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At least 973 records · Page 54

PI in the sky: The astronaut science advisor on SLS-2

The Astronaut Science Advisor (ASA, also known as Principal-Investigator-in-a-Box) is an advanced engineering effort to apply expert systems technology to experiment monitoring and control. Its goal is to increase the scientific value of information returned from experiments on manned space missions. The first in-space test of the system will be in conjunction with Professor Larry Young's (MIT) vestibulo-ocular 'Rotating Dome' experiment on the Spacelab Life Sciences 2 mission (STS-58) in the Fall of 1993. In a cost-saving effort, off-the-shelf equipment was employed wherever possible. Several modifications were necessary in order to make the system flight-worthy. The software consists of three interlocking modules. A real-time data acquisition system digitizes and stores all experiment data and then characterizes the signals in symbolic form; a rule-based expert system uses the symbolic signal characteristics to make decisions concerning the experiment; and a highly graphic user interface requiring a minimum of user intervention presents information to the astronaut operator. Much has been learned about the design of software and user interfaces for interactive computing in space. In addition, we gained a great deal of knowledge about building relatively inexpensive hardware and software for use in space. New technologies are being assessed to make the system a much more powerful ally in future scientific research in space and on the ground.

Hazelton, Lyman R.↗

A neural net-based approach to software metrics

Software metrics provide an effective method for characterizing software. Metrics have traditionally been composed through the definition of an equation. This approach is limited by the fact that all the interrelationships among all the parameters be fully understood. This paper explores an alternative, neural network approach to modeling metrics. Experiments performed on two widely accepted metrics, McCabe and Halstead, indicate that the approach is sound, thus serving as the groundwork for further exploration into the analysis and design of software metrics.

Boetticher, G.↗

The TSO Logic and G2 Software Product

This internship assignment for spring 2014 was at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), in NASAs Engineering and Technology (NE) group in support of the Control and Data Systems Division (NE-C) within the Systems Hardware Engineering Branch. (NEC-4) The primary focus was in system integration and benchmarking utilizing two separate computer software products. The first half of this 2014 internship is spent in assisting NE-C4s Electronics and Embedded Systems Engineer, Kelvin Ruiz and fellow intern Scott Ditto with the evaluation of a newly piece of software, called G2. Its developed by the Gensym Corporation and introduced to the group as a tool used in monitoring launch environments. All fellow interns and employees of the G2 group have been working together in order to better understand the significance of the G2 application and how KSC can benefit from its capabilities. The second stage of this Spring project is to assist with an ongoing integration of a benchmarking tool, developed by a group of engineers from a Canadian based organization known as TSO Logic. Guided by NE-C4s Computer Engineer, Allen Villorin, NASA 2014 interns put forth great effort in helping to integrate TSOs software into the Spaceport Processing Systems Development Laboratory (SPSDL) for further testing and evaluating. The TSO Logic group claims that their software is designed for, monitoring and reducing energy consumption at in-house server farms and large data centers, allows data centers to control the power state of servers, without impacting availability or performance and without changes to infrastructure and the focus of the assignment is to test this theory. TSOs Aaron Rallo Founder and CEO, and Chris Tivel CTO, both came to KSC to assist with the installation of their software in the SPSDL laboratory. TSOs software is installed onto 24 individual workstations running three different operating systems. The workstations were divided into three groups of 8 with each group having its own operating system. The first group is comprised of Ubuntus Debian -based Linux the second group is windows 7 Professional and the third group ran Red Hat Linux. The highlight of this portion of the assignment is to compose documentation expressing the overall impression of the software and its capabilities.

TSO Logic↗

Advances in Above- and In-Water Radiometry, Volume 3: Hybridspectral Next-Generation Optical Instruments

This publication documents the scientific advances associated with new instrument systems and accessories built to improve above- and in-water observations of the apparent optical properties (AOPs) for a diversity of water masses, including optically complex waters. The principal objective is to be prepared for the launch of next-generation ocean color satellites with the most capable commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) instrumentation in the shortest time possible. The technologies described herein are entirely new hybrid sampling capabilities, so as to satisfy the requirements established for next-generation missions. Both above- and in-water instruments are documented with software options for autonomous control of data collection activities as applicable. The instruments were developed for the Hybridspectral Alternative for Remote Profiling of Optical Observations for NASA Satellites (HARPOONS) vicarious calibration project. The state-of-the-art accuracy required for vicarious calibration also led to the development of laboratory instruments to ensure the field observations were within uncertainty requirements. Separate detailed presentations of the individual instruments provide the hardware designs, accompanying software for data acquisition and processing, and examples of the results achieved.

Hooker, Stanford B.↗

LADEE Simulation for Mission Operations

The Lunar Atmosphere Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) model-based spacecraft simulator has been discussed previously at the Workshop on Spacecraft Flight Software including the verification and validation of the flight software, hardware integration of payloads, and multi-domain simulation. In addition to flight software development and testing the LADEE simulator was used by Mission Operations to develop and test spacecraft command scripts, train operators during mission simulations, verification of all tactical command sequence files uploaded to spacecraft during flight.This presentation will discuss the experience of the LADEE operations team using the spacecraft simulator including implementation, processes and lessons learned. We will also discuss a specific instance where the simulator was used in operations to debug and design a software fix for a spacecraft anomaly experienced with the star tracker.

Operations↗

4. Geometry Data Storage

3D-printing begins with the design of an object using computer aided design (CAD) software. The geometry of the object must be exported and saved in a data file format that can be used in the slicing process to generate machine instructions for printing. The standard method of saving the data is to tessellate the object as a triangulated mesh stored as a .stl file. Due to the flat triangular faces used to store the data, this mesh is a low-resolution representation of the high-fidelity object designed in CAD. The STL has its limitations with respect to geometrical accuracy, material information, and instances of invalid mesh data, but can still be used for the 3D-printing process. New file variants, such as OBJ, AMF, and 3MF, are being developed to fix some of these issues and increase the capabilities of geometry data storage for 3D-printing.

Roschli, Alex↗

Fisher Forecasting for the DESC with $\texttt{Augur}$

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) has begun its ten-year survey of the entire visible southern hemisphere. To ensure robust cosmological measurements, computationally inexpensive investigations of modeling choices must be made to gauge the performance of proposed cosmological analyses. In this paper, we introduce the $\texttt{Augur}$ tool of the Dark Energy Science Collaboration (DESC), which provides Fisher forecasts for cosmological inference for the LSST using software frameworks designed for DESC science. We test the pipeline by comparing it to forecasts produced by external code and direct sampling of the posterior via nested sampling methods, finding good agreement between all methods. We additionally investigate a range of modeling and hyperparameter choices for a 3$\times$2pt investigation in harmonic space, providing users with diagnostics to obtain reliable forecasts. $\texttt{Augur}$ will be continually updated to be compatible with the other tools in the DESC software ecosystem as additional probes and functionality become available.

Rogozenski, Paul [Carnegie Mellon U.; Arizona U.] ↗

Microgrid Design Toolkit (MDT) Simple Use Case Example for Islanded Mode Optimization (Software v1.3)

This simple Microgrid Design Toolkit (MDT) use case will provide you an example of a basic microgrid design. It will introduce basic principles of using the MDT islanded mode optimization by modifying a baseline microgrid design and performing an analysis of the results. Please reference the MDT User Guide (SAND2020-4550) for detailed instructions on how to use the tool.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Simulating response versus scan angle characterization on OCI for the upcoming PACE mission

The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) is the next generation ocean color sensor following on from the SeaWiFS and VIIRS designs, to be launched into low Earth orbit in 2022. Like those heritage sensors, OCI has cross track scanning fore-optics, the reflectivity of which (referred to here as the response versus scan angle or RVS) must be characterized prior to launch. The expected test setup, component reflectivity measurements, instrument model, and heritage sensor testing were used to generate simulated RVS data. This simulated data set was then used to verify the functionality of the analysis software in preparation for the upcoming ground test campaign. The analysis software is designed to characterize the RVS for all OCI bands over the full range of scan angles to be measured on orbit as well as verify compliance with the sensor design requirements in near real-time.

PACE↗

Distributed control for COFS 1

An overview is given of the work being done at NASA LaRC on developing the Control of Flexible Structures (COFS) 1 Flight Experiment Baseline Control Law. This control law currently evolving to a generic control system software package designed to supply many, but not all, guest investigators. A system simulator is also described. It is currently being developed for COFS-1 and will be used to develop the Baseline Control Law and to evaluate guest investigator control schemes. It will be available for use whether or not control schemes fall into the category of the Baseline Control Law. First, the hardware configuration for control experiments is described. This is followed by a description of the simulation software. Open-loop sinusoid excitation time histories are next presented both with and without a local controller for the Linear DC Motor (LDCM) actuators currently planned for the flight. The generic control law follows and algorithm processing requirements are cited for a nominal case of interest. Finally, a closed-loop simulation study is presented, and the state of the work is summarized in the concluding remarks.

Montgomery, R. C.↗

ForceFinder

SAND2025-11750O ForceFinder extends the Structural Dynamics Python Libraries (SDynPy) with comprehensive tools for inverse source estimation (ISE) tasks via frequency response function (FRF) matrix inversion. The software is designed for transfer path analysis and multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) vibration control problems. It allows users to estimate sources through various algorithms, from the basic Moore-Penrose pseudo-inverse to statistical learning methods such as Tikhonov regularization via an L-curve and elastic net regularization via an information criterion. ForceFinder uses an object-oriented framework, where all components of the ISE problem—such as FRFs, responses, and transformations—are stored in a "SourcePathReceiver" object. This software can be applied to any noise and vibration problem. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

Carter, Steven [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Liv↗

ERAD: A Graph-Based Tool for Energy Resilience Analysis of Electric Distribution Systems

Understanding the impact of extreme events on people's ability to access energy is crucial for designing resilient energy systems. In the event of a disaster, damage to the electric system and related infrastructure (e.g., downed power lines, flooded equipment, hacked communication systems, damaged roads, etc.) can impact people's access to critical services, including not just electricity but also shelter, food, healthcare, and more. There is a key need to understand such impacts better and evaluate options to improve energy resilience. The Energy Resilience Analysis for Electric Distribution Systems (ERAD) tool is a free and open-source software package designed to help researchers and decision-makers analyze and improve energy system resilience.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Markov chains for testing redundant software

A preliminary design for a validation experiment has been developed that addresses several problems unique to assuring the extremely high quality of multiple-version programs in process-control software. The procedure uses Markov chains to model the error states of the multiple version programs. The programs are observed during simulated process-control testing, and estimates are obtained for the transition probabilities between the states of the Markov chain. The experimental Markov chain model is then expanded into a reliability model that takes into account the inertia of the system being controlled. The reliability of the multiple version software is computed from this reliability model at a given confidence level using confidence intervals obtained for the transition probabilities during the experiment. An example demonstrating the method is provided.

White, Allan L.↗

T RI M E ++: Multi-threaded triangular meshing in two dimensions

We present T RI M E ++, a multi-threaded software library designed for generating two-dimensional meshes for intricate geometric shapes using the Delaunay triangulation. Multi-threaded parallel computing is implemented throughout the meshing procedure, making it suitable for fast generation of large-scale meshes. Three iterative meshing algorithms are implemented: the DistMesh algorithm, the centroidal Voronoi diagram meshing, and a hybrid of the two. We compare the performance of the three meshing methods in T RI M E ++, and show that the hybrid method retains the advantages of the other two. The software library achieves significant parallel speedup when generating large-scale meshes containing between 10 4 to 10 7 points. T RI M E ++ can handle complicated geometries and generates adaptive meshes of high quality.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Utility of Big Area Additive Manufacturing for Part Production for Low-Head Hydropower

ORNL worked with Cadens, LLC to explore the use of additive manufacturing (AM) for the production of low-cost parts for low-head hydropower systems. Cadens develops design optimization software that leverages the flexible, low-cost, high-strength benefits of AM and composite materials, and operates a micro-hydro lab to test AM components in controlled environments. Until now Cadens’ tests have been limited in size to components that they can cost-effectively manufacture using local commercial systems. This project provided an opportunity for Cadens to scale up their modular AM hydropower parts using the capabilities of Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM). This project was a success and resulted in the design and fabrication of several end use parts of a hydropower system using a Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) system. The fabricated parts include draft tube, thimble, runner housing mold, PVC end fitting and two PVC pipe supports. The components have been in use for more than three years without a 3D printed component failing.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Utility of Big Area Additive Manufacturing for Part Production for Low-Head Hydropower (CRADA NFE-18-07280 Final Report)

ORNL worked with Cadens, LLC, to explore the use of additive manufacturing (AM) to produce low-cost parts for low-head hydropower systems. Cadens develops design optimization software that leverages the flexible, low-cost, high-strength benefits of AM and composite materials. Cadens also operates a micro-hydro lab to test AM components in controlled environments. Until now, Cadens’ tests have been limited to components of a size that they can cost-effectively manufacture using local commercial systems. This project provided an opportunity for Cadens to scale up their modular AM hydropower parts using the capabilities of Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM). This project was a success and resulted in the design and fabrication of several end-use parts of a hydropower system, using a Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) system. The fabricated parts include a draft tube, thimble, runner housing mold, PVC end fitting and two PVC pipe supports. In addition, a runner system was fabricated using fused deposition modeling on a 3D Platform Workbench 400 Series System.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Vision and Development of a Design, Implementation, and Verification Automation (DIVA) Software Platform for DNA Construction

Abstract DNA construction, while a prerequisite to many biological endeavors, is often a time-consuming distraction from an individual’s primary research objectives. We envisioned that with the right software infrastructure and cultural mindset, a single person could execute in parallel the batched DNA construction tasks of an entire research institute, at scales realizing efficiency gains through process and laboratory automation. In pursuit of this vision, we developed the Design, Implementation, and Verification Automation (DIVA) software platform. DIVA’s web interface enables researchers to design DNA constructs (using visual biological computer-aided design tools and biological parts repositories), submit designs for construction to dedicated staff, and track DNA construction as it progresses. DIVA supports the dedicated staff through the DNA construction process and records both successful and unsuccessful attempts toward improving the overall process. The platform is publicly available at public-diva.jbei.org and its open-source code through github.com/JBEI/DIVA.

Plahar, Hector [DOE Agile BioFoundry , , ,; DOE Jo↗

Beam rider for an Articulated Robot Manipulator (ARM) accurate positioning of long flexible manipulators

Laser beam positioning and beam rider modules were incorporated into the long hollow flexible segment of an articulated robot manipulator (ARM). Using a single laser beam, the system determined the position of the distal ARM endtip, with millimetric precision, in six degrees of freedom, at distances of up to 10 meters. Preliminary designs, using space rated technology for the critical systems, of a two segmented physical ARM, with a single and a dual degree of freedom articulation, were developed, prototyped, and tested. To control the positioning of the physical ARM, an indirect adaptive controller, which used the mismatch between the position of the laser beam under static and dynamic conditions, was devised. To predict the behavior of the system and test the concept, a computer simulation model was constructed. A hierarchical artificially intelligent real time ADA operating system program structure was created. The software was designed for implementation on a dedicated VME bus based Intel 80386 administered parallel processing multi-tasking computer system.

Malachowski, M. J.↗