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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 253 records · Page 14

Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning for Cognitive Radio-Based Satellite Communications

Previous research on cognitive radios has addressed the performance of various machine-learning and optimization techniques for decision making of terrestrial link properties. In this paper, we present our recent investigations with respect to reinforcement learning that potentially can be employed by future cognitive radios installed onboard satellite communications systems specifically tasked with radio resource management. This work analyzes the performance of learning, reasoning, and decision making while considering multiple objectives for time-varying communications channels, as well as different cross-layer requirements. Based on the urgent demand for increased bandwidth, which is being addressed by the next generation of high-throughput satellites, the performance of cognitive radio is assessed considering links between a geostationary satellite and a fixed ground station operating at Ka-band (26 GHz). Simulation results show multiple objective performance improvements of more than 3.5 times for clear sky conditions and 6.8 times for rain conditions.

software defined radio↗

Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning for Cognitive Radio Based Satellite Communications

Previous research on cognitive radios has addressed the performance of various machine learning and optimization techniques for decision making of terrestrial link properties. In this paper, we present our recent investigations with respect to reinforcement learning that potentially can be employed by future cognitive radios installed onboard satellite communications systems specifically tasked with radio resource management. This work analyzes the performance of learning, reasoning, and decision making while considering multiple objectives for time-varying communications channels, as well as different crosslayer requirements. Based on the urgent demand for increased bandwidth, which is being addressed by the next generation of high-throughput satellites, the performance of cognitive radio is assessed considering links between a geostationary satellite and a fixed ground station operating at Ka-band (26 GHz). Simulation results show multiple objective performance improvements of more than 3:5 times for clear sky conditions and 6:8 times for rain conditions.

ionosphere↗

From Tomography to Material Properties of Thermal Protection Systems

The X-ray micro-tomography technique provides non-destructive characterizations of three-dimensional material micro-structures at spatial resolutions from the sub-micron to the centimeter scale. High quality micro-tomography images of NASA Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials are obtained using one of the brightest synchrotron X-ray sources available. Leveraging on NASA supercomputing capabilities, material properties and response are computed from tomography-data. This talk highlights the process and challenges of going from 3D images of actual material structures to simulations of properties and phenomena relevant to TPS material response, such as thermal conductivity, permeability, mass transport and high temperature reactions. The talk is addressed to a broad audience including scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, programmers, managers, and members of the media.

tomography↗

System Engineering & Integration (SE&I) In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Modeling and Analysis (SIMA)

NASA developed a flexible system modeling framework of integrated ISRU and ISRU related subsystem models: MAIT (Mission Analysis & Integration Tool) that enables point solutions, optimization, and/or parametric studies at the system level to predict mission architecture mass, power, and volume and provides accessible consolidated database that categorizes specific ISRU and ISRU related subsystem variables common between NASA & industry. Directly and indirectly addresses multiple STMD shortfalls: - ISRU-581 - ‘ISRU System Modeling’: Establish a modular end-to-end ISRU system modeling & analysis capability by leveraging and evolving prior, on-going, and future investments - More than an ISRU system modeling tool, MAIT integrates power, excavation, Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS), Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM) liquification, & compares surface ops & environments, to assist in the closure of other related ISRU shortfalls Adheres to governing NASA procedures for Models & Simulations (NASA-HDBK-7009) & AIAA standards for Mass Properties Control for Space Systems.

Modeling↗

Cost reductions through earth resource satellites in developed countries

Data from detailed studies on the possible economic impact of the use of remote sensing technology in industry and agriculture are presented and analyzed. The utility of satellite surveillance in reduction of crop production forecast error, recognition and monitoring of crop diseases and insect infestations, and range management is evaluated. Application of satellite maps to facilitate land resource decisions, mineral exploration, geological studies, and water resource inventories is considered, as is the usefulness of early storm warning in the reduction of property damage. The cost of remote sensing is compared to that of conventional methods whenever possible.

Schweickart, R. L.↗

Continuous cost movement models

Use of current space imaging systems and airborne platforms has direct use in survey design and site location when used in concert with a comprehensive GIS environment. Local conditions and site physical and chemical properties are key factors in successful applications. Conjoining of environmental constraints and site properties are present for the later prehistoric occupations in the Arkansas and Mississippi River areas. Direct linkages between comprehensive site databases and satellite images can be used to evaluate site distributions for research and management.

Limp, W. Fredrick↗

NASA's Management and Utilization of the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program

The United Space Congress established the SBIR program in 1982 for the following purposes: ( 1) Stimulate technological innovation (2) Increase private-sector commercialization derived from federal R&D (3) Use small business to meet federal R&D needs (4) Foster and encourage participation by disadvantaged persons and women in technological innovation The STTR program was established in 1992 with the additional requirement of having a small business partner with a research institution (usually a university) for the purpose of transferring intellectual property from the research institution to the small business concern for enabling a government technical need and furthering the technological development for the purpose of developing commercial products. The government of Japan has established a program that models portions of the U.S. SBIR and STTR programs. They are very interested in how NASA has been so successful in fulfilling the Congressional objectives of these programs. In particular, they want to understand the management practices and incentives that are provided to enable partnerships between business enterprises, academia and government. The speech will also focus on some of the many successful technologies (on a conceptual level) that have been developed through NASA s SBIR and STTR programs and mechanisms used to promote cooperation between small businesses, large businesses, academia and government agencies within the United States. The speech is on a conceptual level, focusing on U.S. and NASA policies and management implementation practices. No enabling technical discussion will be held.

Mexcur, Winfield Paul↗

MAGSAT anomaly field data of the crustal properties of Australia

Progress is reported in producing maps of Australia showing; crustal magnetic anomalies at constant elevation; bulk surface magnetization; and the geomagnetic field intensity, inclination and declination for the Australian region from global models of the geomagnetic field derived from MAGSAT data. The development of a data base management system is also considered.

Source record↗

Reliability of Fault Tolerant Control Systems

This paper reports Part II of a two part effort that is intended to delineate the relationship between reliability and fault tolerant control in a quantitative manner. Reliability properties peculiar to fault-tolerant control systems are emphasized, such as the presence of analytic redundancy in high proportion, the dependence of failures on control performance, and high risks associated with decisions in redundancy management due to multiple sources of uncertainties and sometimes large processing requirements. As a consequence, coverage of failures through redundancy management can be severely limited. The paper proposes to formulate the fault tolerant control problem as an optimization problem that maximizes coverage of failures through redundancy management. Coverage modeling is attempted in a way that captures its dependence on the control performance and on the diagnostic resolution. Under the proposed redundancy management policy, it is shown that an enhanced overall system reliability can be achieved with a control law of a superior robustness, with an estimator of a higher resolution, and with a control performance requirement of a lesser stringency.

Wu, N. Eva↗

Proceedings of the Second NASA Formal Methods Symposium

This publication contains the proceedings of the Second NASA Formal Methods Symposium sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and held in Washington D.C. April 13-15, 2010. Topics covered include: Decision Engines for Software Analysis using Satisfiability Modulo Theories Solvers; Verification and Validation of Flight-Critical Systems; Formal Methods at Intel -- An Overview; Automatic Review of Abstract State Machines by Meta Property Verification; Hardware-independent Proofs of Numerical Programs; Slice-based Formal Specification Measures -- Mapping Coupling and Cohesion Measures to Formal Z; How Formal Methods Impels Discovery: A Short History of an Air Traffic Management Project; A Machine-Checked Proof of A State-Space Construction Algorithm; Automated Assume-Guarantee Reasoning for Omega-Regular Systems and Specifications; Modeling Regular Replacement for String Constraint Solving; Using Integer Clocks to Verify the Timing-Sync Sensor Network Protocol; Can Regulatory Bodies Expect Efficient Help from Formal Methods?; Synthesis of Greedy Algorithms Using Dominance Relations; A New Method for Incremental Testing of Finite State Machines; Verification of Faulty Message Passing Systems with Continuous State Space in PVS; Phase Two Feasibility Study for Software Safety Requirements Analysis Using Model Checking; A Prototype Embedding of Bluespec System Verilog in the PVS Theorem Prover; SimCheck: An Expressive Type System for Simulink; Coverage Metrics for Requirements-Based Testing: Evaluation of Effectiveness; Software Model Checking of ARINC-653 Flight Code with MCP; Evaluation of a Guideline by Formal Modelling of Cruise Control System in Event-B; Formal Verification of Large Software Systems; Symbolic Computation of Strongly Connected Components Using Saturation; Towards the Formal Verification of a Distributed Real-Time Automotive System; Slicing AADL Specifications for Model Checking; Model Checking with Edge-valued Decision Diagrams; and Data-flow based Model Analysis.

Munoz, Cesar↗

Trajectory-Based Loads for the Ares I-X Test Flight Vehicle

In trajectory-based loads, the structural engineer treats each point on the trajectory as a load case. Distributed aero, inertial, and propulsion forces are developed for the structural model which are equivalent to the integrated values of the trajectory model. Free-body diagrams are then used to solve for the internal forces, or loads, that keep the applied aero, inertial, and propulsion forces in dynamic equilibrium. There are several advantages to using trajectory-based loads. First, consistency is maintained between the integrated equilibrium equations of the trajectory analysis and the distributed equilibrium equations of the structural analysis. Second, the structural loads equations are tied to the uncertainty model for the trajectory systems analysis model. Atmosphere, aero, propulsion, mass property, and controls uncertainty models all feed into the dispersions that are generated for the trajectory systems analysis model. Changes in any of these input models will affect structural loads response. The trajectory systems model manages these inputs as well as the output from the structural model over thousands of dispersed cases. Large structural models with hundreds of thousands of degrees of freedom would execute too slowly to be an efficient part of several thousand system analyses. Trajectory-based loads provide a means for the structures discipline to be included in the integrated systems analysis. Successful applications of trajectory-based loads methods for the Ares I-X vehicle are covered in this paper. Preliminary design loads were based on 2000 trajectories using Monte Carlo dispersions. Range safety loads were tied to 8423 malfunction turn trajectories. In addition, active control system loads were based on 2000 preflight trajectories using Monte Carlo dispersions.

Vause, Roland F.↗

Development and application of contamination technology for MSFC managed space systems

The second annual report on the development and application of contamination technology for MSFC managed space systems covering the period from 10 Dec. 1992 to 10 Dec. 1993 is presented. During this time period, studies were concluded which proved that in-process corrosion protection is not required during Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) case processing. Also completed were a series of tests evaluating the effects of environmental exposure and contamination on 2219-T87 aluminum (Space Shuttle External Tank) OSEE response and bonding properties. Correlations were developed between OSEE response, contamination type/level, and primer adhesion. The results showed that the wet tape and water break free tests currently employed during ET processing may not detect bond affecting levels of some potential contaminants; however, the contaminants were detected with OSEE analysis. Finally, exposure/contamination studies were initiated with HP9-4-30 steel. HP9-4-30 was selected for evaluation because it represents a class of metals commom to MSFC managed space flight systems which are less prone to oxidation than D6AC steel or aluminum.

Source record↗

The Dust Management Project: Final Report

A return to the Moon to extend human presence, pursue scientific activities, use the Moon to prepare for future human missions to Mars, and expand Earth s economic sphere, will require investment in developing new technologies and capabilities to achieve affordable and sustainable human exploration. From the operational experience gained and lessons learned during the Apollo missions, conducting longterm operations in the lunar environment will be a particular challenge, given the difficulties presented by the unique physical properties and other characteristics of lunar regolith, including dust. The Apollo missions and other lunar explorations have identified significant lunar dust-related problems that will challenge future mission success. Comprised of regolith particles ranging in size from tens of nanometers to microns, lunar dust is a manifestation of the complex interaction of the lunar soil with multiple mechanical, electrical, and gravitational effects. The environmental and anthropogenic factors effecting the perturbation, transport, and deposition of lunar dust must be studied in order to mitigate it s potentially harmful effects on exploration systems and human explorers. The Dust Management Project (DMP) is tasked with the evaluation of lunar dust effects, assessment of the resulting risks, and development of mitigation and management strategies and technologies related to Exploration Systems architectures. To this end, the DMP supports the overall goal of the Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) of addressing the relevant high priority technology needs of multiple elements within the Constellation Program (CxP) and sister ETDP projects. Project scope, approach, accomplishments, summary of deliverables, and lessons learned are presented.

Hyatt, Mark J.↗

Manufacturing, Characterization and Terrestrial Passive Radiative Cooling Performance of Nanofibrous PTFR-PEO Composite Thermal Coatings

Passive heat management is desirable in many applications since it can reduce the energy expended for cooling, for example, in buildings and automobiles. Specifically, materials with wavelength-dependent reflectance and emittance can manage incident solar fluxes while enabling passive radiative cooling by thermal emission. This study demonstrates the use of polymeric nanofibers, specifically polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) composite, as thermal coatings for passive temperature control. Employing the electrospinning fabrication process, we engineer nano and micro-scale fibrous structures, studying the influence of fabrication parameters, such as precursor material concentration and rotating collector speed, on fiber geometry and optical properties. To understand the role of material and fiber geometry on optical performance, we characterize various samples' spectral reflectance, absorptance, and transmittance using spectrophotometers interfaced with integrating spheres. The results show the potential of nanofabricated PTFE-PEO coatings as promising candidates for passive thermal control. We highlight their competitive edge by comparing their solar reflectance and emittance values to existing passive radiative thermal control materials. In essence, this study contributes to advancing passive heat management technologies, offering insights into optimizing material composition and fabrication techniques for enhanced performance in various applications.

Chieloka Ibekwe↗

Remote Sensing of Diatom Bloom Succession

Marine diatoms are major biogeochemical and ecological “influencers” that contribute to a large fraction of the carbon export and supplying fisheries (Falkowski 2015). The fluxes of carbon transfer to the food web or to the deep ocean vary according to the stage of a diatom bloom (Du Toit 2018). Stages can be determined using inherent optical properties that reflect their physiological state, such as the chlorophyll fluorescence to particulate backscattering ratio (ChlF/b(sub bp), Cetinic et al. 2015). Identifying the bloom stage can potentially improve biogeochemical models of carbon export and fishery management. However, it is not yet possible to adequately determine the stage of phytoplankton blooms using satellites. Satellite-derived remote sensing reflectance R(sub rs)(𝜆) allow for remote identification of diatom blooms in the open ocean (Sathyendranath et al. 2004), and there are techniques to estimate the fluorescence quantum yield (𝜑) that, when high, can indicate the nutrient limitation that often takes place when blooms start to senesce (Behrenfeld et al. 2009). The goal of this study is to use the ratio between the normalized fluorescence line height from R(sub rs)(𝜆) (nFLH) and the particulate backscattering (b(sub bp)(443)) provided by satellites to identify exponentially growing and senescent diatom blooms from space.

Lange, Priscila K.↗

Effective Emissivity of Nonisothermal Isogrid for Spacecraft Radiator Applications

Accurate knowledge of the optical properties of spacecraft components, especially external components, is critical for proper spacecraft thermal design. The effective emissivity of isogrid (an array of equilateral triangular cavities) is not well understood, which poses a challenge for spacecraft thermal management. In this thesis the effective emissivity of isogrid with a prescribed base temperature and nonisothermal walls is examined. The temperature profile of the cavity’s walls and the overall effective emissivity of the cavity are found using Thermal Desktop with Monte Carlo ray tracing. The effective emissivity’s dependence on the wall height, wall thickness, wall resistance, and surface emissivity are examined. The existence of a critical wall height, and the contributing factors to this critical height, are discussed. Comparisons between isogrid and cavities with different base geometries are made. A variable emissivity isogrid spacecraft radiator concept employing the cavity effect is proposed, and mechanisms for achieving this are discussed.

Seth Abramczyk↗

Application Table: A Bridge Connecting the Designing “With-The-Material” and “The-Material” Paradigms

Over the last few decades, advances in high-performance computing, new material characterization methods, and, more recently, an emphasis on integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) have been a catalyst for multiscale modeling and simulation-based design of materials and structures in the aerospace industry. In 2016 NASA sponsored a 2040 Vision study (which appeared in 2018) to define the potential 25-year future state required for integrated multiscale modeling of materials and systems (e.g., load-bearing structures) to accelerate the pace and reduce the expense of innovation in future aerospace and aeronautical systems. The study envisions a cyber-physical-social ecosystem comprised of experimentally verified and validated (V & V) computational models, tools, and techniques, along with the associated digital tapestry, that impacts the entire supply chain to enable cost-effective, rapid, and revolutionary design of “fit-for-purpose” materials, components, and systems. Consequently, the development of a robust information management system that incorporates (across the full life cycle) both experimental (real data) and virtual data resulting from the application of various simulation tools (at single or multiple length scales), therefore enabling the virtual design and optimization of materials throughout their processing – internal structure – property – performance envelope, has become critical. This need is also fueled by the demands for higher efficiency in material testing; consistency, quality, and traceability of data; product design; engineering analysis; as well as control of access to proprietary or sensitive information. This is particularly true when attempting to merge ICME practices with recent additive manufacturing technology which will enable production of the resulting 2040 Vision material and structural designs. At NASA Glenn Research Center we are exploring the future of material science through the use of novel characterization methodologies, high performance computing, and recently an emphasis on integrated computational materials engineering (ICME). Herein, recent efforts to incorporate an Application Table within NASA Glenn Research Center’s ICME Granta MI database is presented. The goal is to provide a place where material and structural application information/requirements can be linked so as to marry the “design the-material” and the “design-with-material” paradigms and thereby enable application-driven design and optimization of materials and structures by providing a central location that links material processing at various length scales to the application’s performance requirements. This paper discusses the specifics of this Application Table as well as best practices and key principles for the development of a robust materials information management system to enable the 2040 Vision integrated materials and structures ecosystem. Furthermore, it presents the intended role of the Application Table in the future of ICME design of “fit-for-purpose” materials, showing the need for a well-established framework that can successfully bridge the gap between the design “the material” and design “with-the-material” paradigms.

Materials↗

Application Table: A Bridge Connecting the Designing “With-the-Material” and “the-Material”

Over the last few decades, advances in high-performance computing, new material characterization methods, and, more recently, an emphasis on integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) have been a catalyst for multiscale modeling and simulation-based design of materials and structures in the aerospace industry. In 2016 NASA sponsored a 2040 Vision study (which appeared in 2018) to define the potential 25-year future state required for integrated multiscale modeling of materials and systems (e.g., load-bearing structures) to accelerate the pace and reduce the expense of innovation in future aerospace and aeronautical systems. The study envisions a cyber-physical-social ecosystem comprised of experimentally verified and validated (V & V) computational models, tools, and techniques, along with the associated digital tapestry, that impacts the entire supply chain to enable cost-effective, rapid, and revolutionary design of “fit-for-purpose” materials, components, and systems. Consequently, the development of a robust information management system that incorporates (across the full life cycle) both experimental (real data) and virtual data resulting from the application of various simulation tools (at single or multiple length scales), therefore enabling the virtual design and optimization of materials throughout their processing – internal structure – property – performance envelope, has become critical. This need is also fueled by the demands for higher efficiency in material testing; consistency, quality, and traceability of data; product design; engineering analysis; as well as control of access to proprietary or sensitive information. This is particularly true when attempting to merge ICME practices with recent additive manufacturing technology which will enable production of the resulting 2040 Vision material and structural designs. At NASA Glenn Research Center we are exploring the future of material science through the use of novel characterization methodologies, high performance computing, and recently an emphasis on integrated computational materials engineering (ICME). Herein, recent efforts to incorporate an Application Table within NASA Glenn Research Center’s ICME Granta MI database is presented. The goal is to provide a place where material and structural application information/requirements can be linked so as to marry the “design the-material” and the “design-with-material” paradigms and thereby enable application-driven design and optimization of materials and structures by providing a central location that links material processing at various length scales to the application’s performance requirements. This paper discusses the specifics of this Application Table as well as best practices and key principles for the development of a robust materials information management system to enable the 2040 Vision integrated materials and structures ecosystem. Furthermore, it presents the intended role of the Application Table in the future of ICME design of “fit-for-purpose” materials, showing the need for a well-established framework that can successfully bridge the gap between the design “the material” and design “with-the-material” paradigms.

Materials↗