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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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At least 523 records · Page 29
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

MacDoctor: The Macintosh diagnoser

When the Macintosh computer was first released, the primary user was a computer hobbyist who typically had a significant technical background and was highly motivated to understand the internal structure and operational intricacies of the computer. In recent years the Macintosh computer has become a widely-accepted general purpose computer which is being used by an ever-increasing non-technical audience. This has lead to a large base of users which has neither the interest nor the background to understand what is happening 'behind the scenes' when the Macintosh is put to use - or what should be happening when something goes wrong. Additionally, the Macintosh itself has evolved from a simple closed design to a complete family of processor platforms and peripherals with a tremendous number of possible configurations. With the increasing popularity of the Macintosh series, software and hardware developers are producing a product for every user's need. As the complexity of configuration possibilities grows, the need for experienced or even expert knowledge is required to diagnose problems. This presents a problem to uneducated or casual users. This problem indicates a new Macintosh consumer need; that is, a diagnostic tool able to determine the problem for the user. As the volume of Macintosh products has increased, this need has also increased.

Lavery, David B.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Utilizing Remote Sensing to Detect and Assess the Impacts of Estuarine Breach Events for Improved Coastal Wetland Monitoring and Management

Estuaries are extremely dynamic environments that provide a host of vital ecosystem services. California’s Marine Life Protection Act protects such ecosystems by creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). California has approximately 440,000 acres of estuarine habitat as well as 23 Estuarine Marine Protected Areas (EMPAs). Thus, in situ data collection is often difficult due to time and resource constraints. This project used remote sensing to gather data that examined the health and dynamics of California EMPAs to supplement ground-based field measurements. Through the use of Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS), Sentinel-2 MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI), and Sentinel-1 C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (C-SAR), this project assessed mouth state, inundation extent, turbidity, temperature, and tidal measurements for observable estuaries. The Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) from Sentinel-2 MSI captured estuary mouth state and inundation extent. Landsat 8 OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI detected differences in water quality metrics that correlated to changes in estuary mouth state (i.e., open or closed) through algorithms in Google Earth Engine (GEE). The GEE California Estuary Assessment (CEA) tool was created with partner input throughout development and culminated in a graphical user interface tailored to management needs. The CEA tool will allow the partners, the Ocean Protection Council, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories’ Central Coast Wetlands Group, the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and Davis (UCD), to better understand estuary dynamics and facilitate informed management decisions through satellite-based Earth observations.

Alex Gunnerson↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA GeneLab Multi-study Visualization Portal

NASA GeneLab has helped advance the field of Space Biology by providing a public repository where researchers can store, share, analyze and visualize the results of space flight related omics experiments. The GeneLab data visualization portal allows any user, regardless of bioinformatics knowledge or access to computational resources, to interact with the experimental data, draw their own conclusions, and gain insights about the effects of space on living systems. These tools help democratize scientific research and foster the NASA Open Science initiative. The new multi-study feature of the GeneLab visualization platform allows users to mine study metadata from RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments to identify samples of interest by filtering datasets based on organism, tissue, assay technology type, and/or factor. Once samples are selected from multiple datasets, users can combine and normalize the sample data, then utilize the visualization displays, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) plots, to assess sample distributions. Finally, users can perform differential gene expression analysis on the combined data and visualize the results through PCA plots, Volcano plots, Pair plots, Heatmap, Ideogram and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. All user-generated results and visualizations will be available for download. Here, we present a biological study using samples from multiple GeneLab RNA-seq datasets and analyzed using the multi-study visualization platform to demonstrate inter- and intra-study variability, as well as commonly differentially expressed genes between spaceflight and ground control conditions across datasets. This new feature opens a wide range of possibilities and opportunities for further development including combining other assay technology types and integration with batch effect correction techniques and machine learning applications. Overall, this tool allows users to increase the statistical power of individual experiments, validate hypothesis, identify patterns, and opens the door to new and exciting research.

space biology↗
NASA NTRS1978

UNIBUS monitor for PDP 11

A UNIBUS monitor was designed and constructed to facilitate development of hardware interfaces with the PDP 11 minicomputer. The monitor provides useful displays of UNIBUS conditions and provides the user with a flexible diagnostic tool. It can also serve as a simple display and data entry device, permitting extremely simple input/output (I/O) for development software. At this time, the monitor is being used with the DSN planetary radar system, which uses a PDP 11.

Donner, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS1984

IMCS reflight certification requirements and design specifications

The requirements for reflight certification are established. Software requirements encompass the software programs that are resident in the PCC, DEP, PDSS, EC, or any related GSE. A design approach for the reflight software packages is recommended. These designs will be of sufficient detail to permit the implementation of reflight software. The PDSS/IMC Reflight Certification system provides the tools and mechanisms for the user to perform the reflight certification test procedures, test data capture, test data display, and test data analysis. The system as defined will be structured to permit maximum automation of reflight certification procedures and test data analysis.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1988

Automated generation of reliability models

The abstract semi-Markov specification interface to the SURE (Semi-Markov Range Evaluator) tool (ASSIST) program allows the user to describe the Markov model in a high-level language. Instead of listing the individual states of the model, the user specifies the rules governing the behavior of the system, and these are used to automatically generate the model. A small number of statements in the abstract language can describe a large, complex model. Becuase no assumptions are made about the system being modeled, ASSIST can be used to generate models describing the behavior of any type of system. The abstract model definition and the automatic model generation strategy are described. Analysis of an example fault-tolerant architecture, a triad of processor with cold spare processors, shows how the behavior of a system can be captured by a few general rules. The syntax of the ASSIST input language is then described and demonstrated by creating a model to describe the fault behavior of the example architecture. The flexibility of the abstract language is demonstrated by expanding the example to model multiple triads of processors sharing a pool of cold spare processors.

Johnson, Sally C.↗
NASA NTRS1988

User's manual for interactive LINEAR: A FORTRAN program to derive linear aircraft models

An interactive FORTRAN program that provides the user with a powerful and flexible tool for the linearization of aircraft aerodynamic models is documented in this report. The program LINEAR numerically determines a linear system model using nonlinear equations of motion and a user-supplied linear or nonlinear aerodynamic model. The nonlinear equations of motion used are six-degree-of-freedom equations with stationary atmosphere and flat, nonrotating earth assumptions. The system model determined by LINEAR consists of matrices for both the state and observation equations. The program has been designed to allow easy selection and definition of the state, control, and observation variables to be used in a particular model.

Antoniewicz, Robert F.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Eddy current damper

A high torque capacity eddy current damper used as a rate limiting device for a large solar array deployment mechanism is discussed. The eddy current damper eliminates the problems associated with the outgassing or leaking of damping fluids. It also provides performance advantages such as damping torque rates, which are truly linear with respect to input speed, continuous 360 degree operation in both directions of rotation, wide operating temperature range, and the capability of convenient adjustment of damping rates by the user without disassembly or special tools.

Ellis, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Human factors issues in the design of user interfaces for planning and scheduling

The purpose is to provide and overview of human factors issues that impact the effectiveness of user interfaces to automated scheduling tools. The following methods are employed: (1) a survey of planning and scheduling tools; (2) the identification and analysis of human factors issues; (3) the development of design guidelines based on human factors literature; and (4) the generation of display concepts to illustrate guidelines.

Murphy, Elizabeth D.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Model-based diagnostics for Space Station Freedom

An innovative approach to fault management was recently demonstrated for the NASA LeRC Space Station Freedom (SSF) power system testbed. This project capitalized on research in model-based reasoning, which uses knowledge of a system's behavior to monitor its health. The fault management system (FMS) can isolate failures online, or in a post analysis mode, and requires no knowledge of failure symptoms to perform its diagnostics. An in-house tool called MARPLE was used to develop and run the FMS. MARPLE's capabilities are similar to those available from commercial expert system shells, although MARPLE is designed to build model-based as opposed to rule-based systems. These capabilities include functions for capturing behavioral knowledge, a reasoning engine that implements a model-based technique known as constraint suspension, and a tool for quickly generating new user interfaces. The prototype produced by applying MARPLE to SSF not only demonstrated that model-based reasoning is a valuable diagnostic approach, but it also suggested several new applications of MARPLE, including an integration and testing aid, and a complement to state estimation.

Fesq, Lorraine M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The Spectral Image Processing System (SIPS) - Interactive visualization and analysis of imaging spectrometer data

The Center for the Study of Earth from Space (CSES) at the University of Colorado, Boulder, has developed a prototype interactive software system called the Spectral Image Processing System (SIPS) using IDL (the Interactive Data Language) on UNIX-based workstations. SIPS is designed to take advantage of the combination of high spectral resolution and spatial data presentation unique to imaging spectrometers. It streamlines analysis of these data by allowing scientists to rapidly interact with entire datasets. SIPS provides visualization tools for rapid exploratory analysis and numerical tools for quantitative modeling. The user interface is X-Windows-based, user friendly, and provides 'point and click' operation. SIPS is being used for multidisciplinary research concentrating on use of physically based analysis methods to enhance scientific results from imaging spectrometer data. The objective of this continuing effort is to develop operational techniques for quantitative analysis of imaging spectrometer data and to make them available to the scientific community prior to the launch of imaging spectrometer satellite systems such as the Earth Observing System (EOS) High Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (HIRIS).

Kruse, F. A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Reactive system verification case study: Fault-tolerant transputer communication

A reactive program is one which engages in an ongoing interaction with its environment. A system which is controlled by an embedded reactive program is called a reactive system. Examples of reactive systems are aircraft flight management systems, bank automatic teller machine (ATM) networks, airline reservation systems, and computer operating systems. Reactive systems are often naturally modeled (for logical design purposes) as a composition of autonomous processes which progress concurrently and which communicate to share information and/or to coordinate activities. Formal (i.e., mathematical) frameworks for system verification are tools used to increase the users' confidence that a system design satisfies its specification. A framework for reactive system verification includes formal languages for system modeling and for behavior specification and decision procedures and/or proof-systems for verifying that the system model satisfies the system specifications. Using the Ostroff framework for reactive system verification, an approach to achieving fault-tolerant communication between transputers was shown to be effective. The key components of the design, the decoupler processes, may be viewed as discrete-event-controllers introduced to constrain system behavior such that system specifications are satisfied. The Ostroff framework was also effective. The expressiveness of the modeling language permitted construction of a faithful model of the transputer network. The relevant specifications were readily expressed in the specification language. The set of decision procedures provided was adequate to verify the specifications of interest. The need for improved support for system behavior visualization is emphasized.

Crane, D. Francis↗
NASA NTRS1993

Network upgrades

The NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Project modernization plan covers both software and hardware upgrades. On the hardware side, replacing terminals with PC's will enhance office automation functions, provide mainframe and computer network systems access, and facilitate client/server functions. The modernization plan upgrades will involve commercial off-the-shelf software, user interface and client development tools, and the redesign and integration of application systems and software.

Ridgeway, Roland↗
NASA NTRS1991

Interacting with virtual worlds

What tools should we provide the user for defining and interacting with objects and agents in virtual environments at varying levels of complexity? Understanding the appropriate simplifications to make is critical for modeling nontrivial environments and agents with varying levels of autonomy. I describe a set of abstraction mechanisms appropriate for constructing and interacting with virtual worlds, and I discuss how programming, and direct manipulation of guiding techniques, can be used to afford users interactive access to graphical simulations at appropriate levels of abstraction.

Zeltzer, David↗
NASA NTRS1994

Modeling of stress/strain behavior of fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites including stress redistribution

A computational simulation procedure is presented for nonlinear analyses which incorporates microstress redistribution due to progressive fracture in ceramic matrix composites. This procedure facilitates an accurate simulation of the stress-strain behavior of ceramic matrix composites up to failure. The nonlinearity in the material behavior is accounted for at the constituent (fiber/matrix/interphase) level. This computational procedure is a part of recent upgrades to CEMCAN (Ceramic Matrix Composite Analyzer) computer code. The fiber substructuring technique in CEMCAN is used to monitor the damage initiation and progression as the load increases. The room-temperature tensile stress-strain curves for SiC fiber reinforced reaction-bonded silicon nitride (RBSN) matrix unidirectional and angle-ply laminates are simulated and compared with experimentally observed stress-strain behavior. Comparison between the predicted stress/strain behavior and experimental stress/strain curves is good. Collectively the results demonstrate that CEMCAN computer code provides the user with an effective computational tool to simulate the behavior of ceramic matrix composites.

Mital, Subodh K.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Evaluation in context: ATC automation in the field

The process for incorporating advanced technologies into complex aviation systems is as important as the final product itself. This paper described a process that is currently being applied to the development and assessment of an advanced ATC automation system, CTAS. The key element of the process is field exposure early in the system development cycle. The process deviates from current established practices of system development -- where field testing is an implementation endpoint -- and has been deemed necessary by the FAA for streamlining development and bringing system functions to a level of stability and usefulness. Methods and approaches for field assessment are borrowed from human factors engineering, cognitive engineering, and usability engineering and are tailored for the constraints of an operational ATC environment. To date, the focus has been on the qualitative assessment of the match between TMA capabilities and the context for their use. Capturing the users' experience with the automation tool and understanding tool use in the context of the operational environment is important, not only for developing a tool that is an effective problem-solving instrument but also for defining meaningful operational requirements. Such requirements form the basis for certifying the safety and efficiency of the system. CTAS is the first U.S. advanced ATC automation system of its scope and complexity to undergo this field development and assessment process. With the rapid advances in aviation technologies and our limited understanding of their impact on system performance, it is time we opened our eyes to new possibilities for developing, validating, and ultimately certifying complex aviation systems.

Harwood, Kelly↗
NASA NTRS1995

TEXCAD: TEXile Composite Analysis for Design

The Textile Composite Analysis for Design (TEXCAD) code provides the materials/design engineer with a user-friendly, desktop computer based tool for the analysis of a wide variety of fabric reinforced woven and braided composites. It can be used to calculate overall thermal and mechanical properties along with engineering estimates of damage progression and strength. TEXCAD also calculates laminate properties for stacked, oriented fabric constructions. It discretely models the yarn centerline paths within the textile repeating unit cell (RUC) by assuming sinusoidal undulations at yarn cross-over points and uses a year discretization scheme (which subdivides each yarn into smaller, piecewise straight yarn slices) together with a 3-D stress averaging procedure to compute overall stiffness properties. In the calculations for strength, it uses a curved beam-on-elastic foundation model for yarn undulating regions together with incremental approach in which stiffness properties for the failed yarn slices are reduced based on the predicted yarn slice failure mode. Nonlinear shear effects and nonlinear geometric effects can be stimulated. Input to TEXCAD consists of: (1) material parameters like impregnated yarn and resin properties such as moduli, Poisson's ratios, coefficients of thermal expansion, nonlinear shear parameters, axial failure strains, and in-plane failure stresses; and (2) fabric parameters like yarn sizes, braid angle, yarn packing density, filament diameter, and overall fiber volume fraction. Output consists of overall thermoelastic constants, yarn slice strains/stresses, yarn slice failure history, in-plane strain response, and ultimate failure strength. Strength can be computed under the combined action of thermal and mechanical loading (tension, compression, and shear). A brief overview of the analytical capabilities, program organization, and modules, input and output parameters, computer platforms, distribution, and modifications/extensions of the TEXCAD code are presented here.

Naik, Rajiv A.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Commercial Contributions to the Success of the HEDS Enterprise: A Working Model

The future of NASA involves the exploration of space beyond the confines of orbit about the Earth. This includes robotic investigations and Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS). The HEDS Strategic Plan states: "HEDS will join with the private sector to stimulate opportunities for commercial development in space as a key to future settlement. Near-term efforts will emphasize joint pilot projects that provide clear benefit to Earth from the development of near-Earth space." In support of this endeavor, NASA has established the Commercial Development of Space as a prime goal and is exploring all the ways in which NASA might make contributions to this development. NASA has long supported the development of space for commercial use. In 1985 it formally established and provided funds to support a program which created a number of joint ventures between universities and industry for this purpose. These were known as Centers for the Commercial Development of Space (CCDS). In 1999 NASA established a broader policy on commercialization with the aim of encouraging near-term commercial investment in conjunction with the International Space Station. Joint pilot projects will be initiated to stimulate this near-term investment. The long-term development of commercial concepts utilizing space access continues through the activities of the Commercial Space Centers (CSC), a sub-set of the original CCDS group. These Centers primarily require access to space for the conduct of their work. The remainder of the initial Centers focus on the development of tools and infrastructure to support users of the space environment. It is in this arena that long term development for commercial use and infrastructure development will occur. This paper will provide a retrospective examination of the Commercial Centers, the variety of models employed, the lessons learned, and the progress to date. This review will provide the bases for how successful models can be employed to accelerate private investment in the development of the infrastructure necessary for the success of the HEDS enterprise.

Nall, Mark↗