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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

Computer and laboratory simulation of interactions between spacecraft surfaces and charged-particle environments

There are two categories of interactions considered in this report. The first, spacecraft passive, refers to cases where the charged-particle environment acts on the spacecraft (e.g., spacecraft charging phenomena). The second, spacecraft active, refers to cases where a system on the spacecraft causes the interaction (e.g., high voltage space power systems). Both categories are studied in ground simulation facilities to understand the processes involved and to measure the pertinent parameters. Computer simulations are based on the NASA Charging Analyzer Program (NASCAP) code. Analytical models are developed in this code and verified against the experimental data. Extrapolation from the small test samples to space conditions are made with this code. Typical results from laboratory and computer simulations are presented for both types of interactions. Extrapolations from these simulations to performance in space environments are discussed.

Stevens, N. J.↗

Debris/Ice/TPS assessment and integrated photographic analysis for Shuttle Mission STS-61

A debris/ice/thermal protection system (TPS) assessment and integrated photographic analysis was conducted for shuttle mission STS-61. Debris inspections of the flight elements and launch pad were performed before and after launch. Icing conditions on the external tank were assessed by the use of computer programs, nomographs, and infrared scanner data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography of the launch was analyzed to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in-flight anomalies. This report documents the ice/debris/TPS conditions and integrated photographic analysis of shuttle mission STS-61, and the resulting effect on the space shuttle program.

Katnik, Gregory N.↗

Debris/ice/TPS assessment and integrated photographic analysis for Shuttle mission STS-60

A debris/ice/thermal protection system (TPS) assessment and integrated photographic analysis was conducted for Shuttle mission STS-60. Debris inspections of the flight elements and launch pad were performed before and after launch. Icing conditions on the External Tank were assessed by the use of computer programs, nomographs, and infrared scanner data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography of the launch was analyzed to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in-flight anomalies. This report documents the ice/debris/TPS conditions and integrated photographic analysis of Shuttle mission STS-60, and the resulting effect on the Space Shuttle Program.

Katnik, Gregory N.↗

Debris/Ice/TPS assessment and integrated photographic analysis of Shuttle mission STS-67

A debris/ice/thermal protection system assessment and integrated photographic analysis was conducted for Shuttle mission STS-67. Debris inspections of the flight elements and launch pad were performed before and after launch. Icing conditions on the External Tank were assessed by the use of computer programs and infrared scanner data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle, followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography of the launch was analyzed to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in flight anomalies. This report documents the ice/debris/thermal protection (TPS) conditions and integrated photographic analysis of Shuttle mission STS-67, and the resulting effect on the Space Shuttle Program.

Katnik, Gregory N.↗

Debris/ice/TPS assessment and integrated photographic analysis of Shuttle Mission STS-71

A debris/ice/thermal protection system assessment and integrated photographic analysis was conducted for Shuttle mission STS-71. Debris inspections of the flight elements and launch pad were performed before and after launch. Icing conditions on the External Tank were assessed by the use of computer programs and infrared scanner data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle, followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography of the launch was analyzed to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in flight anomalies. This report documents the ice/debris/thermal protection system conditions and integrated photographic analysis of Shuttle mission STS-71 and the resulting effect on the Space Shuttle Program.

Katnik, Gregory N.↗

Debris/ice/TPS assessment and integrated photographic analysis of Shuttle Mission STS-70

A debris/ice/thermal protection system assessment and integrated photographic analysis was conducted for Shuttle mission STS-70. Debris inspections of the flight elements and launch pad were performed before and after launch. Icing conditions on the External Tank were assessed by the use of computer programs and infrared scanner data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle, followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography of the launch was analyzed to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in flight anomalies. This report documents the ice/debris/thermal protection system conditions and integrated photographic analysis of Shuttle mission STS-70 and the resulting effect on the Space Shuttle Program.

Katnik, Gregory N.↗

Debris/ice/TPS assessment and integrated photographic analysis of Shuttle mission STS-69

A debris/ice/thermal protection system assessment and integrated photographic analysis was conducted for Shuttle mission STS-69. Debris inspections of the flight elements and launch pad were performed before and after launch. Icing conditions on the External Tank were assessed by the use of computer programs and infrared scanner data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle, followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography of the launch was analyzed to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in flight anomalies. This report documents the ice/debris/thermal protection system condition and integrated photographic analysis of Shuttle Mission STS-69 and the resulting effect on the Space Shuttle Program.

Katnik, Gregory N.↗

Debris/ice/TPS assessment and integrated photographic analysis of Shuttle mission STS-73

A debris/ice/thermal protection system assessment and integrated photographic analysis was conducted for Shuttle mission STS-73. Debris inspections of the flight elements and launch pad were performed before and after launch. Icing conditions on the External Tank were assessed by the use of computer programs and infrared scanner data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle, followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography of the launch was analyzed to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in flight anomalies. This report documents the ice/debris/thermal protection system conditions and integrated photographic analysis of Shuttle Mission STS-73 and the resulting effect on the Space Shuttle Program.

Katnik, Gregory N.↗

Debris/Ice/TPS Assessment and Integrated Photographic Analysis of Shuttle Mission STS-74

A debris/ice/thermal protection system (TPS) assessment and integrated photographic analysis was conducted for shuttle mission STS-74. Debris inspections of the flight elements and launch pad were performed before and after launch. Icing conditions on the External Tank were assessed by the use of computer programs and infrared scanner data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle, followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography of the launch was analyzed to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in flight anomalies. This report documents the ice/debris/thermal protection system conditions and integrated photographic analysis of shuttle mission STS-74 and the resulting effect on the Space Shuttle Program.

Katnik, Gregory N.↗

Debris/Ice/TPS Assessment and Integrated Photographic Analysis of Shuttle Mission STS-75

A debris/ice/thermal protection system assessment and integrated photographic analysis was conducted for Shuttle mission STS-75. Debris inspections of the flight elements and launch pad were performed before and after launch. Icing conditions on the External Tank were assessed by the use of computer programs and infrared scanner data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle, followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography of the launch was analyzed to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in flight anomalies. This report documents the ice/debris/thermal protection system conditions and integrated photographic analysis of Shuttle mission STS-75 and the resulting effect on the Space Shuttle Program.

Lin, Jill D.↗

Identification of Trends into Dose Calculations for Astronauts through Performing Sensitivity Analysis on Calculational Models Used by the Radiation Health Office

The Radiation Health Office (RHO) determines each astronaut s cancer risk by using models to associate the amount of radiation dose that astronauts receive from spaceflight missions. The baryon transport codes (BRYNTRN), high charge (Z) and energy transport codes (HZETRN), and computer risk models are used to determine the effective dose received by astronauts in Low Earth orbit (LEO). This code uses an approximation of the Boltzman transport formula. The purpose of the project is to run this code for various International Space Station (ISS) flight parameters in order to gain a better understanding of how this code responds to different scenarios. The project will determine how variations in one set of parameters such as, the point of the solar cycle and altitude can affect the radiation exposure of astronauts during ISS missions. This project will benefit NASA by improving mission dosimetry.

Adams, Thomas↗

Aerodynamic Optimization of Rocket Control Surface Geometry Using Cartesian Methods and CAD Geometry

Aerodynamic design is an iterative process involving geometry manipulation and complex computational analysis subject to physical constraints and aerodynamic objectives. A design cycle consists of first establishing the performance of a baseline design, which is usually created with low-fidelity engineering tools, and then progressively optimizing the design to maximize its performance. Optimization techniques have evolved from relying exclusively on designer intuition and insight in traditional trial and error methods, to sophisticated local and global search methods. Recent attempts at automating the search through a large design space with formal optimization methods include both database driven and direct evaluation schemes. Databases are being used in conjunction with surrogate and neural network models as a basis on which to run optimization algorithms. Optimization algorithms are also being driven by the direct evaluation of objectives and constraints using high-fidelity simulations. Surrogate methods use data points obtained from simulations, and possibly gradients evaluated at the data points, to create mathematical approximations of a database. Neural network models work in a similar fashion, using a number of high-fidelity database calculations as training iterations to create a database model. Optimal designs are obtained by coupling an optimization algorithm to the database model. Evaluation of the current best design then gives either a new local optima and/or increases the fidelity of the approximation model for the next iteration. Surrogate methods have also been developed that iterate on the selection of data points to decrease the uncertainty of the approximation model prior to searching for an optimal design. The database approximation models for each of these cases, however, become computationally expensive with increase in dimensionality. Thus the method of using optimization algorithms to search a database model becomes problematic as the number of design variables is increased.

Nelson, Andrea↗

Surface tension propellant acquisition system technology for Space Shuttle reaction control tanks

A program was conducted to provide the technology base for the SS/RCS flight tankage. Through a combination of analysis, subscale testing and computer predictions, a surface tension acquisition/expulsion system design was developed for the Orbiter RCS application. A full-scale tank system was fabricated and ground verification testing was conducted. Cleaning, inspection, fill and drain, and one-g expulsion performance were demonstrated. Results show that the fine-mesh screen, compartmented tank system provides the performance, flexibility, reusability, and other characteristics required by the pulsing, high flowrate RCS. It provides the required expulsion under widely differing high-g boost abort and reentry vectors oriented 119 deg apart and during on-orbit operation under omnidirectional low-g conditions.

Fester, D. A.↗

Insights into Supported Subnanometer Catalysts Exposed to CO via Machine-Learning-Enabled Multiscale Modeling

Subnanometer catalysts offer high noble metal utilization and superior performance for several reactions. However, understanding their structures and properties on an atomic scale under working conditions is challenging due to the large configurational space. Here, we introduce an efficient multiscale framework to predict their stability exposed to an adsorbate. The framework integrates a comprehensive toolset including density functional theory (DFT) calculations, cluster expansion, machine learning, and structure optimization. The end-to-end machine-learning workflow guides DFT data generation and enables significant computational acceleration. We demonstrate the approach for CO-adsorbed Pdn (n = 1–55) clusters on CeO 2 (111). Simulation results reveal that CO can facilitate restructuring by stabilizing smaller planar structures and bilayer structures of specific intermediate sizes, consistent with experimental reports. Metal–support interactions, preferential CO adsorption, and metal nuclearity and structure control catalyst stability. As a result, the framework allows automatic discovery of stable catalyst structures and a systematic strategy to exploit properties in the subnanometer scale.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Direct prediction of inelastic neutron scattering spectra from the crystal structure*

Abstract Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) is a powerful technique to study vibrational dynamics of materials with several unique advantages. However, analysis and interpretation of INS spectra often require advanced modeling that needs specialized computing resources and relevant expertise. This difficulty is compounded by the limited experimental resources available to perform INS measurements. In this work, we develop a machine-learning based predictive framework which is capable of directly predicting both one-dimensional INS spectra and two-dimensional INS spectra with additional momentum resolution. By integrating symmetry-aware neural networks with autoencoders, and using a large scale synthetic INS database, high-dimensional spectral data are compressed into a latent-space representation, and a high-quality spectra prediction is achieved by using only atomic coordinates as input. Our work offers an efficient approach to predict complex multi-dimensional neutron spectra directly from simple input; it allows for improved efficiency in using the limited INS measurement resources, and sheds light on building structure-property relationships in a variety of on-the-fly experimental data analysis scenarios.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Utilizing a Database of Simulated Geometric Albedo Spectra for Photometric Characterization of Rocky Exoplanet Atmospheres

In anticipation of future flagship missions focused on the goal of achieving direct imaging of rocky exoplanets, we have developed a database of models to help the community examine the potential spectral characteristics of a broad range of rocky planet atmospheres. Using the publicly available Planetary Spectrum Generator, we have computed a grid of 141,600 rocky exoplanet geometric albedo spectra across a seven-dimensional parameter space. Using this grid, we have performed a color–color analysis seeking to identify the most useful near-UV and red or near-infrared photometric follow-up channels to combine with a green-optical (discovery) spectral channel. We found that a combination of filters at 0.4, 0.58, and ∼0.8 μm were able to distinguish between atmospheres with moderate-to-high concentrations of four different dominant absorbing constituents, given at least 10 hr of observation on a star at 10 parsec with a 15 m class space telescope; however, more moderate abundances similar to those of solar system rocky bodies would be more challenging to detect. We recommend that future missions seeking to characterize directly imaged rocky exoplanets by colors alone further consider multiband photometry as a first discriminator for planetary characteristics.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Cost effective development of a Shuttle-based astronomical instrument control system

The high level language FORTH is used for the electronic control of the Space Shuttle-based Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope, in a flight computer system which minimizes costs. The greater part of the breadboard version of the flight computer is assembled from commercially available components, reducing novel circuit design features and permitting simultaneous development of both hardware and software. The commercial boards are then refabricated on aluminum core heat conducting stock, using high reliability parts to produce the flight versions of the system. The system's ground support equipment employs a MINC-25 minicomputer which performs such functions as flight computer software development, PROM programming, test and integration support, and flight operations support. The implementation of these concepts in flight computer telescope controls is described.

Parise, R. A.↗

Debris/Ice/TPS Assessment and Integrated Photographic Analysis of Shuttle Mission STS-72

A debris/ice/thermal protection system assessment and integrated photographic analysis was conducted for Shuttle mission STS-72. Debris inspections of the flight elements and launch pad were performed before and after launch. Icing conditions on the External Tank were assessed by the use of computer programs and infrared scanned data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle, followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography of the launch was analyzed to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in-flight anomalies. This report documents the ice/debris/thermal protection system conditions and integrated photographic analysis of Shuttle mission STS-72 and the resulting effect on the Space Shuttle Program.

Katnik, Gregory N.↗