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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 685 records · Page 38

Human-Centered Technologies and Procedures for Future Air Traffic Management: A Preliminary Overview of 1996 Studies and Results

In this project, we have been exploring the use of a general methodology to predict the impact of future Air Traffic Management (ATM) concepts and technologies. In applying this methodology, our emphasis has been on the importance of modeling coordination and cooperation among the multiple agents within this system, and on understanding how the interactions among these agents will be influenced as new roles, responsibilities, procedures and technologies are introduced. To accomplish this, we have been collecting data on performance under the current air traffic management system, trying to identify critical problem areas and looking for exemplars suggestive of general approaches for solving such problems. Based on the results of these field studies, we have developed a set of scenarios centered around potential future system designs, and have conducted studies using these scenarios involving a total 40 controllers, dispatchers, pilots and traffic managers. The purpose of this report is to provide NASA with an early summary of the major recommendations that have resulted from our research under the AATT Program thus far. Recommendations 1-3 deal with general approaches that our findings suggest should be incorporated in future AATT Program activities, while Recommendations 4-11 identify some specific topics and technologies that merit research and development activities. Detailed technical reports containing supporting data, as well as the results of our still ongoing analyses, will be provided at a later date. The remainder of this report is organized as follows. Section 1 briefly describes the general design philosophy supported by our empirical studies. Section 2 presents the research methods we have used for identifying requirements for future system designs and for evaluating alternative design solutions. Section 3 discusses preliminary results from an initial set of investigations that we have conducted using these research methods. Section 4 then provides an overall summary. An outline of the rest of this preliminary project summary is provided on the following page.

Smith, Philip↗

Cyclomatic Complexity and Basis Path Testing Study

The NASA Chief Engineer requested the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) to conduct a study to determine the benefits of cyclomatic complexity and basis path testing (BPT) for software and whether they should be required. The principal focus of the assessment was to assess the use of cyclomatic complexity and BPT on safety-critical software. The purpose was to ensure that safety-critical software is not overly complicated to the point of increasing coding errors and that verification is more robust than for non-safety-critical software. This document contains the outcome of the assessment.

Cyclomatic Complexity; NASA Engineering and Safety↗

The Results of a Simulator Study to Determine the Effects on Pilot Performance of Two Different Motion Cueing Algorithms and Various Delays, Compensated and Uncompensated

A study was conducted employing the Visual Motion Simulator (VMS) at the NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia. This study compared two motion cueing algorithms, the NASA adaptive algorithm and a new optimal control based algorithm. Also, the study included the effects of transport delays and the compensation thereof. The delay compensation algorithm employed is one developed by Richard McFarland at NASA Ames Research Center. This paper reports on the analyses of the results of analyzing the experimental data collected from preliminary simulation tests. This series of tests was conducted to evaluate the protocols and the methodology of data analysis in preparation for more comprehensive tests which will be conducted during the spring of 2003. Therefore only three pilots were used. Nevertheless some useful results were obtained. The experimental conditions involved three maneuvers; a straight-in approach with a rotating wind vector, an offset approach with turbulence and gust, and a takeoff with and without an engine failure shortly after liftoff. For each of the maneuvers the two motion conditions were combined with four delay conditions (0, 50, 100 & 200ms), with and without compensation.

Guo, Li-Wen↗

Aerodynamic Control-Augmentation Devices For Saturn-Class Launch Vehicles With Aft Centers Of Gravity

Report describes study of aerodynamic flight-control-augmentation devices proposed for use in increasing payload capabilities of future launch vehicles by allowing more aft centers of gravity. Proposed all-movable devices not only provide increased control authority during ascent trajectory, but also reduce engine gimballing requirements and enhance crew safety. Report proposes various aerodynamic control surfaces mounted fore and aft on Saturn-class launch vehicle.

Barret, Chris↗

Modeling of Microgrid for Critical Data Center Applications

As part of continuing efforts to develop support, understanding, and infrastructure of data center integration onto the electric grid, our work aims to model and analyze the behavior of data center loads in a microgrid power system. Our model consists of renewable energy sources, batteries, and a nuclear reactor-steam Rankine cycle to power data center loads. The simulation studies investigate the electrical behavior of the microgrid system to assess its ability in supporting large data center electrical demands.

14 - SOLAR ENERGY↗

Fabrication of single color centers in sub-50 nm nanodiamonds using ion implantation

Diamond color centers have been widely studied in the field of quantum optics. The negatively charged silicon vacancy (SiV – ) center exhibits a narrow emission linewidth at the wavelength of 738 nm, a high Debye–Waller factor, and unique spin properties, making it a promising emitter for quantum information technologies, biological imaging, and sensing. In particular, nanodiamond (ND)-based SiV – centers can be heterogeneously integrated with plasmonic and photonic nanostructures and serve as in vivo biomarkers and intracellular thermometers. Out of all methods to produce NDs with SiV – centers, ion implantation offers the unique potential to create controllable numbers of color centers in preselected individual NDs. However, the formation of single color centers in NDs with this technique has not been realized. We report the creation of single SiV– centers featuring stable high-purity single-photon emission through Si implantation into NDs with an average size of ~20 nm. We observe room temperature emission, with zero-phonon line wavelengths in the range of 730–800 nm and linewidths below 10 nm. Our results offer new opportunities for the controlled production of group-IV diamond color centers with applications in quantum photonics, sensing, and biomedicine.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Evaluation of spatial, radiometric and spectral Thematic Mapper performance for coastal studies

On 31 March 1983, the University of Delaware's Center for Remote Sensing initiated a study to evaluate the spatial, radiometric and spectral performance of the LANDSAT Thematic Mapper for coastal and estuarine studies. The investigation was supported by Contract NAS5-27580 from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The research was divided into three major subprojects: (1) a comparison of LANDSAT TM to MSS imagery for detecting submerged aquatic vegetation in Chesapeake Bay; (2) remote sensing of submerged aquatic vegetation - a radiative transfer approach; and (3) remote sensing of coastal wetland biomass using Thematic Mapper wavebands.

Klemas, V.↗

Prediction of Weather Related Center Delays

This paper presents results of an initial study of relations between national delay, center level delays and weather. The results presented in the paper indicate: (a) the methodology used for estimating the delay at the national level can be extended to estimate delays caused by a center and delays experienced by a center, (b)delays caused by a center can be predicted using that center's Weather Impacted Traffic Index (WITI) whereas delays experienced by a center are best predicted using WITI of that center and that of a few prominent centers (c) there is differential impact of weather of different centers on center delays.

Deepak, Kulkarni↗

Electronic structure and energetics of a heterodimeric BChl g ′/Chl a ′ special pair generated by exposure of Heliomicrobium modesticaldum to dioxygen

Heliobacteria are anoxygenic phototrophs that have a Type I homodimeric reaction center containing bacteriochlorophyll g (BChl g). Previous experimental studies have shown that in the presence of light and dioxygen, BChl g is converted into 8 1 -OH-chlorophyll a F (hereafter Chl a F ), with an accompanying loss of light-driven charge separation. These studies suggest that the reaction center only loses the ability to transfer electrons once both BChl g′ molecules of the P 800 special pair have been converted to Chl a F ′. Here, the present work confirms that the partially converted BChl g′/Chl a F ′ special pair remains functional in samples exposed to dioxygen by demonstrating its presence using hyperfine couplings obtained from Q-band 1 H ENDOR, 2D 14 N HYSCORE and DFT methods. The DFT calculations of the BChl g′/BChl g′ homodimeric primary donor, which are based on the recently published X-ray crystal structure, predict that the unpaired electron spin is equally delocalized over both BChl g′ molecules and provide an excellent match to the experimental hyperfine couplings of the anaerobic samples. Exposure to dioxygen leads to substantial changes in the hyperfine interactions, indicative of greater localization of the unpaired electron spin. The measured hyperfine couplings are reproduced in the DFT calculations by replacing one of the BChl g′ molecules of the primary donor with a Chl a F ′ molecule. The calculations reveal that the spin density becomes localized on BChl g′ in the heterodimeric primary donor. Time-dependent DFT calculations demonstrate that conversion of either or both of the accessory BChl g molecules and/or one of the BChl g′ molecules of P800 to Chl a F ′ results in minor effects on the energy of the charge-separated states. In contrast, if both of the BChl g′ molecules of P 800 are converted a large increase in the energy of the charge-separated state occurs. This suggests that the reaction center remains functional when only one half of the dimer is converted, however, conversion of both halves of the P 800 dimer leads to loss of function

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Sensitivity Studies of Premixed Flame Response to Transverse, High Frequency Disturbances

This study analyzes the response of premixed flames to high frequency transverse acoustic disturbances. A significant body of experiment, modeling and simulation efforts has been performed to understand the response of the spatially integrated heat release of premixed flames to low-frequency disturbances. These studies quantified this sensitivity through the Flame Transfer Function (FTF), as the global heat release is the key quantity influencing thermoacoustic stability for acoustically compact flames. Recent efforts have expanded these models to consider high-frequency acoustic disturbances, and the sensitivity of premixed flames through the Rayleigh integral (RI). The full Rayleigh Integral, as opposed to simply the spatially integrated heat release, must be considered in these cases where the flame is not acoustically compact. Prior modeling studies considered several effects - stability of axisymmetric flames centered in a cylindrical combustion chamber and the effect of flame offset from the combustor axis and the effect of mean flame asymmetries in the flame centered in the combustor. These studies showed that the flame's stability was sensitive to all these parameters, as well as to the transverse mode in question. In this paper, we quantify these different parametric sensitivities of premixed flame stability in the presence of high-frequency transverse acoustic modes - specifically sensitivity to flame length and nozzle location within the acoustic mode shape for 2 different transverse modes. The sensitivity of the RI to these control parameters provides an improved understanding of which flame parameters are critical to improve the overall thermoacoustic stability of the system.

Acharya, Vishal S.↗

Creep-rupture behavior of a developmental cast-iron-base alloy for use up to 800 deg C

A promising iron-base cast alloy is being developed as part of the DOE/NASA Stirling Engine Systems Project under contract DEN 3-282 with the United Technologies Research Center. This report presents the results of a study at the Lewis Research Center of the alloy's creep-rupture properties. The alloy was tested under a variety of conditions and was found to exhibit the normal 3-stage creep response. The alloy compared favorably with others being used or under consideration for the automotive Stirling engine cylinder/regenerator housing.

Titran, Robert H.↗

PACES Participation in Educational Outreach Programs at the University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is involved in several initiatives to improve science education within the El Paso area public schools. These include outreach efforts into the K- 12 classrooms; training programs for in-service teachers; and the introduction of a strong science core curricula within the College of Education. The Pan American Center for Earth and Environmental Studies (PACES), a NASA-funded University Research Center, will leverage off the goals of these existing initiatives to provide curriculum support materials at all levels. We will use currently available Mission to Planet Earth (MTPE) materials as well as new materials developed specifically for this region, in an effort to introduce the Earth System Science perspective into these programs. In addition, we are developing curriculum support materials and classes within the Geology and Computer Departments, to provide education in the area of remote sensing and GIS applications at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Dodge, Rebecca L.↗

Iron-absorption band analysis for the discrimination of iron-rich zones

The author has identified the following significant results. Lineament analysis of the area was initiated on individual images and then expanded areally by the use of mosaics at the 1:1,000,000 scale. Principal trends are NE, NW, NNE-NNW, and ENE. Several previously unrecognized lineaments are mapped which may be the surface manifestations of major fault or fracture zones. Three lineaments are especially noteworthy. Two of these, the Walker Lane and the Midas Trench lineament system, transect the prediominantly NNE-NNW trending mountain ranges for more than 500 km. A third major lineament, formed by the alinement of several topographic escarpments 10-20 km long, is orthogonal to the Midas Trench lineament. This lineament is marked by a distinct positive magnetic anomaly for approximately 200 km. Further visual analysis of ERTS-1 images has resulted in the delineation of 50 circular or elliptical features which are presumed to be volcanic or intrusive centers. A comparison with the 78 Tertiary volcanic centers mapped in the study area in 1970 indicates some good agreement between the proposed and known volcanic centers. The coincidence of some major lineaments and productive ore bodies implies a genetic relationship.

Rowan, L. C.↗

A structural and thermal packaging approach for power processing units for 30-cm ion thrusters

Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) is currently being studied for possible use in a number of near earth and planetary missions. The thruster subsystem for these missions would consist of 30 centimeter ion thrusters with Power Processor Units (PPU) clustered in assemblies of from two to ten units. A preliminary design study of the electronic packaging of the PPU has been completed at Lewis Research Center of NASA. This study evaluates designs meeting the competing requirements of low system weight and overall mission flexibility. These requirements are evaluated regarding structural and thermal design, electrical efficiency, and integration of the electrical circuits into a functional PPU layout.

Maloy, J. E.↗

A structural and thermal packaging approach for power processing units for 30-cm ion thrusters

Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) is currently being studied for possible use in a number of near earth and planetary missions. The thruster subsystem for these missions would consist of 30 centimeter ion thrusters with Power Processor Units (PPU) clustered in assemblies of from two to ten units. A preliminary design study of the electronic packaging of the PPU has been completed at Lewis Research Center of NASA. This study evaluates designs meeting the competing requirements of low system weight and overall mission flexibility. These requirements are evaluated regarding structural and thermal design, electrical efficiency, and integration of the electrical circuits into a functional PPU layout.

Maloy, J. E.↗

A parachute system for upper atmospheric studies

The Goddard Space Flight Center's Sounding Rocket Division successfully flight tested a high altitude, low velocity, 63.5 foot cross parachute system. The system was developed to provide a platform for atmospheric studies at altitudes higher than those attainable with balloons. This paper represents the approach taken to determine the necessary conditions for a successful apogee deployment of the parachute. The test flight deployed the parachute system at an apogee altitude of 61 kilometers. Post-flight results of rocket and parachute performance are compared to the preflight analyses.

Maksimovic, V. M.↗

Modeling regulation of cardiac KATP and L-type Ca2+ currents by ATP, ADP, and Mg2+

Changes in cytosolic free Mg(2+) and adenosine nucleotide phosphates affect cardiac excitability and contractility. To investigate how modulation by Mg(2+), ATP, and ADP of K(ATP) and L-type Ca(2+) channels influences excitation-contraction coupling, we incorporated equations for intracellular ATP and MgADP regulation of the K(ATP) current and MgATP regulation of the L-type Ca(2+) current in an ionic-metabolic model of the canine ventricular myocyte. The new model: 1), quantitatively reproduces a dose-response relationship for the effects of changes in ATP on K(ATP) current, 2), simulates effects of ADP in modulating ATP sensitivity of K(ATP) channel, 3), predicts activation of Ca(2+) current during rapid increase in MgATP, and 4), demonstrates that decreased ATP/ADP ratio with normal total Mg(2+) or increased free Mg(2+) with normal ATP and ADP activate K(ATP) current, shorten action potential, and alter ionic currents and intracellular Ca(2+) signals. The model predictions are in agreement with experimental data measured under normal and a variety of pathological conditions.

Validation Studies↗

Short-haul fatigue: A focus group study

Researchers from NASA Ames Research Center, together with research scientists from CAMI, are preparing to conduct a study to evaluate fatigue during short-haul operations. In order to develop the scope of our study, we conducted a series of focus groups across multiple US airlines. Participants were recruited through emails distributed by airline safety teams and union representatives. We conducted 14 focus groups in early 2022 for a total of 90 participants across four airlines. Participants were asked to identify short-haul pairings and operations that they felt: a) elevated fatigue, b) were not fatiguing, and c) were important to study. Data were collected anonymously and coded using content analysis techniques to identify main themes. This analysis is ongoing.

short-haul↗