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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 883 records · Page 49
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Self-mixing in microtubule-kinesin active fluid from nonuniform to uniform distribution of activity

Active fluids have applications in micromixing, but little is known about the mixing kinematics of systems with spatiotemporally-varying activity. To investigate, UV-activated caged ATP is used to activate controlled regions of microtubule-kinesin active fluid and the mixing process is observed with fluorescent tracers and molecular dyes. At low Péclet numbers (diffusive transport), the active-inactive interface progresses toward the inactive area in a diffusion-like manner that is described by a simple model combining diffusion with Michaelis-Menten kinetics. At high Péclet numbers (convective transport), the active-inactive interface progresses in a superdiffusion-like manner that is qualitatively captured by an active-fluid hydrodynamic model coupled to ATP transport. Results show that active fluid mixing involves complex coupling between distribution of active stress and active transport of ATP and reduces mixing time for suspended components with decreased impact of initial component distribution. This work will inform application of active fluids to promote micromixing in microfluidic devices.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

An finite element analysis surrogate model with boundary oriented graph embedding approach for rapid design

Abstract In this work, we present a boundary oriented graph embedding (BOGE) approach for the graph neural network to assist in rapid design and digital prototyping. The cantilever beam problem has been solved as an example to validate its potential of providing physical field results and optimized designs using only 10 ms. Providing shortcuts for both boundary elements and local neighbor elements, the BOGE approach can embed unstructured mesh elements into the graph and performs an efficient regression on large-scale triangular-mesh-based finite element analysis (FEA) results, which cannot be realized by other machine-learning-based surrogate methods. It has the potential to serve as a surrogate model for other boundary value problems. Focusing on the cantilever beam problem, the BOGE approach with 3-layer DeepGCN model achieves the regression with mean square error (MSE) of 0.011 706 (2.41% mean absolute percentage error) for stress field prediction and 0.002 735 MSE (with 1.58% elements having error larger than 0.01) for topological optimization. The overall concept of the BOGE approach paves the way for a general and efficient deep-learning-based FEA simulator that will benefit both industry and Computer Aided Design (CAD) design-related areas.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1994

Using experimental design modules for process characterization in manufacturing/materials processes laboratories

Modules dealing with statistical experimental design (SED), process modeling and improvement, and response surface methods have been developed and tested in two laboratory courses. One course was a manufacturing processes course in Mechanical Engineering and the other course was a materials processing course in Materials Science and Engineering. Each module is used as an 'experiment' in the course with the intent that subsequent course experiments will use SED methods for analysis and interpretation of data. Evaluation of the modules' effectiveness has been done by both survey questionnaires and inclusion of the module methodology in course examination questions. Results of the evaluation have been very positive. Those evaluation results and details of the modules' content and implementation are presented. The modules represent an important component for updating laboratory instruction and to provide training in quality for improved engineering practice.

Ankenman, Bruce↗
NASA NTRS2005

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the 2003-2004 NASA CONNECT(trademark)Program

NASA CONNECT is an Emmy-award-winning series of instructional (distance learning) programs for grades 6-8. Produced by the NASA Center for Distance Learning, the nine programs in the 2003-2004 NASA CONNECT series are research-, inquiry-, standards-, teacher-, and technology-based and include a 30-minute program, an educator guide containing a hands-on activity, and a web-based component. The 1,500 randomly selected NASA CONNECT registered users were invited to complete an electronic (self-reported) survey that employed a 5-point Likert-type scale. Regarding NASA CONNECT, respondents reported that the programs (1) enhance the teaching of mathematics, science, and technology (4.53); (2) are aligned with the national mathematics, science, and technology standards (4.52); (3) raise student awareness of careers requiring mathematics, science, and technology (4.48); (4) demonstrate the application of mathematics, science, and technology (4.47); and (5) present women and minorities performing challenging engineering and science tasks (4.50).

Caton, Randall H.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Crosscutting Development- EVA Tools and Geology Sample Acquisition

Exploration to all destinations has at one time or another involved the acquisition and return of samples and context data. Gathered at the summit of the highest mountain, the floor of the deepest sea, or the ice of a polar surface, samples and their value (both scientific and symbolic) have been a mainstay of Earthly exploration. In manned spaceflight exploration, the gathering of samples and their contextual information has continued. With the extension of collecting activities to spaceflight destinations comes the need for geology tools and equipment uniquely designed for use by suited crew members in radically different environments from conventional field geology. Beginning with the first Apollo Lunar Surface Extravehicular Activity (EVA), EVA Geology Tools were successfully used to enable the exploration and scientific sample gathering objectives of the lunar crew members. These early designs were a step in the evolution of Field Geology equipment, and the evolution continues today. Contemporary efforts seek to build upon and extend the knowledge gained in not only the Apollo program but a wealth of terrestrial field geology methods and hardware that have continued to evolve since the last lunar surface EVA. This paper is presented with intentional focus on documenting the continuing evolution and growing body of knowledge for both engineering and science team members seeking to further the development of EVA Geology. Recent engineering development and field testing efforts of EVA Geology equipment for surface EVA applications are presented, including the 2010 Desert Research and Technology Studies (Desert RATs) field trial. An executive summary of findings will also be presented, detailing efforts recommended for exotic sample acquisition and pre-return curation development regardless of planetary or microgravity destination.

Source record↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Quantitative Characterization of Lunar Regolith Simulants for Direct Comparison to Apollo Soil Samples

Introduction: Sustained characterization efforts of lunar regolith simulant properties are not only integral for verification of commercially-produced material designed for a wide array of testing applications but are also necessary in establishing a comprehensive comparison to a lunar reference source. As a resource for the lunar science and engineering communities, the Simulant Development Lab (SDL) within the Astromaterials Research & Exploration Science (ARES) division at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) is actively pursuing closure of existing knowledge gaps in fundamental simulant attributes, including chemistry, mineralogy, particle size distribution, particle geometry, bulk and relative density, magnetic susceptibility, and shear strength (i.e., cohesion and angle of internal friction), as well as producing Figures of Merit for comparison of lunar simulants to Apollo regolith samples.

R. Kovtun↗
NASA NTRS2019

NASA Studies the Earth from the Philippines

The Cloud, Aerosol and Monsoon Processes Philippines Experiment (CAMP2Ex) is a NASA/NRL mission studying clouds and aerosols with the NASA P-3B aircraft, a Learet and an ocean research vessel. The mission is based in the Philippines from late August through early October 2019. This presentation is aimed at 8-12th grade students in the Philippines for education/outreach purposes to expose students to NASA Earth and Airborne Science research, the CAMP2Ex mission, and careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).The presentation starts with an overview of NASA Earth science, including discussing how and why NASA studies the earth using satellites, airplanes, and sensors on the ground. We discuss the NASA Airborne Science Program and how NASA uses airplanes to study the Earth from the equator to the poles. We discuss the CAMP2Ex mission specifically, including mission science goals and why we are based in the Philippines. We will discuss basic cloud physics and remote sensing using demonstrations and activities. Finally, we discuss careers in STEM and at NASA, giving personal examples of the career paths of scientists, engineers and pilots on the CAMP2Ex mission.

Schaller, Emily L.↗
NASA NTRS2006

The Advanced Modeling, Simulation and Analysis Capability Roadmap Vision for Engineering

This paper summarizes a subset of the Advanced Modeling Simulation and Analysis (AMSA) Capability Roadmap that was developed for NASA in 2005. The AMSA Capability Roadmap Team was chartered to "To identify what is needed to enhance NASA's capabilities to produce leading-edge exploration and science missions by improving engineering system development, operations, and science understanding through broad application of advanced modeling, simulation and analysis techniques." The AMSA roadmap stressed the need for integration, not just within the science, engineering and operations domains themselves, but also across these domains. Here we discuss the roadmap element pertaining to integration within the engineering domain, with a particular focus on implications for future observatory missions. The AMSA products supporting the system engineering function are mission information, bounds on information quality, and system validation guidance. The Engineering roadmap element contains 5 sub-elements: (1) Large-Scale Systems Models, (2) Anomalous Behavior Models, (3) advanced Uncertainty Models, (4) Virtual Testing Models, and (5) space-based Robotics Manufacture and Servicing Models.

Zang, Thomas↗
DOE OSTI2023

Physics-guided neural networks with engineering domain knowledge for hybrid process modeling

As neural networks are more frequently used to solve problems in science and engineering, the methods used to incorporate scientific knowledge into these networks are becoming increasingly complex. Here, this work breaks down these complicated techniques into a set of basic strategies which can easily be applied to diverse situations. Several novel neural networks are built using the categories laid out in this work. These networks are tested on simulated data from a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) model to evaluate the advantages provided by each network. The three points demonstrated in this work are: (1) architectural hybrid models can speed up convergence and reduce the amount of data necessary to train a model; (2) adding a physics-guided loss function can improve model generalization and make models more physically consistent; (3) using physics-guided initialization and transfer learning improves accuracy and speeds up convergence, but can harm generalizability if used incorrectly.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS2019

Electra: A Modular-Based Expansion of NASA's Supercomputing Capability

NASA has increasingly relied on high-performance computing (HPC) re- sources for computational modeling, simulation, and data analysis to meet the science and engineering goals of its missions in space exploration, aeronautics, and Earth and space science. The NASA Advanced Supercomputing (NAS) Division at Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, Calif., hosts NASA’s premier supercomputing resources, integral to achieving and enhancing the success of the agency’s missions. NAS provides a balanced environment, funded under the High-End Computing Capability (HECC) project, comprised of world-class supercomputers, including its flagship distributed-memory cluster, Pleiades; high-speed networking; and massive data storage facilities, along with multi-disciplinary support teams for user support, code porting and optimization, and large-scale data analysis and scientific visualization. However, as scientists have increased the fidelity of their simulations and engineers are conducting larger parameter-space studies, the requirements for supercomputing resources have been growing by leaps and bounds. With the facility housing the HECC systems reaching its power and cooling capacity, NAS undertook a prototype project to investigate an alternative approach for housing supercomputers. Modular supercomputing, or container-based computing, is an innovative concept for expanding NASA’s HPC capabilities. With modular supercomputing, additional containers—similar to portable storage pods—can be connected together as needed to accommodate the agency’s ever-increasing demand for computing resources. In addition, taking advantage of the local weather permits the use of cooling technologies that would additionally save energy and reduce annual water usage. The first stage of NASA’s Modular Supercomputing Facility (MSF) prototype, which resulted in a 1,000 square-foot module on a concrete pad with room for 16 compute racks, was completed in Fall 2016 and an SGI (now HPE) computer system, named Electra, was deployed there in early 2017. Cooling is performed via an evaporative system built into the module, and preliminary experience shows a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) measurement of 1.03. Electra achieved over a petaflop on the LINPACK benchmark, sufficient to rank number 96 on the November 2016 TOP500 list [14]. The system consists of 1,152 InfiniBand-connected Intel Xeon Broadwell-based nodes. Its users access their files on a facility-wide file system shared by all HECC compute assets via Mellanox MetroX InfiniBand extenders, which connect the Electra fabric to Lustre routers in the primary facility over fiber-optic links about 900 feet long. The MSF prototype has exceeded expectations and is serving as a blueprint for future expansions. In the remainder of this chapter, we detail how modular data center technology can be used to expand an existing compute resource. We begin by describing NASA’s requirements for supercomputing and how resources were provided prior to the integration of the Electra module-based system.

Biswas, Rupak↗
DOE OSTI2024

2023 Operational Assessment Report: Argonne Leadership Computing Facility

In 2004, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) program established the Leadership Computing Facility (LCF) with a mission to provide the world’s most advanced computational resources to the open science community. The LCF is a huge investment in the nation’s scientific and technological future, inspired by a growing demand for large-scale computing and its impact on science and engineering. The LCF operates two world-class centers in support of open science at Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne) and at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Oak Ridge) and deploys diverse machines that are among the most powerful systems in the world today. The LCF ranks among the top U.S. scientific facilities delivering impactful science. The work performed at these centers informs policy decisions and advances innovations in far-reaching areas such as energy assurance, ecological sustainability, and global security. The leadership-class systems at Argonne and Oak Ridge operate around the clock every day of the year. The high level of services these centers provide and the exceptional science they produce justify their existence to the DOE Office of Science and the U.S. Congress

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1975

The 1975 NASA/ASEE summer faculty fellowship research program

A research program was conducted to further the professional knowledge of qualified engineering and science faculty members, to stimulate an exchange of ideas between participants and NASA engineers and scientists, and to enrich the research activities of the participants' institutions. Abstracts of reports submitted at the end of the program are presented. Topics investigated include multispectral photography, logic circuits, gravitation theories, information systems, fracture mechanics, holographic interferometry, surface acoustic wave technology, ion beams in the upper atmosphere, and hybrid microcircuits.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1989

Human factors and productivity on Space Station Freedom

Three main facets of man systems are investigated with reference to the Space Station Freedom program: specific hardware systems that focus on the human element; requirements definition for man-systems integration; and crew interface and operations analysis. Three key criteria have been identified for selecting individuals to constitute the human system or crew for Space Station Freedom missions: aptitude for mission specific skills, motivation, and sensitivity to self and others. Integration of the human system into the complex engineering and science systems planned on Space Station Freedom will require the close collaboration of engineers, physicians, psychologists, and human factors experts. Ground-based research and experiments on the KC-135 aircraft are providing information about how human systems will function on a space station and how to design other systems to interact with the crew. A laboratory for further research will be provided onboard Space Station Freedom.

Leach, C. S.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Design, Certification, and Deployment of the Colorimetric Water Quality Monitoring Kit (CWQMK)

In August 2009, an experimental water quality monitoring kit based on Colorimetric Solid Phase Extraction (CSPE) technology was delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard STS-128/17A. The kit, called the Colorimetric Water Quality Monitoring Kit (CWQMK), was developed by a team of scientists and engineers from NASA s Habitability and Environmental Factors Division in the Space Life Sciences Directorate at Johnson Space Center, the Wyle Integrated Science and Engineering Group in Houston, Texas, the University of Utah, and Iowa State University. The CWQMK was flown and deployed as a Station Development Test Objective (SDTO) experiment on ISS. The goal of the SDTO experiment was to evaluate the acceptability of CSPE technology for routine water quality monitoring on ISS. This paper provides an overview of the SDTO experiment, as well as a detailed description of the CWQMK hardware and a summary of the testing and analysis conducted to certify the CWQMK for use on ISS. The results obtained from the SDTO experiment are also reported and discussed in detail.

Gazda, Daniel B.↗