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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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1995

Design and Process Considerations for a Tunneling Tip Accelerometer

In this paper, we discuss issues related to the fabrication of a bulk micromachined single axis accelerometer. The accelerometer is designed to have a full scale range of ten millig and a sensitivity of tens of nanog. During the process, three distinctly different die are fabricated. These are subsequently assembled using an ally bonding technique. During the bonding operation, electrical contacts are made between layers. The accelerometer is controlled by electrostatic force plates above and below the proof mass. The lower electrode has a dual role. In operation, it provides a necessary control electrode. When not in operation, it is used to clamp the proof mass and prevents its motion. Results of the fabrication process and initial testing of the clamping function are reported.

tunneling tip accelerometer, accelerometer fabrica↗
NASA NTRS2007

Chaotic Motion of Relativistic Electrons Driven by Whistler Waves

Canonical equations governing an electron motion in electromagnetic field of the whistler mode waves propagating along the direction of an ambient magnetic field are derived. The physical processes on which the equations of motion are based .are identified. It is shown that relativistic electrons interacting with these fields demonstrate chaotic motion, which is accompanied by the particle stochastic heating and significant pitch angle diffusion. Evolution of distribution functions is described by the Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov equations. It is shown that the whistler mode waves could provide a viable mechanism for stochastic energization of electrons with energies up to 50 MeV in the Jovian magnetosphere.

Khazanov, G. V.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Fluid motions in a low-G environment

The importance of natural convection and other fluid motions in low-g space processing is now well recognized. Recent space experiments in the areas of natural convection and material processing, as well as results of theoretical studies, have yielded much needed information on fluid behavior in low-g environments. The state of knowledge of fluid motions in low-g environments is reviewed and the dimensional analysis approach used to assess the relative importances of various driving forces for fluid flow in four of the Skylab material processing experiments outlined. Results of dimensional analyses for the Skylab experiments, subsequently confirmed by actual space data, are presented. Finally, the limits of dimensional analysis in assessment studies are indicated.

Grodzka, P. G.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Perceived self-orientation and self-motion in microgravity, after landing and during preflight adaptation training

The research described in this paper is intended to support development and evaluation of preflight adaptation training (PAT) apparatus and procedures. Successful training depends on appropriate manipulation of visual and inertial stimuli that control perception of self-motion and self-orientation. For one part of this process, astronauts are trained to report their self-motion and self-orientation experiences. Before their space mission, they are exposed to the altered sensory environments produced by the PAT trainers. During and after the mission, they report their motion and orientation experiences. Subsequently, they are again exposed to the PAT trainers and are asked to describe relationships between their experiences in microgravity and following entry and their experiences in the trainers.

Space Flight↗
NASA NTRS2003

Large-Eddy Simulation Code Developed for Propulsion Applications

A large-eddy simulation (LES) code was developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center to provide more accurate and detailed computational analyses of propulsion flow fields. The accuracy of current computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods is limited primarily by their inability to properly account for the turbulent motion present in virtually all propulsion flows. Because the efficiency and performance of a propulsion system are highly dependent on the details of this turbulent motion, it is critical for CFD to accurately model it. The LES code promises to give new CFD simulations an advantage over older methods by directly computing the large turbulent eddies, to correctly predict their effect on a propulsion system. Turbulent motion is a random, unsteady process whose behavior is difficult to predict through computer simulations. Current methods are based on Reynolds-Averaged Navier- Stokes (RANS) analyses that rely on models to represent the effect of turbulence within a flow field. The quality of the results depends on the quality of the model and its applicability to the type of flow field being studied. LES promises to be more accurate because it drastically reduces the amount of modeling necessary. It is the logical step toward improving turbulent flow predictions. In LES, the large-scale dominant turbulent motion is computed directly, leaving only the less significant small turbulent scales to be modeled. As part of the prediction, the LES method generates detailed information on the turbulence itself, providing important information for other applications, such as aeroacoustics. The LES code developed at Glenn for propulsion flow fields is being used to both analyze propulsion system components and test improved LES algorithms (subgrid-scale models, filters, and numerical schemes). The code solves the compressible Favre-filtered Navier- Stokes equations using an explicit fourth-order accurate numerical scheme, it incorporates a compressible form of Smagorinsky s model for the subgrid-scale turbulence, and it uses generalized curvilinear coordinates to allow analysis of a wide range of geometries. The code runs in parallel on shared memory multiprocessor computers and is written in Fortran 90 with dynamic memory allocation. A sample result for a Mach-1.4 round jet is presented in the figure. Instantaneous Mach number contours in several cross-planes downstream of the nozzle exit are shown, illustrating how an LES captures the large unsteady three-dimensional turbulent structures present in the jet.

DeBonis, James R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A feasibility study of hand kinematics for EVA analysis using magnetic resonance imaging

A new method of analyzing the kinematics of joint motion is developed. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers several distinct advantages. Past methods of studying anatomic joint motion have usually centered on four approaches. These methods are x-ray projection, goniometric linkage analysis, sonic digitization, and landmark measurement of photogrammetry. Of these four, only x-ray is applicable for in vivo studies. The remaining three methods utilize other types of projections of inter-joint measurements, which can cause various types of error. MRI offers accuracy in measurement due to its tomographic nature (as opposed to projection) without the problems associated with x-ray dosage. Once the data acquisition of MR images was complete, the images were processed using a 3D volume rendering workstation. The metacarpalphalangeal (MCP) joint of the left index finger was selected and reconstructed into a three-dimensional graphic display. From the reconstructed volumetric images, measurements of the angles of movement of the applicable bones were obtained and processed by analyzing the screw motion of the MCP joint. Landmark positions were chosen at distinctive locations of the joint at fixed image threshold intensity levels to ensure repeatability. The primarily two dimensional planar motion of this joint was then studied using a method of constructing coordinate systems using three (or more) points. A transformation matrix based on a world coordinate system described the location and orientation of a local target coordinate system. Future research involving volume rendering of MRI data focusing on the internal kinematics of the hand's individual ligaments, cartilage, tendons, etc. will follow. Its findings will show the applicability of MRI to joint kinematics for gaining further knowledge of the hand-glove (power assisted) design for extravehicular activity (EVA).

Dickenson, Rueben D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A study of flare buildup from simultaneous observations in microwave, H-alpha, and UV wavelengths

The results of high-resolution observations of the solar preflare activity of June 25, 1980 are analyzed. The observations were carried out simultaneously in the UV microwave, and H-alpha wavelengths using the VLA, the Ottawa River photoheliograph, and the Solar Max spectrometer and polarimeter instruments. Increases were observed in the intensitiy and polarization of compact sources at a wavelength of 6-cm during the preflare hour. The increases were associated with rising and twisting motions in the magnetic loops near the sight of the subsequent flare. Consistent with this process, analysis of the transverse and Doppler motions observed in the H-alpha filament before disruption showed that the filament was activated internally by the motions of evolving magnetic flux patterns. Ultraviolet data for C IV brightenings and upflows at the first appearance of the H-alpha filament indicated the presence of rising magnetic loops and material rising within the loops. The complete VLA, microwave and H-alpha data sets are given.

Kundu, M. R.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Masses and Luminosities of X-Ray Binaries

Using SIM, we will perform narrow-angle observations of several X-ray binaries to determine their orbits, and we will observe about 50 X-ray binary systems in wide-angle mode to measure their distances and proper motions. Sources with mass estimates for the compact component of greater than 3 solar masses are generally called black hole candidates since this mass is above the theoretical neutron star limit. Narrow-angle observations of these sources provide a direct test of the dynamical mass estimates on which the black hole evidence is based. Better measurements of the black hole masses will provide constraints on possible evolutionary paths that lead to black hole formation. When combined with X-ray data, mass measurements may provide additional constraints on the black hole spin. Precise mass determinations of neutron star systems can address the question of whether neutron stars can be significantly more massive than 1.4 solar masses, which would eliminate soft models of the neutron star equations of state. The wide-angle observations will probe the Galactic distribution of X-ray binaries through parallaxes and proper motions. They will also eliminate the uncertainties in the luminosities of individual sources, which is currently up to a full order of magnitude. This will enable more detailed comparisons of X-ray observations to physical models such as advection-dominated accretion flows (ADAFs). We intend to carry out the following measurements: 1) Determine the orbits of two black hole candidates to measure the black hole masses; 2) Obtain precise mass measurements for two neutron star systems to constrain neutron star equations of state; 3) Determine the distances and thus luminosities of selected representatives of various classes of X-ray binaries (black hole candidates, neutron stars, jet sources); 4) In the process of distance determination, proper motions will also be measured, from which the age of the population can be estimated.

Quirrenbach, Andreas↗
NASA NTRS1977

Observations of large transient magnetospheric electric fields

Transient electric field events were observed with the long, double probe instrumentation carried by the IMP-6 satellite. Nine, clearly defined, exceptionally large amplitude events are presented here. The events are observed in the midnight sector at geocentric distances 3.5 to .5.5 R sub e at middle latitudes within a magnetic L-shell range of 4.8 to 7.5. They usually have a total duration of one to several minutes, with peak power spectra amplitudes occurring at a frequency of about 0.3 Hz. The events occur under magnetically disturbed conditions, and in most cases they can be associated with negative dH/dt excursions at magnetic observatories located near the foot of the magnetic field line intersecting IMP-6. The magnetospheric motions calculated for these electric fields indicated a quasi-stochastical diffusive process rather than the general inward magnetospheric collapsing motion expected during the expansive phases of auroral substorm activity.

Aggson, T. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Observations of large transient magnetospheric electric fields

Transient electric field events were studied by means of the long double-probe instrumentation carried by the Imp 6 satellite, and nine clearly defined exceptionally large amplitude events are described. The events were observed in the midnight sector at geocentric distances of 3.5 to 5.5 earth radii at middle latitudes within a magnetic L shell range of 4.8 to 7.5; the duration is from one to several minutes with peak power spectra amplitudes occurring at a frequency of about 0.3 Hz. The events occur under magnetically disturbed conditions and are often associated with negative dH/dt excursions. The magnetospheric motions calculated for these electric fields indicate a quasi-stochastical diffusive process rather than the general inward magnetospheric collapsing motion expected during the expansive phases of auroral substorm activity. It is likely that the transient electric fields are responsible for the impulsive acceleration and injection of plasma to populate the outer radiation belt.

Aggson, T. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Uncontrolled dynamics of the Skylab vehicle - Comparison of simulation, theory and flight data

When the final Skylab mission was completed in 1974, the onboard systems were used to maneuver the vehicle to a gravity gradient equilibrium attitude and were then shut down. Parked in this storage attitude, the vehicle was left undisturbed until March 1978 when contact was reestablished and the control systems were reactivated. During the intervening four years, the vehicle was subjected to subtle environmental torques which caused the vehicle to gradually progress from its initial stable state to a very dynamic condition just prior to the resumption of control. The paper deals with the dynamics of this process, including the analyses and simulations which were made to explain the motion and enable the planning of the reactivation process. The complementary roles of both numerical integration and closed-form analysis are demonstrated. Flight data obtained in the spring of 1978 are presented which support the analytical and simulation results.

Buchanan, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Estimating Doppler Shifts for Synthetic-Aperture Radar

Quality of synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR) imagery enhanced by pair of signal-processing techniques that compensate for relative motion between target and vehicle. Combining vehicle trajectory data with radar-parameter and raw image data, techniques generate Doppler estimates for use in constructing fully processed images.

Curlander, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Overview of the Digitization Workflow Post Image Acquisition of Apollo Lunar and Antarctic Meteorite Samples Using Agisoft Photoscan for the NASA 3D Astromaterials Virtual Samples Collection

The 3D Virtual Astromaterials Samples (3DVAS) collection is a multi-year funded project to create a digital database of sixty Apollo Lunar and Antarctic Meteorite samples following non-destructive documentation conservation protocols. After initial image processing, the photos are evaluated and processed using unique structure-from-motion photogrammetric techniques in a high performance modelling software designed to create a 3D model from 2D images: Agisoft Photoscan Pro. Agisoft Photoscan Pro uses image processing algorithms and techniques originating in computer vision to resolve 3D models for accurate and detailed visualization of a subject. The software provides a stepwise process that is tailored per model based on spatial and specular reflectance properties, for example. The process includes: photo alignment, creation of a dense point cloud, mesh, and finally texture. Photo alignment is dependent on model properties. The 3DVAS process requires a special rotation platform with calibrated photogrammetric targets, specific distance rotation protocols, and a contrasting background for alignment and scale accuracy. As a result of the photographic process, alignment will complete with two mirrored hemispheres that, in a sense, represent the 2D images overlapping to create a 3D model. Each dense point cloud is analyzed with provided statistical measures in a gradual selection process to eliminate outliers. The point cloud is reduced to include only data valuable to the final model. When a precise dense point cloud is achieved, a mesh and texture are applied. Each model is scaled with scale bar accuracies within 100 microns. Each sample has its own intimate process for modelling; there is no standard for the parameters required in the final creation of a high resolution model. By processing multiple samples, a skill is gained in practice to allow a close definition of the original sample and will result in the most detailed version of the sample shell. This process completes one-fifth of the 3DVAS protocol for providing accurate digital documentation. Each model shell is merged with X-ray Computed Tomography data to create a full volumetric sample. All 3DVAS data will be served on NASA's Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation website with an early subset of data available in 2019 and the 3D Virtual Astromaterials Samples Collection launch in 2020.

Thomas, Andi B.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Model Analysis of an Aircraft Fueslage Panel using Experimental and Finite-Element Techniques

The application of Electro-Optic Holography (EOH) for measuring the center bay vibration modes of an aircraft fuselage panel under forced excitation is presented. The requirement of free-free panel boundary conditions made the acquisition of quantitative EOH data challenging since large scale rigid body motions corrupted measurements of the high frequency vibrations of interest. Image processing routines designed to minimize effects of large scale motions were applied to successfully resurrect quantitative EOH vibrational amplitude measurements

Fleming, Gary A.↗
NASA NTRS1969

Electronic visualization of gas bearing behavior

Visualization technique produces a visual simulation of gas bearing operation by electronically combining the outputs from the clearance probes used to monitor bearing component motion. Computerized recordings of the probes output are processed, displayed on an oscilloscope screen and recorded with a high-speed motion picture camera.

Evans, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Emulating the Visual Receptive Field Properties of MST Neurons with a Template Model of Heading Estimation

We have previously proposed a computational neural-network model by which the complex patterns of retinal image motion generated during locomotion (optic flow) can be processed by specialized detectors acting as templates for specific instances of self-motion. The detectors in this template model respond to global optic flow by sampling image motion over a large portion of the visual field through networks of local motion sensors with properties similar to neurons found in the middle temporal (MT) area of primate extrastriate visual cortex. The model detectors were designed to extract self-translation (heading), self-rotation, as well as the scene layout (relative distances) ahead of a moving observer, and are arranged in cortical-like heading maps to perform this function. Heading estimation from optic flow has been postulated by some to be implemented within the medial superior temporal (MST) area. Others have questioned whether MST neurons can fulfill this role because some of their receptive-field properties appear inconsistent with a role in heading estimation. To resolve this issue, we systematically compared MST single-unit responses with the outputs of model detectors under matched stimulus conditions. We found that the basic physiological properties of MST neurons can be explained by the template model. We conclude that MST neurons are well suited to support heading estimation and that the template model provides an explicit set of testable hypotheses which can guide future exploration of MST and adjacent areas within the primate superior temporal sulcus.

Perrone, John A.↗
NASA NTRS2002

From following edges to pursuing objects

Primates can generate accurate, smooth eye-movement responses to moving target objects of arbitrary shape and size, even in the presence of complex backgrounds and/or the extraneous motion of non-target objects. Most previous studies of pursuit have simply used a spot moving over a featureless background as the target and have thus neglected critical issues associated with the general problem of recovering object motion. Visual psychophysicists and theoreticians have shown that, for arbitrary objects with multiple features at multiple orientations, object-motion estimation for perception is a complex, multi-staged, time-consuming process. To examine the temporal evolution of the motion signal driving pursuit, we recorded the tracking eye movements of human observers to moving line-figure diamonds. We found that pursuit is initially biased in the direction of the vector average of the motions of the diamond's line segments and gradually converges to the true object-motion direction with a time constant of approximately 90 ms. Furthermore, transient blanking of the target during steady-state pursuit induces a decrease in tracking speed, which, unlike pursuit initiation, is subsequently corrected without an initial direction bias. These results are inconsistent with current models in which pursuit is driven by retinal-slip error correction. They demonstrate that pursuit models must be revised to include a more complete visual afferent pathway, which computes, and to some extent latches on to, an accurate estimate of object direction over the first hundred milliseconds or so of motion.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗
NASA NTRS1998

Emulating the visual receptive-field properties of MST neurons with a template model of heading estimation

We have proposed previously a computational neural-network model by which the complex patterns of retinal image motion generated during locomotion (optic flow) can be processed by specialized detectors acting as templates for specific instances of self-motion. The detectors in this template model respond to global optic flow by sampling image motion over a large portion of the visual field through networks of local motion sensors with properties similar to those of neurons found in the middle temporal (MT) area of primate extrastriate visual cortex. These detectors, arranged within cortical-like maps, were designed to extract self-translation (heading) and self-rotation, as well as the scene layout (relative distances) ahead of a moving observer. We then postulated that heading from optic flow is directly encoded by individual neurons acting as heading detectors within the medial superior temporal (MST) area. Others have questioned whether individual MST neurons can perform this function because some of their receptive-field properties seem inconsistent with this role. To resolve this issue, we systematically compared MST responses with those of detectors from two different configurations of the model under matched stimulus conditions. We found that the characteristic physiological properties of MST neurons can be explained by the template model. We conclude that MST neurons are well suited to support self-motion estimation via a direct encoding of heading and that the template model provides an explicit set of testable hypotheses that can guide future exploration of MST and adjacent areas within the superior temporal sulcus.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗