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At least 559 records · Page 31
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Design, construction, and validation of an in-situ groundwater trace element analyzer with applications in carbon storage

Abstract It is estimated that carbon emissions should reach net-zero by 2050 to meet important climate targets. Carbon capture is likely necessary to reach these targets, requiring a long-term storage solution such as geological carbon sequestration. However, as with any subsurface activity, leakage can occur, potentially impacting groundwater quality near the storage site. Rapid detection is essential to mitigate damage to this resource. Since CO 2 will acidify groundwater, the concentrations of acid soluble minerals and associated cations will increase. Thus, an in-situ, real-time element analysis system based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is under development to monitor these elements. The system splits the traditional LIBS system into a miniature, all-optical sensor head built around a passively Q-switch laser fiber coupled to a control unit. Previous work has validated the LIBS technique for use at high pressure as well as the split system design. In this work, a fieldable prototype sensor is developed and tested in an onsite monitoring well where trace elements concentrations (approx. 0–3 ppm) were tracked over 20 days. These concentrations varied in response to local rainfall, diluting with increased rain, demonstrating the ability of a LIBS-based sensor to track trace elements under real-world conditions.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1995

Evaluation of monthly rainfall estimates derived from the special sensor microwave/imager (SSM/I) over the tropical Pacific

Estimates of monthly rainfall have been computed over the tropical Pacific using passive microwave satellite observations from the special sensor microwave/imager (SSM/I) for the period from July 1987 through December 1990. These monthly estimates are calibrated using data from a network of Pacific atoll rain gauges in order to account for systematic biases and are then compared with several visible and infrared satellite-based rainfall estimation techniques for the purpose of evaluating the performance of the microwave-based estimates. Although several key differences among the various techniques are observed, the general features of the monthly rainfall time series agree very well. Finally, the significant error sources contributing to uncertainties in the monthly estimates are examined and an estimate of the total error is produced. The sampling error characteristics are investigated using data from two SSM/I sensors and a detailed analysis of the characteristics of the diurnal cycle of rainfall over the oceans and its contribution to sampling errors in the monthly SSM/I estimates is made using geosynchronous satellite data. Based on the analysis of the sampling and other error sources the total error was estimated to be of the order of 30 to 50% of the monthly rainfall for estimates averaged over 2.5 deg x 2.5 deg latitude/longitude boxes, with a contribution due to diurnal variability of the order of 10%.

Berg, Wesley↗
NASA NTRS2021

Deep Domain Adaptation based Cloud Type Detection using Active and Passive Satellite Data

Domain adaptation techniques have been developed to handle data from multiple sources or domains. Most existing domain adaptation models assume that source and target domains are homogeneous, i.e., they have the same feature space. Nevertheless, many real world applications often deal with data from heterogeneous domains that come from completely different feature spaces. In our remote sensing application, data in source domain (from an active spaceborne Lidar sensor CALIOP onboard CALIPSO satellite) contain 25 attributes, while data in target domain (from a passive spectroradiometer sensor VIIRS onboard Suomi-NPP satellite) contain 20 different attributes. CALIOP has better representation capability and sensitivity to aerosol types and cloud phase, while VIIRS has wide swaths and better spatial coverage but has inherent weakness in differentiating atmospheric objects on different vertical levels. To address this mismatch of features across the domains/sensors, we propose a novel end-to-end deep domain adaptation with domain mapping and correlation alignment (DAMA) to align the heterogeneous source and target domains in active and passive satellite remote sensing data. It can learn domain invariant representation from source and target domains by transferring knowledge across these domains, and achieve additional performance improvement by incorporating weak label information into the model (DAMA-WL). Our experiments on a collocated CALIOP and VIIRS dataset show that DAMA and DAMA-WL can achieve higher classification accuracy in predicting cloud types.

domain adaptation↗
NASA NTRS1976

Acoustic sensor engineering evaluation test report

Two types of one-inch diameter sound pressure level sensors, which are candidates for monitoring ambient noise in the shuttle orbiter crew compartment during rest periods, were exposed to temperature, passive humidity, and vibration. One unexposed sensor of each type served as a reference unit. Except for the humidity exposures, each of the three capacitive microphones was individually tested in sequence with the essential voltage power supply and preamplifier. One unit exibited anomalous characteristics after the humidity exposure but returned to normal after being dried in an oven at 115 deg for two hours. Except for the humidity exposures, each of the three piezoelectric microphones was individually tested with a laboratory type amplifier. Two apparent failures occurred during these tests. The diaphragm on one was found ruptured after the fourth cycle of the humidity test. A second sensor showed an anomaly after the random vibration tests at which time its sensitivity was consistent at about one-half its former value.

Phillips, E. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Discrete range clustering using Monte Carlo methods

For automatic obstacle avoidance guidance during rotorcraft low altitude flight, a reliable model of the nearby environment is needed. Such a model may be constructed by applying surface fitting techniques to the dense range map obtained by active sensing using radars. However, for covertness, passive sensing techniques using electro-optic sensors are desirable. As opposed to the dense range map obtained via active sensing, passive sensing algorithms produce reliable range at sparse locations, and therefore, surface fitting techniques to fill the gaps in the range measurement are not directly applicable. Both for automatic guidance and as a display for aiding the pilot, these discrete ranges need to be grouped into sets which correspond to objects in the nearby environment. The focus of this paper is on using Monte Carlo methods for clustering range points into meaningful groups. One of the aims of the paper is to explore whether simulated annealing methods offer significant advantage over the basic Monte Carlo method for this class of problems. We compare three different approaches and present application results of these algorithms to a laboratory image sequence and a helicopter flight sequence.

Chatterji, G. B.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Evaluation of Advanced COTS Passive Devices for Extreme Temperature Operation

Electronic sensors and circuits are often exposed to extreme temperatures in many of NASA deep space and planetary surface exploration missions. Electronics capable of operation in harsh environments would be beneficial as they simplify overall system design, relax thermal management constraints, and meet operational requirements. For example, cryogenic operation of electronic parts will improve reliability, increase energy density, and extend the operational lifetimes of space-based electronic systems. Similarly, electronic parts that are able to withstand and operate efficiently in high temperature environments will negate the need for thermal control elements and their associated structures, thereby reducing system size and weight, enhancing its reliability, improving its efficiency, and reducing cost. Passive devices play a critical role in the design of almost all electronic circuitry. To address the needs of systems for extreme temperature operation, some of the advanced and most recently introduced commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) passive devices, which included resistors and capacitors, were examined for operation under a wide temperature regime. The types of resistors investigated included high temperature precision film, general purpose metal oxide, and wirewound.

Patterson, Richard↗
NASA NTRS1997

A scale space feature based registration technique for fusion of satellite imagery

Feature based registration is one of the most reliable methods to register multi-sensor images (both active and passive imagery) since features are often more reliable than intensity or radiometric values. The only situation where a feature based approach will fail is when the scene is completely homogenous or densely textural in which case a combination of feature and intensity based methods may yield better results. In this paper, we present some preliminary results of testing our scale space feature based registration technique, a modified version of feature based method developed earlier for classification of multi-sensor imagery. The proposed approach removes the sensitivity in parameter selection experienced in the earlier version as explained later.

Raghavan, Srini↗
NASA NTRS1975

A wide angle search technique for a 10.6 micron ladar

A ladar (laser radar) sensor designed around a pulsed passively Q-switched CO2 laser, capable of a efficient and rapid scans with a narrow beam over a wide field of view, is considered for surveillance and tracking applications in space. The output is a train of narrow pulses with a controllable pulse repetition rate. A resonant vibrating mirror in back of a classical Gregorian telescope, and a plane pointing mirror in front for beam steering, are used in scanning. Scan pulse sequences are described and illustrated. The 10.6 micron ladar set is under consideration as baseline sensor for various space rendezvous and docking applications.

Levinson, S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Approaches to the utilization of space for CO2 research

A system study of the potential of space technology to monitor climate changes and improve the understanding of the coupling beteen CO2 and cloud cover is summarized. The basis for the study is scientific data requirements pertinent to the U.S. Department of Energy's CO2 Research Program. The capabilities of space-based sensor systems are matched to meet these requirements. New sensor system concepts are identified, including a Space Shuttle-launched recalibration package to provide for continuity of measurement and recalibration between satellites, a high-orbit radiation budget satellite, or parallax sensor to measure cloud altitude, a passive method for the direct measurements of CO2 and a high-altitude powered platform to monitor select regional parameters. Space-based sensor systems that could be the development focus for the time frames of 0-5, 5-10 and 10-20 years are recommended.

Glaser, P.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Satellite observations of polar lows by SSM/I, Geosat and TOVS

Satellite observations in high-latitude regions were used to detect polar lows and track their propagation and evolution. The Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) provided estimates of surface wind speed, integrated cloud liquid water, and water vapor contents over ocean; the Geosat radar altimeter measured surface wind speed and significant wave height; the TIROS-N Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) allowed the determination of temperature and humidity profiles in the atmosphere, as well as cloud information (cloud top pressure and temperature). The detection of polar lows at a very early stage, and their development, propagation, and decay is presented for a specific case occurring in the Norwegian Sea on 23-24 January 1988, using a combination of these three instruments, namely a passive and an active microwave sensor, and a vertical sounder (19 infrared, 1 visible, and 4 microwave channels). Advantage is taken of the time and coverage differences between these three satellite sensors for the observation of polar lows. A discussion of the results is given.

Claud, C.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Radiation tolerance of the PNI RM3100 magnetometer for a Europa lander mission

The results of two radiation test campaigns on a low-cost commercial off-the-shelf magnetometer are presented. The test setup and the total ionization dose (TID) levels studied were designed to meet the requirements of a mission to land on Europa. Based on the Europa Lander Science Definition Team report, instruments inside an aluminum vault at the surface of Europa would need to withstand TID of up to 300 krad(SI). In order to evaluate the performance of the PNI RM3100 magnetometer, nine separate sensors were irradiated at two different facilities during two separate campaigns and under different configurations, including passive and active tests. Of the nine sensors, seven survived the TID of 300 krad(SI) while the other two sensors started presenting failures after reaching 150 krad(SI). Post-irradiation tests showed that eight of the nine sensors continued to work without appreciable degradation after stopping exposure, while one sensor stopped working altogether.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1972

Polarization effects with a combined radar-radiometer

Described is a unique microwave sensor. The device uses a coherent X-band radar, a radiometer at the same wavelength and an antenna with a polarization that can be varied electronically. This microwave sensor was developed to acquire polarization signature information about various surfaces in both the active and passive mode simultaneously. One application for the sensor is expected to be the location and identification of plant life.

Martin, D.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Locating underground features with seismic data processing

Methods are presented for determining the location of underground features (e.g., CO 2 ). One method includes capturing, by sensors distributed throughout a region, seismic traces associated with seismic signals generated by a seismic source. For multiple sensors, active noise is identified or passive noise is measured within each seismic trace and values for attributes associated with the active or passive noise are determined. Further, an unsupervised machine-learning model, based on the values of the attributes, is utilized to determine noise characteristics for multiple sensors. The sensors are grouped in clusters based on the noise characteristics for each sensor. For multiple clusters, a noise filter is created based on the noise characteristics of the sensors in the cluster, and the noise filter of the cluster is applied, for multiple sensors, to the seismic traces of the sensor. Additionally, the filtered seismic traces are analyzed to determine a location of CO 2 underground.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1997

Robot Position Sensor Fault Tolerance

Robot systems in critical applications, such as those in space and nuclear environments, must be able to operate during component failure to complete important tasks. One failure mode that has received little attention is the failure of joint position sensors. Current fault tolerant designs require the addition of directly redundant position sensors which can affect joint design. A new method is proposed that utilizes analytical redundancy to allow for continued operation during joint position sensor failure. Joint torque sensors are used with a virtual passive torque controller to make the robot joint stable without position feedback and improve position tracking performance in the presence of unknown link dynamics and end-effector loading. Two Cartesian accelerometer based methods are proposed to determine the position of the joint. The joint specific position determination method utilizes two triaxial accelerometers attached to the link driven by the joint with the failed position sensor. The joint specific method is not computationally complex and the position error is bounded. The system wide position determination method utilizes accelerometers distributed on different robot links and the end-effector to determine the position of sets of multiple joints. The system wide method requires fewer accelerometers than the joint specific method to make all joint position sensors fault tolerant but is more computationally complex and has lower convergence properties. Experiments were conducted on a laboratory manipulator. Both position determination methods were shown to track the actual position satisfactorily. A controller using the position determination methods and the virtual passive torque controller was able to servo the joints to a desired position during position sensor failure.

Aldridge, Hal A.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Video Guidance Sensor: Optical Performance Predictions and Results from STS-95 Experiment

The Video Guidance Sensor is a key component of NASA's Automated Rendezvous & Capture Program. The Video Guidance Sensor Uses laser illumination of a passive target in the field of view of an on-board camera and signal processor to determine the relative position and attitude between the target and sensor. The Video Guidance Sensor flew on space shuttle mission STS-95 in November of 1998 and was a marked success. Comparisons of experimental results from that mission and theoretical models predicting the optical performance will be discussed.

Jackson, John L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

An aneroid pressure sensor for constant-level balloons

The pressure sensor for the Tropical Wind Energy conversion and Reference Level Experiment (TWERLE) is described. Key design features of the sensor are: capacitive coupling, reference at midrange, up-down counting, passive oven, storage at flight pressure and prelaunch calibration. Sensor specifications are given which are based on the production results of 440 units. Drift, as estimated from simulated life tests, is 1 mb per 6 months. The overall weight of the sensor, including thermal package, is 180 g.

Levanon, N.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Improved Passive Microwave Algorithms for North America and Eurasia

Microwave algorithms simplify complex physical processes in order to estimate geophysical parameters such as snow cover and snow depth. The microwave radiances received at the satellite sensor and expressed as brightness temperatures are a composite of contributions from the Earth's surface, the Earth's atmosphere and from space. Owing to the coarse resolution inherent to passive microwave sensors, each pixel value represents a mixture of contributions from different surface types including deep snow, shallow snow, forests and open areas. Algorithms are generated in order to resolve these mixtures. The accuracy of the retrieved information is affected by uncertainties in the assumptions used in the radiative transfer equation (Steffen et al., 1992). One such uncertainty in the Chang et al., (1987) snow algorithm is that the snow grain radius is 0.3 mm for all layers of the snowpack and for all physiographic regions. However, this is not usually the case. The influence of larger grain sizes appears to be of more importance for deeper snowpacks in the interior of Eurasia. Based on this consideration and the effects of forests, a revised SMMR snow algorithm produces more realistic snow mass values. The purpose of this study is to present results of the revised algorithm (referred to for the remainder of this paper as the GSFC 94 snow algorithm) which incorporates differences in both fractional forest cover and snow grain size. Results from the GSFC 94 algorithm will be compared to the original Chang et al. (1987) algorithm and to climatological snow depth data as well.

Foster, James↗
DOE OSTI2020

Structural and Optical Response of Polymer-Stabilized Blue Phase Liquid Crystal Films to Volatile Organic Compounds

Engineering useful mechanical properties into stimuli-responsive soft materials without compromising their responsiveness is, in many cases, an unresolved challenge. For example, polymer networks formed within blue-phase liquid crystals (BPs) have been shown to form mechanically robust films, but the impact of polymer networks on the response of these soft materials to chemical stimuli has not been explored. In this work, we report on the response of polymer-stabilized BPs (PSBPs) to volatile organic compounds (VOCs, using toluene as a model compound) and compare the response to BPs without polymer stabilization and to polymerized nematic and cholesteric phases. We find that PSBPs generate an optical response to toluene vapor (change in reflection intensity under crossed polars) that is sixfold greater in sensitivity than the polymerized nematic or cholesteric phases and with a limit of detection (140 ± 10 ppm at 25 °C) that is relevant to the measurement of permissible exposure limits for humans. Additionally, when compared to BPs that have not been polymerized, PSBPs respond to a broader range of toluene vapor concentrations (5000 vs <1000 ppm) over a wider temperature interval (25–45 vs 45–53 °C). We place these experimental observations into the context of a simple thermodynamic model to explore how the PSBP response reflects the effect of toluene on competing contributions of double-twisted LC cylinders, disclinations, and polymer network to the free energy that controls the PSBP lattice spacing. Overall, we conclude that the mechanical and thermal stability of PSBPs, when combined with their optical responsiveness to toluene, make this class of self-supporting LCs a promising one as the basis of passive and compact (e.g., wearable) sensors for VOCs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗