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At least 487 records · Page 27

Relating Linear and Volumetric Variables Through Body Scanning to Improve Human Interfaces in Space

Designing space suits and vehicles for the diverse human population present unique challenges for the methods of traditional anthropometry. Space suits are bulky and allow the operator to shift position within the suit and inhibit the ability to identify body landmarks. Limited suit sizing options also cause variability in fit and performance between similarly sized individuals. Space vehicles are restrictive in volume in both the fit and the ability to collect data. NASA's Anthropometric and Biomechanics Facility (ABF) has utilized 3D scanning to shift from traditional linear anthropometry to explore and examine volumetric capabilities to provide anthropometric solutions for design. Overall, the key goals are to improve the human-system performance and develop new processes to aid in the design and evaluation of space systems. Four case studies are presented that illustrate the shift from purely linear analyses to an augmented volumetric toolset to predict and analyze the human within the space suit and vehicle. The first case study involves the calculation of maximal head volume to estimate total free volume in the helmet for proper air exchange. Traditional linear measurements resulted in an inaccurate representation of the head shape, yet limited data exists for the determination of a large head volume. Steps were first taken to identify and classify a maximum head volume and the resulting comparisons to the estimate are presented in this paper. This study illustrates the gap between linear components of anthropometry and the need for overall volume metrics in order to provide solutions. A second case study examines the overlay of the space suit scans and components onto scanned individuals to quantify fit and clearance to aid in sizing the suit to the individual. Restrictions in space suit size availability present unique challenges to optimally fit the individual within a limited sizing range while maintaining performance. Quantification of the clearance and fit between similarly sized individuals is critical in providing a greater understanding of the human body's function within the suit. The third case study presented in this paper explores the development of a conformal seat pan using scanning techniques, and details the challenges of volumetric analyses that were overcome in order to develop a universal seat pan that can be utilized across the entire user population. The final case study explores expanding volumetric capabilities through generation of boundary manikins. Boundary manikins are representative individuals from the population of interest that represent the extremes of the population spectrum. The ABF developed a technique to take three-dimensional scans of individuals and manipulate the scans to reflect the boundary manikins' anthropometry. In essence, this process generates a representative three-dimensional scan of an individual from anthropometry, using another individual's scanned image. The results from this process can be used in design process modeling and initial suit sizing work as a three dimensional, realistic example of individuals from the population, maintaining the variability between and correlation to the relevant dimensions of interest.

Margerum, Sarah E.↗

The Atmospheric Dynamics of Alpha Tau (K5 III) -- Clues to Understanding the Magnetic Dynamo

Using HST/GHRS, HST/STIS and FUSE archival data for (alpha) Tau and the CHIANTI spectroscopic code, we have derived line shifts, volumetric emission measures, and plasma density estimates, and calculated filling factors for a number of UV lines forming between 10,000 K and 300,000 K in the outer atmosphere of this red giant star. The data suggest the presence of low-temperature extended regions and high-temperature compact regions, associated with magnetically open and closed structures in the stellar atmosphere, respectively. The signatures of UV lines from Alpha Tau can be consistently understood via a model of upward-traveling Alfven waves in a gravitationally stratified atmosphere. These wakes cause non-thermal broadening in UV lines due to unresolved wave motions and downward plasma motions in compact magnetic loops heated by resonant .4lf\en wave heating. We discuss implications of this interpretation for understanding the nature of magnetic dynamos operating in late-type giants.

Carpenter Kenneth G.↗

The Atmospheric Dynamics of alpha Tau (K5 III) - Clues to Understanding the Magnetic Dynamo in Late-Type Giant Stars

Using HST/GHRS, HST/STIS and FUSE archival data for alpha Tau and the CHIANTI spectroscopic code, we have derived line shifts, volumetric emission measures, and plasma density estimates, and calculated filling factors for a number of UV lines forming between 10,000 K and 300,000 K in the outer atmosphere of this red giant star. The data suggest the presence of low-temperature extended regions and high-temperature compact regions, associated with magnetically open and closed structures in the stellar atmosphere, respectively. The signatures of UV lines from alpha Tau can be consistently understood via a model of upward-traveling Alfven waves in a gravitationally stratified atmosphere. These waves cause non-thermal broadening in UV lines due to unresolved wave motions and downward plasma motions in compact magnetic loops heated by resonant Alfven wave heating.

Carpenter, Kenneth G.↗

The Atmospheric Dynamics of alpha Tau (K5 III) - Clues to Understanding the Magnetic Dynamo in Late-Type Giant Stars

Using HST/GHRS, HST/STIS and FUSE archival data for alpha Tau and the CHIANTI spectroscopic code, we have derived line shifts, volumetric emission measures, and plasma density estimates, and calculated filling factors for a number of UV lines forming between 10,000 K and 300,000 K in the outer atmosphere of this red giant star. The data suggest the presence of low-temperature extended regions and high-temperature compact regions, associated with magnetically open and closed structures in the stellar atmosphere, respectively. The signatures of UV lines from alpha Tau can be consistently understood via a model of upward-traveling Alfven waves in a gravitationally stratified atmosphere. These waves cause non-thermal broadening in UV lines due to unresolved wave motions and downward plasma motions in compact magnetic loops heated by resonant Alfven wave heating.

Carpenter, Kenneth G.↗

The Atmospheric Dynamics of Alpha Tau (K5 III) - Clues to Understanding the Magnetic Dynamo in Late-Type Giant Stars

Using HST/GHRS, HST/STIS and FUSE archival data for a Tau and the CHIANTI spectroscopic code, we have derived line shifts, volumetric emission measures, and plasma density estimates, and calculated filling factors for a number of UV lines forming between 10,000 K and 300,000 K in the outer atmosphere of this red giant star. The data suggest the presence of low-temperature extended regions and high-temperature compact regions, associated with magnetically open and closed structures in the stellar atmosphere, respectively. The signatures of UV lines from a Tau can be consistently understood via a model of upward-traveling Alfv6n waves in a gravitationally stratified atmosphere. These waves cause nonthermal broadening in UV lines due to unresolved wave motions and downward plasma motions in compact magnetic loops heated by resonant Alfven wave heating.

Carpenter, Kenneth G.↗

Flight test of a pure-tone acoustic source

Static and flight testing of a pure-tone acoustic source were conducted in order to: (1) determine if a 4-KHz tone radiated by a source in flight and mixed with broadband aircraft flyover noise could be measured on the ground with a high degree of statistical confidence; (2) determine how well a comparison could be made of flight-to-static tone radiation pattern and a static radiation pattern; and (3) determine if there were any installation effects on the radiation pattern due to the flight vehicle. Narrow-band acoustic data were measured and averaged over eight microphones to obtain a high statistical confidence. The flight data were adjusted to an equivalent static condition by applying corrections for retarded time, spherical spreading, atmospheric absorption, ground impedance, instrumentation constraints, convective amplification, and the Doppler shift. The flight-to-static results are in excellent agreement with the measured static data. No installation effects were observed on the radiation pattern.

Mueller, A. W.↗

Development of the Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory: A Laser Communications Relay Demonstration Ground Station

The Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) project will demonstrate high bandwidth space to ground bi-directional optical communications links between a geosynchronous satellite and two LCRD optical ground stations located in the southwestern United States. The project plans to operate for two years with a possible extension to five. Objectives of the demonstration include the development of operational strategies to prototype optical link and relay services for the next generation tracking and data relay satellites. Key technologies to be demonstrated include adaptive optics to correct for clear air turbulence-induced wave front aberrations on the downlink, and advanced networking concepts for assured and automated data delivery. Expanded link availability will be demonstrated by supporting operations at small sun-Earth-probe angles. Planned optical modulation formats support future concepts of near-Earth satellite user services to a maximum of 1.244 Gb/s differential phase shift keying modulation and pulse position modulations formats for deep space links at data rates up to 311 Mb/s. Atmospheric monitoring instruments that will characterize the optical channel during the link include a sun photometer to measure atmospheric transmittance, a solar scintillometer, and a cloud camera to measure the line of sight cloud cover. This paper describes the planned development of the JPL optical ground station.

optical commuication↗

Radio wave propagation experiments to probe the ionosphere

Ionospheric bias corrections associated with radio tracking of spacecraft depend on the following measuring techniques for integrated electron content: (1) Faraday rotation measurements from an earth synchronous satellite; (2) ranging measurements at two frequencies; and (3) group and phase velocity measurements obtained from tracking data. The extraction of the integrated electron content directly from tracking data is achieved by comparison of range-rate measurements based on Doppler shift with differentiated range measurements based on tone delay. This method is most desirable because the measured corrections pertain directly to the spacecraft whose orbit is being determined and can be used in near earth as well as deep space tracking data.

Schmid, P. E.↗

A 10.6 micron laser-receiver RF subsystem

One of the problems inherent in the use of optical communication systems is the exceedingly high Doppler shift which can be expected. With the recent development of stable, linear, octavebandwidth, voltage-tunable oscillators, this problem has been solved. A laboratory tracking receiver which is capable of tracking a 1-GHz frequency shift at rates up to 12 MHz/s with subsequent coherent data demodulation was designed and tested. This work demonstrates that the design and fabrication of an RF subsystem, utilizing coherent demodulation of data, for wideband communications systems is now both feasible and practical.

Santarpia, D. E.↗

Effects of high combustion chamber pressure on rocket noise environment

The acoustical environment for a high combustion chamber pressure engine was examined in detail, using both conventional and advanced theoretical analysis. The influence of elevated chamber pressure on the rocket noise environment was established, based on increase in exit velocity and flame temperature, and changes in basic engine dimensions. Compared to large rocket engines, the overall sound power level is found to be 1.5 dB higher, if the thrust is the same. The peak Strouhal number shifted about one octave lower to a value near 0.01. Data on apparent sound source location and directivity patterns are also presented.

Pao, S. P.↗

Distribution of molecular weight in glyceride polymerizates or aggregates of them after contact with lunar grains

An attempt is made to report on experiments in which a molecular-weight increase was determined in thin layers of triglyceride-containing glycerides after thin-layer contact for two years with lunar topsoil grains at 25 C without any thermal activation. It is noted that solidification was observed on both dielectric grains and metal-rich areas and that changes in viscosity and molecular weights were first detected by solidification of surface layers. Gel permeation chromatography is described which detected a general shift of the Gaussian distribution of the molecular-weight data toward generally higher molecular weights as well as an increase in mean molecular weight. Reaction mechanisms are considered, and results of spectrographic analysis are cited which support the interpretations of the molecular-weight data.

Asunmaa, S. K.↗

Electric fields and secondary emission near a dielectric-metal interface

Dielectric surface-charge distributions near a metal-dielectric interface in vacuum depend upon secondary emission processes in the presence of normal and tangential components of electric field. From measured charge distributions created by exposing a specimen of fluorinated ethylene-propylene to monoenergetic electron fluxes, it has been possible to calculate potentials and fields on and near the dielectric surface. The effect of the normal electric field upon secondary emission is measured directly, and the effect of the tangential field is inferred from the charge-distribution data. The critical point (unity crossover) for secondary emission is shifted by the application of fields, so that it occurs at much higher primary energies than normally. Primary beams having energies up to 20 keV are used, and surface fields are as high as 20 kV/mm.

Robinson, J. W.↗

Cosmic ray-induced soft errors in static MOS memory cells

Previous analytical models were extended to predict cosmic ray-induced soft error rates in static MOS memory devices. The effect is due to ionization and can be introduced by high energy, heavy ion components of the galactic environment. The results indicate that the sensitivity of memory cells is directly related to the density of the particular MOS technology which determines the node capacitance values. Hence, CMOS is less sensitive than e.g., PMOS. In addition, static MOS memory cells are less sensitive than dynamic ones due to differences in the mechanisms of storing bits. The flip-flop of a static cell is inherently stable against cosmic ray-induced bit flips. Predicted error rates on a CMOS RAM and a PMOS shift register are in general agreement with previous spacecraft flight data.

Sivo, L. L.↗

Summary of the status of the Nimbus-7 SMMR

The present state of calibration of the Nimbus-7 SMMR is described, and its relevance to retrievals of sea surface temperatures is discussed. The asymmetry in the polarization rotation was studied by calibrating the SMMR signals without the polarization rotation correction within a data set consisting of about 300 orbits, and the phase shift was determined by regression analysis. The largest phase shift was observed in the 1.4 cm vertical polarization channel - almost 11 degrees. The in-orbit calibration adjustment scheme is described, and the result of applying it to the 4.6 cm vertical polarization channel is shown.

Gloersen, P.↗

Edge crack growth of thermally aged graphite/polyimide composites

Laminates of Celion 6000/LARC-160 and Celion 6000/PMR-15 graphite/polyimide composite materials were aged in air at temperatures of 202, 232, 260 and 288 C for various times up to 15,000 hours. Three unidirectional specimen types were studied: short beam shear (SBS), flexure, and 153 mm square panels. The interior region of the square panels exhibited little or no property degradation, whereas both laminate materials degraded and cracked preferentially at the specimen edge perpendicular to the fibers. Using a dye penetrant, the specimens were X-rayed and the crack depth measured as a function of time and temperature. A time temperature superposition of the crack data was successfully performed using an Arrhenius form for the shift factor. A direct correlation was found for edge crack depth and SBS strength for the LARC-160 laminates but the correlation for PMR-15 laminates was more complex.

Nelson, J. B.↗

Proton acceleration in gamma-ray bursts

Proton acceleration and subsequent secondary electron production are proposed as the process responsible for the radiation emission in gamma-ray bursts. In this mechanism electrons are naturally injected at energies much larger than m(e) x c-squared and emission above 10 MeV is expected to be one of their common features, in agreement with observations showing that most of the luminosity of these events is emitted in gamma-rays. This mode of injection guarantees copious e(+)-e(-) pair production at the source and implies a relationship between the luminosity and the spectra of the bursts, the soft bursts being, in general, the most (intrinsically) luminous and hence the most distant. This, in turn, implies that bursts with soft spectra should show a galactic distribution, a fact consistent with the limited available data. It is also argued that the observed red-shift of the e(+)-e(-) annihilation feature may not always be gravitational.

Kazanas, Demosthenes↗

On the self-noise in QASK decision-feedback carrier tracking loops

Quadrature amplitude-shift keying (QASK) is often used for transmitting two digital data streams in bandwidth-constrained communication systems. Previous analyses of the tracking performance of a decision-feedback carrier tracking loop, which can be used to provide a carrier reference for a QASK signal set, have neglected the effects of the self-noise in the derivation of the loop resonance. The authors incorporate the effects of the self-noise into the analysis of decision-feedback carrier tracking loops. It is demonstrated that failure to account for the self-noise will only result in a conservative assessment of the system's performance, contrary to what might be expected. All results obtained are in closed form and can easily be evaluated numerically for performance prediction purposes.

Hinedi, Sami↗

Magnetic properties of the 110K superconducting phase in Pb-doped Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O thin films

The relaxation of the remnant moment induced in a nearly single phase high T(sub c) thin film of Pd-doped Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O was investigated. Measurements reveal that the relaxation obeys a logarithmic time dependence for observation times up to 2000 seconds. The temperature dependence of the initial magnetization of the film and its decay rate are obtained. The initial magnetization monotonically decreases. However, the decay rate normalized by initial magnetization has a peak at approximately 14 K for an applied field of 500 gauss. The peak shifts to lower temperature for a stronger magnetic field. These data are compared with existing data on other high T(sub c) superconducting materials.

Tanaka, Atsushi↗