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At least 595 records · Page 33

Lunar Science Investigations and Exploration in Celestial Mapping System

Introduction: As NASA expands the mission portfolio on the lunar surface, there is a need for applications with a broad range of analytical and functional capabilities that can be simultaneously deployed onto multiple mobile and desktop platforms to perform in-situ operations and hence enabling extensive Lunar exploration. Celestial Mapping System (CMS) [1,2] is developed to address the need for tools for science investigations, mission planning, operations and support for planetary sciences. Built on top of NASA WorldWind libraries, CMS can be simultaneously deployed onto multiple platforms, has the flexibility to update to the latest imagery and terrain datasets as they are being acquired (in real time) before and/or during the exploration mission and has the potential to enable traverse path planning suited for rovers, EVA and surface mobility units. It can provide critical functionalities such as equipment planning and optimized placement on Lunar surface, line of sight analysis to inform the coverage area for various equipment, powerful measurement tools based on 3D terrain, 3D COLLADA models to represent rovers, humans and equipment, visualization of derived mapping products (e.g. resource maps), and a data engine for hosting new observations that are not available in other contemporary lunar data tools [1]. Visualization of PSRs: The current presentation focuses on the work performed by the authors, to consume a unique dataset of super-enhanced images of the permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) at the lunar poles which were produced by the Hyper-effective nOise Removal U-net Software (HORUS) tool [3]. This tool was developed in direct support of NASA's VIPER and Artemis programs to enhance the extremely low-light images of the interior of PSRs and provide the first-time ability to see within these regions at and discern surface features (i.e. boulders and craters) down to 3 meters in size. We focused on the region near Nobili crater near Lunar south pole, selected site for VIPER mission and stitched several images to create a high-resolution map within one of the PSR of Nobile crater. Line of Sight Analysis and Traverse Planning in PSRs: We have developed an in-built line of sight analysis (LOS) tool in CMS that analyzes the terrain profile and obstructions and provides the visibility of a given terrain for a remote observer. This tool was utilized to perform viewshed analysis to investigate the area inside the PSR, a remote observer such as a rover could see without actually crossing the region. Figure 1 shows the viewshed analysis on the PSR in Nobile region. The yellow pin shows the observer location outside the PSR. The yellow area shows the visible part of PSR. The obstructed area with no visibility for the observer is shown in red. Figure 1: (left) PSR image on top of a high-resolution mosaic of sunlit images of a crater, in Nobile region (right) Viewshed Analysis of the same PSR with observer location shown by yellow pin. This analysis was extended further to set different heights for various observers and then perform the viewshed analysis. Combining the different visibility profiles can help designing improved traverses within the crater. Future plans: Eventually, HORUS datasets will be integrated into CMS as a layer in selected lunar polar regions. Hazard Maps will then be created based on terrain analysis in those regions. This integration will enable multiple scientific and exploration applications, such as designing traverses within PSRs, analyzing potential landing and science mission targets, investigating the meter-scale geomorphology of PSRs, including craters, boulder, surface roughness, mass wasting features and other indications of the presence of water-ice and other volatiles. Acknowledgments: CMS developers team including Kaitlyn J. Dickinson, Tyler A. Lucarz, Tyler W. Choi from USRA, NASA WorldWind Advisory team including Mark Peterson and Guillermo Miguel Del Castillo, HORUS team member V.T. Bickel, Robinson, M., LRO MOON LROC 2 EDR V1.0, LRO-L-LROC-2-EDR-V1.0, NASA Planetary Data System (PDS), 2009. https://doi.org/10.17189/1520643 References: [1] https://celestial.arc.nasa.gov [2] Agrawal et. al. “Celestial Mapping System for Lunar Surface Mapping and Analytics”, Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium, 2021 [3] Bickel V. et al. (2021) Nat Commun 12, 5607

Lunar Mapping↗

ESIAC: A data products system for ERTS imagery (time-lapse viewing and measuring)

An Electronic Satellite Image Analysis Console (ESIAC) has been developed for visual analysis and objective measurement of earth resources imagery. The system is being employed to process imagery for use by USGS investigators in several different disciplines studying dynamic hydrologic conditions. The ESIAC provides facilities for storing registered image sequences in a magnetic video disc memory for subsequent recall, enhancement, and animated display in monochrome or color. The unique feature of the system is the capability to time-lapse the ERTS imagery and/or analytic displays of the imagery. Data products have included quantitative measurements of distances and areas, brightness profiles, and movie loops of selected themes. The applications of these data products are identified and include such diverse problem areas as measurement of snowfield extent, sediment plumes from estuary dicharge, playa inventory, phreatophyte and other vegetation changes. A comparative ranking of the electronic system in terms of accuracy, cost effectiveness and data output shows it to be a viable means of data analysis.

Evans, W. E.↗

New test techniques and analytical procedures for understanding the behavior of advanced propellers

Analytical procedures and experimental techniques were developed to improve the capability to design advanced high speed propellers. Some results from the propeller lifting line and lifting surface aerodynamic analysis codes are compared with propeller force data, probe data and laser velocimeter data. In general, the code comparisons with data indicate good qualitative agreement. A rotating propeller force balance demonstrated good accuracy and reduced test time by 50 percent. Results from three propeller flow visualization techniques are shown which illustrate some of the physical phenomena occurring on these propellers.

Stefko, G. L.↗

Kinematic/Dynamic Characteristics for Visual and Kinesthetic Virtual Environments

Work was carried out on two topics of principal importance to current progress in virtual environment research at NASA Ames and elsewhere. The first topic was directed at maximizing the temporal dynamic response of visually presented Virtual Environments (VEs) through reorganization and optimization of system hardware and software. The final results of this portion of the work was a VE system in the Advanced Display and Spatial Perception Laboratory at NASA Ames capable of updating at 60 Hz (the maximum hardware refresh rate) with latencies approaching 30 msec. In the course of achieving this system performance, specialized hardware and software tools for measurement of VE latency and analytic models correlating update rate and latency for different system configurations were developed. The second area of activity was the preliminary development and analysis of a novel kinematic architecture for three Degree Of Freedom (DOF) haptic interfaces--devices that provide force feedback for manipulative interaction with virtual and remote environments. An invention disclosure was filed on this work and a patent application is being pursued by NASA Ames. Activities in these two areas are expanded upon below.

Bortolussi, Michael R.↗

Laser-Plasma Spatiotemporal Cyanide Spectroscopy and Applications

This article reports new measurements of laser-induced plasma hypersonic expansion measurements of diatomic molecular cyanide (CN). Focused, high-peak-power 1064 nm Q-switched radiation of the order of 1 TW/cm 2 generated optical breakdown plasma in a cell containing a 1:1 molar gas mixture of N 2 and CO 2 at a fixed pressure of 1.1 × 10 5 Pascal and in a 100 mL/min flow of the mixture. Line-of-sight (LOS) analysis of recorded molecular spectra indicated the outgoing shockwave at expansion speeds well in excess of Mach 5. Spectra of atomic carbon confirmed increased electron density near the shockwave, and, equally, molecular CN spectra revealed higher excitation temperature near the shockwave. Results were consistent with corresponding high-speed shadowgraphs obtained by visualization with an effective shutter speed of 5 nanoseconds. In addition, LOS analysis and the application of integral inversion techniques allow inferences about the spatiotemporal plasma distribution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Timescale Correlation between Marine Atmospheric Exposure and Accelerated Corrosion Testing - Part 2

Evaluation of metals to predict service life of metal-based structures in corrosive environments has long relied on atmospheric exposure test sites. Traditional accelerated corrosion testing relies on mimicking the exposure conditions, often incorporating salt spray and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and exposing the metal to continuous or cyclic conditions similar to those of the corrosive environment. Their reliability to correlate to atmospheric exposure test results is often a concern when determining the timescale to which the accelerated tests can be related. Accelerated corrosion testing has yet to be universally accepted as a useful tool in predicting the long-term service life of a metal, despite its ability to rapidly induce corrosion. Although visual and mass loss methods of evaluating corrosion are the standard, and their use is crucial, a method that correlates timescales from accelerated testing to atmospheric exposure would be very valuable. This paper presents work that began with the characterization of the atmospheric environment at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Beachside Corrosion Test Site. The chemical changes that occur on low carbon steel, during atmospheric and accelerated corrosion conditions, were investigated using surface chemistry analytical methods. The corrosion rates and behaviors of panels subjected to long-term and accelerated corrosion conditions, involving neutral salt fog and alternating seawater spray, were compared to identify possible timescale correlations between accelerated and long-term corrosion performance. The results, as well as preliminary findings on the correlation investigation, are presented.

Montgomery, Eliza L.↗

Experimental and analytical study of cryogenic propellant boiloff to develop and verify alternate pressurization concepts for Space Shuttle external tank using a scaled down tank

Self pressurization by propellant boiloff is experimentally studied as an alternate pressurization concept for the Space Shuttle external tank (ET). The experimental setup used in the study is an open flow system which is composed of a variable area test tank and a recovery tank. The vacuum jacketed test tank is geometrically similar to the external LOx tank for the Space Shuttle. It is equipped with instrumentation to measure the temperature and pressure histories within the liquid and vapor, and viewports to accommodate visual observations and Laser-Doppler Anemometry measurements of fluid velocities. A set of experiments were conducted using liquid Nitrogen to determine the temperature stratification in the liquid and vapor, and pressure histories of the vapor during sudden and continuous depressurization for various different boundary and initial conditions. The study also includes the development and calibration of a computer model to simulate the experiments. This model is a one-dimensional, multi-node type which assumes the liquid and the vapor to be under non-equilibrium conditions during the depressurization. It has been tested for a limited number of cases. The preliminary results indicate that the accuracy of the simulations is determined by the accuracy of the heat transfer coefficients for the vapor and the liquid at the interface which are taken to be the calibration parameters in the present model.

Akyuzlu, K. M.↗

A Bright, Photostable, and Far-Red Dye That Enables Multicolor, Time-Lapse, and Super-Resolution Imaging of Acidic Organelles

Lysosomes have long been known for their acidic lumens and efficient degradation of cellular byproducts. In recent years, it has become clear that their function is far more sophisticated, involving multiple cell signaling pathways and interactions with other organelles. Unfortunately, their acidic interior, fast dynamics, and small size make lysosomes difficult to image with fluorescence microscopy. Here we report a far-red small molecule, HMSiR 680 -Me, that fluoresces only under acidic conditions, causing selective labeling of acidic organelles in live cells. HMSiR 680 -Me can be used alongside other far-red dyes in multicolor imaging experiments and is superior to existing lysosome probes in terms of photostability and maintaining cell health and lysosome motility. We demonstrate that HMSiR 680 -Me is compatible with overnight time-lapse experiments as well as time-lapse super-resolution microscopy with a frame rate of 1.5 fps for at least 1000 frames. HMSiR 680 -Me can also be used alongside silicon rhodamine dyes in a multiplexed super-resolution microscopy experiment to visualize interactions between mitochondria and lysosomes with only a single excitation laser and simultaneous depletion. We envision this dye permitting a more detailed study of the role of lysosomes in dynamic cellular processes and disease.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Quantitative Comparison of Dye and Ultrasmall Fluorescent Silica Core–Shell Nanoparticle Probes for Optical Super-Resolution Imaging of Model Block Copolymer Thin Film Surfaces

In recent years, high-resolution optical imaging in the far field has provided opportunities for alternative approaches to nanocharacterization traditionally dominated by electron and scanning probe microscopies. Here in this paper, we report the optical super-resolution imaging of model block copolymer (BCP) thin film surface nanostructures through stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM). We compare a set of surface-functionalized fluorescent core–shell silica nanoparticles encapsulating two different organic dyes, Cy3 and Cy5, with the corresponding free dyes in STORM. Using various click-type chemistries, these probes are covalently attached to the surface of specific blocks of BCP thin films, enabling selective block labeling and optical visualization. We demonstrate that the enhanced brightness of these particle probes offers distinct advantages over conventional dye labeling, outperforming one of the best STORM dyes available (Cy5).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Quantitative imaging of anion exchange kinetics in halide perovskites

Significance Fundamental understanding of chemical transformation mechanism in solid-state semiconductors can offer guidelines for engineering these materials with various functionalities. Microscopically resolving such transformation process on the single-particle level can provide a direct picture of the dynamics, but has always been challenging due to the deficiencies of characterization techniques and material dimensions. This work presents a unique design on realizing the quantitative imaging of anion exchange reaction kinetics in halide perovskites by taking advantage of their high and tunable photoluminescence and characteristic lattice dynamics, coupled with controllable chemical treatments and optical microscopic techniques. Our study on kinetically visualizing ion exchange behavior in solid-state materials could also inspire mechanistic insights into other phenomena in a broad context of physical science.

2D heterostructures↗

Topology Inference of Unknown Networks Based on Robust Virtual Coordinate Systems

Learning and exploring the connectivity of unknown networks represent an important problem in practical applications of communication networks and social-media networks. Modeling large-scale networks as connected graphs is highly desirable to extract their connectivity information among nodes to visualize network topology, disseminate data, and improve routing efficiency. This paper investigates a simple measurement model in which a small subset of source nodes collect hop distance information from networked nodes in order to generate a virtual coordinate system (VCS) for networks of unknown topology. We establish the VCS to define logical distance among nodes based on principal component analysis and to determine connectivity relationship and effective routing methods. More importantly, we present a robust analytical algorithm to derive the VCS against practical issues of missing and corrupted measurements. We also develop a connectivity inference method which classifies nodes into layers based on the hop distances and derives partial information on network connectivity.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Status of FUDGE [Slides]

This presentation discusses the nuclear data management code FUDGE (For Updating Data and Generating Evaluations). While FUDGE is designed to support GNDS, the presentation also states that ENDF-6 and ENDL data files are also supported but must first be translated into GNDS; translators are included with FUDGE. It also states that FUDGE supports plotting, manipulating, checking for physical content, resonance reconstruction, Doppler broadening, etc. FUDGE also supports processing for Monte Carlo and deterministic transport. FUDGE is open source, and the latest public release was FUDGE-4.2.3 with support for GNDS-1.9. In summation, FUDGE capabilities include translating older formats into GNDS, translating GNDS back to ENDF-6, and visualizing, modifying, checking, and processing GNDS data. It also states that a new version of FUDGE is coming soon. The plan is to support GNDS-2.0 specification, but it may be released sooner if v2.0 is delayed.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Internal reversing flow in a tailpipe offtake configuration for SSTOVL aircraft

A generic one-third scale model of a tailpipe offtake system for a supersonic short takeoff vertical landing (SSTOVL) aircraft was tested at LeRC Powered Lift Facility. The model consisted of a tailpipe with twin elbows, offtake ducts, and flow control nozzles, plus a small ventral nozzle and a blind flange to simulate a blocked cruise nozzle. The offtake flow turned through a total angle of 177 degrees relative to the tailpipe inlet axis. The flow split was 45 percent to each offtake and 10 percent to the ventral nozzle. The main test objective was to collect data for comparison to the performance of the same configuration predicted by a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. Only the experimental results are given - the analytical results are published in a separate paper. Performance tests were made with unheated air at tailpipe-to-ambient pressure ratios up to 5. The total pressure loss through the offtakes was as high as 15.5 percent. All test results are shown as graphs, contour plots, and wall pressure distributions. The complex flow patterns in the tailpipe and elbows at the offtake openings are described with traversing flow angle probe and paint streak flow visualization data.

Mcardle, Jack G.↗

Internal reversing flow in a tailpipe offtake configuration for SSTOVL aircraft

A generic one-third scale model of a tailpipe offtake system for a supersonic short takeoff vertical landing (SSTOVL) aircraft was tested at LeRC Powered Lift Facility. The model consisted of a tailpipe with twin elbows, offtake ducts, and flow control nozzles, plus a small ventral nozzle and a blind flange to simulate a blocked cruise nozzle. The offtake flow turned through a total angle of 177 degrees relative to the tailpipe inlet axis. The flow split was 45 percent to each offtake and 10 percent to the ventral nozzle. The main test objective was to collect data for comparison to the performance of the same configuration predicted by a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. Only the experimental results are given - the analytical results are published in a separate paper. Performance tests were made with unheated air at tailpipe-to-ambient pressure ratios up to 5. The total pressure loss through the offtakes was as high as 15.5 percent. All test results are shown as graphs, contour plots, and wall pressure distributions. The complex flow patterns in the tailpipe and elbows at the offtake openings are described with traversing flow angle probe and paint streak flow visualization data.

Mcardle, Jack G.↗

Analysis of conical slump shape reconstructed from stereovision images for yield stress prediction

Highlights: • Conical slump model tends to underpredict yield stress of material by slump height. • Profiles of slumped materials were reconstructed from stereovision images. • Actual profiles were compared to those predicted by cone and cylinder model. • The cause of deviation lies in the cylinder-like behaviour of conical slumping. • The model of equivalent cylinder could give an accurate yield stress value. Slump cones are widely utilised to evaluate the workability of cement materials owing to their simplicity. Analytical models have been established to relate this empirical value to the yield stress. However, they tend to be less effective for the cone and more valid for cylinder slumps. The cause of this deviation is yet to be fully understood. In this work, more details were sought from slump profiles using stereovision technology. A direct comparison of the predicted shapes based on conical model as well as cylindrical model to actual shapes was undertaken. The visual illustration clearly indicated that conical slumping shows a cylinder-like behaviour, and the slumped shapes in cone tests agree well with those predicted by an equivalent cylinder. By converting to cylindrical dimensionless units, the conical slump height can provide an accurate yield stress. The results suggest that the theory is valid if the slumping behaviour is effectively assumed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The Best Educational Tool for Interdisciplinary Earth Science Giovanni

Accessing and using NASA Earth science data has commonly presented a challenge to many educators and students, due to issues such as heterogeneous data formats, complex data structures, large volumes of data storage, special programming requirements, and diverse analytical software options that often require a significant investment in time and resources, especially for novices. By facilitating data access and evaluation, as well as promoting open access to create a more level playing field for non-funded scientists, NASA Earth observation data can be more readily used for scientific discovery and societal benefits. To advance this goal, the NASA Goddard Earth Sciences (GES) Data and Information Services Center (DISC) developed the Geospatial Interactive Online Visualization ANd aNalysis Infrastructure (Giovanni). To date, Giovanni has assisted researchers around the world publish over 1300 peer-reviewed papers in a wide range of Earth science disciplines. In this presentation, we will demonstrate how easy it is to use Giovanni for the rapid creation of many different analyses of both weather and climate events.

interdisciplinary↗

Probing Complex Chemical Processes at the Molecular Level with Vibrational Spectroscopy and X-ray Tools

Understanding the origins of structure and bonding at the molecular level in complex chemical systems spanning magnitudes in length and time is of paramount interest in physical chemistry. Here, we have coupled vibrational spectroscopy and X-ray based techniques with a series of microreactors and aerosol beams to tease out intricate and sometimes subtle interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, proton transfer, and noncovalent interactions. This allows for unraveling the self-assembly of arginine-oleic acid complexes in an aqueous solution and growth processes in a metal–organic framework. Terahertz and infrared spectroscopy provide an intimate view of the hydrogen-bond network and associated phase changes with temperature in neopentyl glycol. The hydrogen-bond network in aqueous glycerol aerosols and levels of protonation of nicotine in aqueous aerosols are visualized. Future directions in probing the hydrogen-bond networks in deep eutectic solvents and organic frameworks are described, and we suggest how X-ray scattering coupled to X-ray spectroscopy can offer insight into the reactivity of organic aerosols.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Molecular-Weight-Dependent Infiltration and Adsorption of Polymers into Nanochannels

The mesoporous silica shell coating hydrogenolysis nano-catalysts alters the molecular weight distributions of cleaved polymer chains compared to catalysts without a shell. The shell, composed of radially aligned narrow cylindrical nanopores, reduces the formation of low-valued gaseous products and increases the median molecular weight of the product, thus enhancing the value of the products for polymer upcycling. Here, to understand the role of the mesoporous shell, we have studied the spatial distribution of polystyrene chains, used as a model polymer, in the nanochannels in both the melt phase and solution phase. In the melt, we observed from small-angle X-ray scattering experiments that the infiltration rate of the polymer into the nanochannels is inversely proportional to the molecular weight, which is consistent with theory. In theta solution experiments using UV–vis spectroscopy, we found that the shell significantly enhances polymer adsorption compared to nanoparticles without pores. In addition, the degree of polymer adsorption is not a monotonic function of molecular weight but initially increases with the molecular weight before eventually decreasing. The molecular weight for the peak adsorption increases with the pore diameter. This adsorption behavior is rationalized as resulting from a balance between the mixing entropy gain by surface adsorption and the conformational entropy penalty incurred by chains confined in the nanochannels. The spatial distribution of polymer chains in the nanochannels is visualized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and inverse Abel-transformed data reveals a less uniform polymer distribution along the primary pore axis for longer chains.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗