Forecasting Tomorrow(T): Exploring Cutting-Edge Weather Prediction Models and AI Architectures
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Sujit Roy↗
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Results for “Cutting edge”
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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Addressing CFM Modeling Gaps for Application into NASA’S Future Cutting Edge Missions
NASA, the US industry, and international partners are crafting frameworks to enable sustaining lunar missions. The ongoing programs, led by the agency, and prominent industry players, encompass plans for the sustained use of cryogenic propellants in lunar landers and in-space propellant refueling depots. NASA’s proactive funding initiatives have fueled the advancement of predictive computational models tailored to enhance the storage and transfer of cryogenic propellant. This paper aims to spotlight the latest advancements in this arena and delve into the collaborative efforts surrounding predictive model development within internal NASA programs as well as current and previous collaborations with industry and international partners. The paper presents an overview of recent advancements in cryogenic fluid management model development, along with their correlation with recent microgravity and large-scale cryogenic ground tests. The tests include key experiments such as the ISS Zero-Boil-Off Tank (ZBOT) series of experiments and the (Robotic Refueling Mission 3) RRM3 test during which liquid methane was stored on-orbit for an extended period of five months. The paper also highlights the anchoring of propellant tank pressurized drain tests involving sloshing that were conducted with liquid methane propellant during the Apollo/Saturn Era. Additionally, the paper discusses model anchoring against more recent sloshing tests carried out with liquid hydrogen propellant. Notable large-scale tests, such as a liquid oxygen propellant transfer test conducted by SpaceX were also used to help correlate a two-phase propellant transfer model using the valuable data measured during the test. The paper further showcases model correlations against a substantial oxygen liquefaction test undertaken by NASA to validate In-Situ-Resource-Utilization (ISRU) technologies that will prove pivotal for a sustained lunar presence.
Low-gravity fluid modeling↗
Vision-based Approach and Landing System (VALS) NASA Ames Cutting-Edge Technologies Webinar
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vision-based↗
Adjusting Measured Weight Loss of Aged Graphite Fabric/PMR-15 Composites
The purposes of this study were to evaluate the growth of the surface damage layer in polymer matrix composites (PMC's) fabricated with graphite fabric reinforcement and to determine the effects of the cut-surface degradation on the overall thermo-oxidative (TOS) stability of these materials. Four important conclusions were made about the TOS behavior of T650-35/PNIR- 15 fabric-reinforced composites: (1) Three stages of composite weight loss were seen on the plot of weight loss versus aging time; (2) the depth of the cut-edge damage is related to the composite thickness; (3) the actual weight loss realized by a mechanical test specimen that has had all the aging-induced cut-edge damage removed during the preparation process is significantly less than the weight loss measured using specimens with a high percentage of cut edges exposed to the damaging environment; and (4) an extrapolation of a section of the weight loss curve can be used to obtain a more correct estimate of the actual weight loss after extended periods of aging at elevated temperatures.
Bowles, Kenneth J.↗
Development of methods of producing large areas of silicon sheet by the slicing of silicon ingots using Inside-Diameter (I.D.) saws
Inside diametar wafering equipment, blades and processes were used to develop methods to produce large areas of silicon sheet. Modifications to a 16 inch STC automated saw included: programmable feed system, crystal rotating system, and STC dynatrack blade monitoring and control system. By controlling the plating operation and by grinding of the cutting edge, 16 inch ID blades with a cutting edge thickness of .22 mm can be produced. Crystal rotation mechanism was used to slice 100 mm diameter crystals with a 16 inch blade down to a thickness of .20 mm. Cutting rates with crystal rotation were generally slower than with standard plunge ID slicing techniques. Using programmed feeds and programmed rotation, maximum cutting rates were from 0.3 to 1.0 inches per minute.
Aharonyan, P.↗
Sustainable Crop Cultivation in Space Analogs: A BRIDGES Methodology Perspective Through SpaCEA
Sustainable crop cultivation in space holds paramount significance for the support of life in future long-duration missions. This research explores the development and integration of innovative low-cost proof-of-concept (LC-POC) plant growth cabinets tailored for use in space analog missions. By outlining past and current efforts in space farming, this study introduces the SpaCEA Cabinet using BRIDGES framework, establishing a context for reproducible experiments and innovation in plant growth systems. The SpaCEA cabinets can either be delivered in flat packs or assembled on-site, employing cutting-edge methods like 3-D printing and laser cutting. The main objective is to assess how effectively these structures foster crop growth within analog environments while replicating conditions crucial for space exploration. Employing a multi-faceted approach encompassing technical and qualitative dimensions, this project integrates a qualitative investigation where representatives managing analog stations and analog astronauts will partake in interviews and questionnaires to discern specific requirements and challenges within these environments. Insights gained from these engagements will significantly define the final design parameters of updated SpaCEA plant growth cabinets. The practical applicability of these cabinets emphasizes ease of assembly and transportation, addressing the inherent spatial and logistical constraints associated with space missions. Furthermore, the BRIDGES framework ensures the standardization of hardware, software, and data-gathering elements within a unified structure, which utilizes cutting-edge manufacturing technologies for the prototyping and deployment of these cabinets. The anticipated outcomes of this research include the identification of key design considerations and technical specifications for plant growth cabinets tailored to space farming analog systems. This research is poised to contribute valuable knowledge to sustainable space exploration through the development of interoperable plant growth systems for analog environments, advancing research in space crop cultivation which will make up part of a larger bioregenerative life support system.
Advanced Life Support↗
Sustainable Crop Cultivation in Space Analogs: A BRIDGES Methodology Perspective Through SpaCEA
Sustainable crop cultivation in space holds paramount significance for the support of life in future long-duration missions. This research explores the development and integration of innovative low-cost proof-of-concept (LC-POC) plant growth cabinets tailored for use in space analog missions. By outlining past and current efforts in space farming, this study introduces the SpaCEA Cabinet using BRIDGES framework, establishing a context for reproducible experiments and innovation in plant growth systems. The SpaCEA cabinets can either be delivered in flat packs or assembled on-site, employing cutting-edge methods like 3-D printing and laser cutting. The main objective is to assess how effectively these structures foster crop growth within analog environments while replicating conditions crucial for space exploration. Employing a multi-faceted approach encompassing technical and qualitative dimensions, this project integrates a qualitative investigation where representatives managing analog stations and analog astronauts will partake in interviews and questionnaires to discern specific requirements and challenges within these environments. Insights gained from these engagements will significantly define the final design parameters of updated SpaCEA plant growth cabinets. The practical applicability of these cabinets emphasizes ease of assembly and transportation, addressing the inherent spatial and logistical constraints associated with space missions. Furthermore, the BRIDGES framework ensures the standardization of hardware, software, and data-gathering elements within a unified structure, which utilizes cutting-edge manufacturing technologies for the prototyping and deployment of these cabinets. The anticipated outcomes of this research include the identification of key design considerations and technical specifications for plant growth cabinets tailored to space farming analog systems. This research is poised to contribute valuable knowledge to sustainable space exploration through the development of interoperable plant growth systems for analog environments, advancing research in space crop cultivation which will make up part of a larger bioregenerative life support system.
Advanced Life Support↗
Development of methods of producing large areas of silicon sheet by the slicing of silicon ingots using Inside Diameter (I.D.) saws
Modifications to a 16 inch STC automated saw included: a programmable feed system; a crystal rotating system; and a STC dynatrack blade boring and control system. By controlling the plating operation and by grinding the cutting edge, 16 inch I.D. blades were produced with a cutting edge thickness of .22 mm. Crystal rotation mechanism was used to slice 100 mm diameter crystals with a 16 inch blade down to a thickness of .20 mm. Cutting rates with crystal rotation were generally slower than with standard plunge I.D. slicing techniques. Using programmed feeds and programmed rotation, maximum cutting rates were from 0.3 to 1.0 inches per minute.
Aharonyan, P.↗
An Assessment of Molten Metal Detachment Hazards During Electron Beam Welding in the Space Shuttle Bay at LEO for the International Space Welding Experiment
In 1997, the United States [NASA] and the Paton Electric Welding Institute are scheduled to cooperate in a flight demonstration on the U.S. Space Shuttle to demonstrate the feasibility of welding in space for a possible repair option for the International Space Station Alpha. This endeavor, known as the International Space Welding Experiment (ISWE), will involve astronauts performing various welding exercises such as brazing, cutting, welding, and coating using an electron beam space welding system that was developed by the E.O. Paton Electric Welding Institute (PWI), Kiev Ukraine. This electron beam welding system known as the "Universal Weld System" consists of hand tools capable of brazing, cutting, autogeneous welding, and coating using an 8 kV (8000 volts) electron beam. The electron beam hand tools have also been developed by the Paton Welding Institute with greater capabilities than the original hand tool, including filler wire feeding, to be used with the Universal Weld System on the U.S. Space Shuttle Bay as part of ISWE. The hand tool(s) known as the Ukrainian Universal Hand [Electron Beam Welding] Tool (UHT) will be utilized for the ISWE Space Shuttle flight welding exercises to perform welding on various metal alloy samples. A total of 61 metal alloy samples, which include 304 stainless steel, Ti-6AI-4V, 2219 aluminum, and 5456 aluminum alloys, have been provided by NASA for the ISWE electron beam welding exercises using the UHT. These samples were chosen to replicate both the U.S. and Russian module materials. The ISWE requires extravehicular activity (EVA) of two astronauts to perform the space shuttle electron beam welding operations of the 61 alloy samples. This study was undertaken to determine if a hazard could exist with ISWE during the electron beam welding exercises in the Space Shuttle Bay using the Ukrainian Universal Weld System with the UHT. The safety issue has been raised with regard to molten metal detachments as a result of several possible causes such as welder procedural error, externally applied impulsive forces(s), filler wire entrainment and snap-out, cutting expulsion, and puddle expulsion. Molten metal detachment from either the weld/cut substrate or weld wire could present harm to a astronaut in the space environment it the detachment was ti burn through the fabric of the astronaut Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMC). In this paper an experimental test was performed in a 4 ft. x 4 ft. vacuum chamber at MSFC enabling protective garment to be exposed to the molten metal drop detachments to over 12 inches. The chamber was evacuated to vacuum levels of at least 1 x 10(exp -5) torr (50 micro-torr) during operation of the 1.0 kW Universal Hand Tool (UHT). The UHT was manually operated at the power mode appropriate for each material and thickness. The space suit protective welding garment, made of Teflon fabric (10 oz. per yard) with a plain weave, was placed on the floor of the vacuum chamber to catch the molten metal drop detachments. A pendulum release mechanism consisting of four hammers, each weighing approximately 3.65 lbs, was used to apply an impact forces to the weld sample/plate during both the electron beam welding and cutting exercises. Measurements were made of the horizontal fling distances of the detached molten metal drops. The volume of a molten metal drop can also be estimated from the size of the cut. Utilizing equations, calculations were made to determine chande in surafec area (Delat a(surface)) for 304 stainless steel for cutting based on measurements of metal drop sizes at the cut edges. For the cut sample of 304 stainless steel based on measurement of the drop size at the edge, Delta-a(surface) was determined to be 0.0054 2 in . Calculations have indicated only a small amount of energy is required to detach a liquid metal drop. For example, approximately only 0.000005 ft-lb of energy is necessary to detach a liquid metal steel drop based on the above theoretical analysis. However, some of the energy will be absorbed by the plate before it reaches the metal drop. Based on the theoretical calculations, it was determined that during a weld cutting exercise, the titanium alloy would be the most difficult to detach molten metal droplets followed by stainless steel and then by aluminum. The results of the experimental effort have shown that molten metal will detach if large enough of a hammer blow is applied to the weld sample plate during the full penetration welding and cutting exercises. However, no molten metal detachments occurred as a result of the filler wire snap-out tests from the weld puddle since it was too difficult to cause the metal to flick-out from the pool. Molten metal detachments, though not large in size, did result from the direct application of the electron beam on the end of the filler weld wire.
Fragomeni, James M.↗
5G integrated edge computing platform for efficient component monitoring in coal-fired power plants
This project developed a cutting-edge 5G-integrated edge computing framework to enhance operational efficiency and reliability in coal-fired power plants through real-time component monitoring and anomaly detection. The initiative focused on leveraging distributed machine learning, federated learning, and 5G-based dynamic network slicing to support scalable, fault-tolerant monitoring environments to meet the operational requirements in industrial control systems. With a Distributed Edge Computing Service (DECS) orchestration, this project enabled federated learning at edge for condition monitoring and introduced adaptive client selection strategies to minimize communication overhead. Scalable distributed training was achieved using the Horovod framework, thus enhancing performance across edge nodes. In the realm of 5G networking, the project designed and deployed reconfigurable, QoS-aware network slicing tailored for operational technology (OT) environments, integrating software-defined networks to bolster cyber-resilience and enabling dynamic slicing for federated learning workloads. A significant milestone was the development of a virtualized ICS environment with 5G core integration—which allowed elastic and fault tolerant distributed training on real-world datasets such as NASA Bearings, Hydraulic Systems, and TEP. To broaden the impact of the project, a TRL-3 virtualized ICS testbed for research and education was designed. This project engaged several graduate and undergraduate students to conduct research on the cutting-edge technology, and it resulted in one PhD dissertation, one MS thesis, and over 14 peer-reviewed publications. With the support of this project students also participated in national cybersecurity competitions to improve their professional development skills.
20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
Apparatus for cutting elastomeric materials
Sharp thin cutting edge is held in head of milling machine designed for metal working. Controls of machine are used to position cutting edge in same plane as vibrating specimen. Controls then are operated, making blade come into contact with specimen, to cut it into shapes and sizes desired. Cut surfaces appear mirror-smooth; vibrating mechanism causes no visible striations.
Corbett, A. B.↗
Estimation of cutting tool wear using an elastomeric tactile sensor
Machining performance of cutting tools and part quality are affected by the geometric condition of the cutting edge, which is influenced by thermomechanical loads experienced during the process. Tool condition monitoring (TCM) systems provide insight for timely replacement of cutting tools. However, existing TCM systems are expensive and require specialized equipment or sensors, hindering widespread adoption. A novel TCM system is developed herein using an elastomeric tactile sensor. Sensor images of the cutting edge are used to quantify wear using two distinct algorithms. In the first algorithm, the unworn and worn edges are identified based on Canny edge detect. In the second, the unworn edge is identified using edge detection while the region of wear is identified using a relative intensity method. In both cases, the maximum wear width is calculated based on an experimentally determined pixel to-physical distance scale. The TCM system is first used to estimate flank wear on a solid carbide helical end mill before evaluating its robustness by employing it to estimate insert wear of an indexable helical end mill. Measurements are also performed manually using an optical microscope and a high-resolution focus variation microscope for verification. The novel technique estimates flank wear in the solid carbide tool with a high accuracy of 98%. Larger discrepancies are observed for the inserts, however, with overlapping uncertainties. In conclusion, the technique shows promise in adaptability, automation, and closed loop control of machine tools.
Machining↗
SSBRP User Operations Facility (UOF) Overview and Development Strategy
This paper will present the Space Station Biological Research Project (SSBRP) User Operations Facility (UOF) architecture and development strategy. A major element of the UOF at NASA Ames Research Center, the Communication and Data System (CDS) will be the primary focus of the discussions. CDS operational, telescience, security, and development objectives will be discussed along with CDS implementation strategy. The implementation strategy discussions will include: Object Oriented Analysis & Design, System & Software Prototyping, and Technology Utilization. A CDS design overview that includes: CDS Context Diagram, CDS Architecture, Object Models, Use Cases, and User Interfaces will also be presented. CDS development brings together "cutting edge" technologies and techniques such as: object oriented development, network security, multimedia networking, web-based data distribution, JAVA, and graphical user interfaces. Use of these "cutting edge" technologies and techniques translates directly to lower development and operations costs.
Picinich, Lou↗
OSMA Digital Evolution: R&M Physics of Failure (PoF) Handbook
At the intersection of mission, technology, and place is NASA’s need to modernize for a digital-forward future. Therefore, NASA’s Reliability & Maintainability (R&M) Enterprise Data Sharing team is working to leverage both Digitization and Digital Transformation to develop and share best practices and methodologies across NASA. One such cutting edge methodology is Physics of Failure. Therefore NASA OSMA's R&M office is developing a Reliability Physics of Failure Handbook in order to keep our engineers current and on the cutting edge of anlayis methodologies to help ensure NASA’s optimize and achieve continued success.
Digital Transformation↗
OSMA Digital Evolution: R&M Physics of Failure (PoF) Handbook
At the intersection of mission, technology, and place is NASA’s need to modernize for a digital-forward future. Therefore, NASA’s Reliability & Maintainability (R&M) Enterprise Data Sharing team is working to leverage both Digitization and Digital Transformation to develop and share best practices and methodologies across NASA. One such cutting edge methodology is Physics of Failure. Therefore NASA OSMA's R&M office is developing a Reliability Physics of Failure Handbook in order to keep our engineers current and on the cutting edge of analysis methodologies to help ensure NASA’s optimize and achieve continued success. "
Digital transformation↗
NASA Methodology for Physics of Failure-Based Reliability Assessments Handbook
At the intersection of mission, technology, and place is NASA’s need to modernize for a digital-forward future. Therefore, NASA’s Reliability & Maintainability (R&M) Enterprise Data Sharing team is working to leverage both Digitization and Digital Transformation to develop and share best practices and methodologies across NASA. One such cutting edge methodology is Physics of Failure. Therefore NASA OSMA's R&M office is developing a Reliability Physics of Failure Handbook in order to keep our engineers current and on the cutting edge of analysis methodologies to help ensure NASA’s optimize and achieve continued success.
Reliability Engineering↗
NASA Physics of Failure (PoF) Handbook Update
At the intersection of mission, technology, and place is NASA’s need to modernize for a digital-forward future. Therefore, NASA’s Reliability & Maintainability (R&M) Enterprise Data Sharing team is working to leverage both Digitization and Digital Transformation to develop and share best practices and methodologies across NASA. One such cutting edge methodology is Physics of Failure. Therefore NASA OSMA's R&M office is developing a Reliability Physics of Failure Handbook in order to keep our engineers current and on the cutting edge of anlayis methodologies to help ensure NASA’s optimize and achieve continued success.
Digital transformation↗
Coordinating Innovative Technology Development at NASA
Innovation requires continually using and coordinating new knowledge on the current, anticipated, and even unanticipated developments in a given area. You do not want to simply repeat what others are doing, so you must remain aware of other activities in your area of interest. You also have to maintain awareness of where the cutting edge is, because the limit of what’s possible is continually pushed and redefined. Finally, “smart” innovation involves not only seeking innovative solutions to anticipated problems but also being prepared to respond to unanticipated problems or even unanticipated solutions. As the leading U.S. agency for aeronautics development, cutting-edge scientific discovery, and human space exploration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) must remain at the forefront of innovation. NASA enables innovation in technology development through a coordinated effort among its internal mission directorates and its partners in government, commercial, and academic sectors. As an independent office, NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS) provides the coordination effort necessary to ensure innovation. OTPS uses and coordinates inputs from a broad community of experts. With these inputs, OTPS identifies and communicates shared needs and opportunities for partnership. OTPS provides strategic advice to synergize and ultimately facilitate innovative technology development both within and outside NASA. This paper summarizes NASA’s approach to ensuring innovation through a deliberately coordinated effort. In this paper, we first provide examples of how this coordination has enabled innovative technology development. We then describe how NASA’s mission directorates use input from a broad community of experts to inform innovative technology development. Finally, we describe OTPS’s role in coordinating inputs from both internal and external experts, including standardizing communication about technology developments, facilitating conversations with external partners on shared technology needs and solutions, and advising on strategies and policies to ensure innovative technology development. This paper can help members of the aerospace community understand their role in NASA’s innovation efforts and how to engage OTPS in conversations about potential partnership.
Erica Rodgers↗