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At least 667 records · Page 37
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Feasibility Study of Millimeter Wave Radars For Safeguards Applications

Containment and surveillance are fundamental measures in nuclear safeguards. Techniques such as video surveillance and laser curtain for containment provide effective monitoring in areas where maintaining continuity of knowledge is required. These systems, however, can be susceptible to loss of monitoring capabilities under certain environmental conditions such as poor visibility (i.e. low light conditions, smoke, fog, etc.) or extended power loss past the duration that the backup power system is designed for. Brookhaven National Laboratory has been investigating the feasibility of millimeter waves (mmWave) as a new perimeter seal in which radio frequency waves in the range of 60-64 GHz are used to detect and monitor objects of interest. Signals in this frequency range are not susceptible to environmental conditions. For proof-of-concept tests, mmWave sensors from Texas Instruments (TI), specificallyIWR6843, are used in a test bed at BNL's Waste Management facility to simulate the operations at nuclear facilities. The unique design of TI mmWave sensors requires less memory and power consumption compared to counterpart systems. These devices are capable of exporting 3D point-cloud data, which is visualized graphically and compared to videos recorded at the same time to validate the performance of the mmWave sensor. A set of experiments were planned to test the feasibility of the mmWave in this application, including monitoring static containers in a storage area and detecting intrusions at the boundaries of the area. In addition, the experiments also identify potential blind spots relative to sensor position and utilize multiple operating sensors simultaneously to reduce or eliminate such blind spots. The optimal positioning of multiple sensors was determined for the experimental room configuration. In this paper, we will discuss the details of this novel perimeter sealing concept and present the test results.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
NASA NTRS1977

Feasibility study of microprocessor systems suitable for use in developing a real-time for the 4.75 GHz scatterometer

A class of signal processors suitable for the reduction of radar scatterometer data in real time was developed. The systems were applied to the reduction of single polarized 13.3 GHz scatterometer data and provided a real time output of radar scattering coefficient as a function of incident angle. It was proposed that a system for processing of C band radar data be constructed to support scatterometer system currently under development. The establishment of a feasible design approach to the development of this processor system utilizing microprocessor technology was emphasized.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2017

Conceptual Feasibility Study of the Hyperloop Vehicle for Next-Generation Transport

The Hyperloop concept is proposed as a faster, cheaper alternative to high-speed rail and traditional short-haul aircraft. It consists of a passenger pod traveling through a tube under light vacuum while being propelled and levitated by a combination of permanent and electro-magnets. The concept addresses NASA's research thrusts for growth in demand, sustainability, and technology convergence for high-speed transport. Hyperloop is a radical departure from other advanced aviation concepts, however it remains an aeronautics concept that tackles the same strategic goals of low-carbon propulsion and ultra-effcient vehicles. System feasibility was investigated by building a multidisciplinary vehicle sizing model that takes into account aerodynamic, thermodynamic, structures, electromagnetic, weight, and mission analyses. The sizing process emphasized the strong coupling between the two largest systems: the tube and the passenger pod. The model was then exercised to examine Hyperloop from a technical and cost perspective. The structural sizing analysis of the travel tube demonstrates potential for signi cant capital cost reductions by considering an underwater route. Examination of varying passenger capacity indicates that the system can be operated with a wide range of passenger loads without significant change in operating expenses. Lastly, a high-level sizing study simulated variations in tube area, pressure, pod speed, and passenger capacity showing that there is a tube pressure that minimizes operating energy usage. The value of this optimal tube pressure is highly sensitive to numerous design details. These combined estimates of energy consumption, passenger throughput, and mission analyses all support Hyperloop as a faster and cheaper alternative to short-haul flights. The tools and expertise used to quantify these results also demonstrate how traditional aerospace design methods can be leveraged to handle the complex and coupled design process. Much of the technology development required for the Hyperloop is shared with next-generation aircraft. Furthermore, the substantial public interest and active commercial development make it an ideal candidate as an aircraft technology driver and test bed.

Hyperloop Vehicle↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Impacts and Conclusions of NASA DEVELOP’s Environmental Justice Landscape Analyses and Feasibility Studies

The NASA DEVELOP National Program builds dual capacity in their partner organizations and participants (students and early or transitioning career professionals) to apply Earth science and remote sensing for decision making about environmental and policy issues. The first iteration of projects at DEVELOP’s Environmental Justice (EJ) node conducted landscape analyses to identify geospatial understandings and needs of organizations working at the intersection of EJ and disasters and air quality. Their findings about collaboration, community engagement, networking, and holistic approaches to justice informed the planning and structures of the EJ node’s successive feasibility projects, which leverage NASA Earth observations and sociodemographic and economic data to provide geospatial analyses tailored to partner concerns. This poster provides an overview of DEVELOP’s approach to conducting EJ feasibility projects, use of Earth observations, end products, project outcomes, challenges, and impacts.

Julianne Bo-Heen Liu↗
NASA NTRS2001

Feasibility Study of Thin Film Thermocouple Piles

Historically, thermopile detectors, generators, and refrigerators based on bulk materials have been used to measure temperature, generate power for spacecraft, and cool sensors for scientific investigations. New potential uses of small, low-power, thin film thermopiles are in the area of microelectromechanical systems since power requirements decrease as electrical and mechanical machines shrink in size. In this research activity, thin film thermopile devices are fabricated utilizing radio frequency sputter coating and photoresist lift-off techniques. Electrical characterizations are performed on two designs in order to investigate the feasibility of generating small amounts of power, utilizing any available waste heat as the energy source.

Sisk, R. C.↗
DOE OSTI2013

Feasibility Studies on Process Coupling of Transesterification and Methanol Synthesis Using Cellulose and Bio-oil

The Sponsored Programs of WKU is the compliance management for the entire campus. They are responsible for both the fiscal compliance, in addition to the coordination and implementation of pre and post-award documentation. Dr. Wei-Ping Pan is the Principal Investigator of the project, and is responsible for the carrying out of the objectives outlined in this proposal. Dr. Yan Cao, serve as the Co-Principal Investigator, who is responsible for directing the team in carrying out the objectives outlined. This project investigates feasibilities of combining the transesterification bio-diesel production into the traditional methanol production process. In this process, the raw materials for process feedstock will be completely the biomass, include cellulose fractions of biomass and bio-oil fractions of biomass. The process product will be either the bio-diesel or mixed bio-diesel and bio-methanol, which both can be directly fed as the alterative liquid fuel and also has some improvement on fuel handling. Since its capability of the complete utilization of every part of biomass (both cellulose biomass and bio-oils) and capability of the in-site optimization of reaction heat transfer and thermodynamics equilibrium shift and instant separation of process product, the proposed process can better balance several drawbacks of individual process during production of bio-diesel. This is a totally “green” process with almost all aspects of process to embody the characterization of renewable, compatibility and economic.

10 SYNTHETIC FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Feasibility Study of NSLS-II Sextupole BBA Measurement

In storage ring light sources, beam-based alignment (BBA) which adjusts the BPM centers to the quadrupole magnet centers is a common practice to maintain the machine performance. For more reliable and convenient BBA process, in the design of the storage ring, BPMs are located as close as possible to the quadrupoles. The most common method is scanning the position of the beam at the BPM (equivalently at the adjacent quadrupole) and find the position where the quadrupole strength change does not give change in the closed orbit. In the simulation of the feasibility test, we choose parameters, tune, orbit and phase advance and measure their variations depending on the sextupole offsets. Also, together with the real configuration of family, we simulate the individual power supply case for the comparisons. In this note, the simulation processes and the results are presented.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1990

Cryogenic On-Orbit Liquid Depot Storage, Acquisition, and Transfer satellite (COLD-SAT) feasibility study

The Cryogenic On-Orbit Liquid Depot Storage, Acquisition, and Transfer Satellite (COLD-SAT) is an experimental spacecraft launched from an expendable launch vehicle which is designed to investigate the systems and technologies required for efficient, effective, and reliable management of cryogenic fluid in the reduced gravity space environment. The COLD-SAT program will provide the necessary data base and provide low-g proving of fluid and thermal models of cryogenic storage, transfer, and resupply concepts and processes. A conceptual approach was developed and an overview of the results of the 24 month COLD-SAT Phase A feasibility is described which includes: (1) a definition of the technology needs and the accompanying experimental 3 month baseline mission; (2) a description of the experiment subsystem, major features and rationale for satisfaction of primary and secondary experiment requirements using liquid hydrogen as the test fluid; and (3) a presentation of the conceptual design of the COLD-SAT spacecraft subsystems which support the on-orbit experiment with emphasis on areas of greatest challenge.

Bailey, William J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Rapid monitoring of fermentations: a feasibility study on biological 2,3-butanediol production

2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO) is an economically important platform chemical that can be produced by the fermentation of sugars using an engineered strain of Zymomonas mobilis . These fermentations require continuous monitoring and modification of fermentation conditions to maximize 2,3-BDO yields and minimize the production of the undesired coproducts glycerol and acetoin. Because of the time required for sampling and off-line chromatographic measurement of fermentation samples, the ability of fermentation scientists to modify fermentation conditions in a timely manner is limited. The goal of this study was to test if near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) along with multivariate statistics could reduce the time needed for this analysis and enable real-time monitoring and control of the fermentation. In this work we developed partial least squares (PLS) calibration models to predict the concentrations of glucose, xylose, 2,3-BDO, acetoin, and glycerol in fermentations via NIRS using two different spectrometers and two different spectroscopy modalities. We first evaluated the feasibility of rapid NIRS monitoring through experiments where we measured the signals from each analyte of interest and built NIRS-based PLS models using spectra from synthetic samples containing uncorrelated concentrations of these analytes. All analytes showed unique spectral signatures, and this initial modeling showed that all analytes could be detected simultaneously. We then began work with samples from laboratory fermentation experiments and tested the feasibility of regression model development across two spectral collection modalities (at-line and on-line) and two instruments: a laboratory-grade instrument and a low-cost instrument with a more limited spectral range. All modalities showed promise in the ability to monitor Z. mobilis fermentations of glucose and xylose to 2,3-BDO. The low-cost instrument displayed a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the laboratory-grade instrument, which led to comparatively lower performance overall, but still provided sufficient accuracy to monitor fermentation trends. While the ease of use of on-line monitoring systems was favored as compared to at-line systems due to the lack of sampling required and potential for automated process control, we observed some decrease in performance due to the additional complexity of the sample matrix. We have demonstrated that NIRS combined with multivariate analysis can be used for at-line and on-line monitoring of the concentrations of glucose, xylose, 2,3-BDO, acetoin, and glycerol during Z. mobilis fermentations. The decrease in signal-to-noise ratio when using a low-cost spectrometer led to greater prediction error than the laboratory-grade spectrometer for at-line monitoring. The on-line monitoring modality showed great promise for real time process control via NIRS.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
NASA NTRS1993

Precipitation measurement using SIR-C: A feasibility study. Investigation at nadir

The most significant limitation of the imaging SAR in rain measurements is the ground return coupled to the rain cell. Here we report a study of the possibility of using the X-SAR and the C-band channel of SIR-C for rain measurement. Earlier signal-to-clutter calculations rule out the use of X-SAR at steeper off-vertical angles of incidence (i.e., 20 less than theta less than 50). Only rain rates greater than 30 mm/hr at angles of incidence greater than 60 degrees showed good signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR). This study involved calculations at vertical incidence. There is adequate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at vertical incidence, but the presence of high-range side-lobe levels leads to small SCR for measurement over oceans at both X and C bands. For larger rain thickness (greater than two km), the SCR gets better and smaller rain rates (greater than 10 mm/hr) can be measured. However, rain measurements over forests seem to be feasible at nadir even for smaller rain thickness (less than two km). We conclude that X band may be usable over the forest at vertical incidence to measure rain rates greater than five mm/hr even for shallow rain thickness and over ocean for large rain thickness.

Ahamad, Atiq↗
NASA NTRS1971

A feasibility study of heat-pipe-cooled leading edges for hypersonic cruise aircraft

A theoretical study of the use of heat pipe structures for cooling the leading edges of hypersonic cruise aircraft was carried out over a Mach number range of 6 to 12. Preliminary design studies showed that a heat pipe cooling structure with a 33-in. chordwise length could maintain the maximum temperature of a 65 deg sweepback wing with a 0.5-in. leading edge radius below 1600 F during cruise at Mach 8. A few relatively minor changes in the steady-state design of the structure were found necessary to insure satisfactory cooling during the climb to cruise speed and altitude. It was concluded that heat pipe cooling is an attractive, feasible technique for limiting leading edge temperatures of hypersonic cruise aircraft.

Silverstein, C. C.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Feasibility study of an Integrated Program for Aerospace vehicle Design (IPAD). Volume 1A: Summary

IPAD was defined as a total system oriented to the product design process. This total system was designed to recognize the product design process, individuals and their design process tasks, and the computer-based IPAD System to aid product design. Principal elements of the IPAD System include the host computer and its interactive system software, new executive and data management software, and an open-ended IPAD library of technical programs to match the intended product design process. The basic goal of the IPAD total system is to increase the productivity of the product design organization. Increases in individual productivity were feasible through automation and computer support of routine information handling. Such proven automation can directly decrease cost and flowtime in the product design process.

Miller, R. E., Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2012

In vivo dosimetry for gynaecological brachytherapy using a novel position sensitive radiation detector: Feasibility study

Purpose: In gynecological radiotherapy with high dose rate (HDR){sup 192}Ir brachytherapy, the treatment complexity has increased due to improved optimization techniques and dose constraints. As a consequence, it has become more important to verify the dose delivery to the target and also to the organs at risk (e.g., the bladder). In vivo dosimetry, where dosimeters are placed in or on the patient, is one way of verifying the dose but until recently this was hampered by motion of the radiation detectors with respect to the source. The authors present a novel dosimetry method using a position sensitive radiation detector. Methods: The prototype RADPOS system (Best Medical Canada) consists of a metal oxide field effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeter coupled to a position-sensor, which deduces its 3D position in a magnetic field. To assess the feasibility of in vivo dosimetry based on the RADPOS system, different characteristics of the detector need to be investigated. Using a PMMA phantom, the positioning accuracy of the RADPOS system was quantified by comparing position readouts with the known position of the detector along the x and y-axes. RADPOS dose measurements were performed at various distances from a Nucletron{sup 192}Ir source in a PMMA phantom to evaluate the energy dependence of the MOSFET. A sensitivity analysis was performed by calculating the dose after varying (1) the position of the RADPOS detector to simulate organ motion and (2) the position of the first dwell position to simulate errors in delivery. The authors also performed an uncertainty analysis to determine the action level (AL) that should be used during in vivo dosimetry. Results: Positioning accuracy is found to be within 1 mm in the 1-10 cm range from the origin along the x-axis (away from the transmitter), meeting the requirements for in vivo dosimetry. Similar results are obtained for the other axes. The ALs are chosen to take into account the total uncertainty on the measurements. As a consequence for in vivo dosimetry, it is determined that the RADPOS sensor, if placed, for example, in the bladder Foley balloon, would detect a 2 mm motion of the bladder, at a 5% chance of a false positive, with an AL limit of 9% of the dose delivered. The authors found that source position errors, caused by, e.g., a wrong first dwell position, are more difficult to detect; indeed, with our single RADPOS detector, positioned in the bladder, dwell position errors below 5 mm and resulting in a dose error within 10%, could be detected in the tandem but not in the colpostats. A possible solution to improve error detection is to use multiple MOSFETs to obtain multiple dose values. Conclusions: In this study, the authors proposed a dosimetry procedure, based on the novel RADPOS system, to accurately determine the position of the radiation dosimeter with respect to the applicator. The authors found that it is possible to monitor the delivered dose in a point and compare it to the predetermined dose. This allows in principle the detection of problems such as bladder motion/filling or source mispositioning. Further clinical investigation is warranted.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2018

Compiled Groundwater Chemistry Data and Identified Mineralogy for the Portland Basin CRBG Aquifer System as part of DDU Feasibility Study

Groundwater Chemistry data for the Portland Basin was compiled from published literature, as well as state and federal groundwater quality reports. Mineralogies were identified based on previous literature, as well as XRD and SEM analysis conducted at Portland State University. Uploaded data sets include the compiled data on Portland and Tualatin Basin hydrogeology, and corresponding hydrogeochemical analyses.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS2001

Using Wearable Computers in Shuttle Processing: A Feasibility Study

Shuttle processing operations are performed following prescribed instructions compiled in a Work Authorization Document (WAD). Until very recently, WADs were printed so that they could be properly executed, including the buy off of each and every step by the appropriate authorizing agent. However, with the development of EPICs, Maximo, and PeopleSoft applications, some of these documents are now available in electronic format; hence, it is possible for technicians and engineers to access them on line and buy off the steps electronically. To take full advantage of these developments, technicians need access to such documents at the point of job execution. Body wearable computers present an opportunity to develop a WAD delivery system that enables access while preserving technician's mobility, safety levels, and quality of work done. The primary objectives of this project were to determine if body wearable computers are a feasible delivery system for WADs. More specifically, identify and recommend specific brands of body wearable computers readily available on the market. Thus, this effort has field-tested this technology in two areas of shuttle processing, and it has examined the usability of the technology. Results of two field tests and a Human Factors Usability Test are presented. Section 2 provides a description of the body wearable computer technology. Section 3 presents the test at the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Shop. Section 4 presents the results of the integration test at the Solid Rocket Boosters Assembly and Refurbishing Facility (SRBARF). Section 5 presents the results of the usability test done at the Operations Support Building (OSB).

Centeno, Martha A.↗
DOE OSTI2012

Exploring Surface Biophysical-Climate Sensitivity to Tropical Deforestation Rates Using a GCM: A Feasibility Study

Deforestation perturbs both biophysical and carbon feedbacks on climate. However, biophysical feedbacks operate at temporally immediate and spatially focused scales and thus may be sensitive to the rate of deforestation rather than just to total forest-cover loss. Explored here is a method for simulating annual tropical deforestation in the fully coupled Community Climate System Model, version 3.0 (CCSM3) with the Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (DGVM) for testing biosphere climate sensitivity to “preservation pathways.” Two deforestation curves were simulated—a 10% deforestation curve with a 10% preservation target (DFC10-PT10) versus a 1% deforestation curve with a 10% preservation target (DFC1-PT10). During active deforestation, albedo, net radiation, latent heat flux, and climate variables were compared for time dependence and sensitivity to tropical tree cover across the tropical band and the Amazon basin, central African, and Southeast Asian regions. The results demonstrated the feasibility of modeling incremental deforestation and detecting both transient and long-term impacts, although a warm/dry bias in CCSM3–DGVM and the absence of carbon feedbacks preclude definitive conclusions on the magnitude of sensitivities. The deforestation rates produced characteristic trends in biophysical variables with DFC10-PT10 resulting in rapid increase/decrease during the initial 10–30 years before leveling off, whereas DFC1-PT10 exhibits gradual changes. The rate had little effect on biophysical and climate sensitivities when averaged over tropical land but produced significant differences at a regional level. Over the long term, the rates produced dissimilar vegetation distributions, despite having the same preservation target in both cases. Overall, these results indicate that the question of rates is one worth further analysis.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Building Capacity: Solar Photovoltaics Site Assessment and Feasibility Study

While Bhutan is abundant with clean energy hydropower, there are dry months in winter when solar energy could reduce expensive power inputs and bolster Bhutan's energy resilience and independence. As the country explores solar photovoltaic (PV) development as an option to achieve that goal, grid planners and renewable energy experts are partnering with the South Asia Group for Energy (SAGE) to determine the benefits and challenges of building solar energy systems in Bhutan.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗