rest (ABR) conditions using novel stable isotope techniques. Drowsiness, cognitive performance and salivary flow rate will be measured as a function of circulating drug concentrations after administration of three IM doses of PMZ. We will compare and contrast the bioavailability of PMZ during normal and ABR conditions to examine whether or not ABR can simulate changes in drug, absorption and availability similar to those anticipated in a microgravity environment. Results of this study will validate methods for an approved study with this medication awaiting a flight opportunity for manifestation. These data will also provide the much needed information on the dynamics and therapeutic index. of this medication and their implications on crew fatigue and performance in space. Key words: Promethazine, stable isotopes, bioavailability, pharmacodynamics, cognitive performance, antiorthostatic bed rest.

Putcha, Lakshmi↗
NASA NTRS2000

STS-98 Crew Training

Footage shows the crew of STS-98 during various phases of their training, including an undocking simulation in the Fixed Bases Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS), bailout training, and extravehicular activity (EVA) training at the NBL.

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