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At least 307 records · Page 17

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NASA NTRS1988

Biomedical support of man in space

In its broadest sense, biomedical support of man in space must not be limited to assisting spacecraft crew during the mission; such support should also ensure that flight personnel be able to perform properly during landing and after leaving the craft. Man has developed mechanisms that allow him to cope with specific stresses in his normal habitat; there is indisputable evidence that, in some cases, the space environment, by relieving these stresses, has also allowed the adaptive mechanisms to lapse, causing serious problems after re-entry. Inflight biomedical support must therefore include means to simulate some of the normal stresses of the Earth environment. In the area of cardiovascular performance, we have come to rely heavily on complex feedback mechanisms to cope with two stresses, often combined: postural changes, which alter the body axis along which gravitational acceleration acts, and physical exercise, which increases the total load on the system. Unless the appropriate responses are reinforced continuously during flight, crew members may be incapacitated upon return. The first step in the support process must be a study of the way in which changes in g, even of short duration, affect these responses. In particular we should learn more about effects of g on the "on" and "off" dynamics, using a variety of approaches: increased acceleration on one hand at recumbency, immersion, lower body positive pressure, and other means of simulating some of the effects of low g, on the other. Once we understand this, we will have to determine the minimal exposure dose required to maintain the response mechanisms. Finally, we shall have to design stresses that simulate Earth environment and can be imposed in the space vehicle. Some of the information is already at hand; we know that several aspects of the response to exercise are affected by posture. Results from a current series of studies on the kinetics of tilt and on the dynamics of readjustment to exercise in different postures will be presented and discussed.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

DOE OSTI2025

Long-term measurements of ice nucleating particles at Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) sites worldwide

Ice nucleating particles (INPs) play a critical role in cloud microphysics and precipitation formation, yet long-term, spatially extensive observational datasets remain limited. Here, we present one of the most comprehensive publicly available datasets of immersion-mode INP concentrations using a single analytical method, generated through the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility. INP filter samples have been collected across a broad range of environments – including agricultural plains, Arctic coastlines, high-elevation mountain sites, marine regions, and urban areas – via fixed observatories, mobile facility deployments, and vertically-resolved tethered balloon system operations. We describe the standardized processing and quality assurance pipeline, from filter collection and processing using the Ice Nucleation Spectrometer to final data products archived on the ARM Data Discovery portal. The dataset includes both total INP concentrations and selectively treated samples, allowing for classification of biological, organic, and inorganic INP types. It features a continuous 5-year record of INP measurements from a central U.S. site, with data collection still ongoing. Seasonal and site-specific differences in INP concentrations are illustrated through intercomparisons at −10 and −20 °C, revealing distinct regional sources and atmospheric drivers. We also outline mechanisms for researchers to access existing data, request additional sample analyses, and propose future field campaigns involving ARM INP measurements. This dataset supports a wide range of scientific applications, from observational and mechanistic studies to model development, and provides critical constraints on aerosol-cloud interactions across diverse atmospheric regimes (Creamean et al., 2024, 2020b; https://doi.org/10.5439/1770816).

Creamean, Jessie M. [Colorado State Univ., Fort Co↗

NASA NTRS2014

Virtual Reality as a Medium for Sensorimotor Adaptation Training and Spaceflight Countermeasures

Astronauts experience a profound sensorimotor adaptation during transition to and from the microgravity environment of space. With the upcoming shift to extra‐long duration missions (upwards of 1 year) aboard the International Space Station, the immediate risks to astronauts during these transitory periods become more important than ever to understand and prepare for. Recent advances in virtual reality technology enable everyday adoption of these tools for entertainment and use in training. Embedding an individual in a virtual environment (VE) allows the ability to change the perception of visual flow, elicit automatic motor behavior and produce sensorimotor adaptation, not unlike those required during long duration microgravity exposure. The overall goal of this study is to determine the feasibility of present head mounted display technology (HMD) to produce reliable visual flow information and the expected adaptation associated with virtual environment manipulation to be used in future sensorimotor adaptability countermeasures. To further understand the influence of visual flow on gait adaptation during treadmill walking, a series of discordant visual flow manipulations in a virtual environment are proposed. Six healthy participants (3 male and 3 female) will observe visual flow information via HMD (Oculus Rift DK2) while walking on an instrumented treadmill at their preferred walking speed. Participants will be immersed in a series of VE's resembling infinite hallways with different visual characteristics: an office hallway, a hallway with pillars and the hallway of a fictional spacecraft. Participants will perform three trials of 10 min. each, which include walking on the treadmill while receiving congruent or incongruent visual information via the HMD. In the first trial, participants will experience congruent visual information (baseline) where the hallway is perceived to move at the same rate as their walking speed. The final two trials will be randomized among participants where the hallway is perceived to move at either half (0.5x) or twice (2.0x) their preferred walking speed. Participants will remain on the treadmill between trials and will not be warned of the upcoming change to visual flow to minimize preparatory adjustments. Stride length, step frequency and dual‐support time will be quantified during each trial. We hypothesize that participants will experience a rapid modification in gait performance during periods of adaptive change, expressed as a decrease in step length, an increase in step frequency and an increase in dual‐support time, followed by a period of adaptation where these movement parameters will return to near‐baseline levels. As stride length, step frequency and dual support times return to baseline values, an adaptation time constant will be derived to establish individual time‐to‐adapt (TTA). HMD technology represents a paradigm shift in sensorimotor adaptation training where gait adaptability can be stressed using off‐the‐shelf consumer products and minimal experimental equipment, allowing for greater training flexibility in astronaut and terrestrial applications alike.

Madansingh, S.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Digital Twin: Visualizing the Future of the Power Grid [Slides]

The energy systems are generating data at a scale and complexity that increasingly outpaces our ability to analyze it. This talk argues that rigorous, large-scale visualization is a critical tool for meeting that challenge. Drawing on recent work in the Computational Science Center at the National Laboratory of the Rockies, we trace a progression of visualization research culminating in an immersive digital twin of a real campus power grid. Along the way, we examine why visualization matters at all, where widely-used techniques quietly fail, and what becomes analytically possible when you match the display environment to the scale of the problem.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

NASA NTRS1996

Development of a low-cost virtual reality workstation for training and education

Virtual Reality (VR) is a set of breakthrough technologies that allow a human being to enter and fully experience a 3-dimensional, computer simulated environment. A true virtual reality experience meets three criteria: (1) it involves 3-dimensional computer graphics; (2) it includes real-time feedback and response to user actions; and (3) it must provide a sense of immersion. Good examples of a virtual reality simulator are the flight simulators used by all branches of the military to train pilots for combat in high performance jet fighters. The fidelity of such simulators is extremely high -- but so is the price tag, typically millions of dollars. Virtual reality teaching and training methods are manifestly effective, but the high cost of VR technology has limited its practical application to fields with big budgets, such as military combat simulation, commercial pilot training, and certain projects within the space program. However, in the last year there has been a revolution in the cost of VR technology. The speed of inexpensive personal computers has increased dramatically, especially with the introduction of the Pentium processor and the PCI bus for IBM-compatibles, and the cost of high-quality virtual reality peripherals has plummeted. The result is that many public schools, colleges, and universities can afford a PC-based workstation capable of running immersive virtual reality applications. My goal this summer was to assemble and evaluate such a system.

Phillips, James A.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Virtual Reality Simulation of the International Space Welding Experiment

Virtual Reality (VR) is a set of breakthrough technologies that allow a human being to enter and fully experience a 3-dimensional, computer simulated environment. A true virtual reality experience meets three criteria: (1) It involves 3-dimensional computer graphics; (2) It includes real-time feedback and response to user actions; and (3) It must provide a sense of immersion. Good examples of a virtual reality simulator are the flight simulators used by all branches of the military to train pilots for combat in high performance jet fighters. The fidelity of such simulators is extremely high -- but so is the price tag, typically millions of dollars. Virtual reality teaching and training methods are manifestly effective, and we have therefore implemented a VR trainer for the International Space Welding Experiment. My role in the development of the ISWE trainer consisted of the following: (1) created texture-mapped models of the ISWE's rotating sample drum, technology block, tool stowage assembly, sliding foot restraint, and control panel; (2) developed C code for control panel button selection and rotation of the sample drum; (3) In collaboration with Tim Clark (Antares Virtual Reality Systems), developed a serial interface box for the PC and the SGI Indigo so that external control devices, similar to ones actually used on the ISWE, could be used to control virtual objects in the ISWE simulation; (4) In collaboration with Peter Wang (SFFP) and Mark Blasingame (Boeing), established the interference characteristics of the VIM 1000 head-mounted-display and tested software filters to correct the problem; (5) In collaboration with Peter Wang and Mark Blasingame, established software and procedures for interfacing the VPL DataGlove and the Polhemus 6DOF position sensors to the SGI Indigo serial ports. The majority of the ISWE modeling effort was conducted on a PC-based VR Workstation, described below.

Phillips, James A.↗

NASA NTRS2021

Ambient Performance Testing of the CubeSat Infrared Atmospheric Sounder (CIRAS)

Hyperspectral infrared measurements of Earth’s atmosphere from space have proven their value for weather forecasting, climate science and atmospheric composition. The CubeSat Infrared Atmospheric Sounder (CIRAS) instrument will demonstrate a fully functional infrared temperature, water vapor and carbon monoxide sounder in a CubeSat sized volume for at least an order of magnitude lower cost than legacy systems. Design for a CubeSat significantly reduces cost of access to space and enables flight in a constellation to reduce revisit time and enable new measurements including 3D winds. A technology demonstration of CIRAS is currently under development at JPL. The effort has completed integration and ambient testing of a high fidelity brassboard, complete with the flight configured optics assembly developed by Ball Aerospace with a JPL Immersion Grating and Black Silicon Entrance Slit. The brassboard includes a flight-configured High Operating Temperature Barrier Infrared Detector (HOT-BIRD) mounted in an Integrated Dewar Cryocooler Assembly (IDCA), enabling testing in the ambient environment. Ambient testing included radiometric testing of the system to characterize the instrument operability and NEdT. Spatial testing was performed to characterize the system line spread function (LSF) in two axes and report FWHM of the LSF. Spectral testing involved an air path test to characterize the spectral/spatial transformation matrix, and an etalon was used to measure the Spectral Response Functions (SRFs). Results of the testing show the CIRAS performs exceptionally well and meets the key performance required of the system. The end result of testing is the CIRAS instrument now meets TRL 4 with confidence in a brassboard configuration ready for thermal vacuum (TVac) testing necessary to achieve TRL 5 for the system.

Wilson, Robert C.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Virtual Reality for Shoot/No-Shoot Decision Training in Law Enforcement: A Literature Review and Research Agenda

Virtual reality (VR) can materially improve “shoot / no-shoot” (SNS) training by giving officers realistic, repeatable practice making high-stakes decisions under pressure. Traditional tools—live-fire ranges and video simulators—build basics, but they cannot adapt to each officer in real time or fully mirror the complexity of the field. VR closes that gap by creating immersive scenarios that are safer, more flexible, easier to scale across units, and able to capture objective performance data. SNS decisions are not just about marksmanship; they rely on perception, judgment, memory, and the ability to hold fire when a threat is uncertain. Effective training therefore needs realism, decision complexity, and branching outcomes that reflect the true consequences of choices. These elements strengthen recognition of hostile intent while reducing false positives and building the self-control required in ambiguous situations. VR brings specific advantages: dynamic environments, full-body interaction, and the ability to measure performance with precision—enabling targeted feedback and better transfer of learning to the street. At the same time, responsible deployment must address scenario quality (credible environments and behaviors), lawful decision models, and user wellbeing (appropriate stress levels, comfort, and safety). Sandia’s VIPER Lab is positioned to lead this work. The team combines human-performance science, AI/ML, and VR/AR development with a deep equipment bench (e.g., omnidirectional treadmill, eye-tracking, haptics, multiple HMDs). This ecosystem supports building and validating next-generation SNS training that is immersive, measurable, and trustworthy. Bottom line: Investment in VR-enabled SNS training that blends evidence-based design with careful validation and legal safeguards is expected to pay off in safer, more consistent decision-making and improved community trust, delivered through training that is practical to deploy at scale.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

DOE OSTI2025

Underwater thermomagnetic generator for remote marine thermal energy harvesting and sensing

Thermomagnetic generators offer a promising approach for sustainable power generation in remote marine environments. Here, this study presents the design, thermal modeling, and experimental validation of a passively driven underwater thermomagnetic generator developed for powering ocean observation and monitoring sensors. The generator was evaluated under varying working fluids, thermal boundary conditions, and extended operation to assess real-world applicability. Two fluids, deionized water and silicone-based Thermal C5, were tested under simulated shallow- and deep-ocean conditions. Deionized water outperformed Thermal C5, especially in colder environments (~5°C), achieving a peak output of 2.7 mW due to larger temperature gradients and enhanced convective-evaporative heat transfer. Long-duration tests revealed a transient evaporation-condensation cycle that temporarily reduced rotor immersion and performance before stabilizing. The generator powered commercial marine sensors for over 6 h without external batteries, demonstrating the viability of compact, passively cooled thermomagnetic systems for autonomous, off-grid marine sensing.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Chromium-Free Coating for Al Alloy Corrosion Protection Based on a Novel Ti/Mg Oxyfluoride

Chromium-free corrosion protection of aluminum alloys comparable to that of chromates (Cr(VI)) is demonstrated using a TiF 6 2– fluoro-anion-based coating recipe containing boric acid and a Mg salt. Boric acid drove TiF 6 2– hydrolysis enabling up to micrometer-scale thick coatings. The Mg salt led to deposition of a novel crystalline phase Ti/Mg oxyfluoride coating with an approximate composition of Ti 5 MgO 7 F 8 . Corrosion protection performance was characterized by polarization resistance measurements during immersion in 5% aqueous NaCl solution and neutral salt fog exposure following ASTM B.117. The performance is discussed in terms of the presence of fluoride in the coating enabling active behavior during its gradual depletion (in corrosion environments) toward a final composition approaching TiO 2 . This active corrosion protection mechanism may be more generally applicable for transition metal-based coatings that do not have high oxidation state oxo-anions, but do have stable fluoro-anions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

In Situ Measurement of Stress Corrosion Crack Tip Properties During Environmentally Induced Cracking in Stainless Steel 304L

The influence of the external cathodic area, stress intensity, and electrochemical polarization level on the resultant crack growth rate and crack tip pH and potential was studied for stainless steel 304L in a sodium chloride environment. Before testing, the validity of in situ crack tip property measurements using microprobes and drilled holes was supported through modeling efforts and confirmed with experimental observations. Here, it was found that increasing the R-ratio during corrosion fatigue increased the crack growth rate and decreased the measured crack tip pH of the 304L sample. Decreasing the electrochemical potential (i.e., cathodic polarization) of the bulk sample increased the crack tip pH and stopped measured crack extension under constant K conditions. Conversely, increasing the potential of the bulk sample decreased the crack tip pH and induced cracking under constant K conditions. Decreasing the cathodic area external to the crack increased the measured pH at the crack tip and decreased the crack growth rate under fatigue conditions. For the given configuration, environment, and alloy studied, fatigue crack growth is not sustained by cathodic reactions solely occurring in the crack wake and notch. These results have implications for the ability to predict atmospheric crack growth rates from laboratory, full immersion experiments.

corrosion fatigue↗

NASA NTRS2023

Using Virtual Reality to Envision Deployment of Spacesuit-Compatible Augmented Reality Displays for Lunar Surface Operations

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will soon land crew on the lunar surface to establish a sustainable presence and develop operational concepts for future long-duration missions. New technologies will be necessary to extend planning and execution capabilities for lunar surface activities. The Joint Augmented Reality Visual Informatics System (Joint AR) at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) is one such technology. Joint AR is a suit-mounted augmented reality (AR) display and compute system which facilitates unprecedented information exchange and data visualization capabilities between mission support operators and suited crew. This paper describes challenges associated with developing an AR technology for an envisioned work domain by applying a sociotechnical lens to the iterative testing and development of novel AR technology through virtual reality (VR). A foundational VR testbed was established, providing a high-fidelity approximation of the lunar surface and enabling testing of envisioned AR system features in parallel with real world product development. Using this environment, a series of human-in-the-loop experiments were conducted using VR to deploy a notional AR system supporting use cases envisioned for lunar exploration extravehicular activity (xEVA). Our findings indicate VR is a powerful and immersive tool for testing capabilities which extend beyond the limitations of current AR technology. Our VR testbed enables early testing of proposed system features, advancing identification of high-value features and driving present-day development of Joint AR. Future work directions are discussed, including lessons learned and a roadmap for an iterative research and development approach applying VR (among other testbeds) to accelerate Joint AR system maturation.

Augmented reality↗

DOE OSTI2025

Exploring the Use of Large Immersive Display Systems in the Nuclear Industry

Large immersive display systems play a critical role in the nuclear industry by enabling advanced training, design reviews, scientific visualization, and safety simulations. These systems, such as CAVE and powerwalls, allow engineers and operators to interact with virtual nuclear environments in real-time, providing a deeper understanding of complex systems. Their ability to simulate real-world scenarios for testing and optimization in a safe, controlled environment ensures that operators and engineers can refine process, enhance safety protocols, and troubleshoot complex challenges. This article outlines key lessons learned from deploying these systems, practical insights into their applications, and considerations for future improvements, aiming to guide their broader adoption and effective use in the nuclear industry.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

NASA NTRS2001

Integrated Design of a Telerobotic Workstation

The experiments described in this paper are part of a larger joint MIT/NASA research effort that focuses on the development of a methodology for designing and evaluating integrated interfaces for highly dexterous and multi-functional telerobots. Specifically, a telerobotic workstation is being designed for an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) anthropomorphic space station telerobot. Previous researchers have designed telerobotic workstations based upon performance of discrete subsets of tasks (for example, peg-in-hole, tracking, etc.) without regard for transitions that operators go through between tasks performed sequentially in the context of larger integrated tasks. The exploratory research experiments presented here took an integrated approach and assessed how subjects operating a full-immersion telerobot perform during the transitions between sub-tasks of two common EVA tasks. Preliminary results show that up to 30% of total task time is spent gaining and maintaining Situation Awareness (SA) of their task space and environment during transitions. Although task performance improves over the two trial days, the percentage of time spent on SA remains the same. This method identifies areas where workstation displays and feedback mechanisms are most needed to increase operator performance and decrease operator workload - areas that previous research methods have not been able to address.

Rochlis, Jennifer L.↗

NASA NTRS1963

A Technique for Simulating Conditions of Walking and Performing Other Self-Locomotive Activities on the Lunar Terrain

One of the most important and probably the most interesting phase of a manned lunar mission will be the time the astronauts spend outside their vehicle on the moon's surface taking scientific measurements, exploring the surface features, surveying possible sites for a lunar base, inspecting their vehicle and preparing it for their return trip. Because the lunar gravity is only one-sixth that of the earth gravity, the explorers undoubtedly will have to adjust their accustomed methods of walking, climbing, jumping and performing other self-locomotive activities in order to carry out these various tasks. In as much as the over-all success of the lunar mission will depend to a large extent upon the self-reliance of the explorers, it will be necessary to have extensive knowledge of the effects of the moon's reduced gravity on the physical capabilities of man and of man's ability to adopt to the new environment prior to the planning and execution of the mission. At the present time there is a dearth of information on this subject due primarily to the lack of a practical technique for simulating the reduced gravity. Several techniques such as immersion in water and riding in an airplane flying a Keplerian trajectory have been used for zero-g or weightlessness studies to determine the physical capabilities of man but these techniques are limited in their usefulness either by restrictions imposed by the viscous effect of the water or by the short duration and small test area available in an airplane. Consequently, an effort was made at the NASA Langley Research Center to devise a new technique that would provide a realistic simlation of a reduced gravity for unlimited periods of time and allow freedom of movement over considerable distances. This paper concerns itself with a discussion of the newly developed simulation technique and a presentation of some preliminary results which were obtained utilizing a working model based on this scheme.

Hewes, Donald E.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Acclimatization to cold in humans

This review focuses on the responses and mechanisms of both natural and artificial acclimatization to a cold environment in mammals, with specific reference to human beings. The purpose is to provide basic information for designers of thermal protection systems for astronauts during intra- and extravehicular activities. Hibernation, heat production, heat loss, vascular responses, body insulation, shivering thermogenesis, water immersion, exercise responses, and clinical symptoms and hypothermia in the elderly are discussed.

Kaciuba-Uscilko, Hanna↗

NASA NTRS1999

New approaches to virtual environment surgery

This research focused on two main problems: 1) low cost, high fidelity stereoscopic imaging of complex tissues and organs; and 2) virtual cutting of tissue. A further objective was to develop these images and virtual tissue cutting methods for use in a telemedicine project that would connect remote sites using the Next Generation Internet. For goal one we used a CT scan of a human heart, a desktop PC with an OpenGL graphics accelerator card, and LCD stereoscopic glasses. Use of multiresolution meshes ranging from approximately 1,000,000 to 20,000 polygons speeded interactive rendering rates enormously while retaining general topography of the dataset. For goal two, we used a CT scan of an infant skull with premature closure of the right coronal suture, a Silicon Graphics Onyx workstation, a Fakespace Immersive WorkBench and CrystalEyes LCD glasses. The high fidelity mesh of the skull was reduced from one million to 50,000 polygons. The cut path was automatically calculated as the shortest distance along the mesh between a small number of hand selected vertices. The region outlined by the cut path was then separated from the skull and translated/rotated to assume a new position. The results indicate that widespread high fidelity imaging in virtual environment is possible using ordinary PC capabilities if appropriate mesh reduction methods are employed. The software cutting tool is applicable to heart and other organs for surgery planning, for training surgeons in a virtual environment, and for telemedicine purposes.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗

DOE OSTI2021

Fabrication and durability characterization of superhydrophobic and lubricant-infused surfaces

Hypothesis: Practical applications of non-wetting surfaces require good mechanical durability in the wet environments for which they are intended to be used. Durability of non-wetting surfaces is influenced by the surface features, interaction with the functionalization agent, and the lubricant properties that can be tuned independently to identify optimal combination. Experiments: In this study, superhydrophobic and lubricant-infused surfaces are fabricated on copper tubes using chemical etching and electrodeposition texturing techniques, six different functionalizing agents, and five different infused lubricants. Through 180 fabrication combinations and 102 durability tests, each parameter is systematically studied for contributions to initial non-wetting behavior and its durability in heated, wet environment, under high-energy water jet impingement, and under accelerated flow conditions. Findings: Among the adsorbing and curing functionalization agents investigated, n-Hexadecyl mercaptan that belongs to the sulfhydryl group and Sylgard-184, respectively, showed high durability in heated water immersion and under jet impingement tests. For lubricant-infused surfaces, lubricants with high surface tension demonstrated high durability in heated water immersion test, whereas durability in hydrodynamic conditions is closely correlated to lubricant viscosity. Results showed that a lubricant-infused surface will maintain its non-wetting properties in dropwise condensation conditions for approximately 1.5 years.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗