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At least 757 records · Page 42
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Towards reasoning visualization in expert systems

Preliminary results are presented of ongoing research to develop visualization paradigms for expert systems reasoning processes. The results are based in part on a prototype implementation that is being developed to visualize the reasoning processes of a rule-based forward chaining expert system. The research is based on the premise that the presentation of information at the highest applicable conceptual level will enhance the assimilation of that information. Hierarchical levels in both the syntactic and semantic levels of reasoning in expert systems are described in detail.

Selig, William John↗
NASA NTRS1990

Intraocular pressure, retinal vascular, and visual acuity changes during 48 hours of 10-deg head-down tilt

Intraocular pressures, retinal vascular diameters, and visual acuities of nine men, were repeatedly measured while the subjects were tilted 10 deg head-down for 48 h and while they were seated before (baseline), and after the tilt. An immediate increase in intraocular pressure, measured by pneumatonometer was recorded when subjects assumed the head-down position, and diurnal variations in intraocular pressures were observed for the 48 h. The initial and final head-down intraocular pressures were not significantly different. However, when subjects resumed the sitting position, intraocular pressures fell below the initial sitting values. Computer image analysis of the retinal vasculature detected a 6 percent and 2 percent reduction in the caliber of arteries and veins, respectively, as compared with sitting baseline values. No changes in visual acuity were documented during the 48 h of head-down tilt. The data suggest that the choroidal blood reservoir increases in volume over 48 h at continuous head-down position with a compensatory decrease in aqueous volume. These findings may explain intraocular pressure changes noted in astronauts during previous space missions and in studies associated with change in body position.

Mader, Thomas H.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Visual-vestibular interaction in humans during earth-horizontal axis rotation

Visual-vestibular interaction using 60 percent constant velocity earth horizontal axis yaw rotation, simulating both the horizontal semicircular canals and the otolith organs, was measured in seven human subjects. Subjects were tested with their eyes open in the dark (EOD) while fixating upon a target rotating with them (FIX), and while observing stationary optokinetic stripes (VVR). Resulting nystagmus slow component velocity (SCV) was analyzed for EOD, FIX, and VVR conditions. It is concluded that the visual-vestibular interactions during EHA differ significantly from those during rotation about the vertical; specifically, there is a nonlinear interaction between linear acceleration and optokinetic nystagmus.

Wall, Conrad, III↗
NASA NTRS1990

A laser-sheet flow visualization technique for the large wind tunnels of the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex

A flow visualization technique for the large wind tunnels of the National Full Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) is described. The technique uses a laser sheet generated by the NFAC Long Range Laser Velocimeter (LRLV) to illuminate a smoke-like tracer in the flow. The LRLV optical system is modified slightly, and a scanned mirror is added to generate the sheet. These modifications are described, in addition to the results of an initial performance test conducted in the 80- by 120-Foot Wind Tunnel. During this test, flow visualization was performed in the wake region behind a truck as part of a vehicle drag reduction study. The problems encountered during the test are discussed, in addition to the recommended improvements needed to enhance the performance of the technique for future applications.

Reinath, M. S.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Hypermedia and visual technology

Applications of a codified professional practice that uses visual representations of the thoughts and ideas of a working group are reported in order to improve productivity, problem solving, and innovation. This visual technology process was developed under the auspices of General Foods as part of a multi-year study. The study resulted in the validation of this professional service as a way to use art and design to facilitate productivity and innovation and to define new opportunities. It was also used by NASA for planning Lunar/Mars exploration and by other companies for general business and advanced strategic planning, developing new product concepts, and litigation support. General Foods has continued to use the service for packaging innovation studies.

Walker, Lloyd↗
NASA NTRS1990

Visualization of yeast chromosomal DNA

The DNA molecule is the most significant life molecule since it codes the blue print for other structural and functional molecules of all living organisms. Agarose gel electrophoresis is now being widely used to separate DNA of virus, bacteria, and lower eukaryotes. The task was undertaken of reviewing the existing methods of DNA fractionation and microscopic visualization of individual chromosonal DNA molecules by gel electrophoresis as a basis for a proposed study to investigate the feasibility of separating DNA molecules in free fluids as an alternative to gel electrophoresis. Various techniques were studied. On the molecular level, agarose gel electrophoresis is being widely used to separate chromosomal DNA according to molecular weight. Carl and Olson separate and characterized the entire karyotype of a lab strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Smith et al. and Schwartz and Koval independently reported the visualization of individual DNA molecules migrating through agarose gel matrix during electrophoresis. The techniques used by these researchers are being reviewed in the lab as a basis for the proposed studies.

Lubega, Seth↗
NASA NTRS1991

Improved visualization of flow field measurements

A capability was developed that makes it possible to apply to measured flow field data the visualization tools developed to display numerical solutions for computational fluid dynamic problems. The measurement monitor surface (MMS) procedure was applied to the analysis of flow field measurements within a low aspect ratio transonic axial flow fan rotor obtained with 2-D laser anemometry. The procedure generates input for the visualization tools developed to display numerical solutions for computational fluid dynamics problems. The relative Mach number contour plots obtained by this method resemble the conventional contour plots obtained by more traditional methods. The results show that the MMS procedure can be used to generate input for the multidimensional processing and analysis tools developed for data from numerical flow field simulations. They show that an experimenter can apply the MMS procedure to his data and then use an interactive graphics program to display scalar quantities like the Mach number by profiles, carpet plots, contour lines, and surfaces using various colors. Also, flow directionality can be shown by display of vector fields and particle traces.

Miles, Jeffrey Hilton↗
NASA NTRS1990

F-18 high alpha research vehicle surface pressures: Initial in-flight results and correlation with flow visualization and wind-tunnel data

Pressure distributions measured on the forebody and the leading-edge extensions (LEX's) of the NASA F-18 high alpha research vehicle (HARV) were reported at 10 and 50 degree angles of attack and at Mach 0.20 to 0.60. The results were correlated with HARV flow visualization and 6-percent scale F-18 wind-tunnel-model test results. The general trend in the data from the forebody was for the maximum suction pressure peaks to first appear at an angle of attack (alpha) of approximately 19 degrees and increase in magnitude with angle of attack. The LEX pressure distribution general trend was the inward progression and increase in magnitude of the maximum suction peaks up to vortex core breakdown and then the decrease and general flattening of the pressure distribution beyond that. No significant effect of Mach number was noted for the forebody results. However, a substantial compressibility effect on the LEX's resulted in a significant reduction in vortex-induced suction pressure as Mach number increased. The forebody primary and the LEX secondary vortex separation lines, from surface flow visualization, correlated well with the end of pressure recovery, leeward and windward, respectively, of maximum suction pressure peaks. The flight to wind-tunnel correlations were generally good with some exceptions.

Fisher, David F.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Flow Visualization Study of a 1/48-Scale AFTI/F111 Model to Investigate Horizontal Tail Flow Disturbances

During flight testing of the AFTI/F111 aircraft, horizontal tail buffet was observed. Flutter analysis ruled out any aeroelastic instability, so a water-tunnel flow visualization study was conducted to investigate possible flow disturbances on the horizontal tail which might cause buffet. For this study, a 1/48-scale model was used. Four different wing cambers and one horizontal tail setting were tested between 0 and 20 deg angle of attack. These wing cambers corresponded to the following leading training edge deflections: 0/2, 10/10, 10/2, and 0/10. Flow visualization results in the form of still photographs are presented for each of the four wing cambers between 8 and 12 deg angle of attack. In general, the horizontal tail experiences flow disturbances which become more pronounced with angle of attack or wing trailing-edge deflection.

Bjarke, Lisa J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Advanced visualization techniques

The scientific computing needs of the Earth Science and Application Division (ESAD) were evaluated, and it was determined whether the existing visualization environment provides the proper tools for meeting those needs. Some of the deficiencies were corrected using off-the-shelf software. The following subject areas are covered: (1) evaluation of visualization environment at ESAD; (2) definition of science needs; (3) evaluation of available sortware/hardware; and (4) definition of software development environment.

Botts, Mike↗
NASA NTRS1991

Flow visualization and quantitative velocity and pressure measurements in simulated single and double brush seals

A method to visualize and characterize the complex flow fields in simulated single and double brush seals is presented. The brush seal configuration was tested in a gravity fed water tunnel and a pump driven pressurized oil tunnel. Visualization of the flow field revealed regions that are characteristically river jetting, vortical, crossflow and exist upstream, downstream or within the seal. Such flows are especially engendered by variations in fiber void that are spatial and temporal and affect changes in seal leakage and stability. While the effects of interface motion and cylindrical configuration have not been considered herein, it is believed that the observed flow fields and pressure drop patterns characterize flow phenomenology in brush seals. The axial pressure profiles upstream, across and downstream of the brush have been measured under a variety of inlet pressure conditions and the ensuing pressure maps are presented and discussed. Through the application of the Full Flow Field Tracking method developed by the authors, the flow patterns and the accompanying fluid velocities inside the brush were non-intrusively determined and graphically reconstructed.

Braun, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

A synchronous strobed laser light sheet for helicopter model rotor flow visualization

A synchronous, strobed laser light sheet has been developed for use in flow visualization of a helicopter rotor model. The light sheet strobe circuit included selectable blade position, strobe duration, and multiple pulses per revolution for rotors having 2 to 9 blades. The flow was seeded with propylene glycol. Between runs, a calibration grid board was placed in the plane of the laser sheet and recorded with the video camera at the position used to record the flow field. A slip-sync mode permitted slow motion visualization of the flow field over complete rotations of the rotor. The system was used to make two-dimensional flow field cuts of a four-bladed rotor operating at advance ratio of 0.37 at wind tunnel speeds up to 79.25 meters per second (260 feet per second).

Leighty, Bradley D.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Decreased susceptibility to motion sickness during exposure to visual inversion in microgravity

Head and body movements made in microgravity tend to bring on symptoms of motion sickness. Such head movements, relative to comparable ones made on earth, are accompanied by unusual combinations of semicircular canal and otolith activity owing to the unloading of the otoliths in 0G. Head movements also bring on symptoms of motion sickness during exposure to visual inversion (or reversal) on earth because the vestibulo-ocular reflex is rendered anti-compensatory. Here, evidence is presented that susceptibility to motion sickness during exposure to visual inversion is decreased in a 0G relative to 1G force background. This difference in susceptibility appears related to the alteration in otolith function in 0G. Some implications of this finding for the etiology of space motion sickness are described.

Lackner, James R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Hot gas ingestion test results of a two-poster vectored thrust concept with flow visualization in the NASA Lewis 9- by 15-foot low speed wind tunnel

A 9.2 percent scale STOVL hot gas ingestion model was tested in the NASA Lewis 9 x 15-foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel. Flow visualization from the Phase 1 test program, which evaluated the hot ingestion phenomena and control techniques, is covered. The Phase 2 test program evaluated the hot gas ingestion phenomena at higher temperatures and used a laser sheet to investigate the flow field. Hot gas ingestion levels were measured for the several forward nozzle splay configurations and with flow control/life improvement devices (LIDs) which reduced the hot gas ingestion. The test was conducted at full scale nozzle pressure ratios and inlet Mach numbers. Results are presented over a range of nozzle pressure ratios at a 10 kn headwind velocity. The Phase 2 program was conducted at exhaust nozzle temperatures up to 1460 R and utilized a sheet laser system for flow visualization of the model flow field in and out of ground effects. The results reported are for nozzle exhaust temperatures up to 1160 R and contain the compressor face pressure and temperature distortions, the total pressure recovery, the inlet temperature rise, and the environmental effects of the hot gas. The environmental effects include the ground plane contours, the model airframe heating, and the location of the ground flow separation.

Johns, Albert L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Visualization of fluid dynamics at NASA Ames

Some of the hardware and software tools and techniques in use at NASA's numerical aerodynamic simulation facility for the analysis of computational fluid dynamics are described. The visualization process can be illustrated by video tapes and stereo pictures. Although these visualization tools have dramatically improved the ability to conduct research in fluid dynamics, a comparison of the current environment for analysis with an 'ideal' environment illustrates that there are still major improvements that should be made. The most time-consuming task in future analyses of the increasingly complex computer simulations will be the extraction and clear display of the key features. In addition, the interface between the workstation and the scientist should be improved significantly. Current research on techniques for creating these improvements is described.

Watson, V.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Nonuniform visual pattern image sequence coding

Visual Pattern Image Sequence Coding (VPISC) is a pyramidal image coding scheme which utilizes human visual system (HVS) properties to achieve low bit rates while maintaining a good perceived image quality, all with extremely low computational cost. This paper describes extensions of VPISC, termed Foveal VPISC (FVPISC) and Adaptive VPISC (AVPISC). Both algorithms produce decreased bit rates by selectively allowing some image regions to be coded at low resolution. In FVPISC, a foveation criterion is used to select a region of interest. In AVPISC, the algorithm adaptively determines which regions require high-resolution coding in order to maintain uniform image quality over the entire image.

Silsbee, Peter L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Flow visualization in a simulated brush seal

A method to visualize and characterize the complex flow fields in simulated brush seals is presented. The brush seal configuration was tested in a water and then in an oil tunnel. The visualization procedure revealed typical regions that are rivering, jetting, vortical or lateral flows and exist upstream, downstream or within the seal. Such flows are engendered by variations in fiber void that are spatial and temporal and affect changes in seal leakage and stability. While the effects of interface motion for linear or cylindrical configurations have not been considered herein, it is believed that the observed flow fields characterize flow phenomenology in both circular and linear brush seals. The axial pressure profiles upstream, across and downstream of the brush in the oil tunnel have been measured under a variety of inlet pressure conditions and the ensuing pressure maps are presented and discussed.

Braun, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A new method for visualizing data on a sphere

A method for visualizing data on a globe or unit sphere is described. Information that is distributed over a sphere - global oceanographic or geographic measurements, all-sky astronomy observations, or any quantities that are best represented in spherical coordinates - can benefit from this technique. Retaining a better sense of the geometry and information content of the data, 3D graphics can provide an unobstructed view of the entire sphere, without undue deformation of its surface area. A 'parameterized ray trace' produces look-up tables (LUTs) that can be used for all visualizations. The ray-trace result shows one or more spheres with the data as a texture map and three reflecting rectangles that 'mirror' the far sides of the sphere(s) into view. The LUTs need only be created once. No special purpose hardware is required beyond a PC or workstation that supports color. Examples from astronomical and geophysical datasets, which are commonly displayed with an area deforming (2D) projection, are presented.

Hon, David↗