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Results for “Operational Versatility”

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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Acousto-optic tunable filter multispectral imaging system

This paper discusses recent activities of Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the development of a new type of remote sensing multispectral imaging instruments using acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) as programmable bandpass filter. This remote sensor provides real-time operation; observational flexibility; measurements of spectral, spatial, and polarization information using a single instrument; and compact, solid state structure without moving parts. Two microcomputer-controlled AOTF imaging spectrometer breadboard systems were designed and built. One operates in the wavelength range of 0.48-0.76 micron and the other in the range of 1.2-2.5 micron. Experiments were performed using these two systems to observe geological and botanical objects in laboratory and outdoor environment. Results have demonstrated the feasibility of using the AOTF multispectral imaging system as a real-time versatile remote sensor with operational flexibility for future Army tactical applications.

Cheng, Li-Jen↗
NASA NTRS1967

Versatile analog pulse height computer performs real-time arithmetic operations

Multipurpose analog pulse height computer performs real-time arithmetic operations on relatively fast pulses. This computer can be used for identification of charged particles, pulse shape discrimination, division of signals from position sensitive detectors, and other on-line data reduction techniques.

Brenner, R.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Tactical Analysis for Calculating Contextual Risk at Boundaries: Summary of Laboratory Directed Research & Development Effort

The Tactical Analysis for Calculating Contextual Risk at Boundaries (TACCRAB) tool is an innovative digital twin (DT) platform and automated risk algorithm designed to transform operational decision-making in structured screening environments, with an initial focus on Southern Border Land Ports of Entry (POEs). The invention provides integration points for advanced artificial intelligence, predictive modeling, and real-time data analysis to produce a comprehensive risk management tool that enables proactive, data-informed security strategies. The core inventive features of TACCRAB center on its unique risk algorithm, which dynamically calculates contextual risk by synthesizing historical data, near real-time streaming data from the checkpoints themselves, and AI-generated predictions. Unlike traditional risk assessment methods, TACCRAB utilizes a DT to provide comprehensive operational insights, allowing stakeholders to visualize, simulate, and optimize checkpoint configurations with unprecedented speed and contextual awareness. TACCRAB's key innovation lies in its ability to combine multiple complex inputs - including technology detection probabilities, resource availability, screening pathway characteristics, and threat actor behavioral patterns - into a unified risk calculation and update these inputs based on changing operational and environmental conditions. By leveraging a DT that continuously updates and learns from linked data, TACCRAB can suggest adaptive mitigation strategies that minimize risk while maintaining operational efficiency. Particularly novel is the platform's approach to decision support, which goes beyond static risk assessment. The DT provides dynamic metrics such as wait times, resource allocation effectiveness, and potential emerging threat scenarios, enabling users to view sophisticated, relevant what-if simulations and optimize checkpoint operations in near real-time. The system's architecture allows for generalized application across different screening environments, such as secure facilities, ports of entry, and soft targets, making it a versatile tool for security and operational management. The invention distinguishes itself through its comprehensive integration of predictive modeling, AI-driven pattern discovery, and user-friendly interface design. By combining these elements, TACCRAB transforms complex risk data into actionable insights, supporting decision-makers at various organizational levels - from booth agents making split-second screening decisions to checkpoint managers optimizing the day's resource allocation to strategic planners managing long-term investments.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
NASA NTRS2008

A Versatile Lifting Device for Lunar Surface Payload Handling, Inspection and Regolith Transport Operations

Devices for lifting and transporting payloads and material are critical for efficient Earth-based construction operations. Devices with similar functionality will be needed to support lunar-outpost construction, servicing, inspection, regolith excavation, grading and payload placement. Past studies have proposed that only a few carefully selected devices are required for a lunar outpost. One particular set of operations involves lifting and manipulating payloads in the 100 kg to 3,000 kg range, which are too large or massive to be handled by unassisted astronauts. This paper will review historical devices used for payload handling in space and on earth to derive a set of desirable features for a device that can be used on planetary surfaces. Next, an innovative concept for a lifting device is introduced, which includes many of the desirable features. The versatility of the device is discussed, including its application to lander unloading, servicing, inspection, regolith excavation and site preparation. Approximate rules, which can be used to size the device for specific payload mass and reach requirements, are provided. Finally, details of a test-bed implementation of the innovative concept, which will be used to validate the structural design and develop operational procedures, is provided.

Doggett, William R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Description of electrical networks using wiring operators.

A scheme is presented for describing the interconnection of elements and subnetworks into networks by means of 'wiring operators.' This scheme is algebraic and is intended for conversing with computers. It is especially suitable for two-ports such as amplifiers, filters, microwave networks, and in general, transmission-type networks with an input and an output. The algebra is direct, convenient, and versatile. Each of the wiring operators corresponds to a specific set of calculations on the parameters of the networks involved.

Penfield, P., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Design of a V/STOL technology airplane

A two-engine three-fan V/STOL airplane was designed to demonstrate and develop the technology for operational V/STOL and STO-VL aircraft having safe engine-out characteristics. Engine-out requirements, integration of propulsion and aerodynamic controls, and propulsion installation are the major factors affecting the configuration. Use of variable pitch fans enhances the control system providing a responsive and versatile airplane. The ability to operate over the entire flight spectrum from zero speed to M = 0.8 is required to demonstrate operational capability with a V/STOL system.

Zabinsky, J. M.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Modbus RTU for Embedded Cyber Secure Inverter Controller

The Modbus communication protocol is a widely adopted communication standard in industrial control systems. This communication protocol is known for being reliable and straightforward to implement while being versatile in terms of its operating parameters while supporting multiple formats over various hardware infrastructures and architectures. Many intelligent devices such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), Internet-of-Things (IoT), and various Operational Technologies (OT) utilize Modbus for their communication systems. These types of systems must communicate with each other through a standardized and central communication process. To support the integration of these modular systems, a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) can act as an embedded central routing fabric for this communication to take place. Embedded systems are versatile enough to interface with various devices and systems to accomplish various goals. Additionally, embedded systems require relatively small physical designs to minimize the required resources to facilitate the intended application by providing low-level system access. This minimization of system resources goes hand in hand with reducing the financial cost of a proposed solution or system. As remotely collaborating researchers often use FPGAs to prototype designs that are required to have a method for data transmission among systems, it is imperative to provide a baseline standard for communications among devices and systems. A typical method of implementing the Modbus RTU communication protocol in an embedded environment is using integrated logic architectures within the FPGA called “Intellectual Property (IP) cores.” IP cores can be designed using integrated logic or circuit designs to function as an embedded processor. These IP cores can then perform the required computational actions to support the Modbus RTU communication protocol by utilizing high-level programming languages such as the C programming language. The hardware description language of Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) allows for the control of real hardware at the logic gate and signal level. These logic gates and signals can be designed and controlled to perform desired actions based on the system design. Programming an FPGA using VHDL allows an individual to access the lowest abstraction level of the system during FPGA development. This level of abstraction is referred to as the register-transfer level (RTL), which gives access to manipulating values and variables at the register level. This register-level manipulation provides precision over creating the logical circuit within the FPGA, thus minimizing the required code to perform desired operations. The Modbus RTU communication protocol can be implemented within an FPGA using VHDL programming to establish a standardized and embedded serial communication pathway. This implementation provides a standardized communication protocol to streamline research efforts among researchers, thus increasing the efficiency of research efforts. Additionally, this Modbus RTU implementation requires fewer resources when compared to typical communication protocol implementations that utilize an IP core, reducing the hardware requirement for effective research efforts.

communication↗
NASA NTRS1991

Results of prototype software development for automation of shuttle proximity operations

The effort involves demonstration of expert system technology application to Shuttle rendezvous operations in a high-fidelity, real-time simulation environment. The JSC Systems Engineering Simulator (SES) served as the test bed for the demonstration. Rendezvous applications were focused on crew procedures and monitoring of sensor health and trajectory status. Proximity operations applications were focused on monitoring, crew advisory, and control of the approach trajectory. Guidance, Navigation, and Control areas of emphasis included the approach, transition and stationkeeping guidance, and laser docking sensor navigation. Operator interface displays for monitor and control functions were developed. A rule-based expert system was developed to manage the relative navigation system/sensors for nominal operations and simple failure contingencies. Testing resulted in the following findings; (1) the developed guidance is applicable for operations with LVLH stabilized targets; (2) closing rates less than 0.05 feet per second are difficult to maintain due to the Shuttle translational/rotational cross-coupling; (3) automated operations result in reduced propellant consumption and plume impingement effects on the target as compared to manual operations; and (4) braking gates are beneficial for trajectory management. A versatile guidance design was demonstrated. An accurate proximity operations sensor/navigation system to provide relative attitude information within 30 feet is required and redesign of the existing Shuttle digital autopilot should be considered to reduce the cross-coupling effects. This activity has demonstrated the feasibility of automated Shuttle proximity operations with the Space Station Freedom. Indications are that berthing operations as well as docking can be supported.

Hiers, Hal↗
DOE OSTI2022

A directional microcrack damage theory for brittle solids based on continuous hyperplasticity

We present a novel microcrack-damage theory for brittle solids under compression. Instead of using internal variables like zeroth, second or fourth rank damage tensors, the state of material damage is represented by an internal function that encapsulates the information of direction, density and size of microcracks. Just like other internal variables, the evolution of this state function must obey the second law of thermodynamics for arbitrary loading paths. This is done by casting the model in the framework of continuous hyperplasticity and enforcing a non-negative dissipation rate functional. The proposed framework offers predictions on the continuous evolution of microcrack density and the induced material anisotropy along with the macroscopic stress-strain curves. The use of continuous damage function grants the model significantly enhanced resolution in characterizing the direction-dependent response of cracked solids compared to classical models that are based on damage tensors. Two scenarios are considered in developing the theory, one assumes frictionless cracks and the other incorporates friction between crack surfaces. The results highlight that inelasticity, pressure dependence, and loading-unloading hysteresis exhibited by brittle solids are natural consequences of frictional microcracks. The proposed theory offers a generic and versatile framework to upscale micromechanical processes operating at individual crack scale to explain the macroscopic behavior of cracked solids.

Materials Science↗
NASA NTRS2007

Continuously Regenerable Freeze-Out CO2 Control Technology

Carbon dioxide (CO2) removal technology development for portable life support systems (PLSS) has traditionally concentrated in the areas of solid and liquid chemical sorbents and semi-permeable membranes. Most of these systems are too heavy in gravity environments, require prohibitive amounts of consumables for operation on long term planetary missions, or are inoperable on the surface of Mars due to the presence of a CO2 atmosphere. This paper describes the effort performed to mature an innovative CO2 removal technology that meets NASA s planetary mission needs while adhering to the important guiding principles of simplicity, reliability, and operability. A breadboard cryogenic carbon dioxide scrubber (Cryo Scrubber) for a closed loop cryogenic PLSS was developed, designed, and tested, and a conceptual design suitable for a PLSS was developed based on the results of the breadboard testing. The Cryo Scrubber freezes CO2 and other trace contaminants out of expired vent loop gas using cooling available from a liquid oxygen (LOX) based PLSS. The device is continuously regenerable, with solid CO2 being removed from the cold freeze-out surfaces, sublimated, and vented overboard. Duration is limited only by the supply of LOX stored in the PLSS. Simplicity, reliability, and operability are universally important criteria for critical hardware on long duration Lunar or Mars missions. The Cryo Scrubber has no moving parts, requires no additional consumables, and uses no electrical power, contributing to its simplicity and reliability. It is easy to use; no operator action is required to prepare, use, or shut down the Cryo Scrubber, and it does not require charging or regeneration. The versatility of the concept allows for operation on earth, the moon, and Mars, and in microgravity.

Fricker, John↗
NASA NTRS2021

Romie: A Domain-Independent Tool for Computer-Aided Robust Operations Management

Romie is a decision support tool based on AI's latest advances in the domain of robust scheduling. Unlike all its predecessors, the tool allows to (i) visually model the operational problem and context entirely (ii) optimize to find near-optimal schedules while taking uncertainty into account and deals with (iii) a combination of various {key performance indicators (KPIs). It comes with a web user interface. Part or all of the modelled activities may be associated to random variables describing their stochastic durations, in order to produce schedules that are robust w.r.t. temporal uncertainty. Hence, depending on the pursued KPIs, the schedules maximize a combination of the following terms: the probability of satisfying the problem constraints, the expected return/efficiency, the expected outcome quality, and even the operators' wellness by minimizing its expected extra-hours. Initially developed for spatial exploration and demonstration in the context of Mars analog missions, this versatile tool is here applied to operations management in both biotechnology manufacturing and robots parametrization in a cave exploration context.

Chien, Steve A.↗
DOE OSTI2024

QSpace - An open-source tensor library for Abelian and non-Abelian symmetries

This is the documentation for the tensor library QSpace (v4.0), a toolbox to exploit ‘quan tum symmetry spaces’ in tensor network states in the quantum many-body context. QSpace permits arbitrary combinations of symmetries including the abelian symmetries $\mathbb{Z}_n$ and U(1), as well as all non-abelian symmetries based on the semisimple classical Lie algebras: A n , B n , C n , and D n , or respectively, the special unitary group SU(n), the odd orthogonal group SO(2n+1), the symplectic group Sp(2n), and the even orthogonal group SO(2n). The code (C++ embedded via the MEX interface into Matlab) is available open source as of QSpace v4.0 on bitbucket under the Apache 2.0 license. QSpace is designed as a bottom-up approach for non-abelian symmetries. It starts from the defining representation and the respective Lie algebra. By explicitly comput ing and tabulating generalized Clebsch-Gordan coefficient tensors, QSpace is versatile in the type of operations that it can perform across all symmetries. At the level of an ap plication, much of the symmetry-related details are hidden within the QSpace C++ core libraries. Hence when developing tensor network algorithms with QSpace, these can be coded (nearly) as if there are no symmetries at all, despite being able to fully exploit general non-abelian symmetries.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Real-time Object Bounding in LiDAR Data With Computer Vision

The Multimodal Measurement System is a roadside radiation measurement testbed used to detect radiation sources in passing vehicles. It works by combining sensor signals from various modalities to produce a thorough scan of the source. A LiDAR sensor is used to measure the dimensions of the vehicle and provide a velocity estimate. However, the current LiDAR setup uses propriety software for which the source code is unavailable and cannot be updated to improve performance. Therefore, it is imperative to the accuracy of the analysis to create a custom vehicle detection that can return the dimensions and velocity of passing vehicles in real time. This new custom detection is written in C++ using the PointCloud Library, which keeps it lightweight. It also utilizes Docker and the Robot Operating System, which allows the versatility of running both on a small computer or the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory cluster while utilizing different models of LiDAR sensors. The custom detection outperforms the current detection model, which increases the accuracy of radiation source detection.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1975

Sensor development in the Shuttle era

The use of the Space Shuttle in the development of earth observation sensors is examined. Two sensor classes are selected for case histories: infrared temperature sounders and microwave radiometers. The most significant finding in each of the developmental studies of these two sensor classes is considered to be the feasibility and value of using the Shuttle/Spacelab as a test vehicle for the operation in space of a versatile multimode experimental sensor. The Shuttle Electrically Scanned Microwave Radiometer and the Shuttle Infrared Interferometer are found to be the most effective instruments in this context. The Shuttle/Spacelab Sortie mission characteristics provide opportunities for new approaches to the development of sensors, using the Shuttle as a test vehicle to improve the efficiency of the process with respect to time, cost, and/or quality of the final product. As for crew functions, the short-term Spacelab mission requires some near real-time evaluation of data quality and sensor function in order to insure efficient data collection.

Gerding, R. B.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Space fabrication - The key to future large space systems

Construction techniques for large space structures are discussed. It is pointed out that in contrast to assembly in orbit and the deployment technique space fabrication offers favorable densities (transporting structural materials on reels) and can be adapted to automated construction. A space fabrication machine containing reels of flat sheet material and sets of rollers or dies is described, as is a machine for fabricating composite material (which must be heated for forming and then cooled to achieve structural strength). The use of fabrication machines to build such structures as space platforms, microwave radiometers, and satellite power systems is discussed. The versatility of the machine when operated in conjunction with the Space Shuttle and a set of jigs is illustrated by showing how large square solar panels and large hexagonal structures could be constructed. The need for a flight demonstration of the fabrication machine is stressed.

Savage, M.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development of the Volatile Monitoring Oxygen Measurement System

Extracting resources from the Lunar Regolith for oxygen production is a primary focus for the NASA in-situ resource utilization technology developments for the Artemis missions. The need to identify, separate, and purify extracted resources continuously evolves around state-of-the-art technology research and development and will also enable more sustainable space human exploration. A research team at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center comprised of the Applied Chemistry Laboratory and the Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations Laboratory have developed a versatile system able to focus on the extraction and quantification of oxygen. The system, Volatile Monitoring Oxygen Measurement System (VMOMS), can identify extracted oxygen from regolith processing technologies such as molten regolith electrolysis. The technology can quantify oxygen levels from a few parts per million, ppm, up to a 95% oxygen environment and detect other volatiles.

D. E. Essumang↗
NASA NTRS1973

Economics in ground operations of the Space Shuttle

The physical configuration, task versatility, and typical mission profile of the Space Shuttle are illustrated and described, and a comparison of shuttle and expendable rocket costs is discussed, with special emphasis upon savings to be achieved in ground operations. A review of economies achieved by engineering design improvements covers the automated checkout by onboard shuttle systems, the automated launch processing system, the new maintenance concept, and the analogy of Space Shuttle and airline repetitive operations. The Space Shuttle is shown to represent a new level in space flight technology, particularly, the sophistication of the systems and procedures devised for its support and ground operations.

Gray, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Interactive debug program for evaluation and modification of assembly-language software

An assembly-language debug program written for the Honeywell HDC-601 and DDP-516/316 computers is described. Names and relative addressing to improve operator-machine interaction are used. Features include versatile display, on-line assembly, and improved program execution and analysis. The program is discussed from both a programmer's and an operator's standpoint. Functional diagrams are included to describe the program, and each command is illustrated.

Arpasi, D. J.↗