Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “LaDy”

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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

In-Situ Resource Utilization Modeling of a Lunar Water Processing System

A key element of achieving a sustained surface presence, such as defined in NASA’s Artemis plan, is In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). ISRU is the practice of using local resources to provide mission consumables that reduce system launch mass requirements, and regenerate resources (chiefly, water and oxygen) for propulsion and life support supporting both Lunar and Martian missions. ISRU systems require multiple complex processes, such as excavation, chemical reactors, and electrolysis subsystems that must operate in harmony to optimize the overall system process from beginning to end. The Mission Analysis and Integration Tool (MAIT) was previously developed with MATLAB in FY22 to connect individual subsystem models into a customized, flexible framework for the purpose of technology downselect, optimization, and end-to-end process planning. Beginning in FY24, MAIT was updated and became the capital program in the Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) ISRU Modeling and Analysis (SIMA) project. Prior work was leveraged and evolved using MATLAB/Simulink due to its ability to communicate with a vast number of other programming languages and makes up the backbone of data flow between inputs and outputs to the subsystem models. MAIT initially evaluated a suite of ISRU-related technologies, including the water processing Lunar Auger Dryer for ISRU (LADI) system with integrated upstream excavation and downstream electrolysis subsystems. With individual models consolidated, the MAIT tool generated over 5,000 cases during its first round of parametric sweeps on the water processing architecture at multiple production targets; the system analysis produced valuable insight into the optimal LADI geometry that minimized energy demands, estimated effects to cold trap size and radiator requirements, and calculated the power dynamics of the electrolysis unit and liquid oxygen storage volume. Additional efforts are being made to demonstrate the ability to scale ISRU technologies supporting the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s (STMD) commercialization strategy and increase the MAIT software capability. Work is ongoing to handle a wide array of ISRU system models beyond the Lunar environment, e.g. production of propellant for a Martian lander.

Avery Carlson↗
DOE OSTI2021

In vivo visualization of butterfly scale cell morphogenesis in Vanessa cardui

Many organisms exhibit functional micro- and nanoscale materials with structural definition and performance that challenge synthetic fabrication techniques, yet we know little about the processes that enable their formation. Using butterfly scales as a model system for functional biomaterials, we establish a timeline of scale formation and quantify relevant structural parameters for developing painted lady butterflies. We overcome challenges of previous efforts by imaging structure formation directly in living organisms, which allows us to continuously observe the evolving wing tissue and the fine details of individual scale cells. Visualization of scale structure formation in live butterflies forms the basis for modeling the underlying biomechanical processes and opens avenues for their translation into advanced fabrication strategies.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

The MUSIC Critical Benchmark and Nuclear Data

The Measurement of Uranium Subcritical and Critical (MUSIC) experiment was a series of measurements of critical and subcritical configurations of bare highly enriched uranium. The goal was to compare measurement methods, analysis techniques, and simulation methods across regimes of criticality and to provide high-quality validation of 235 U nuclear data. A benchmark evaluation of the two critical configurations of the MUSIC experiments will soon be published in the release of the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project Handbook. The recent execution of the experiment aids in proper quantification of model simplifications and all uncertainties associated with the experiment. Historical benchmark evaluations are heavily relied on for uranium nuclear data validation despite the fact that the same level of documentation and comparable uncertainty analysis may not be present. The MUSIC evaluation is less likely to include “unknown unknowns” that could impede accurately modeling the system. Presented are both highly detailed and very simplified models, which represent the experimental configurations accurately, aiding the users of the benchmark for nuclear data or transport code validation. The sensitivities of k eff to nuclear data and nuclear data–related uncertainties are very similar between this experiment and previous bare uranium sphere experiments. In addition, the nuclear data uncertainties to any nuclides other than 235 U are small. For all these reasons, the recently evaluated MUSIC benchmark critical configurations could prove very useful for 235 U nuclear data validation. Currently, major libraries have good agreement with the experimental results, within 200 pcm for all nuclear data libraries, and within one standard deviation of the experimental result for most. Suggested nuclear data adjustments based on MUSIC and Lady Godiva are also presented, with posterior improvements to both the agreement in k eff and the uncertainty associated with the nuclear data.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Measured Reaction Rate Ratios of 235 U, 238 U, 237 Np, 239 Pu Samples in the PFUNS 235 U Prompt Fission Neutron Spectrum Criticality Experiment

The Prompt Fission Uranium Neutron Spectrum experiment, an experiment to reduce uncertainties in the high energy tail of the 235 U prompt fission spectrum, achieved success by performing two separate irradiations measuring approximately 40 different IRDFF-II reactions total using over 20 different foil materials at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center in February 2024. The criticality experiment utilized a set of highly enriched uranium hemispherical shells of increasing diameters with a large void in the center where the samples were located. The focus of this work is the first of two PFUNS irradiations focused on irradiating two of each fission foils, one bare and one cadmium covered, along with metal activation foils containing reaction products with short half-lives, such as indium, iron, and gold along with nickel fluence monitors. This work focuses on presenting the initial reaction rate ratio results of the fission foils from the aforementioned first irradiation to assist in nuclear data validation of those species in a nearly pure 235 U prompt fission neutron spectrum and compares to the Lady Godiva and Flattop-25 historic experiments at the Los Alamos Critical Experiments Facility. Future work will combine fission foil and metallic activation foil reaction rate ratio results from both the first and second higher power irradiation and reaction rates for a final spectral adjustment.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1976

The use of ERTS/LANDSAT imagery in relation to airborne remote sensing for terrain analysis in western Queensland, Australia

The author has identified the following significant results. Series of linears were identified on the March imagery of Lady Annie-Mt. Gordon fault zone area. The series with a WSW-ENE orientation which is normal to the major structural units and also several linears with NNW-SSE orientation appears to be particularly important. Copper mineralization is known at several localities where these linears are intersected by faults. Automated outputs using supervised methods involving the selection of training sets selected by visual recognition of spectral signatures on the color composites obtained from combinations of MSS bands 4, 5 and 7 projected through appropriate filters, were generated.

Cole, M. M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

STS-69 Flight Day 9 Video File

The song, 'He's A Tramp', from the Walt Disney cartoon movie, 'Lady and the Tramp', awakened the astronauts, Cmdr. Dave Walker, Pilot Ken Cockrell, and Mission Specialists Jim Voss, Jim Newman, and Mike Gernhardt, on the ninth day of the STS-69 mission. The Wake Shield Facility (WSF) was again unberthed from the shuttle cargo bay and , using the shuttle's robot arm, held over the side of the shuttle for five hours where it collected data on the electrical field build-up around the spacecraft as part of the Charging Hazards and Wake Studies Experiment (CHAWS). Voss and Gernhardt rehearsed their Extravehicular Activity (EVA) spacewalk, which was planned for the next day. Earth views included cloud cover, a hurricane, and its eye.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1999

The Ceres S'Cool Project: Operational but not Routine

The first Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) instrument has been returning useful data on Earth's radiation budget from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) spacecraft since late 1997. Validation of the initial data is now intensively underway. As one component of this validation, the CERES Students' Cloud Observations On-Line (S'COOL) project has been operational since April 1998 - the 2nd CERES validation month. S'COOL involves school children in over 140 schools in 15 countries on 5 continents in making and reporting observations and measurements which they and CERES scientists can then compare to the satellite retrievals. The project is planned to continue through the life of the CERES Project (nominally 15 years), and new participants are invited to join on a continuous basis. This paper will report on the first year of the operational phase of the project, during which a number of exciting events occurred (a demonstration of the project to First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, and visits by CERES personnel to participating schools, among others). It will further report on some of the noteworthy observations and comparisons which have been made possible by this project. We have found that schools are often located in interesting places, in terms of the clouds found there and the satellite's ability to observe these clouds. The paper will also report on the learning opportunities delivered by this project, and on new questions about the planet and its climate which arise in the students' minds as a result of their active participation.

Chambers, Lin H.↗
NASA NTRS1998

President Clinton's Arrival at CCAS and Visit to KSC for Launch of STS-95

Live footage shows President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton arriving in Airforce 1 on the Skid Strip, viewing the launch, and tracking the plume of Space Shuttle Discovery, on mission STS-95. The viewing takes place on the roof of the Launch Control Center (LCC). Also present on the roof to watch this event are Astronaut Robert Cabana and Eileen Collins (both in flight suit), and the NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin. The President is shown giving a speech to the Launch Team and shaking hands with employees in the LCC.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2002

How I Love My 80 Percenters

Don't ever take your support staff for granted. By support staff, I mean the people in personnel, logistics, and finance; the ones who can make things happen with a phone call or a signature, or by the same token frustrate you to no end by their inaction; these are people you must depend on. I've spent a lot of time thinking about how to cultivate relationships with my support staff that work to the advantage of both of us. The most important thing that have learned working with people, any people--and I will tell you how I learned this in a minute--is there are some folks you just can't motivate, so forget it, don't try; others you certainly can with a little psychology and some effort; and the best of the bunch, what I call the 80 percenters, you don't need to motivate because they're already on the team and performing beautifully. The ones you can't change are rocks. Face up to it, and just kick them out of your way. I have a reputation with the people who don't want to perform or be part of the team. They don't come near me. If someone's a rock, I pick up on it right away, and I will walk around him or her to find someone better. The ones who can be motivated I take time to nurture. I consider them my projects. A lot of times these wannabes are people who want to help but don't know how. Listen, you can work with them. Lots of people in organizations have the mindset that all that matters are the regulations. God forbid if you ever work outside those regulations. They've got one foot on that regulation and they're holding it tight like a baby holds a blanket. What you're looking for is that first sign that their minds are opening. Usually you hear it in their vocabulary. What used to sound like "We can't do that ... the regulations won't allow it ... we have never done this before," well, suddenly that changes to "We have options ... let's take a look at the options ... let me research this and get back to you." The 80 percenters you want to nurture too, but they're already on the team. The 80 percenters know the regulation, but if there is a problem because of a regulation, they will still tell you, "Don't worry about it, I've got it under control." These people don't see themselves as guardians of the regulations. Instead, they see themselves as customer service representatives. Two 80 percenters on my team are Hettie Courtney at Goddard Space Flight Center and Debbie Randall at NASA Headquarters in Code B. Thank you, ladies, very much. You are the best.

Maturo, Anthony J.↗
NASA NTRS1999

The CERES S'COOL Project: Operational but not Routine

The first Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) instrument has been returning useful data on Earth's radiation budget from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) spacecraft since late 1997. Validation of the initial data is now intensively underway. As one component of this validation, the CERES Students Cloud Observations On-Line (S'COOL) project has been operational since April 1998 - the 2nd CERES validation month. S'COOL involves school children in over 140 schools in 15 countries on 5 continents in making and reporting observations and measurements which they and CERES scientists can then compare to the satellite retrievals. The project is planned to continue through the life of the CERES Project (nominally 15 years), and new participants are invited to join on a continuous basis. This paper will report on the first year of the operational phase of the project, during which a number of exciting events occurred (a demonstration of the project to First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, and visits by CERES personnel to participating schools, among others). It will further report on some of the noteworthy observations and comparisons which have been made possible by this project. We have found that schools are often located in interesting places, in terms of the clouds found there and the satellite's ability to observe these clouds. The paper will also report on the learning opportunities delivered by this project, and on new questions about the planet and its climate which arise in the students minds as a result of their active participation.

Chambers, Lin H.↗
NASA NTRS2006

A Quasi-Laue Neutron Crystallographic Study of D-Xylose Isomerase

Hydrogen atom location and hydrogen bonding interaction determination are often critical to explain enzymatic mechanism. Whilst it is difficult to determine the position of hydrogen atoms using X-ray crystallography even with subatomic (less than 1.0 Angstrom) resolution data available, neutron crystallography provides an experimental tool to directly localise hydrogeddeuteriwn atoms in biological macromolecules at resolution of 1.5-2.0 Angstroms. Linearisation and isomerisation of xylose at the active site of D-xylose isomerase rely upon a complex hydrogen transfer. Neutron quasi-Laue data were collected on Streptomyces rubiginosus D-xylose isomerase crystal using the LADI instrument at ILL with the objective to provide insight into the enzymatic mechanism (Myles et al. 1998). The neutron structure unambiguously reveals the protonation state of His 53 in the active site, identifying the model for the enzymatic pathway.

Meilleur, Flora↗
NASA NTRS2008

Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus Science Insert - 03

Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus Science Insert - 03 (CSI-03) is the third set of investigations in the CSI program series. The CSI program provides the K-12 community opportunities to utilize the unique microgravity environment of the International Space Station as part of the regular classroom to encourage learning and interest in science, technology, engineering and math. CSI-03 will examine the complete life cycle of the painted lady butterfly and the ability of an orb weaving spider to spin a web, eat and remain healthy in space.

Moreno, Nancy↗
NASA NTRS2012

Train Like an Astronaut Educational Outreach

In an effort to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), capitalizing on the theme of human spaceflight developed two educational outreach programs for children ages 8-12. To motivate young "fit explorers," the Train Like an Astronaut National (TLA) program and the Mission X: Train Like an Astronaut International Fitness Challenge (MX) were created. Based on the astronauts' physical training, these programs consist of activities developed by educators and experts in the areas of space life sciences and fitness. These Activities address components of physical fitness. The educational content hopes to promote students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. At the national level, in partnership with First Lady Michelle Obama's Let?s Move! Initiative, the TLA program consists of 10 physical and 2 educational activities. The program encourages families, schools, and communities to work collaboratively in order to reinforce in children and their families the importance of healthy lifestyle habits In contrast, the MX challenge is a cooperative outreach program involving numerous space agencies and other international partner institutions. During the six-week period, teams of students from around the world are challenged to improve their physical fitness and collectively accumulate points by completing 18 core activities. During the 2011 pilot year, a t otal of 137 teams and more than 4,000 students from 12 countries participated in the event. MX will be implemented within 24 countries during the 2012 challenge. It is projected that 7,000 children will "train like an astronaut".

Garcia, Yamil L.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Highland Lakes Water Resources: Using NASA Earth Observations to Improve Detection Systems for Harmful Algal Events in the Highland Lakes in Central Texas

Beginning in 2019, harmful algal events in Austin, Texas, caused canine deaths in the Lady Bird Lake and Lake Travis reservoirs. These reservoirs are part of the larger Highland Lakes chain, managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and the City of Austin Department of Watershed Protection (CoA DWP), which fulfill municipal, commercial, and agricultural water demands. Given the recent increase in favorable algal event conditions in central Texas, the LCRA and CoA DWP partnered with NASA DEVELOP to improve algal event early-warning systems through the application of remote sensing and machine learning. An Earth observation-based algal monitoring system will assist the responsible agencies in predicting algal conditions and communicating hazards to the public. The NASA DEVELOP team utilized Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Sentinel-2 Multispectral Instrument (MSI) data to produce products including chlorophyll-a concentrations, cyanobacteria detections, turbidity, and water surface temperature. Chlorophyll-a concentrations were retrieved with a pre-trained machine learning model (mixture density network) and spectral indices, while the other products were derived from spectral indices. In situ field data were used to validate and quantify uncertainties for each product. The validations show strong correlations for chlorophyll-a and water surface temperature. Time series analyses of chlorophyll-a concentrations show peaks in the severe drought years (2015 and 2016). This project's resulting products enable monitoring of environmental proxies relevant to algal event presence in the Highland Lakes chain and will ultimately support water management, decision making, and risk communication.

Kaitlynn Hietpas↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Application of Remote Sensing and Machine Learning to Improve Early Warning Systems for Harmful Algal Events in the Highland Lake Chain, TX

Beginning in 2019, harmful algal events have caused canine deaths in both Lady Bird Lake and Lake Travis located near Austin, Texas. These two reservoirs are part of the larger Highland Lakes chain, managed by the City of Austin Department of Watershed Protection (COA DWP) and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), which fulfill municipal, commercial, and agricultural water demands. Given the recent increase in favorable environmental conditions for algal events in central Texas, NASA DEVELOP partnered with LCRA and COA DWP to improve monitoring and early detection of algal events, utilizing satellite remote sensing and machine learning. Spatially and temporally varied chlorophyll a concentrations, cyanobacteria detections, turbidity, and water surface temperature products are used as environmental proxies. Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and the Sentinel-2 MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI) data were used to provide a combined revisit time of up to ~3 days and < 30 m per pixel products. Chlorophyll a concentrations were estimated using a pre-trained Mixture Density Network, and cyanobacteria detection was accomplished using the Broad Wavelength Algae Index, which can differentiate algal blooms from algal proliferations (mats). In situ data were used to validate remotely sensed measurements and quantify uncertainties. Preliminary results show a good fit between the modeled output and in situ observations, suggesting that remote sensing data can be used to retrieve biogeochemical properties and/or inherent optical properties (IOPs) of water columns in these inland human-made lakes. Uncertainties were introduced from the sensitivity to atmospheric correction, inherent mismatch between satellite and sampling data, and a relatively lower signal-to-noise ratio over water. The resulting products enable near real-time monitoring of environmental proxies relevant to algal event presence in the Highland Lakes chain, and will ultimately support water management, decision making, and risk communication.

Shuyu Chang↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

High-Altitude ADS-B/GPS LPV Flight Tests on a NASA ER-2 Research Airplane

The research presented in this paper describes the conceptual design of a system architecture that integrates Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Global Positioning System (GPS) Localizer Performance Vertical (LPV) guidance technology onto a unique high-altitude research airplane: a United States Air Force (USAF) / Lockheed Martin (Bethesda, Maryland) Aeronautics U-2S airplane. The design features modern display capabilities to provide air-to-air surveillance and precision navigation, to adhere to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification standards for operations in upper Class E airspace. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) variant of the U-2S, now called the Earth Resources (ER-2) airplane, remains unrivaled in the art of sustained high-altitude flight for scientific expeditions. Capable of routinely cruising above flight level (FL) 650 that had been considered, at inception, the domain of only the most elite experimental research aircraft types. Nicknamed the Dragon Lady, this U-2S research testbed is still one of the most advanced aircraft in the world. The exceptional military design of the vehicle, security guidelines, and the performance envelope of the ER-2 posed unique challenges to the integration of modern civilian avionics. ADS-B epitomizes the next generation of surveillance technology, incorporating both air and ground aspects. ADS-B provides air traffic control (ATC) with a more accurate picture of the three-dimensional positioning of aircraft in various phases of flight, including en route, terminal, approach, and ground operations. The airborne surveillance system broadcasts its identification, position, altitude, velocity, and other information. GPS LPV represents a significant advancement in aviation technology, emphasizing the pivotal role that GPS and Performance-Based Navigation concepts will play in the foreseeable future. This technology represents a shift from sensor-based navigation to performance-based navigation, allowing for more flexible and efficient use of airspace. This research described herein is structured as follows: Section II, “Systems Background,” provides a systems background and description of an ADS-B and GPS LPV system equipped on the high-altitude ER-2 research airplane to satisfy the FAA airworthiness requirements for high-altitude flight operations. Section III, “Flight Test System,” describes the flight-test airplane systems. Section IV, “Analysis of GPS SBAS, Safety, and Ground Tests,” provides an overview of the GPS Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) and an analysis of the GPS LPV metrics, safety, and ground tests. Section V, “High-Altitude Flight Tests,” describes the high-altitude flight tests, including 3 flight-test results, analysis, human factors, and lessons learned. Section VI, the conclusion, draws insights from the lessons learned, discusses the design challenges associated with ADS-B and GPS LPV, and showcases the paramount significance of these pivotal technologies in aircraft surveillance and navigation.

Ricardo A. Arteaga↗
DOE OSTI2022

Progress Update on the MUSIC Critical Benchmark

The Measurement of Uranium Subcritical and Critical (MUSiC) experiment was carried out from December 2020 through April 2021 at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC). This measurement campaign featured bare configurations of the Rocky Flats highly-enriched uranium (HEU) shells, with each configuration having different numbers of these shells. The goal of the experiment was to test multiple neutron multiplicity detectors and measurement methods for a large range of neutron multiplication values. The large range of multiplications allows researchers to see when the combination of detectors and methods break down as the configurations reach the delayed supercritical window. The critical configurations were the extreme end of the multiplication range in MUSIC configurations. A critical benchmark in the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) Handbook is planned to help further validate nuclear data. Even though there are many benchmarks focusing on the fast spectrum for highly-enriched uranium, an additional benchmark that is well documented and up to the modern standard of the handbook would be a welcome addition. Given that there are no other materials such as moderators or significant reflectors, and its similarity to Lady Godiva, it is possible that this could be very useful for validation of 235 U nuclear data in the future.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2026

Tea ( Camellia sinensis ) Extract-Mediated Green Synthesis of Co 3 O 4 and Co 3 O 4 @Graphene Nanocomposites for Multifunctional Applications in Pollutant Degradation, Sensing, and Energy Storage

A novel solution-mixing method was proposed to synthesize Co 3 O 4 /graphene nanocomposites (Co 3 O 4 @Gr) using a green tea leaf (Camellia sinensis) extract as the reducing agent. XRD analysis shows that the as-prepared Co 3 O 4 @Gr exhibits a cubic spinel crystal structure. From morphological analysis, the obtained Co 3 O 4 NS forms spherical clusters that are uniformly distributed on the graphene surface. FT-IR and Raman analyses confirmed the strong molecular and vibrational interactions between the Co 3 O 4 NS and Gr. The suppressed PL intensity peak of the Co 3 O 4 @Gr NCs indicated significant inhibition in the recombination of charge carriers between the hybrid orbitals within the composites. As a result, the catalytic efficiency of Co 3 O 4 @Gr NCs increased to 80% compared to pristine Co 3 O 4 , which exhibited only 45% efficiency against methylene blue (MB) dye. Moreover, the as-prepared NCs exhibited a detection limit of 0.01−224 μM, demonstrating a superior low-DPA detection with high sensitivity. The Co 3 O 4 @Gr/GCE exhibits admirable selectivity for various pesticides, fungicides, and metal ions, with outstanding reproducibility and stability. From electrochemical investigations, the highest specific capacitance values of the as-synthesized Co 3 O 4 @Gr were 349 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s and 158 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g.

Capacitors↗