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Throughout the world, especially in dense urban environments, the quality of life is being negatively impacted by ever growing commute time. Travel, beyond commuting, is increasingly driven by door-to-door challenges ? not just gate-to-gate considerations. Air Mobility may be an approach to address these challenges, as it can effectively convert our 2D mobility system to a 3D mobility system, vastly increasing mobility options.
In the course of normal embryogenesis, embryonic stem (ES) cells differentiate along different lineages in the context of complex three-dimensional (3D) tissue structures. In order to study this phenomenon in vitro under controlled conditions, 3D culture systems are necessary. Here, we studied in vitro differentiation of rhesus monkey ES cells in 3D collagen matrixes (collagen gels and porous collagen sponges). Differentiation of ES cells in these 3D systems was different from that in monolayers. ES cells differentiated in collagen matrixes into neural, epithelial, and endothelial lineages. The abilities of ES cells to form various structures in two chemically similar but topologically different matrixes were different. In particular, in collagen gels ES cells formed gland-like circular structures, whereas in collagen sponges ES cells were scattered through the matrix or formed aggregates. Soluble factors produced by feeder cells or added to the culture medium facilitated ES cell differentiation into particular lineages. Coculture with fibroblasts in collagen gel facilitated ES cell differentiation into cells of a neural lineage expressing nestin, neural cell adhesion molecule, and class III beta-tubulin. In collagen sponges, keratinocytes facilitated ES cell differentiation into cells of an endothelial lineage expressing factor VIII. Exogenous granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor further enhanced endothelial differentiation. Thus, both soluble factors and the type of extracellular matrix seem to be critical in directing differentiation of ES cells and the formation of tissue-like structures. Three-dimensional culture systems are a valuable tool for studying the mechanisms of these phenomena.
An in situ cure monitoring control system for use with a volumetric three dimensional (3D) printing system, wherein the volumetric 3D system includes a container defining a build volume, the container includes a photocurable resist used for making a 3D part, and the resist is responsive to an optical curing beam from a light source, which is controlled by a controller, and which is passed through the resist. The cure monitoring control system includes an optical signal source which generates optical signals having a wavelength selected in relation to a characteristic of the resist, and directed to pass through the build volume. A detector detects the optical signals and generates output signals in accordance therewith. Software monitors the output signals and uses the output signals to modify the curing beam to help optimize curing of the resist.
Loral Defense Systems (LDS) developed a 3D Laser Radar Vision Processor system capable of detecting, classifying, and identifying small mobile targets as well as larger fixed targets using three dimensional laser radar imagery for use with a robotic type system. This processor system is designed to interface with the NASA Johnson Space Center in-house Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) Retriever robot program and provide to it needed information so it can fetch and grasp targets in a space-type scenario.
System for the 3D Construction of Biologically Derived Materials, Structures, and Parts NASA has developed a novel approach for macroscale biomaterial production by combining synthetic biology with 3D printing. Cells are biologically engineered to deposit desired materials, such as proteins or metals, derived from locally available resources. The bioengineered cells build different materials in a specified 3D pattern to produce novel microstructures with precise molecular composition, thickness, print pattern, and shape. Scaffolds and reagents can be used for further control over material product. This innovation provides modern design and fabrication techniques for custom-designed organic or organic-inorganic composite biomaterials produced from limited resources. Benefits Conserves resources. Few raw or bulk starting materials needed Enables custom design of diverse materials Fast, portable, macroscale, on-demand manufacturing High-fidelity microstructures Uses commercially available parts Applications Biomaterials, biotechnology Organic-inorganic composite materials On-demand manufacturing In situ resource utilization Space stations Military Infrastructure materials The Technology Once genes for a desired material type, delivery mode, control method and affinity have been chosen, assembling the genetic components and creating the cell lines can be done with well-established synthetic biology techniques. A 3D microdeposition system is used to make a 3D array of these cells in a precise, microstructure pattern and shape. The engineered cells are suspended in a printable 'ink'. The 3D microdeposition system deposits minute droplets of the cells onto a substrates surface in a designed print pattern. Additional printer passes thicken the material. The cell array is fed nutrients and reagents to activate the engineered genes within the cells to create and deposit the desired molecules. These molecules form the designed new material. If desired, the cells may be removed by flushing. The end product is thus a 3D composite microstructure comprising the novel material. This innovation provides a fast, controlled production of natural, synthetic, and novel biomaterials with minimum resource overhead and reduced pre- and post-processing requirements.
Application accuracy is a crucial factor for stereotactic surgical localization systems, in which space digitization camera systems are one of the most critical components. In this study we compared the effect of the OPTOTRAK 3020 space digitization system and the FlashPoint Model 3000 and 5000 3D digitizer systems on the application accuracy for interactive localization of intracranial lesions. A phantom was mounted with several implantable frameless markers which were randomly distributed on its surface. The target point was digitized and the coordinates were recorded and compared with reference points. The differences from the reference points represented the deviation from the "true point." The root mean square (RMS) was calculated to show the differences, and a paired t-test was used to analyze the results. The results with the phantom showed that, for 1-mm sections of CT scans, the RMS was 0.76 +/- 0. 54 mm for the OPTOTRAK system, 1.23 +/- 0.53 mm for the FlashPoint Model 3000 3D digitizer system, and 1.00 +/- 0.42 mm for the FlashPoint Model 5000 system. These preliminary results showed that there is no significant difference between the three tracking systems, and, from the quality point of view, they can all be used for image-guided surgery procedures. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A 3D cloud model is used to simulate the storm structure of the June 29, 1986 storm system observed during the Cooperative Huntsville Meteorological Experiment (Dodge et al., 1986), and the results are linked to a microwave radiative transfer model for simulating aircraft observations. The results of cloud and radiative model simulations are then compared with radar data and aircraft microwave observations, respectively. It is shown that the degree of agreement between model simulations and the aircraft microwave observations depends on the model-derived microphysics of cloud and precipitation. It is found that the calculated values of the brightness temperature (Tb) at 92 GHz are close to the observed temperatures, while the calculated Tb values at 18 and 37 GHz are lower than the observed Tb.
The development of a new class of thermal protection system (TPS) materials known as 3D Woven TPS led by the Entry Systems and Technology Division of NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) will be discussed. This effort utilizes 3D weaving and resin infusion technologies to produce heat shield materials that are engineered and optimized for specific missions and requirements. A wide range of architectures and compositions have been produced and preliminarily tested to prove the viability and tailorability of the 3D weaving approach to TPS.
We demonstrate an improved two-camera system for multi-mass and multi-hit three-dimensional (3D) momentum imaging of ions. The imaging system employs two conventional complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor cameras. We have shown previously that the system can time slice ion Newton spheres with a time resolution of 8.8 ns, limited by camera timing jitter [J. Chem. Phys., 158, 191104 (2023)]. In this work, a jitter correction method was developed to suppress the camera jitter and improve the time resolution to better than 2 ns. With this resolution, full 3D momentum distributions of ions can be obtained. We further show that this method can detect two ions with different masses when utilizing both the rising and falling edges of the cameras.
This paper presents results from system -level modeling of a water -based reactor cavity cooling system using RELAP5-3D. The computational model is benchmarked with experimental data from a half -scale RCCS test facility at Argonne National Laboratory. The model prediction is first compared with a two-phase oscillatory baseline experimental case where mixed accuracy is obtained. The model shows reasonable prediction of mass flow rate, pressure, and temperature but significant overprediction of void fraction. The model prediction is then compared with a fault case where the inlet of the risers is gradually reduced using a throttling valve. As the valve is closed, the model is able to predict some major flow phenomena observed in the experiment such as the dampening of oscillations, the reintroduction of oscillations, as well as boiling, flashing, and geysering in the risers. However, the timeline of these events are not well captured by the model. The model is also used to investigate the evolution of flow regime in the chimney. This work highlights that the semiempirical constitutive relations used in RELAP-3D could have a strong influence on the accuracy of the model in two-phase oscillatory flows.
Utah State University (USU) and the University of Alabama’s (UA) X-Hab design project created a 3D printed substrate to facilitate plant growth in a microgravity environment. The design team proposed a 3D printed substrate that would allow the plants to have a root support matrix, necessary oxygen flow, and a passive water and nutrient delivery system. This substrate was designed to easily integrate into NASA’s Veggie and Advanced Plant Habitat platforms. 3D printed components are easily replaceable at a relatively low cost. In addition, since research and development has moved to using 3D printers in space, any needed garden components for the blocks could be easily re-printed while in orbit.
A three-dimensional (3D) x-ray luggage- screening system has been proposed to reduce the fatigue experienced by human inspectors and increase their ability to detect weapons and other contraband. The system and variants thereof could supplant thousands of xray scanners now in use at hundreds of airports in the United States and other countries. The device would be applicable to any security checkpoint application where current two-dimensional scanners are in use. A conventional x-ray luggage scanner generates a single two-dimensional (2D) image that conveys no depth information. Therefore, a human inspector must scrutinize the image in an effort to understand ambiguous-appearing objects as they pass by at high speed on a conveyor belt. Such a high level of concentration can induce fatigue, causing the inspector to reduce concentration and vigilance. In addition, because of the lack of depth information, contraband objects could be made more difficult to detect by positioning them near other objects so as to create x-ray images that confuse inspectors. The proposed system would make it unnecessary for a human inspector to interpret 2D images, which show objects at different depths as superimposed. Instead, the system would take advantage of the natural human ability to infer 3D information from stereographic or stereoscopic images. The inspector would be able to perceive two objects at different depths, in a more nearly natural manner, as distinct 3D objects lying at different depths. Hence, the inspector could recognize objects with greater accuracy and less effort. The major components of the proposed system would be similar to those of x-ray luggage scanners now in use. As in a conventional x-ray scanner, there would be an x-ray source. Unlike in a conventional scanner, there would be two x-ray image sensors, denoted the left and right sensors, located at positions along the conveyor that are upstream and downstream, respectively (see figure). X-ray illumination may be provided by a single source or by two sources. The position of the conveyor would be detected to provide a means of matching the appropriate left- and right-eye images of an item under inspection. The appropriate right- and left-eye images of an item would be displayed simultaneously to the right and left eyes, respectively, of the human inspector, using commercially available stereo display screens. The human operator could adjust viewing parameters for maximum viewing comfort. The stereographic images thus generated would differ from true stereoscopic images by small distortions that are characteristic of radiographic images in general, but these distortions would not diminish the value of the images for identifying distinct objects at different depths.
3D photoacoustic computed tomography (3D-PACT) has made great advances in volumetric imaging of biological tissues, with high spatial-temporal resolutions and large penetration depth. The development of 3D-PACT requires high-performance acoustic sensors with a small size, large detection bandwidth, and high sensitivity. In this work, we present a new high-frequency 3D-PACT system that uses a microring resonator (MRR) as the acoustic sensor. The MRR sensor has a size of 80 μ m in diameter and was fabricated using the nanoimprint lithography technology. Using the MRR sensor, we have developed a transmission-mode 3D-PACT system that has achieved a detection bandwidth of ~23 MHz, an imaging depth of ~8 mm, a lateral resolution of 114 μ m, and an axial resolution of 57 μ m. We have demonstrated the 3D PACT’s performance on in vitro phantoms, ex vivo mouse brain, and in vivo mouse ear and tadpole. The MRR-based 3D-PACT system can be a promising tool for structural, functional, and molecular imaging of biological tissues at depths.
The research projects conducted by the 2016 Faculty Fellows at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center included propulsion studies on propellant issues, and materials investigations involving plasma effects and friction stir welding. Spacecraft Systems research was conducted on wireless systems and 3D printing of avionics. Vehicle Systems studies were performed on controllers and spacecraft instruments. The Science and Technology group investigated additive construction applied to Mars and Lunar regolith, medical uses of 3D printing, and unique instrumentation, while the Test Laboratory measured pressure vessel leakage and crack growth rates.
The fifth generation of the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-5) Data Assimilation System (DAS) is a 3d-var system that uses the Grid-point Statistical Interpolation (GSI) system developed in collaboration with NCEP, and a general circulation model developed at Goddard, that includes the finite-volume hydrodynamics of GEOS-4 wrapped in the Earth System Modeling Framework and physical packages tuned to provide a reliable hydrological cycle for the integration of the Modern Era Retrospective-analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA). This MERRA system is essentially complete and the next generation GEOS is under intense development. A prototype next generation system is now complete and has been producing preliminary results. This prototype system replaces the GSI-based Incremental Analysis Update procedure with a GSI-based 4d-var which uses the adjoint of the finite-volume hydrodynamics of GEOS-4 together with a vertical diffusing scheme for simplified physics. As part of this development we have kept the GEOS-5 IAU procedure as an option and have added the capability to experiment with a First Guess at the Appropriate Time (FGAT) procedure, thus allowing for at least three modes of running the data assimilation experiments. The prototype system is a large extension of GEOS-5 as it also includes various adjoint-based tools, namely, a forecast sensitivity tool, a singular vector tool, and an observation impact tool, that combines the model sensitivity tool with a GSI-based adjoint tool. These features bring the global data assimilation effort at Goddard up to date with technologies used in data assimilation systems at major meteorological centers elsewhere. Various aspects of the next generation GEOS will be discussed during the presentation at the Workshop, and preliminary results will illustrate the discussion.
In an effort to characterize 3D Multifunctional Ablative Thermal Protection System (3D-MAT), a quartz fiber / cyanate ester composite for NASA’s Orion Multipurpose Crew Vehicle, Southern Research carried out multiple test efforts. Southern Research evaluated the coefficient of free thermal expansion at multiple heating rates in the X, Y and Z directions. To further understand the results, we further evaluated the material via Restrained Thermal Growth (RTG) in the X direction. The RTG test series involved testing via multiple procedures, resulting in an iterative process and a final conclusion.
The present invention relates to a three-dimensional (3D) hologram display system. The 3D hologram display system includes a projector device for projecting an image upon a display medium to form a 3D hologram. The 3D hologram is formed such that a viewer can view the holographic image from multiple angles up to 360 degrees. Multiple display media are described, namely a spinning diffusive screen, a circular diffuser screen, and an aerogel. The spinning diffusive screen utilizes spatial light modulators to control the image such that the 3D image is displayed on the rotating screen in a time-multiplexing manner. The circular diffuser screen includes multiple, simultaneously-operated projectors to project the image onto the circular diffuser screen from a plurality of locations, thereby forming the 3D image. The aerogel can use the projection device described as applicable to either the spinning diffusive screen or the circular diffuser screen.
Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems are increasingly being used for genotoxicity studies due to improved cell-to-cell interactions and tissue-like structures that are limited or lacking in 2D cultures. The present study optimized a 3D culture system using metabolically competent HepaRG cells for in vitro genotoxicity testing. 3D HepaRG spheroids, formed in 96- or 384-well ultra-low attachment plates, were exposed to various concentrations of 34 test articles, including 8 direct-acting and 11 indirect-acting genotoxicants/carcinogens as well as 15 compounds that show different genotoxic responses in vitro and in vivo. DNA damage was evaluated using the high-throughput CometChip assay with concurrent cytotoxicity assessment by the ATP assay in both 2D and 3D cultures. 3D HepaRG spheroids maintained a stable phenotype for up to 30 days with higher levels of albumin secretion, cytochrome P450 gene expression, and enzyme activities compared to 2D cultures. 3D spheroids also demonstrated a higher sensitivity than 2D cultures for detecting both direct- and indirect-acting genotoxicants/carcinogens, indicating a better prediction of in vivo genotoxicity responses. When DNA damage dose-response data were quantified using PROAST software, 3D spheroids generally had lower or similar benchmark dose values compared to 2D HepaRG cells and were more comparable with primary human hepatocytes. These results demonstrate that 3D models can be adapted to the CometChip technology for high-throughput genotoxicity testing and that 3D HepaRG spheroids may be used as a reliable and pragmatic in vitro approach to better support the hazard identification and risk assessment of potential human genotoxic carcinogens.