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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 775 records · Page 43
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Application of X-ray computed tomography for the characterization of graphite morphology in compact-graphite iron

Highlights: • X-ray Tomography is a powerful technique for graphite morphology characterization. • 3D characterization reveals true nodularity and spatial connectivity of graphite. • Tri-modal distribution of SG suggests a multi-stage graphite nucleation process. - Abstract: In the present study, high-energy X-ray tomography technique was used to characterize the graphite morphology of compact graphite iron. The size, shape, spatial connectivity and structure of different graphite morphologies were examined in 3D using computer-aided image analysis. In addition, nodularity analysis was performed in 3D and the results are compared to the traditional 2D technique. It is found that the variation of nodularity within 2 × 2 × 1.2 mm{sup 3} of the sample can be as high as 20 (%) from 2D analysis and the averaged nodularity (2D) is higher than that from 3D analysis. The size distribution of spheroidal graphite shows a tri-modal distribution, which suggests a multi-step nucleation process during solidification.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2023

A Blind Convolutional Deep Autoencoder for Spectral Unmixing of Hyperspectral Images Over Waterbodies

Harmful algal blooms have dangerous repercussions for biodiversity, the ecosystem, and public health. Automatic identification based on remote sensing hyperspectral image analysis provides a valuable mechanism for extracting the spectral signatures of harmful algal blooms and their respective percentage in a region of interest. This paper proposes a new model called a non-symmetrical autoencoder for spectral unmixing to perform endmember extraction and fractional abundance estimation. The model is assessed in benchmark datasets, such as Jasper Ridge and Samson. Additionally, a case study of the HSI2 image acquired by NASA over Lake Erie in 2017 is conducted for extracting optical water types. The results using the proposed model for the benchmark datasets improve unmixing performance, as indicated by the spectral angle distance compared to five baseline algorithms. Improved results were obtained for various metrics. In the Samson dataset, the proposed model outperformed other methods for water (0.060) and soil (0.025) endmember extraction. Moreover, the proposed method exhibited superior performance in terms of mean spectral angle distance compared to the other five baseline algorithms. The non-symmetrical autoencoder for the spectral unmixing approach achieved better results for abundance map estimation, with a root mean square error of 0.091 for water and 0.187 for soil, compared to the ground truth. For the Jasper Ridge dataset, the non-symmetrical autoencoder for the spectral unmixing model excelled in the tree (0.039) and road (0.068) endmember extraction and also demonstrated improved results for water abundance maps (0.1121). The proposed model can identify the presence of chlorophyll-a in waterbodies. Chlorophyll-a is an essential indicator of the presence of the different concentrations of macrophytes and cyanobacteria. The non-symmetrical autoencoder for spectral unmixing achieves a value of 0.307 for the spectral angle distance metric compared to a reference ground truth spectral signature of chlorophyll-a. The source code for the proposed model, as implemented in this manuscript, can be found at https://github.com/EstefaniaAlfaro/autoencoder_owt_spectral.git.

hyperspectral imaging↗
DOE OSTI2021

Smartphone-based Dual-channel Immunochromatographic Test Strip with Polymer Quantum Dot Labels for Simultaneous Detection of Cypermethrin and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid

Currently, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) are the primary methods used to detect pesticides and their metabolites for biomonitoring of exposure. Although GC-MS and LC-MS can provide accurate and sensitive measurements, these techniques are not suitable for point-of-care or in-field biomonitoring applications. The objective of this work is to develop a smartphone-based dual-channel immunochromatographic test strip (ICTS) for on-site biomonitoring of exposure to cypermethrin by simultaneous detection of cypermethrin and its metabolite, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA). Polymer carbon dots (PCDs) with ultra-high fluorescent brightness were synthesized and used as signal amplifier in ICTS assay. Cypermethrin (a representative pyrethroid pesticide) and its major metabolite 3-PBA were simultaneously detected to provide more comprehensive analysis of cypermethrin exposure. After competitive immunoreactions between the target sample and the coating antigens preloaded on the test line, the tracer antibody (PCDs conjugated antibody) was quantitatively captured on the test lines. The captured PCDs were inversely proportional to the amount of the target compound in sample. The red fluorescence on the test line then was recorded by a smartphone-based device capable of conducting image analysis and recording. Under optimal conditions, the sensor showed excellent linear responses for detecting cypermethrin and 3-PBA ranging from 1 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL and from 0.1 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL, the limits of detection were calculated to be ~0.35 ng/mL for cypermethrin and ~0.04 ng/mL for 3-PBA, respectively. The results demonstrate that the ICTS device is promising for accurate point-of-care biomonitoring of pesticide exposure.

Zhao, Yuting↗
DOE OSTI2018

Multiphase Model of Semisolid Slurry Generation and Isothermal Holding During Cooling Slope Rheoprocessing of A356 Al Alloy

In the present paper, we present an experimentally validated 3D multiphase and multiscale solidification model to understand the transport processes involved during slurry generation with a cooling slope. In this process, superheated liquid alloy is poured at the top of the cooling slope and allowed to flow along the slope under the influence of gravity. As the melt flows down the slope, it progressively loses its superheat, starts solidifying at the melt/slope interface with formation of solid crystals, and eventually exits the slope as semisolid slurry. In the present simulation, the three phases considered are the parent melt as the primary phase, and the solid grains and air as secondary phases. The air phase forms a definable air/liquid melt interface as the free surface. After exiting the slope, the slurry fills an isothermal holding bath maintained at the slope exit temperature, which promotes further globularization of microstructure. The outcomes of the present model include prediction of volume fractions of the three different phases considered, grain evolution, grain growth, size, sphericity and distribution of solid grains, temperature field, velocity field, macrosegregation and microsegregation. In addition, the model is found to be capable of making predictions of morphological evolution of primary grains at the onset of isothermal coarsening. The results obtained from the present simulations are validated by performing quantitative image analysis of micrographs of the rapidly oil-quenched semisolid slurry samples, collected from strategic locations along the slope and from the isothermal slurry holding bath.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Understanding important features of deep learning models for segmentation of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images

Cutting edge deep learning techniques allow for image segmentation with great speed and accuracy. However, application to problems in materials science is often difficult since these complex models may have difficultly learning meaningful image features that would enable extension to new datasets. In situ electron microscopy provides a clear platform for utilizing automated image analysis. In this work, we consider the case of studying coarsening dynamics in supported nanoparticles, which is important for understanding, for example, the degradation of industrial catalysts. By systematically studying dataset preparation, neural network architecture, and accuracy evaluation, we describe important considerations in applying deep learning to physical applications, where generalizable and convincing models are required. With a focus on unique challenges that arise in high-resolution images, we propose methods for optimizing performance of image segmentation using convolutional neural networks, critically examining the application of complex deep learning models in favor of motivating intentional process design.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Correction and verification of x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer analysis on Wendelstein 7-X through x-ray ray tracing

X-ray ray tracing is used to develop ion-temperature corrections for the analysis of the X-ray Imaging Crystal Spectrometer (XICS) used at Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) and perform verification on the analysis methods. The XICS is a powerful diagnostic able to measure ion-temperature, electron-temperature, plasma flow, and impurity charge state densities. While these systems are relatively simple in design, accurate characterization of the instrumental response and validation of analysis techniques are difficult to perform experimentally due to the requirement of extended x-ray sources. For this reason, a ray tracing model has been developed that allows characterization of the spectrometer and verification of the analysis methods while fully considering the real geometry of the XICS system and W7-X plasma. Through the use of ray tracing, several important corrections have been found that must be accounted for in order to accurately reconstruct the ion-temperature profiles. The sources of these corrections are described along with their effect on the analyzed profiles. The implemented corrections stem from three effects: (1) effect of sub-pixel intensity distribution during de-curving and spatial binning, (2) effect of sub-pixel intensity distribution during forward model evaluation and generation of residuals, and (3) effect of defocus and spherical aberrations on the instrumental response. Possible improvements to the forward model and analysis procedures are explored, along with a discussion of trade-offs in terms of computational complexity. Finally, the accuracy of the tomographic inversion technique in stellarator geometry is investigated, providing for the first time a verification exercise for inversion accuracy in stellarator geometry and a complete XICS analysis tool-chain.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1988

The Shuttle Imaging Radar B (SIR-B) experiment report

The primary objective of the SIR-B experiment was to acquire multiple-incidence-angle radar imagery of a variety of Earth's surfaces to better understand the effects of imaging geometry on radar backscatter. A complementary objective was to map extensive regions of particular interest. Under these broad objectives, many specific scientific experiments were defined by the 43 SIR-B Science Team members, including studies in the area of geology, vegetation, radar penetration, oceanography, image analysis, and calibration technique development. Approximately 20 percent of the planned digital data were collected, meeting 40 percent of the scientific objectives. This report is an overview of the SIR-B experiment and includes the science investigations, hardware design, mission scenario, mission operations, events of the actual missions, astronaut participation, data products (including auxiliary data), calibrations, and a summary of the actual coverage. Also included are several image samples.

Cimino, Jo Bea↗
DOE OSTI2019

Interobserver agreement of computed tomography reporting standards for chronic pancreatitis

Aim: To assess the interobserver agreement of computed tomography (CT) reporting standards for chronic pancreatitis (CP). Subjects and methods: Retrospective analysis of CT of 47 patients (33 males and 11 females, age range 36 to 56 years) with CP who presented with abdominal pain (n = 41), steatorrhea (n = 37), and glucose intolerance (n = 31). The patients underwent CT study using a 16-multidetector CT scanner with a pancreatic protocol including a nonenhanced scan followed by pancreatic phase at 35 s and portal venous phase at 65 s after intravenous injection of nonionic contrast medium. Image analysis was performed by two radiologists according to reporting standards for CP. Results: There was excellent interobserver agreement (84.8 %) between the two reviewers in CT reporting standards for CP (K = 0.80, 95 % CI 0.75–0.85, P = 0.001). There was good interobserver agreement for pancreatic duct (PD) caliber (K = 0.71, 95 % CI 0.56–0.87, P = 0.001), PD contour (K = 0.76, 95 % CI 0.61–0.91, P = 0.001), PD stricture (K = 0.070, 95 % CI 0.53–0.88, P = 0.001), and distribution of findings (K = 0.69, 95 % CI 0.51–0.86, P = 0.001). There was excellent interobserver agreement for intraductal calculi (K = 0.84, 95 % CI 0.68–0.98, P = 0.001), pancreatic calcifications (K = 0.86, 95 % CI 0.84–0.98, P = 0.001), and pancreatic diameter (K = 0.87, 95 % CI 0.75–0.99, P = 0.001). Conclusion: CT reporting standards for CP is a reliable method for diagnosis of patients with CP.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
NASA NTRS2001

Left ventricular endocardial surface detection based on real-time 3D echocardiographic data

OBJECTIVE: A new computerized semi-automatic method for left ventricular (LV) chamber segmentation is presented. METHODS: The LV is imaged by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE). The surface detection model, based on level set techniques, is applied to RT3DE data for image analysis. The modified level set partial differential equation we use is solved by applying numerical methods for conservation laws. The initial conditions are manually established on some slices of the entire volume. The solution obtained for each slice is a contour line corresponding with the boundary between LV cavity and LV endocardium. RESULTS: The mathematical model has been applied to sequences of frames of human hearts (volume range: 34-109 ml) imaged by 2D and reconstructed off-line and RT3DE data. Volume estimation obtained by this new semi-automatic method shows an excellent correlation with those obtained by manual tracing (r = 0.992). Dynamic change of LV volume during the cardiac cycle is also obtained. CONCLUSION: The volume estimation method is accurate; edge based segmentation, image completion and volume reconstruction can be accomplished. The visualization technique also allows to navigate into the reconstructed volume and to display any section of the volume.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS2018

Fragment Size Distribution for Ice Particle Impacts on a Glass Plate

This work presents the results of an experimental study of ice particle impacts on a flat glass plate. The experiment was conducted at the Ballistics Impact Laboratory of NASA Glenn Research Center. The main objective of the experiment was to gain understanding about the modifications needed to the experimental configuration for a future parametric study at a larger range of values for particle diameters and other parameters. This was achieved by studying the effect of the velocity of an impacting ice particle on the post-impact fragment size and distribution for a reduced range of impacting particle diameters. Pre-impact particle diameter and velocity data were captured with a high-speed side camera. Post-impact fragment data were captured in a single frame with a 29-megapixel camera located above and normal to the target. Repeat runs were conducted for ice particles with diameters ranging from 1.7 to 2.9 millimeters, impacting at velocities between 39 and 98 meters per second. The fragment areas were measured, and the corresponding equivalent diameters and histogram distributions were calculated. Analysis of the data showed that the average equivalent diameter for the fragments in a run was an order of magnitude smaller than the diameter of the impacting ice particle. The histograms for equivalent diameter distribution were nonnormal with long tails, with most of the fragments having equivalent diameters concentrated toward the minimum value of the fragment size that could be resolved. Factors affecting the accuracy of the data during the digital imaging analysis were identified. Needed modifications to the setup to handle small size ice particles and other testing conditions were also identified.

engine icing↗
NASA NTRS1982

Workshop on Satellite Meteorology: Satellite and Their Data - Part 1

The Workshop on Satellite Meteorology is co-sponsored by the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University and the American Meteorlogical Society's Committee on Meteorological Aspects of Aerospace Systems. The workshop covers uses of satellite data in atmospheric science. It provides state-of-the-art information to those in Universities, research groups, and other users. One area of primary focus is to provide source material to university personnel for developing and augmenting courses in satellite meteorology and the atmospheric sciences. The items in the program include information on meteorological satellites and data sources, uses of satellite imagery for all scales of weather analysis and forecasting, uses of sounding data and other radiance information and research opportunities on interactive systems. Each session is presented by a group of experts in the field and includes an open discussion of the state-of-the-art and promising areas for future development. This pre-print volume is one of three parts on the workshop. The three parts are: PART I. Satellites and Their Data; PART II. Satellite Image Analysis and Interpretation; PART III. Satellite Soundings and Their Uses.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2017

Preclinical evaluation of 18 F-ML-10 to determine timing of apoptotic response to chemotherapy in solid tumors

Here, we investigated 2-(5-fluoro-pentyl)-2-methyl-malonic acid ( 18 F-ML-10) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of apoptosis posttherapy to determine optimal timing for predicting chemotherapy response in a mouse head/neck xenograft cancer model. BALB/c nude mice (4-8 weeks old) were implanted with UM-SCC-22B tumors. The treatment group received 2 doses of doxorubicin (10 mg/kg, days 0, 2). Small animal 18 F-ML-10 PET/computed tomography was performed before and on days 1, 3, and 7 postchemotherapy. Using regions of interest around tumors, 18 F-ML-10 uptake change was measured as %ID/g and uptake relative to liver. Terminal Uridine Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) immunohistochemistry assay was performed using tumor samples of baseline and on days 1, 3, and 7 posttreatment. As a result, treated mice demonstrated increased 18 F-ML-10 uptake compared to baseline and controls, and 10 of 13 mice showed tumor volume decreases. All control mice showed tumor volume increases. Tumor-to-liver (T/L) ratios from the control group mice did not show significant change from baseline ( P > .05); however, T/L ratios of the treatment group showed significant 18 F-ML-10 uptake differences from baseline compared to days 3 and 7 posttreatment ( P < .05), but no significant difference at 1 day posttreatment. In conclusion, 2-(5-Fluoro-pentyl)-2-methyl-malonic acid PET imaging has the potential for early assessment of treatment-induced apoptosis. Timing and image analysis strategies may require optimization, depending on the type of tumor and cancer treatment.

18F-ML-10↗
NASA NTRS2011

Space Radiation Effects on Human Cells: Modeling DNA Breakage, DNA Damage Foci Distribution, Chromosomal Aberrations and Tissue Effects

Future long-tem space travel will face challenges from radiation concerns as the space environment poses health risk to humans in space from radiations with high biological efficiency and adverse post-flight long-term effects. Solar particles events may dramatically affect the crew performance, while Galactic Cosmic Rays will induce a chronic exposure to high-linear-energy-transfer (LET) particles. These types of radiation, not present on the ground level, can increase the probability of a fatal cancer later in astronaut life. No feasible shielding is possible from radiation in space, especially for the heavy ion component, as suggested solutions will require a dramatic increase in the mass of the mission. Our research group focuses on fundamental research and strategic analysis leading to better shielding design and to better understanding of the biological mechanisms of radiation damage. We present our recent effort to model DNA damage and tissue damage using computational models based on the physics of heavy ion radiation, DNA structure and DNA damage and repair in human cells. Our particular area of expertise include the clustered DNA damage from high-LET radiation, the visualization of DSBs (DNA double strand breaks) via DNA damage foci, image analysis and the statistics of the foci for different experimental situations, chromosomal aberration formation through DSB misrepair, the kinetics of DSB repair leading to a model-derived spectrum of chromosomal aberrations, and, finally, the simulation of human tissue and the pattern of apoptotic cell damage. This compendium of theoretical and experimental data sheds light on the complex nature of radiation interacting with human DNA, cells and tissues, which can lead to mutagenesis and carcinogenesis later in human life after the space mission.

Ponomarev, A. L.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Assessing the carbon sequestration potential of basalt using X-ray micro-CT and rock mechanics

Mineral carbonation in basaltic rock provides a permanent storage solution for the mitigation of anthropogenic CO 2 emissions in the atmosphere. 3D X-ray micro-CT (XCT) image analysis is applied to a core sample from the main basaltic reservoir of the CarbFix site in Iceland, which obtained a connected porosity of 2.05–8.76%, a reactive surface area of 0.10–0.33 mm -1 and a larger vertical permeability (2.07 × 10 -10 m 2 ) compared to horizontal permeability (5.10 × 10 -11 m 2 ). The calculations suggest a CO 2 storage capacity of 0.33 Gigatonnes at the CarbFix pilot site. The XCT results were compared to those obtained from a hydromechanical test applied to the same sample, during which permeability, electrical resistivity and volumetric deformation were measured under realistic reservoir pressure conditions. It was found that permeability is highly stress sensitive, dropping by two orders of magnitude for a -0.02% volumetric deformation change, equivalent to a mean pore diameter reduction of 5 μm. This pore contraction was insufficient to explain such a permeability reduction according to the XCT analysis, unless combined with the effects of clay swelling and secondary mineral pore clogging. Here the findings provide important benchmark data for the future upscaling and optimisation of CO 2 storage in basalt formations.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1992

Ground support for Space Shuttle earth observations by the NASA environment remote sensing analysis facility (ERSAF)

The functions and capabilities of the NASA Environment Remote Sensing Analysis Facility (ERSAF) located at the Johnson Space Center are described. ERSAF provides dedicated support to earth-observation activities and Earth-looking payloads conducted aboard the Space Shuttle. This support merges environmental satellite imagery with high-resolution film products and digital imagery acquired aboard the Space Shuttle. ERSAF utilizes several computer systems with specialized software to process and analyze environmental information as well as data acquired from the Space Shuttle. These computer systems and the image analysis capabilities are discussed.

Chambers, M. A.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Quantification of synthesized hydration products using synchrotron microtomography and spectral analysis

The use of x-ray computed tomography (CT) as a standalone method has primarily been used to characterize pore structure, cracking and mechanical damage in cementitious systems due to low contrast in the hydrated phases. These limitations have resulted in the inability to extract quantifiable information on such phases. The goal of this research was to address the limitations caused by low contrast and improving the ability to distinguish the four primary hydrated phases in portland cement; C-S-H, calcium hydroxide, monosulfate, and ettringite. X-ray CT on individual layers, binary mixtures of phases, and quaternary mixtures of phases to represent a hydrated portland cement paste were imaged with synchrotron radiation. Known masses of each phase were converted to a volume and compared to the segmented image volumes. It was observed that adequate contrast in binary mixing of phases allowed for segmentation, and subsequent image analysis indicated quantifiable volumes could be extracted from the tomographic volume. However, low contrast was observed when C-S-H and monosulfate were paired together leading to difficulties segmenting in an unbiased manner. Quantification of phases in quaternary mixtures included larger errors than binary mixes due to histogram overlaps of monosulfate, C-S-H, and calcium hydroxide.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1991

Computations on the massively parallel processor at the Goddard Space Flight Center

Described are four significant algorithms implemented on the massively parallel processor (MPP) at the Goddard Space Flight Center. Two are in the area of image analysis. Of the other two, one is a mathematical simulation experiment and the other deals with the efficient transfer of data between distantly separated processors in the MPP array. The first algorithm presented is the automatic determination of elevations from stereo pairs. The second algorithm solves mathematical logistic equations capable of producing both ordered and chaotic (or random) solutions. This work can potentially lead to the simulation of artificial life processes. The third algorithm is the automatic segmentation of images into reasonable regions based on some similarity criterion, while the fourth is an implementation of a bitonic sort of data which significantly overcomes the nearest neighbor interconnection constraints on the MPP for transferring data between distant processors.

Strong, James P.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Microstructure detection of Mg-Zi-Ti-Si amorphous composite coating prepared by SMAT

Highlights: • The Mg-Zn-Ti-Si amorphous composite coating was prepared on Mg alloy via SMAT. • Except for amorphous portion, the phases of coating include Zn, Mg{sub 7}Zn{sub 3}, and Si. • The coating was thick and rough but it was well combined with the matrix. • During SMAT, the matrix surface was also strengthened because of solid-solution and grain refinement. - Abstract: The Mg-Zn-Ti-Si coating was prepared on Mg alloy through surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) which was simple and low-cost. The microstructure and phase composition of coating were detected through a scanning electron microscope (SEM), an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and a high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The results demonstrated that the layer thickness, which depended on the rotation speed, was 20–80 μm. Although the coating was rough, it was well combined with the matrix. The XRD pattern and HRTEM image analysis demonstrated that the coating contained both amorphous and crystalline phases (Zn, Mg{sub 7}Zn{sub 3} and Si). The process also led to matrix surface strengthening; the mechanisms are solid solution and grain refinement.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗