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NASA NTRS1990

A description and evaluation of TIMER: A time-based terminal flow-control concept

A description of a time-based ATC concept called TIMER (Traffic Intelligence for the Management of Efficient Runway-scheduling) and the results of a fast time and real time computer evaluation are presented. The concept was designed to improve the efficiency of extended terminal area operations (en route approach, transition, and terminal flight to the runway). TIMER integrates en route metering, fuel efficient cruise and profile descents, terminal sequencing and spacing together with computer-generated controller aids, in order to fully use runway capacity and improve efficiency of delay absorption. The concept, by using simplified aircraft models, accommodates both 4-D and non 4-D equipped aircraft and is designed for integration into the manual, voice linked ATC system in an evolutionary manner and still be able to accommodate proposed system upgrade features such as data link and further ground automation. Fast time and real time computer simulation results identify and show the effects and interactions of such key variables as horizon of control, metering fix and final approach delivery time errors, aircraft separation requirements, delay discounting, wind, flight technical error, and knowledge of aircraft final approach speed. The current ATC system has a runway interarrival-error standard deviation of approx. 26 seconds. Simulation results indicate that, with computer aiding, the runway interarrival-error standard deviation for non 4-D equipped traffic can be reduced to the region of 8 to 12 seconds if expected final approach speed is known; however, the reduction is only in the region of 16 to 20 seconds if expected final approach speed is unknown. Another major finding is that en route metering fix delivery-error standard deviation should be kept to less than a number somewhere between 35 to 45 seconds to achieve full runway capacity. This requirement implies the need for either airborne automation or assistance to the controller since the current manual performance in today's en route metering environment is in the order of 1.5 minutes.

Credeur, Leonard↗

NASA NTRS2007

Program Management Tool

The Program Management Tool (PMT) is a comprehensive, Web-enabled business intelligence software tool for assisting program and project managers within NASA enterprises in gathering, comprehending, and disseminating information on the progress of their programs and projects. The PMT provides planning and management support for implementing NASA programmatic and project management processes and requirements. It provides an online environment for program and line management to develop, communicate, and manage their programs, projects, and tasks in a comprehensive tool suite. The information managed by use of the PMT can include monthly reports as well as data on goals, deliverables, milestones, business processes, personnel, task plans, monthly reports, and budgetary allocations. The PMT provides an intuitive and enhanced Web interface to automate the tedious process of gathering and sharing monthly progress reports, task plans, financial data, and other information on project resources based on technical, schedule, budget, and management criteria and merits. The PMT is consistent with the latest Web standards and software practices, including the use of Extensible Markup Language (XML) for exchanging data and the WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) protocol for collaborative management of documents. The PMT provides graphical displays of resource allocations in the form of bar and pie charts using Microsoft Excel Visual Basic for Application (VBA) libraries. The PMT has an extensible architecture that enables integration of PMT with other strategic-information software systems, including, for example, the Erasmus reporting system, now part of the NASA Integrated Enterprise Management Program (IEMP) tool suite, at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The PMT data architecture provides automated and extensive software interfaces and reports to various strategic information systems to eliminate duplicative human entries and minimize data integrity issues among various NASA systems that impact schedules and planning.

Gawadiak, Yuri↗

NASA NTRS2003

NASA Tech Briefs, February 2003

opics covered include: Integrated Electrode Arrays for Neuro-Prosthetic Implants; Eroding Potentiometers; Common/Dependent-Pressure-Vessel Nickel-Hydrogen Batteries; 120-GHz HEMT Oscillator With Surface-Wave-Assisted Antenna; 80-GHz MMIC HEMT Voltage-Controlled Oscillator; High-Energy-Density Capacitors; Microscale Thermal-Transpiration Gas Pump; Instrument for Measuring Temperature of Water; Improved Measurement of Coherence in Presence of Instrument Noise; Compact Instruments Measure Helium-Leak Rates; Irreversible Entropy Production in Two-Phase Mixing Layers; Subsonic and Supersonic Effects in Bose-Einstein Condensate; Nanolaminate Mirrors With "Piston" Figure-Control Actuators; Mixed Conducting Electrodes for Better AMTEC Cells; Process for Encapsulating Protein Crystals; Lightweight, Self-Deployable Wheels; Grease-Resistant O Rings for Joints in Solid Rocket Motors; LabVIEW Serial Driver Software for an Electronic Load; Software Computes Tape-Casting Parameters; Software for Tracking Costs of Mars Projects; Software for Replicating Data Between X.500 and LDAP Directories; The Technical Work Plan Tracking Tool; Improved Multiple-DOF SAW Piezoelectric Motors; Propulsion Flight-Test Fixture; Mechanical Amplifier for a Piezoelectric Transducer; Swell Sleeves for Testing Explosive Devices; Linear Back-Drive Differentials; Miniature Inchworm Actuators Fabricated by Use of LIGA; Using ERF Devices to Control Deployments of Space Structures; High-Temperature Switched-Reluctance Electric Motor; System for Centering a Turbofan in a Nacelle During Tests; Fabricating Composite-Material Structures Containing SMA Ribbons; Optimal Feedback Control of Thermal Networks; Artifacts for Calibration of Submicron Width Measurements; Navigating a Mobile Robot Across Terrain Using Fuzzy Logic; Designing Facilities for Collaborative Operations; and Quantitating Iron in Serum Ferritin by Use of ICP-MS.

Source record↗

DOE OSTI2024

Directly driven magnetized fast-ignition targets with steep density gradients for inertial fusion energy

The development of advanced targets capable of achieving ignition with improved energy gain at lower driver energies is one of four key technical challenges to be solved in order to realize economical inertial fusion energy. We report the minimum energy necessary for a small hemispherical mass of fast-ignited high-density deuterium–tritium fuel to explosively ignite a significantly larger hemispherical mass of assembled cold fuel with much lower mass density, both with and without a flux-compressed magnetic field connecting the two regions. With the magnetic field, the burn rate improves, and lower energy states become more effective. The imploded fuel reservoir available in the lower-density, larger-mass region of the steep density gradient determines whether the fusion yield is several hundred MJ or up to a few GJ. We report a case wherein the cold reservoir ignited and produced high gain with the assistance of only ~700 kJ of hotspot yield, an amount that has already been demonstrated as feasible in laboratory experiments using indirect-drive targets.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

A Digital Twin Framework Utilizing Machine Learning for Robust Predictive Maintenance: Enhancing Tire Health Monitoring

We introduce a novel digital twin (DT) framework for the predictive maintenance of long-term physical systems. Using monitoring tire health as an application, we show how the DT framework can be used to enhance automotive safety and efficiency, and how the technical challenges can be overcome using a three-step approach. First, to manage the data complexity over a long operation span, we employ data reduction techniques to concisely represent physical tires using historical performance and usage data. Relying on these data, for fast real-time prediction, we train a transformer-based model offline on our concise dataset to predict future tire health over time, represented as remaining casing potential (RCP). Based on our architecture, our model quantifies both epistemic and aleatoric uncertainties, providing reliable confidence intervals around predicted RCP. Second, to incorporate real-time data, we update the predictive model in the DT framework, ensuring its accuracy throughout its lifespan with the aid of hybrid modeling and the use of the discrepancy function. Third, to assist decision-making in predictive maintenance, we implement a tire state decision algorithm, which strategically determines the optimal timing for tire replacement based on RCP forecasted by our transformer model. This approach ensures that our DT accurately predicts system health, continually refines its digital representation, and supports predictive maintenance decisions. Furthermore, our framework effectively embodies a physical system, leveraging big data and machine learning (ML) for predictive maintenance, model updates, and decision-making.

advanced computing infrastructure↗

DOE OSTI2020

Start-up of Silo 130 Waste Retrieval at La Hague: first Step Towards Reducing Legacy Inventory - 20020

On June 25, 2019, the first grapple of waste and debris was lifted from Silo 130, one of the most challenging legacy waste storage silos at La Hague. This was the achievement of more than ten years of studies and efforts focused on solving some very unique technical and safety challenges, and on designing an innovative, efficient solution. The waste is from de-cladding materials from past Gas-Cooled Reactor fuel reprocessing operations. It is an unsorted mixture of magnesium cladding pieces, graphite debris, and various other metallic waste types. These materials can be chemically reactive and therefore need specific dispositions for handling and storing. The building is more than 40 years old and does not meet modern standards. French safety authorities have required the silo to be emptied. After about three years of operation, the bulk of this waste will be removed and placed in safe storage, pending the selection of a final conditioning solution. Removal of bottom debris will then be possible. When finished, this operation will bring a conclusion to a significant legacy-related hazard on the site. The silo will then be available for final cleaning and de-activation. This paper will describe the technical, safety, and economical challenges, and the various decisions and optimizations that led to the definition of the process and technology to be implemented. Several innovative features were developed and implemented, in all sections of the project: project organization, progressive approach for the waste disposition strategy, light building design, customized and robust retrieval technology, processing technologies involving the most modern robotic and sorting techniques, storage method... Several of these first-of-a-kind innovative features have been developed and qualified specifically for this application, using the detailed qualification procedure specified for all La Hague projects. The facility was built in less than five years, overcoming various difficulties along the line. Commissioning is now finished with the combined efforts of the project, engineering, start-up, and operating teams assisted by dedicated suppliers. The facility is now ramping-up. The paper will also report on the commissioning and start-up of the facility and describe the first operational results. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

NASA NTRS2006

Simulation Assisted Risk Assessment: Blast Overpressure Modeling

A probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) approach has been developed and applied to the risk analysis of capsule abort during ascent. The PRA is used to assist in the identification of modeling and simulation applications that can significantly impact the understanding of crew risk during this potentially dangerous maneuver. The PRA approach is also being used to identify the appropriate level of fidelity for the modeling of those critical failure modes. The Apollo launch escape system (LES) was chosen as a test problem for application of this approach. Failure modes that have been modeled and/or simulated to date include explosive overpressure-based failure, explosive fragment-based failure, land landing failures (range limits exceeded either near launch or Mode III trajectories ending on the African continent), capsule-booster re-contact during separation, and failure due to plume-induced instability. These failure modes have been investigated using analysis tools in a variety of technical disciplines at various levels of fidelity. The current paper focuses on the development and application of a blast overpressure model for the prediction of structural failure due to overpressure, including the application of high-fidelity analysis to predict near-field and headwinds effects.

Lawrence, Scott L.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Imaging plant metabolism in situ

Abstract Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has emerged as an invaluable analytical technique for investigating the spatial distribution of molecules within biological systems. In the realm of plant science, MSI is increasingly employed to explore metabolic processes across a wide array of plant tissues, including those in leaves, fruits, stems, roots, and seeds, spanning various plant systems such as model species, staple and energy crops, and medicinal plants. By generating spatial maps of metabolites, MSI has elucidated the distribution patterns of diverse metabolites and phytochemicals, encompassing lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, phenolics, terpenes, alkaloids, vitamins, pigments, and others, thereby providing insights into their metabolic pathways and functional roles. In this review, we present recent MSI studies that demonstrate the advances made in visualizing the plant spatial metabolome. Moreover, we emphasize the technical progress that enhances the identification and interpretation of spatial metabolite maps. Within a mere decade since the inception of plant MSI studies, this robust technology is poised to continue as a vital tool for tackling complex challenges in plant metabolism.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2023

3D Printing of Solar Absorber Tube with Internal/External Structures for Heat Transfer Enhancement and Temperature Leveling using Additive Manufacturing Technology

In this project, to tackle the technical obstacles, we utilized Laser Additive Alloying (LAA), an additive manufacturing (AM) technology, to 3D print the entire absorber tube with optimized helical fins to improve heat transfer at the expense of minimized pressure drop increase. The 3D printed absorber tubes can increase the uniformity of circumferential temperature distribution, reduced the thermal stresses, decrease the heat loss, and reach the target receiver thermal efficiency.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Core-Shell Oxidative Aromatization Catalysts for Single Step Liquefaction of Distributed Shale Gas (Final Technical Report)

The objective of this project was to design and demonstrate a core-shell structured multifunctional catalyst to convert the light (dry) components of shale gas into liquid aromatic compounds (primarily benzene and toluene) in a single step. Operated in a modular oxidative aromatization system (OAS) under a cyclic redox scheme, the novel catalyst and process can significantly improve the value and transportability of distributed shale gas. Since the project started, each quarter addressed a different set of tasks related to the completion of the milestone detailed in the project award. The yearly summaries of these tasks are summarized below: Q1-Q4: • Conducted project planning and literature search. • Investigated a number of SHC redox catalysts using thermogravimetric analysis and fixed-bed reactor experiments. • Initiated process modeling towards generating two process models for the methane DHA base case and OAS process. • Developed DHA catalysts capable of producing >500 g/kg-cat-hr aromatics at 80% or greater aromatics selectivity at 700°C. Q5-Q8: • Developed alternative approaches with sequential bed configurations to enhance the aromatic yields based on OCM+DHA • Improved the zeolite synthesis efficiency by using the microwave-assisted technique and investigated the synthesis conditions on the zeolite yield, crystalline structure and morphology • Constructed a set of Aspen Plus process models with significant energy savings for OAS as compared to the base case non-oxidative DHA. • Adapted conventional hydrothermal method to be applicable to the microwave synthesizer unit for more efficient catalyst synthesis. • Studied the structure of the OCM catalyst and the dispersion of the carbonate in the redox reactions and in methane flow with Raman Spectroscopy. Q9-Q12: • Scaled up the catalyst synthesis with the microwave synthesis method. Based on its performance, procedural characterizations and catalytic performance testing were further conducted for the new microwave synthesized catalysts with the newly-developed product analysis procedure. • Developed the reaction system setup for the C2-DHA or OCM+DHA reaction product and achieved a better product collection-analysis method for the aromatic products with an improved carbon balance. The product from the OCM reaction exhibited complicated effects on the DHA catalyst. • Conducted additional OCM catalyst characterization using Near Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and in situ Raman characterization • Validated the significant energy savings for OAS as compared to the base case non-oxidative DHA. Successfully set up the simulation model for the OCM+DHA+SHC reaction system based on the updated experimental results from NCSU. Q13-End of project: • Synthesized new zeolite catalysts by the microwave method, conducted characterizations (XRD, SEM, and TEM) and catalytic behavior testing. • Explored the “wet” C 2 H 6 and C 2 H 4 DHA reactions with using steam co-feed. A subsequent reduction as the regeneration step can regenerate the DHA catalyst and recover 99% activity of the fresh performance. • Achieved a 15.3% single-pass aromatic yield from methane by rationally combining the OCM and DHA at different temperatures. • Conducted a 105-hour stability test with an improved regeneration procedure, with an average aromatic yield of 13.8%. • Developed new catalyst and achieved a record-high 23.2% yield.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

NASA NTRS1988

Environment assisted degradation mechanisms in aluminum-lithium alloys

Section 1 of this report records the progress achieved on NASA-LaRC Grant NAG-1-745 (Environment Assisted Degradation Mechanisms in Al-Li Alloys), and is based on research conducted during the period April 1 to November 30, 1987. A discussion of work proposed for the project's second year is included. Section 2 provides an overview of the need for research on the mechanisms of environmental-mechanical degradation of advanced aerospace alloys based on aluminum and lithium. This research is to provide NASA with the basis necessary to permit metallurgical optimization of alloy performance and engineering design with respect to damage tolerance, long term durability and reliability. Section 3 reports on damage localization mechanisms in aqueous chloride corrosion fatigue of aluminum-lithium alloys. Section 4 reports on progress made on measurements and mechanisms of localized aqueous corrosion in aluminum-lithium alloys. Section 5 provides a detailed technical proposal for research on environmental degradation of Al-Li alloys, and the effect of hydrogen in this.

Gangloff, Richard P.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Working at the Ohio Aerospace Institute

The Ohio Aerospace Institute is a wonderful place to work. I enjoy coming to work everyday knowing that I will be surrounded by smiling faces. My mentor, Mary Auzenne, is the Program Manager of the LERCIP College Internship Program, however, I spend most of my time working with Akua Soadwa, the Assistant Program Manager. She is in charge of planning, coordinating, and managing every event that is involved with the college internship program such as the socials, picnic, banquet, workshops, and research symposium. My job is to make her job easier. I help out with the planning, coordinating, and managing of these events. When I first got on board Akua was in the process of planning the second social for the interns. The social is a way for the interns to interact with one another as well as to find out more about where the other interns are working at NASA. We ordered the food, went shopping, and set up the Guerin House for the party. I made sign-in sheets, which helped us get a rough count of the attendees. The next event was the Technical Presentation Workshop and the Professional Development Workshop. These workshops are designed to enhance skills of the interns. We were there to sign people in and direct them to the room where the presentation was to take place. I also took pictures of the workshop and provided copies for the presenters, as well as our files.

Szabo, Hortenzia↗

DOE OSTI2022

Demand Response in Industrial Facilities: Peak Electric Demand

The US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Better Buildings, Better Plants Program (Better Plants) is a voluntary energy efficiency leadership initiative for US manufacturers and water/wastewater entities. The program encourages organizations to commit to reducing the energy intensity of their US operations over a 10-year period, typically by 25%. Companies joining Better Plants are recognized by DOE for their leadership in implementing energy efficiency practices and for reducing their energy intensity. Better Plants Partners are assigned to a Technical Account Manager, who can help companies establish energy intensity baselines, develop energy management plans, and identify key resources and incentives from DOE, other federal agencies, states, utilities, and other organizations that can enable them to reach their goals. Better Plants Partners are expected to report their progress to DOE once a year. This involves establishing an energy intensity baseline upon joining the program and then tracking their progress over time. Demand Response in Industrial Facilities: Peak Electrical Demand is intended to help companies understand peak demand response programs offering by their local utility. Manufacturing industries can learn about time-varying rates and smart technologies they can use to help them reduce their energy bills. This guidance document is applicable to companies participating at either the program or challenge level. Although this guide is intended primarily to assist companies participating in Better Plants, the methodologies and guidance within the document are applicable to any organization interested in understanding peak demand response programs.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2022

Demand Response in Industrial Facilities: Peak Electric Demand

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

NASA NTRS2010

Robonaut 2 - The First Humanoid Robot in Space

NASA and General Motors have developed the second generation Robonaut, Robonaut 2 or R2, and it is scheduled to arrive on the International Space Station in late 2010 and undergo initial testing in early 2011. This state of the art, dexterous, anthropomorphic robotic torso has significant technical improvements over its predecessor making it a far more valuable tool for astronauts. Upgrades include: increased force sensing, greater range of motion, higher bandwidth and improved dexterity. R2 s integrated mechatronics design results in a more compact and robust distributed control system with a faction of the wiring of the original Robonaut. Modularity is prevalent throughout the hardware and software along with innovative and layered approaches for sensing and control. The most important aspects of the Robonaut philosophy are clearly present in this latest model s ability to allow comfortable human interaction and in its design to perform significant work using the same hardware and interfaces used by people. The following describes the mechanisms, integrated electronics, control strategies and user interface that make R2 a promising addition to the Space Station and other environments where humanoid robots can assist people.

Diftler, M. A.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Safety & Mission Assurance (SMA) Activities in Support of Artemis I and Plans for Artemis II

The Artemis I mission in 2022 accomplished humanity’s first venture beyond Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) with a human-rated spacecraft in over fifty years. Artemis comprises several key Program elements – Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) Orion Crew Module, Service Module, Launch Abort System; the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Exploration Ground System (EGS). Much of our human spaceflight experience with crewed lunar missions is captured in historical program documents, but first-hand knowledge is limited to a few spaceflight veterans. Missions to LEO have offered the opportunity of direct, near-instantaneous communications and assistance, and the ability to return to Earth within a matter of hours in case of emergency. Outward-bound missions do not have these features and will require a more autonomous and reliable spacecraft. The assessment of compliance with applicable safety requirements and adequacy of hazard controls and verifications is the responsibility of the MPCV Safety and Engineering Review Panel (MSERP), along with a Joint [NASA/ESA] Safety and Engineering Review Panel (JSERP) for the review of the European Service Module (ESM). The MSERP has two features that are relatively unique amongst NASA safety panels. First, NASA Engineering was added as a Panel co-chair, which enhanced the Engineering organization’s engagement and level of understanding of hazard analysis methodology and results. The MSERP has representation from each office, including Flight Operations Directorate (FOD) and Health and Medical Technical Authority, supporting the Orion Program in addition to the Engineering and Safety Technical Authority co-chairs. Second, the JSERP has a second set of co-chairs from ESA Engineering and ESA Product Assurance and Safety organizations, which recognizes the international arrangement as one of partnership. This paper will focus on SMA processes, activities, and plans for the Orion element and explore unique challenges associated with Artemis II as we approach the flight of the first crewed Orion vehicle.

Paul J. Collier↗

NASA NTRS2008

Part Marking and Identification Materials' for MISSE

The Materials on International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) is being conducted with funding from NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense, in order to evaluate candidate materials and processes for flight hardware. MISSE modules include test specimens used to validate NASA technical standards for part markings exposed to harsh environments in low-Earth orbit and space, including: atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, thermal vacuum cycling, and meteoroid and orbital debris impact. Marked test specimens are evaluated and then mounted in a passive experiment container (PEC) that is affixed to an exterior surface on the International Space Station (ISS). They are exposed to atomic oxygen and/or ultraviolet radiation for a year or more before being retrieved and reevaluated. Criteria include percent contrast, axial uniformity, print growth, error correction, and overall grade. MISSE 1 and 2 (2001-2005), MISSE 3 and 4 (2006-2007), and MISSE 5 (2005-2006) have been completed to date. Acceptable results were found for test specimens marked with Data Matrix(TradeMark) symbols by Intermec Inc. and Robotic Vision Systems Inc using: laser bonding, vacuum arc vapor deposition, gas assisted laser etch, chemical etch, mechanical dot peening, laser shot peening, laser etching, and laser induced surface improvement. MISSE 6 (2008-2009) is exposing specimens marked by DataLase(Registed TradeMark), Chemico technologies Inc., Intermec Inc., and tesa with laser-markable paint, nanocode tags, DataLase and tesa laser markings, and anodized metal labels.

Roxby, Donald↗

NASA NTRS1997

The ASAC Air Carrier Investment Model (Second Generation)

To meet its objective of assisting the U.S. aviation industry with the technological challenges of the future, NASA must identify research areas that have the greatest potential for improving the operation of the air transportation system. To accomplish this, NASA is building an Aviation System Analysis Capability (ASAC). The ASAC differs from previous NASA modeling efforts in that the economic behavior of buyers and sellers in the air transportation and aviation industries is central to its conception. To link the economics of flight with the technology of flight, ASAC requires a parametrically based mode with extensions that link airline operations and investments in aircraft with aircraft characteristics. This model also must provide a mechanism for incorporating air travel demand and profitability factors into the airlines' investment decisions. Finally, the model must be flexible and capable of being incorporated into a wide-ranging suite of economic and technical models that are envisioned for ASAC. We describe a second-generation Air Carrier Investment Model that meets these requirements. The enhanced model incorporates econometric results from the supply and demand curves faced by U.S.-scheduled passenger air carriers. It uses detailed information about their fleets in 1995 to make predictions about future aircraft purchases. It enables analysts with the ability to project revenue passenger-miles flown, airline industry employment, airline operating profit margins, numbers and types of aircraft in the fleet, and changes in aircraft manufacturing employment under various user-defined scenarios.

Wingrove, Earl R., III↗