Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “science for 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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Towards a Software Development Framework for Interconnected Science Ecosystems

The innovative science of the future must be multi-domain and interconnected to usher in the next generation of “self-driving” laboratories enabling consequential discoveries and transformative inventions. Such a disparate and interconnected ecosystem of scientific instruments will need to evolve using a system-of-systems (SoS) approach. The key to enabling application integration with such an SoS will be the use of Software Development Kits (SDKs). Currently, SDKs facilitate scientific research breakthroughs via algorithmic automation, databases and storage, optimization and structure, pervasive environmental monitoring, among others. However, existing SDKs lack instrument-interoperability and reusability capabilities, do not effectively work in an open federated architectural environment, and are largely isolated within silos of the respective scientific disciplines. Inspired by the scalable SoS framework, this work proposes the development of INTERSECT-SDK to provide a coherent environment for multi-domain scientific applications to benefit from the open federated architecture in an interconnected ecosystem of instruments. This approach will decompose functionality into loosely coupled software services for interoperability among several solutions that do not scale beyond a single domain and/or application. Furthermore, the proposed environment will allow operational and managerial inter-dependence while providing opportunities for the researchers to reuse software components from other domains and build universal solution libraries. We demonstrate this research for microscopy use-case, where we show how INTERSECT-SDK is developing the tools necessary to enable advanced scanning methods and accelerate scientific discovery.

Malviya, Addi Thakur↗
NASA NTRS2016

Watershed-Scale Modeling of Land-Use and Altered Environment Impacts on Aquatic Weed Growth in the Delta

The California Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is the hub for California's water supply, conveying water from Northern to Southern California agriculture and communities while supporting important ecosystem services, agriculture, and communities in the Delta. Changes in climate, long-term drought, and water quality have all been suspected as playing role in the dramatic expansion of invasive aquatic plants and their impact on ecosystems of the San Francisco Bay / California Delta complex. NASA Ames Research Center, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, the State of California, UC Davis, and local governments have partnered under a USDA sponsored project (DRAAWP) to develop science-based, adaptive-management strategies for invasive aquatic plants in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Critical to developing management strategies is to understand how the Delta is affected by both the magnitude of fluctuations in land-use and climate / drought induced altered environments and how the plants respond to these altered environments. We utilize the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), a watershed-scale model developed to quantify the impact of land management practices in large and complex watersheds on water quality, as the backbone for a customized Delta model - Delta-SWAT. The model uses land-use, soils, elevation, and hydrologic routing to characterize pesticide and nutrient transport from the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers watersheds and loading into the Delta. Land-use within the Delta, as well as water extraction to supply those functions, and the resulting return of water to Delta waterways are included in Delta-SWAT. Hydrologic transport within the Delta has required significant attention to address the lack of elevation driven transport processes. Delta-SWAT water quality trend estimates are compared with water quality monitoring conducted throughout the Delta. Aquatic plant response to water quality and other environmental factors is carried out using a customized model component. Plant response to the range of water quality factors, response times, and altered temperature and light regimes of the Delta have required gap-filling studies to provide model parameters. Delta-SWAT provides a tool for evaluating temporal and spatial effects of land-use and altered environments in the Delta and contributing watersheds on aquatic weed growth. Using Delta-SWAT for simulation modeling allows evaluation of historic and current conditions as well as consideration potential climate change and management practice outcomes. Delta-SWAT adds to the scientific understanding of dynamics in the Delta and enhances development of science-informed, management strategies and practices.

Ecosystem↗
NASA NTRS1983

Continued development of the radio science technique as a tool for planetary and solar system exploration

A possible alternative to a spacecraft monostatic radar system for surface studies of Titan is introduced. The results of a short study of the characteristics of a bistatic radar investigation of Titan's surface, presented in terms of the Voyager 1 flyby and a proposed Galileo orbiter of Saturn are outlined. The critical factors which need to be addressed in order to optimize the radio occultation technique for the study of clouds and cloud regions in planetary atmospheres are outlined. Potential improvements in the techniques for measuring small-scale structures in planetary atmospheres and ionospheres are addressed. The development of a technique for vastly improving the radial resolution from the radio occultation measurements of the rings of Saturn is discussed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1998

Presentation to International Space University Students on g-LIMIT and STABLE-ATD Projects and Related Microgravity Vibration Isolation Topics

Vibration isolation is a necessity in the development of science in space and especially those experiments destined for operation on the International Space Station (ISS). The premise of microgravity scientific research is that in space, disturbances are minimized and experiments can be conducted in the absence of gravity. Although microgravity conditions exist in space, disturbances are still present in various forms and can be detrimental to the success of a microgravity experiment. Due to the plethora of disturbances and the various types that will occur on the space station, the microgravity community has elected to incorporate various means of isolating scientific payloads from these unwanted vibrations. Designing these vibration isolators is a crucial task to achieve true microgravity science. Since conventional methods of isolating payloads can achieve only limited isolation, new technologies are being developed to achieve the goal of designing a generic vibration isolation system. One such system being developed for the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) is called g-LIMIT which stands for Glovebox Integrated Microgravity Isolation Technology. The g-LIMIT system is a miniaturized active vibration isolator for glovebox experiments. Although the system is initially developed for glovebox experiments, the g-LIMIT technology is designed to be upwardly scaleable to provide isolation for a broad range of users. The g-LIMIT system is scheduled to be flown on the UF-2 mission in August of the year 2000 and will be tested shortly thereafter. Once the system has been fully qualified, the hardware will become available for other researchers and will provide a platform upon which the goal of microgravity science can be achieved.

Alhorn, Dean↗
NASA NTRS1984

The design and development of a release mechanism for space shuttle life-science experiments

The design, development, and testing of a release mechanism for use in two life science experiments on the Spacelab 1, 4, and D1 missions is described. The mechanism is a self latching ball lock device actuated by a linear solenoid. An unusual feature is the tapering of the ball lock plunger to give it a near constant breakout force for release under a wide range of loads. The selection of the design, based on the design requirements, is discussed. A number of problems occurred during development and test, including problems caused by human factors that became apparent after initial delivery for crewtraining sessions. These problems and their solutions are described to assist in the design and testing of similar mechanisms.

Jones, H. M.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Omics Research on the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is an orbiting laboratory whose goals include advancing science and technology research. Completion of ISS assembly ushered a new era focused on utilization, encompassing multiple disciplines such as Biology and Biotechnology, Physical Sciences, Technology Development and Demonstration, Human Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and Educational Activities. The research complement planned for upcoming ISS Expeditions 45&46 includes several investigations in the new field of omics, which aims to collectively characterize sets of biomolecules (e.g., genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic products) that translate into organismic structure and function. For example, Multi‐Omics is a JAXA investigation that analyzes human microbial metabolic cross‐talk in the space ecosystem by evaluating data from immune dysregulation biomarkers, metabolic profiles, and microbiota composition. The NASA OsteoOmics investigation studies gravitational regulation of osteoblast genomics and metabolism. Tissue Regeneration uses pan‐omics approaches with cells cultured in bioreactors to characterize factors involved in mammalian bone tissue regeneration in microgravity. Rodent Research‐3 includes an experiment that implements pan‐omics to evaluate therapeutically significant molecular circuits, markers, and biomaterials associated with microgravity wound healing and tissue regeneration in bone defective rodents. The JAXA Mouse Epigenetics investigation examines molecular alterations in organ specific gene expression patterns and epigenetic modifications, and analyzes murine germ cell development during long term spaceflight. Lastly, Twins Study ("Differential effects of homozygous twin astronauts associated with differences in exposure to spaceflight factors"), NASA's first foray into human omics research, applies integrated analyses to assess biomolecular responses to physical, physiological, and environmental stressors associated with spaceflight.

Love, John↗
DOE OSTI2018

Workshop to Identify Opportunities in Biological and Environmental Research Uniquely Enabled by the APS Upgrade

The development of synchrotron-based x-ray science has enabled tremendous scientific advances, driven both by discoveries of new fundamental ways to derive insight from the interaction of x-rays with matter and by the evolution of x-ray light sources themselves. Over the last 20-plus years, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne has yielded a multitude of transformational insights into science questions across numerous areas relevant to the biological, geological, geochemical, biogeochemical, and environmental sciences. Recent developments in accelerator technology, particularly the multi-bend achromat lattice, have led to plans to dramatically upgrade the APS, allowing an upgraded APS to offer orders-of-magnitude improvements in key parameters such as coherence and brightness, while retaining high-energy capabilities. These enhanced parameters are directly relevant to almost all hard x-ray imaging, scattering, and spectroscopy experiments (Eriksson et al., 2014). The APS Upgrade Project exceeds the capabilities of today’s synchrotrons by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude in brightness and coherent flux in the hard x-ray range, enabling a transformational range of new probes for the structure, properties, and functionality of matter. With vastly improved coherent flux, nearly all techniques can become microscopies. For example, frontiers inaccessible today will be opened by x-ray instruments that provide three-dimensional (3-D) real-space resolution down to nanometers across, up to millimeters of field of view, providing the ability to follow in real time relevant processes and trace element sensitivity down to a few atoms. In addition to the unprecedented spatial resolution across a large field of view, and with appropriate time resolution, the ability for high-throughput, four-dimension/five-dimension data collection enables unprecedented statistical analysis of complex biological and environmental systems in changing environments.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SISGR: Improved Electrical Energy Storage with Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitance Based on Novel Carbon Electrodes, New Electrolytes, and Thorough Development of a Strong Science Base

The broad objective of the SISGR program is to advance the fundamental scientific understanding of electrochemical double layer capacitance (EDLC) and thus of ultracapacitor systems composed of a new type of electrode based on chemically modified graphene (CMG) and (primarily) with ionic liquids (ILs) as the electrolyte. Our team has studied the interplay between graphene-based and graphene-derived carbons as the electrode materials in electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLC) systems on the one hand, and electrolytes including novel ionic liquids (ILs), on the other, based on prior work on the subject.

Ruoff, Rodney S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment - Science, engineering, and hardware development for USMP space flights

The Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE) has been designed to provide microgravity data on dendritic growth for a critical test of theory. This paper updates progress on constructing a crystal growth chamber suitable for space flight. The IDGE chamber is constructed from glass and stainless steel and is hermetically sealed by electron beam welds and glass-metal seals. Initial tests of the chambers sample's melting point plateau show that the new chamber design is capable of preserving the 99.9995 percent purity of succinonitrile. Dendrite growth can be initiated in the center of the IDGE chamber by means of thermo-electric coolers and a capillary injector tube (stinger). The new IDGE chamber is ready for fully integrated tests with the prototype IDGE engineering hardware at NASA's Lewis Research Center.

Glicksman, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS2009

UAVSAR: Airborne L-band Radar for Repeat Pass Interferometry

The primary objectives of the UAVSAR Project were to: a) develop a miniaturized polarimetric L-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for use on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or piloted vehicle. b) develop the associated processing algorithms for repeat-pass differential interferometric measurements using a single antenna. c) conduct measurements of geophysical interest, particularly changes of rapidly deforming surfaces such as volcanoes or earthquakes. Two complete systems were developed. Operational Science Missions began on February 18, 2009 ... concurrent development and testing of the radar system continues.

Moes, Timothy R.↗
NASA NTRS2017

The Far-Infrared Surveyor Mission Study: Paper I, the Genesis

This paper describes the beginning of the Far-Infrared Surveyor mission study for NASA's Astrophysics Decadal 2020. We describe the scope of the study, and the open process approach of the Science and Technology Definition Team. We are currently developing the science cases and provide some preliminary highlights here. We note key areas for technological innovation and improvements necessary to make a Far-Infrared Surveyor mission a reality.

JWST↗
NASA NTRS2020

Leveraging Partnerships, Science Content, Special Events, and NASA Assets to Help Girl Scouts Earn Space Science Badges

Throughout 2019, NASA celebrated historic anniversaries and announced bold new programs generating excitement about earth and space exploration. One of the most notable events was the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 historic first steps on the Moon. Complementing this anniversary event were the additional activities and events conducted across the agency that highlighted the many science achievements that were attained across all of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Divisions (earth, planetary, heliophysics, and astrophysics). Further excitement was generated through NASA’s Artemis program which plans to send the first woman and next man to the surface of the Moon. NASA continues to inspire the public including learners of all ages around the world. Building on this momentum, in October 2019, the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Science Engagement team partnered with the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) and the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto to host an event that enabled Girl Scouts to earn recently released space science badges developed by the Reach for the Stars: NASA Science for Girls Scouts Program. The event celebrated SMD science and highlighted Earth’s Moon and International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN) while facilitating the earning of the NASA inspired space science badges. This event was coordinated and led by the ARES Science Engagement team as part of their collaborative work and involvement in NASA’s SMD Science Activation Program.

Graff, P. V.↗
NASA NTRS2023

Advancing Solar and Heliospheric Science Through the Ongoing Development and Support of Atomic and Laboratory Plasma Physics

This paper outlines the necessity for the availability, accessibility, and expansion of atomic physics data and analysis tools for the meaningful interpretation of spectroscopic and polarimetric observations. As we move towards observing the Sun at higher spatio-temporal resolutions, and near-continuously at a range of wavelengths, it becomes critical to develop the appropriate atomic data and physics tools to facilitate scientific progress. We recommend the continued improvement and expansion of current databases to support the development of optically-thick/radiative transfer models, evaluate non-thermal and non-equilibrium ionization effects, and quantify uncertainties in atomic and molecular values. A critical longterm goal will require extending and strengthening collaborations across the atomic, solar/heliospheric, and laboratory plasma physics communities through the participation and training of early career scientists. We also recommend establishing funding for a centralized atomic physics resource made up of a comprehensive and user-oriented atomic database and modeling framework.

Y J Rivera↗