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At least 109 records · Page 6

A theoretical study of the pilot as a system monitor

The ever increasing complexity of aerospace vehicles is associated with a greater emphasis on the monitor and decision making functions of the pilot. This paper deals with the perceptual load imposed on the pilot monitoring his system. A theoretical model of this load is tested against experimental data. This model is based on a system state estimation model to be associated with the internal representation of the task environment.

Wewerinke, P. H.↗

Electrostatic charge buildup and electrostatic discharge monitoring system and method

A system for monitoring electrostatic charge buildup and electrostatic discharge (ESD) remotely comprises a plurality of electrostatic charge measurement units and a data acquisition device. Each electrostatic charge measurement unit includes a primary charge plate, a static sensor device, a secondary charge plate, and a shielded cable. The primary charge plate is positioned proximal to an object. The static sensor device includes an input sensor at which an electric voltage is measured and outputs an electronic signal whose level varies according to the measured electric voltage. The secondary charge plate is positioned in proximity to the input sensor of the static sensor device. The shielded cable includes an inner conductor electrically connected to the primary charge plate and the secondary charge plate and an outer conductor electrically connected to electrical ground. The data acquisition device receives the electronic signal from the static sensor device of each electrostatic charge measurement unit.

Schantz, Eric T.↗

Development and Testing of a Friction-Based Post-Installable Fiber-Optic Monitoring System for Subsea Applications

This paper presents the design and development of a friction-based coupling device for a fiber-optic monitoring system capable of measuring pressure, strain, and temperature that can be deployed on existing subsea structures. A summary is provided of the design concept, prototype development, prototype performance testing, and subsequent design refinements of the device. The results of laboratory testing of the first prototype performed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) are also included. Limitations of the initial concept were identified during testing and future design improvements were proposed and later implemented. These new features enhance the coupling of the sensor device and improve the monitoring system measurement capabilities. A major challenge of a post-installed instrumentation monitoring system is to ensure adequate coupling between the instruments and the structure of interest for reliable measurements. Friction-based devices have the potential to overcome coupling limitations caused by marine growth and soil contamination on flowlines, risers, and other subsea structures. The work described in this paper investigates the design and test of a friction-based coupling device (herein referred to as a friction clamp) which is suitable for pipelines and structures that are suspended in the water column as well as for those that are resting on the seabed. The monitoring elements consist of fiberoptic sensors that are bonded to a stainless steel clamshell assembly with a high-friction surface coating. The friction clamp incorporates a single hinge design to facilitate installation of the clamp and dual rows of opposing fasteners to distribute the clamping force along the structure. The friction clamp can be modified to be installed by commercial divers in shallow depths or by remotely operated vehicles in deep-water applications. NASA-JSC was involved in the selection and testing of the friction coating, and in the design and testing of the prototype clamp device. Four-inch diameter and eight-inch diameter sub-scale friction clamp prototypes were built and tested to evaluate the strain measuring capabilities of the design under different loading scenarios. The testing revealed some limitations of the initial design concept, and subsequent refinements were explored to improve the measurement performance of the system. This study was part of a collaboration between NASA-JSC and Astro Technology Inc. within a study called Clear Gulf. The primary objective of the Clear Gulf study is to develop advanced instrumentation technologies that will improve operational safety and reduce the risk of hydrocarbon spillage. NASA provided unique insights, expansive test facilities, and technical expertise to advance technologies that will benefit the environment, the public, and commercial industries.

Bentley, Nicole L.↗

Space Station atmospheric monitoring systems

A technology assessment study on atmospheric monitoring systems was performed by Battelle Columbus Division for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's John F. Kennedy Space Center under Contract No. NAS 10-11033. In this assessment, the objective was to identify, analyze, and recommend systems to sample and measure Space Station atmospheric contaminants and identify where additional research and technology advancements were required. To achieve this objective, it was necessary to define atmospheric monitoring requirements and to assess the state of the art and advanced technology and systems for technical and operational compatibility with monitoring goals. Three technical tasks were defined to support these needs: Definition of Monitoring Requirements, Assessment of Sampling and Analytical Technology, and Technology Screening and Recommendations. Based on the analysis, the principal candidates recommended for development at the Space Station's initial operational capability were: (1) long-path Fourier transform infrared for rapid detection of high-risk contamination incidences, and (2) gas chromatography/mass spectrometry utilizing mass selective detection (or ion-trap) technologies for detailed monitoring of extended crew exposure to low level (ppbv) contamination. The development of a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/matrix isolation-Fourier transform infrared system was recommended as part of the long range program of upgrading Space Station trace-contaminant monitoring needs.

Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis↗

Light monitoring system for the lead tungstate calorimeter in Hall D at Jefferson Lab

A new electromagnetic calorimeter composed of 1596 lead tungstate (PbWO 4 ) scintillating crystals has been constructed for the GlueX detector in Hall D at Jefferson Lab. The calorimeter is equipped with a light monitoring system that uses light-emitting diodes. The light monitoring system was fabricated, installed, and integrated into the GlueX trigger system. It was successfully operated during detector commissioning and data collection, providing monitoring of the detector response and verification of the calibration with a precision better than 1%. In conclusion, the paper describes the design, installation, and performance of the light monitoring system.

Lead tungstate calorimeter↗

Space Shuttle Main Engine: Advanced Health Monitoring System

The main gola of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Advanced Health Management system is to improve flight safety. To this end the new SSME has robust new components to improve the operating margen and operability. The features of the current SSME health monitoring system, include automated checkouts, closed loop redundant control system, catastropic failure mitigation, fail operational/ fail-safe algorithms, and post flight data and inspection trend analysis. The features of the advanced health monitoring system include: a real time vibration monitor system, a linear engine model, and an optical plume anomaly detection system. Since vibration is a fundamental measure of SSME turbopump health, it stands to reason that monitoring the vibration, will give some idea of the health of the turbopumps. However, how is it possible to avoid shutdown, when it is not necessary. A sensor algorithm has been developed which has been exposed to over 400 test cases in order to evaluate the logic. The optical plume anomaly detection (OPAD) has been developed to be a sensitive monitor of engine wear, erosion, and breakage.

Singer, Chirs↗

Monitoring systems for community water supplies

Water monitoring system includes equipment and techniques for waste water sampling sensors for determining levels of microorganisms, oxygen, chlorine, and many other important parameters. System includes data acquisition and display system that allows computation of water quality information for real time display.

Taylor, R. E.↗

Specifications Physiological Monitoring System

The operation of a physiological monitoring system (PMS) is described. Specifications were established for performance, design, interface, and test requirements. The PMS is a compact, microprocessor-based system, which can be worn in a pack on the body or may be mounted on a Spacelab rack or other appropriate structure. It consists of two modules, the Data Control Unit (DCU) and the Remote Control/Display Unit (RCDU). Its purpose is to collect and distribute data from physiological experiments in the Spacelab and in the Orbiter.

Source record↗

Video monitoring system for car seat

A video monitoring system for use with a child car seat has video camera(s) mounted in the car seat. The video images are wirelessly transmitted to a remote receiver/display encased in a portable housing that can be removably mounted in the vehicle in which the car seat is installed.

Elrod, Susan Vinz↗

An application of distributed processing - In the TDRSS ground communication fault isolation and monitoring system

A computer interface has been designed for the Fault Isolation and Monitoring System, a system providing qualitative and quantitative assessment of the communications between the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System Ground Segment and NASA's Network Control Center. The functional requirements for the interface and the design philosophy are discussed, as are the methods and protocol used to implement the operator support software required to configure the monitoring system and to display and report the results of the analysis. The system relies on the use of intelligent terminals, with the human interface removed from the host computer.

Waddell, R. L., Jr.↗

Tether deployment monitoring system, phase 2

An operational Tether Deployment Monitoring System (TEDEMS) was constructed that would show system functionality in a terrestrial environment. The principle function of the TEDEMS system is the launching and attachment of reflective targets onto the tether during its deployment. These targets would be tracked with a radar antenna that was pointed towards the targets by a positioning system. A spring powered launcher for the targets was designed and fabricated. An instrumentation platform and launcher were also developed. These modules are relatively heavy and will influence tether deployment scenarios, unless they are released with a velocity and trajectory closely matching that of the tether. Owing to the tracking range limitations encountered during field trails of the Radar system, final TEDEMS system integration was not completed. The major module not finished was the system control computer. The lack of this device prevented any subsystem testing or field trials to be conducted. Other items only partially complete were the instrumentation platform launcher and modules and the radar target launcher. The work completed and the tests performed suggest that the proposed system continues to be a feasible approach to tether monitoring, although additional effort is still necessary to increase the range at which modules can be detected. The equipment completed and tested, to the extent stated, is available to NASA for use on any future program that requires tether tracking capability.

Source record↗

Space shuttle propulsion systems on-board checkout and monitoring system development study (extension). Volume 2: Guidelines for for incorporation of the onboard checkout and monitoring function on the space shuttle

Guidelines are presented for incorporation of the onboard checkout and monitoring function (OCMF) into the designs of the space shuttle propulsion systems. The guidelines consist of and identify supporting documentation; requirements for formulation, implementation, and integration of OCMF; associated compliance verification techniques and requirements; and OCMF terminology and nomenclature. The guidelines are directly applicable to the incorporation of OCMF into the design of space shuttle propulsion systems and the equipment with which the propulsion systems interface. The techniques and general approach, however, are also generally applicable to OCMF incorporation into the design of other space shuttle systems.

Source record↗

Development of a tether deployment monitoring system

The feasibility of monitoring the position of a tether during orbital deployment is discussed. Attention is given to the techniques for attaching reflectors to the tether at periodic intervals during the deployment process, which could then be tracked visually or with a radar unit that is pointed towards the targets by the control system. Consideration is also given to a method for tether attitude and tension detection, and a launching device to attach small instrumentation platforms onto the tether during deployment. The configuration of a tether deployment monitoring system (TEDEMS) and the equipment developed to perform the above tasks are described, along with an analysis of requirements for the construction of a family of space-borne TEDEMS suitable for use on the Space Shuttle, Expendable Launch Vehicles, or the Space Station. The potential uses of the TEDEMS for launching small tether-borne experimental packages are discussed. Design and block diagrams are included.

Ibanez, P.↗

Multi-Objective PMU Allocation for Resilient Power System Monitoring

Phasor measurement units (PMUs) enable better system monitoring and security enhancement in smart grids. In order to enhance power system resilience against outages and blackouts caused by extreme weather events or man-made attacks, it remains a major challenge to determine the optimal number and location of PMUs. In this paper, a multi-objective resilient PMU placement (MORPP) problem is formulated, and solved by a modified Teaching-Learning-Based optimization (MO-TLBO) algorithm. Three objectives are considered in the MORPP problem, minimizing the number of PMUs, maximizing the system observability, and minimizing the voltage stability index. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through testing on IEEE 14-bus, 30-bus, and 118-bus test systems. The advantage of the MO-TLBO-based MORPP is demonstrated through the comparison with other methods in the literature, in terms of iteration number, optimality and time of convergence.

Multi-Objective Optimization↗

Performance monitor system functional simulator, environmental data, orbiter 101(HFT)

Information concerning the environment component of the space shuttle performance monitor system simulator (PMSS) and those subsystems operational on the shuttle orbiter 101 used for horizontal flight test (HFT) is provided, along with detailed data for the shuttle performance monitor system (PMS) whose software requirements evolve from three basic PMS functions: (1) fault detection and annunciation; (2) subsystem measurement management; and (3) subsystem configuration management. Information relative to the design and operation of Orbiter systems for HFT is also presented, and the functional paths are identified to the lowest level at which the crew can control the system functions. Measurement requirements are given which are necessary to adequately monitor the health status of the system. PMS process requirements, relative to the measurements which are necessary for fault detection and annunciation of a failed functional path, consist of measurement characteristics, tolerance limits, precondition tests, and correlation measurements.

Parker, F. W.↗