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At least 325 records · Page 18

ESML for Earth Science Data Sets and Analysis

The primary objective of this research project was to transition ESML from design to application. The resulting schema and prototype software will foster community acceptance for the Define once, use anywhere concept central to ESML. Supporting goals include: 1) Refinement of the ESML schema and software libraries in cooperation with the user community; 2) Application of the ESML schema and software to a variety of Earth science data sets and analysis tools; 3) Development of supporting prototype software for enhanced ease of use; 4) Cooperation with standards bodies in order to assure ESML is aligned with related metadata standards as appropriate; and 5) Widespread publication of the ESML approach, schema, and software.

Graves, Sara↗

DspaceOgre 3D Graphics Visualization Tool

This general-purpose 3D graphics visualization C++ tool is designed for visualization of simulation and analysis data for articulated mechanisms. Examples of such systems are vehicles, robotic arms, biomechanics models, and biomolecular structures. DspaceOgre builds upon the open-source Ogre3D graphics visualization library. It provides additional classes to support the management of complex scenes involving multiple viewpoints and different scene groups, and can be used as a remote graphics server. This software provides improved support for adding programs at the graphics processing unit (GPU) level for improved performance. It also improves upon the messaging interface it exposes for use as a visualization server.

Jain, Abhinandan↗

Teleoperation of Robonaut Using Finger Tracking

With the advent of new finger tracking systems, the idea of a more expressive and intuitive user interface is being explored and implemented. One practical application for this new kind of interface is that of teleoperating a robot. For humanoid robots, a finger tracking interface is required due to the level of complexity in a human-like hand, where a joystick isn't accurate. Moreover, for some tasks, using one's own hands allows the user to communicate their intentions more effectively than other input. The purpose of this project was to develop a natural user interface for someone to teleoperate a robot that is elsewhere. Specifically, this was designed to control Robonaut on the international space station to do tasks too dangerous and/or too trivial for human astronauts. This interface was developed by integrating and modifying 3Gear's software, which includes a library of gestures and the ability to track hands. The end result is an interface in which the user can manipulate objects in real time in the user interface. then, the information is relayed to a simulator, the stand in for Robonaut, at a slight delay.

robotics↗

Standard Transistor Arrays

Standard Transistor Array (STAR) design system is semicustom approach to generating random-logic integrated MOS digital circuits. Primary program in STAR system is CAPSTAR, STAR Cell Arrangement Program. CAPSTAR is augmented by automatic routining program, Display program and library of logic cells.

Cox, G. W.↗

The Environment for Application Software Integration and Execution (EASIE), version 1.0. Volume 2: Program integration guide

The Environment for Application Software Integration and Execution, EASIE, provides a methodology and a set of software utility programs to ease the task of coordinating engineering design and analysis codes. EASIE was designed to meet the needs of conceptual design engineers that face the task of integrating many stand-alone engineering analysis programs. Using EASIE, programs are integrated through a relational data base management system. In volume 2, the use of a SYSTEM LIBRARY PROCESSOR is used to construct a DATA DICTIONARY describing all relations defined in the data base, and a TEMPLATE LIBRARY. A TEMPLATE is a description of all subsets of relations (including conditional selection criteria and sorting specifications) to be accessed as input or output for a given application. Together, these form the SYSTEM LIBRARY which is used to automatically produce the data base schema, FORTRAN subroutines to retrieve/store data from/to the data base, and instructions to a generic REVIEWER program providing review/modification of data for a given template. Automation of these functions eliminates much of the tedious, error prone work required by the usual approach to data base integration.

Jones, Kennie H.↗

MHOST version 4.2. Volume 1: Users' manual

This manual describes the user options available for running the MHOST finite element analysis package. MHOST is a solid and structural analysis program based on mixed finite element technology, and is specifically designed for three-dimensional inelastic analysis. A family of two- and three-dimensional continuum elements along with beam and shell structural elements can be utilized. Many options are available in the constitutive equation library, the solution algorithms and the analysis capabilities. An overview of the algorithms, a general description of the input data formats, and a discussion of input data for selecting solution algorithms are given.

Nakazawa, Shohei↗

A Study on the Effect of Communication Performance on Message-Passing Parallel Programs: Methodology and Case Studies

From a source-program perspective, the performance achieved on distributed/parallel systems is governed by the underlying message-passing library overhead and the network capabilities of the architecture. Studying the impact of changes in these features on the source-program. can have a significant influence in the development of next-generation system designs. In this paper we introduce a simple and robust tool that can be used for this purpose. This tool is based on event-driven simulation of programs that generates a new set of trace events - that preserves causality and partial order - corresponding to the expected execution of the program in the simulated environment. Trace events can be visualized and source-level profile information can be used to pin-point locations of program which are most significantly affected with changing system parameters in the simulated environment. We present a number of examples from the NAS benchmark suite, executed on the Intel Paragon and iPSC/860 that are used to identify and expose performance bottlenecks with varying system parameters. Specific aspects of the system that significantly effect these benchmarks are presented and discussed,

Sarukkai, Sekhar R.↗

Molecular and biochemical evidence for the involvement of calcium/calmodulin in auxin action

The use of (35)S-labeled calmodulin (CaM) to screen a corn root cDNA expression library has led to the isolation of a CaM-binding protein, encoded by a cDNA with sequence similarity to small auxin up RNAs (SAURs), a class of early auxin-responsive genes. The cDNA designated as ZmSAUR1 (Zea mays SAURs) was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant protein was purified by CaM affinity chromatography. The CaM binding assay revealed that the recombinant protein binds to CaM in a calcium-dependent manner. Deletion analysis revealed that the CaM binding site was located at the NH(2)-terminal domain. A synthetic peptide of amino acids 20-45, corresponding to the potential CaM binding region, was used for calcium-dependent mobility shift assays. The synthetic peptide formed a stable complex with CaM only in the presence of calcium. The CaM affinity assay indicated that ZmSAUR1 binds to CaM with high affinity (K(d) approximately 15 nM) in a calcium-dependent manner. Comparison of the NH(2)-terminal portions of all of the characterized SAURs revealed that they all contain a stretch of the basic alpha-amphiphilic helix similar to the CaM binding region of ZmSAUR1. CaM binds to the two synthetic peptides from the NH(2)-terminal regions of Arabidopsis SAUR-AC1 and soybean 10A5, suggesting that this is a general phenomenon for all SAURs. Northern analysis was carried out using the total RNA isolated from auxin-treated corn coleoptile segments. ZmSAUR1 gene expression began within 10 min, increased rapidly between 10 and 60 min, and peaked around 60 min after 10 microM alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid treatment. These results indicate that ZmSAUR1 is an early auxin-responsive gene. The CaM antagonist N-(6-aminohexyl)5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide hydrochloride inhibited the auxin-induced cell elongation but not the auxin-induced expression of ZmSAUR1. This suggests that calcium/CaM do not regulate ZmSAUR1 at the transcriptional level. CaM binding to ZmSAUR1 in a calcium-dependent manner suggests that calcium/CaM regulate ZmSAUR1 at the post-translational level. Our data provide the first direct evidence for the involvement of calcium/CaM-mediated signaling in auxin-mediated signal transduction.

NASA Program Fundamental Space Biology↗

Quantifying the Sensitivity of Condition Incidence Parameters in the Evidence Library

One approach to quantifying spaceflight risk at NASA makes use event driven probabilistic techniques. The Medical Extensible Dynamic Probabilistic Risk Assessment Tool (MEDPRAT) is such a tool that estimates medical risk metrics via simulation and enables optimization of medical resources subject to mission constraints [1]. Previous analyses have informed medical set composition, exercise countermeasures, and water intake, where each analysis quantifies the risk associated with proposed variations in system design. As future mission profiles extend beyond Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and lengthen in duration, understanding these risks and contributing factors is critical. MEDPRAT employs Monte Carlo sampling techniques to simulate missions and track the occurrence of medical events. These events follow fault-tree-like progressions through levels of severity and mitigation via medical treatment to many possible outcomes and these are reported throughout the mission. Making this possible, are the medical databases that contain evidence gathered by the Human Research Program (HRP). Quantifying the impact of uncertainty or variability in the input data is an important step in evaluating the credibility of modeling and simulation results. In this work, we investigate the sensitivity of medical risk metrics with respect to the condition incidence parameters within the Evidence Library (EL) [2] as the medical database input for MEDPRAT. The medical conditions, contained in the EL, are equipped with incidence rates that describe the likelihood that the condition will occur. These incidence rates reflect historical spaceflight data or when appropriate, terrestrial data. In this presentation, we will explore how uncertainty in these rates propagate to the medical risk described by MEDPRAT. These results identify the conditions and parameters with the largest contribution to medical risks.

Ian Lim↗

Large liquid rocket engine transient performance simulation system

A simulation system, ROCETS, was designed and developed to allow cost-effective computer predictions of liquid rocket engine transient performance. The system allows a user to generate a simulation of any rocket engine configuration using component modules stored in a library through high-level input commands. The system library currently contains 24 component modules, 57 sub-modules and maps, and 33 system routines and utilities. FORTRAN models from other sources can be operated in the system upon inclusion of interface information on comment cards. Operation of the simulation is simplified for the user by run, execution, and output processors. The simulation system makes available steady-state trim balance, transient operation, and linear partial generation. The system utilizes a modern equation solver for efficient operation of the simulations. Transient integration methods include integral and differential forms for the trapezoidal, first order Gear, and second order Gear corrector equations. A detailed technology test bed engine (TTBE) model was generated to be used as the acceptance test of the simulation system. The general level of model detail was that reflected in the Space Shuttle Main Engine DTM. The model successfully obtained steady-state balance in main stage operation and simulated throttle transients, including engine starts and shutdown. A NASA FORTRAN control model was obtained, ROCETS interface installed in comment cards, and operated with the TTBE model in closed-loop transient mode.

Mason, J. R.↗

CESDIS

CESDIS, the Center of Excellence in Space Data and Information Sciences was developed jointly by NASA, Universities Space Research Association (USRA), and the University of Maryland in 1988 to focus on the design of advanced computing techniques and data systems to support NASA Earth and space science research programs. CESDIS is operated by USRA under contract to NASA. The Director, Associate Director, Staff Scientists, and administrative staff are located on-site at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The primary CESDIS mission is to increase the connection between computer science and engineering research programs at colleges and universities and NASA groups working with computer applications in Earth and space science. Research areas of primary interest at CESDIS include: 1) High performance computing, especially software design and performance evaluation for massively parallel machines; 2) Parallel input/output and data storage systems for high performance parallel computers; 3) Data base and intelligent data management systems for parallel computers; 4) Image processing; 5) Digital libraries; and 6) Data compression. CESDIS funds multiyear projects at U. S. universities and colleges. Proposals are accepted in response to calls for proposals and are selected on the basis of peer reviews. Funds are provided to support faculty and graduate students working at their home institutions. Project personnel visit Goddard during academic recess periods to attend workshops, present seminars, and collaborate with NASA scientists on research projects. Additionally, CESDIS takes on specific research tasks of shorter duration for computer science research requested by NASA Goddard scientists.

Source record↗

XHAB 2012 Final Report Habitat Demonstration Unit Lite

The University of Maryland Space Systems Laboratory (SSL) was awarded a NASA X-Hab 2012 grant for the design and construction of a new Earth analogue habitat for habitability research. This work builds on the past ECLIPSE and X-Hab projects at the SSL, by combining these elements with a new habitat module in order to create a single research platform for habitability studies. The “Crew Habitat Evaluator for Long-duration Orbital, Near-earth, and Interplanetary Applications” (CHELONIA) will deliver a much more flexible architecture than the previously developed mock-ups, allowing facilitating faster modification of the interior layouts and available total volume. This will enable the investigators to evaluate crew assessments and task performance as a function of the interior layout, functional area allocation and total available volume. This paper documents the design of this new infrastructure, and includes the details of the manufacturing of a new habitat mock-up module and modifications to the existing elements. The paper also includes a brief discussion of possible future research goals. Initial layouts are implemented using foam-core volumetric mock-ups for internal equipment and outfitting. These low fidelity mock-ups constitute a “library” that will allow a very rapid evaluation of a multitude of layouts. CHELONIA is also suitable for higher fidelity functional mock-ups, as well as short to medium-duration mission simulations. This new facility will enable the examination of habitat layouts for both partial gravity and microgravity environments. While partial gravity systems will be easily evaluated with the habitat currently in development, microgravity subsystems will be studied by utilizing low fidelity volumetric neutral buoyancy mock-ups in order to determine if commonality in the design for these two environments is appropriate. Finally, this new facility is being integrated into the SSL Moonyard planetary surface simulation center. The Moonyard simulates a planetary surface by means of a large sandbox, and is used primarily for rover field trials and suit systems evaluation. This new facility will be a prime element in future Earth analog simulations at the University of Maryland in support of NASA exploration objectives.

Kevin Davis↗

The 1971 corn blight watch experiment data processing, analysis, and interpretation

The principle data acquisition centers are listed for the corn blight experiment. A data storage and retrieval system was established. The purpose of the system was to: (1) store data in organized library; (2) maintain a record of all data stored and reduced for future access; (3) report the data in simplest form to users; and (4) record data reduction results from photographic and multispectral scanner sensors. The procedures designed for handling the large amounts of data are also reviewed.

Phillips, T. L.↗

Multi-Mission Power Analysis Tool (MMPAT) Version 3

The Multi-Mission Power Analysis Tool (MMPAT) simulates a spacecraft power subsystem including the power source (solar array and/or radioisotope thermoelectric generator), bus-voltage control, secondary battery (lithium-ion or nickel-hydrogen), thermostatic heaters, and power-consuming equipment. It handles multiple mission types including heliocentric orbiters, planetary orbiters, and surface operations. Being parametrically driven along with its user-programmable features can reduce or even eliminate any need for software modifications when configuring it for a particular spacecraft. It provides multiple levels of fidelity, thereby fulfilling the vast majority of a project s power simulation needs throughout the lifecycle. It can operate in a stand-alone mode with a graphical user interface, in batch mode, or as a library linked with other tools. This software can simulate all major aspects of a spacecraft power subsystem. It is parametrically driven to reduce or eliminate the need for a programmer. Added flexibility is provided through user-designed state models and table-driven parameters. MMPAT is designed to be used by a variety of users, such as power subsystem engineers for sizing power subsystem components; mission planners for adjusting mission scenarios using power profiles generated by the model; system engineers for performing system- level trade studies using the results of the model during the early design phases of a spacecraft; and operations personnel for high-fidelity modeling of the essential power aspect of the planning picture.

Wood, Eric G.↗

Teaching Engineering Students Team Work

The purpose of this manual is to provide professor's in engineering classes which the background necessary to use student team projects effectively. This manual describes some of the characteristics of student teams and how to use them in class. It provides a set of class activities and films which can be used to introduce and support student teams. Finally, a set of teaching modules used in freshmen, sophomore, and senior aeronautical engineering classes are presented. This manual was developed as part of a NASA sponsored project to improve the undergraduate education of aeronautical engineers. The project has helped to purchase a set of team work films which can be checked out from Cal Poly's Learning Resources Center in the Kennedy Library. Research for this project has included literature reviews on team work and cooperative learning; interviews, observations, and surveys of Cal Poly students from Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering and Psychology; participation in the Aeronautical Engineering senior design lab; and interviews with engineering faculty. In addition to this faculty manual, there is a student team work manual which has been designed to help engineering students work better in teams.

Levi, Daniel↗

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Methods for Augmenting the IMPACT Tool Evidence Library

Development of the Evidence Library for use with the IMPACT probability risk assessment tool took several years and involved a staggering amount of effort from a multi-disciplinary team. A very significant amount of the labor effort to collect, assess and finalize the Clinical Finding Form (CliFF) for each of the 119 medical conditions was provided by physician subject matter experts from the Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element Clinical and Science Team. Many AI tools such as ChatGPT are excellent at summarizing large amounts of information and the current project was initiated to determine how such tools might streamline laborious processes, e.g., review and summarization of many scientific research publications, to execute key steps more efficiently in the process of developing CliFFs. The process for collecting the evidence which is found in the CliFFs is well documented in the Evidence Library Methods document (ELM; HRP-48036*). Using ELM and the CliFF development instructions as a guideline, a team of developers is leveraging Microsoft Azure AI tools and services along with open-source frameworks, to construct an AI-assisted automated pipeline. This pipeline is designed to search, retrieve, and process the necessary data sources, and ultimately help generate the final version of a CliFF. Currently, the large language model evaluates the relevance of each source material to spaceflights, either as direct evidence or as an analog. Additionally, the model assists in extracting keywords and generating brief summaries to enhance augmented retrieval and search processes in later stages of CliFF development. Once the data is ready, the model can perform semantic search and retrieval, generating and extracting valuable information for the CliFF. For instance, it can handle epidemiological statistical data, such as incidence rates and the likelihood of best or worst-case scenarios. The steps that required reading and summarizing articles were viewed as providing the greatest return on investment since large language models are very efficient and accurate in summarizing large amounts of text. Since labor effort to complete the original CliFF was not recorded with sufficient granularity, comparisons with an AI tool-generated CliFF will provide merely an approximation of time saved. Upon completion of the process, the CliFF for the medical condition “appendicitis” generated with the support of AI-based methods will serve as a proof-of-concept and will be compared to the original appendicitis CliFF to determine if use of the tools resulted in content and conclusory similarity. Based upon the results from face validation of the two CliFFs, modifications to the process will be made if necessary and additional condition CliFFs will be evaluated. Ultimately, CliFFs for the entire set of medical conditions will be created with the assistance of AI tools. Depending on the cost savings realized, CliFFs for additional medical conditions can be created to expand the Evidence Library. Future direction includes specifying the characteristics of the reviewer (prompting the AI tools to generate output assuming the reviewer is a sub-specialist physician, or nurse or EMT/medic) to determine if the effects on AI-generated output are different based on knowledge, skills and abilities. *Exploration Medical Capability Evidence Library Methods, HRP-48036 Rev A, July 2022.

Ali Al↗

SYSTID - A flexible tool for the analysis of communication systems.

Description of the System Time Domain Simulation (SYSTID) computer-aided analysis program which is specifically structured for communication systems analysis. The SYSTID program is user oriented so that very little knowledge of computer techniques and very little programming ability are required for proper application. The program is designed so that the user can go from a system block diagram to an accurate simulation by simply programming a single English language statement for each block in the system. The mathematical and functional models available in the SYSTID library are presented. An example problem is given which illustrates the ease of modeling communication systems. Examples of the outputs available are presented, and proposed improvements are summarized.

Dawson, C. T.↗

ODIN - Optimal Design Integration system for synthesis of aerospace vehicles

The ODIN system is a new design synthesis procedure for solving multiple discipline design problems. In ODIN an unlimited number of independent technology codes can be linked together in the computer in any desired sequence. This paper describes the ODIN system, the executive program DIALOG, the data management technique, and the program library. The use of ODIN is illustrated with an application drawn from space system studies.

Rau, T. R.↗