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At least 1,081 records · Page 60

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NASA NTRS2009

A Mode-Shape-Based Fault Detection Methodology for Cantilever Beams

An important goal of NASA's Internal Vehicle Health Management program (IVHM) is to develop and verify methods and technologies for fault detection in critical airframe structures. A particularly promising new technology under development at NASA Langley Research Center is distributed Bragg fiber optic strain sensors. These sensors can be embedded in, for instance, aircraft wings to continuously monitor surface strain during flight. Strain information can then be used in conjunction with well-known vibrational techniques to detect faults due to changes in the wing's physical parameters or to the presence of incipient cracks. To verify the benefits of this technology, the Formal Methods Group at NASA LaRC has proposed the use of formal verification tools such as PVS. The verification process, however, requires knowledge of the physics and mathematics of the vibrational techniques and a clear understanding of the particular fault detection methodology. This report presents a succinct review of the physical principles behind the modeling of vibrating structures such as cantilever beams (the natural model of a wing). It also reviews two different classes of fault detection techniques and proposes a particular detection method for cracks in wings, which is amenable to formal verification. A prototype implementation of these methods using Matlab scripts is also described and is related to the fundamental theoretical concepts.

Tejada, Arturo↗

DOE OSTI2020

Production processing and workflow management software evaluation in the DUNE collaboration

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be theworld’s foremost neutrino detector when it begins taking data in the mid-2020s.Two prototype detectors, collectively known as ProtoDUNE, have begun tak-ing data at CERN and have accumulated over 3 PB of raw and reconstructeddata since September 2018. Particle interaction within liquid argon time projec-tion chambers are challenging to reconstruct, and the collaboration has set upa dedicated Production Processing group to perform centralized reconstructionof the large ProtoDUNE datasets as well as to generate large-scale Monte Carlosimulation. Part of the production infrastructure includes workflow manage-ment software and monitoring tools that are necessary to eciently submit andmonitor the large and diverse set of jobs needed to meet the experiment’s goals.We will give a brief overview of DUNE and ProtoDUNE, describe the varioustypes of jobs within the Production Processing group’s purview, and discuss thesoftware and workflow management strategies are currently in place to meetexisting demand. We will conclude with a description of our requirements in aworkflow management software solution and our planned evaluation process.

Herner, Kenneth R.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Risk based decision tool for space exploration missions

This paper presents an approach and corresponding tool to assess and analyze the risks involved in a mission during the pre-phase A design process. This approach is based on creating a risk template for each subsystem expert involved in the mission design process and defining appropriate interactions between the templates.

space exploration proposals↗

NASA NTRS1991

Utilizing expert systems for satellite monitoring and control

Spacecraft analysts in the spacecraft control center for the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) satellite are currently utilizing a fault-isolation expert system developed to assist in the isolation and correction of faults in the communications link. This system, the communication link expert assistance resource (CLEAR), monitors real time spacecraft and ground systems performance parameters in search of configuration discrepancies and communications link problems. If such a discrepancy or problem is isolated, CLEAR alerts the analyst and provides advice on how to resolve the problem swiftly and effectively. The CLEAR system is the first real time expert system to be used in the operational environment of a satellite control center at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Clear has not only demonstrated the utility and potential of an expert system in the demanding environment of a satellite control center, but also has revealed many of the pitfalls and deficiencies of development of expert systems. One of the lessons learned from this and other initial expert system projects is that prototypes can often be developed quite rapidly, but operational expert systems require considerable effort. Development is generally a slow, tedious process that typically requires the special skills of trained programmers. Due to the success of CLEAR and several other systems in the control center domain, a large number of expert systems will certainly be developed to support control center operations during the early 1990's. To facilitate the development of these systems, a project was initiated to develop an integrated, domain-specific tool, the generic spacecraft analyst assistent (GenSAA), that alows the spacecraft analysts to rapidly create simple expert systems themselves. By providing a highly graphical point-and-select method of system development, GenSAA allows the analyst to utilize and/or modify previously developed rule bases and system components; thus, facilitating software reuse and reducing development time and effort.

Hughes, Peter M.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Hollow fiber mid-ID spectrometer with UV laser ablation sampling for fine spatial reoslution of isotope ratios in solids

We describe a system that combines isotope ratio analysis via mid-infrared (Mid-IR) laser absorption spectroscopy with fine spatial resolution sampling using a UV pulsed laser. The UV laser ablates a pit in a solid on the order of 10 microns in diameter. The sample-derived particulates resulting from laser ablation pass through a micro-combustor, and the resulting gas is analyzed using Mid-IR laser absorption spectroscopy in a capillary absorption spectrometer (CAS). The CAS uses a hollow fiber optic waveguide with a reflective inner coating and a small internal volume on the order of 1ml. The hollow fiber both guides the laser light from source to detector and contains the gas sample at reduced pressure. Near unity overlap between the laser beam and sample enables sensitive analysis with ultra-small sample size. A prototype system has been demonstrated to enable stable carbon isotopic analysis (d13C) with 1 per mil precision using <1 picomole of carbon and is currently being used to study nutrient exchange in soil/root/microbial rhizosphere studies. The smaller sample size of this system is enabling fine spatial resolution analysis (on the order of 10 microns), which is roughly an order of magnitude smaller than was possible with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). In addition to rhizosphere studies, the system can provide a useful tool for fine scale isotope analysis with applications in biological, forensic, and environmental science.

capillary absorption spectroscopy, laser ablation,↗

NASA NTRS1994

DIAMS revisited: Taming the variety of knowledge in fault diagnosis expert systems

The DIAMS program, initiated in 1986, led to the development of a prototype expert system, DIAMS-1 dedicated to the Telecom 1 Attitude and Orbit Control System, and to a near-operational system, DIAMS-2, covering a whole satellite (the Telecom 2 platform and its interfaces with the payload), which was installed in the Satellite Control Center in 1993. The refinement of the knowledge representation and reasoning is now being studied, focusing on the introduction of appropriate handling of incompleteness, uncertainty and time, and keeping in mind operational constraints. For the latest generation of the tool, DIAMS-3, a new architecture has been proposed, that enables the cooperative exploitation of various models and knowledge representations. On the same baseline, new solutions enabling higher integration of diagnostic systems in the operational environment and cooperation with other knowledge intensive systems such as data analysis, planning or procedure management tools have been introduced.

Haziza, M.↗

NASA NTRS1994

The Pacor 2 expert system: A case-based reasoning approach to troubleshooting

The Packet Processor 2 (Pacor 2) Data Capture Facility (DCF) acquires, captures, and performs level-zero processing of packet telemetry for spaceflight missions that adhere to communication services recommendations established by the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS). A major goal of this project is to reduce life-cycle costs. One way to achieve this goal is to increase automation. Through automation, using expert systems, and other technologies, staffing requirements will remain static, which will enable the same number of analysts to support more missions. Analysts provide packet telemetry data evaluation and analysis services for all data received. Data that passes this evaluation is forwarded to the Data Distribution Facility (DDF) and released to scientists. Through troubleshooting, data that fails this evaluation is dumped and analyzed to determine if its quality can be improved before it is released. This paper describes a proof-of-concept prototype that troubleshoots data quality problems. The Pacor 2 expert system prototype uses the case-based reasoning (CBR) approach to development, an alternative to a rule-based approach. Because Pacor 2 is not operational, the prototype has been developed using cases that describe existing troubleshooting experience from currently operating missions. Through CBR, this experience will be available to analysts when Pacor 2 becomes operational. As Pacor 2 unique experience is gained, analysts will update the case base. In essence, analysts are training the system as they learn. Once the system has learned the cases most likely to recur, it can serve as an aide to inexperienced analysts, a refresher to experienced analysts for infrequently occurring problems, or a training tool for new analysts. The Expert System Development Methodology (ESDM) is being used to guide development.

Sary, Charisse↗

NASA NTRS2003

Development and Demonstration of a Prototype Free Flight Cockpit Display of Traffic Information

Two versions of a prototype Free Flight cockpit situational display (Basic and Enhanced) were examined in a simulation at the NASA Ames Research Center. Both displays presented a display of traffic out to a range of 120 NM, and an alert when the automation detected a substantial danger of losing separation with another aircraft. The task for the crews was to detect and resolve threats to separation posed by intruder aircraft. An Enhanced version of the display was also examined. It incorporated two additional conflict alerting levels and tools to aid in trajectory prediction and path planning. Ten crews from a major airline participated in the study. Performance analyses and pilot debriefings showed that the Enhanced display was preferred, and that minimal separation between the intruder and the ownship was larger with the Enhanced display. In addition, the additional information on the Enhanced display did not lead crews to engage in more maneuvering. Instead an opposite trend was indicated. Finally, crews using the Enhanced display responded more proactively, tending to resolve alerts earlier.

Johnson, Walter W.↗

NASA NTRS1988

A novel manipulator technology for space applications

Modular manipulator designs have long been considered for use as research tools, and as the basis for easily modified industrial manipulators. In these manipulators the links and joints are discrete and modular components that can be assembled into a desired manipulator configuration. As hardware advances have made actual modular manipulators practical, various capabilities of such manipulators have gained interest. Particularly desirable is the ability to rapidly reconfigure such a manipulator, in order to custom tailor it to specific tasks. The reconfiguration greatly enhances the capability of a given amount of manipulator hardware. The development of a prototype modular manipulator is discussed as well as the implementation of a configuration independent manipulator kinematics algorithm used for path planning in the prototype.

Schmitz, Donald↗

NASA NTRS1995

Biomorphic architectures for autonomous Nanosat designs

Modern space tool design is the science of making a machine both massively complex while at the same time extremely robust and dependable. We propose a novel nonlinear control technique that produces capable, self-organizing, micron-scale space machines at low cost and in large numbers by parallel silicon assembly. Experiments using biomorphic architectures (with ideal space attributes) have produced a wide spectrum of survival-oriented machines that are reliably domesticated for work applications in specific environments. In particular, several one-chip satellite prototypes show interesting control properties that can be turned into numerous application-specific machines for autonomous, disposable space tasks. We believe that the real power of these architectures lies in their potential to self-assemble into larger, robust, loosely coupled structures. Assembly takes place at hierarchical space scales, with different attendant properties, allowing for inexpensive solutions to many daunting work tasks. The nature of biomorphic control, design, engineering options, and applications are discussed.

Hasslacher, Brosl↗

NASA NTRS2007

Coral Reef Remote Sensing using Simulated VIIRS and LDCM Imagery

The Rapid Prototyping Capability (RPC) node at NASA Stennis Space Center, MS, was used to simulate NASA next-generation sensor imagery over well-known coral reef areas: Looe Key, FL, and Kaneohe Bay, HI. The objective was to assess the degree to which next-generation sensor systems the Visible/Infrared Imager/Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) might provide key input to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Integrated Coral Observing Network (ICON)/Coral Reef Early Warning System (CREWS) Decision Support Tool (DST). The DST data layers produced from the simulated imagery concerned water quality and benthic classification map layers. The water optical parameters of interest were chlorophyll (Chl) and the absorption coefficient (a). The input imagery used by the RPC for simulation included spaceborne (Hyperion) and airborne (AVIRIS) hyperspectral data. Specific field data to complement and aid in validation of the overflight data was used when available. The results of the experiment show that the next-generation sensor systems are capable of providing valuable data layer resources to NOAA's ICON/CREWS DST.

Estep, Leland↗

NASA NTRS2010

Development of a Coherent Differential Absorption Lidar for Range Resolved Atmospheric CO2 Measurements

A pulsed, 2-m coherent Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) / Integrated Path Differential Absorption (IPDA) transceiver, developed under the Laser Risk Reduction Program (LRRP) at NASA, is integrated into a fully functional lidar instrument. This instrument will measure atmospheric CO2 profiles (by DIAL) initially from a ground platform, and then be prepared for aircraft installation to measure the atmospheric CO2 column densities in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and lower troposphere. The airborne prototype CO2 lidar can measure atmospheric CO2 column density in a range bin of 1km with better than 1.5% precision at horizontal resolution of less than 50km. It can provide the image of the pooling of CO2 in lowlying areas and performs nighttime mass balance measurements at landscape scale. This sensor is unique in its capability to study the vertical ABL-free troposphere exchange of CO2 directly. It will allow the investigators to pursue subsequent in science-driven deployments, and provides a unique tool for Active Sensing of CO2 Emissions over Night, Days, and Seasons (ASCENDS) validation that was strongly advocated in the recent ASCENDS Workshop.

Yu, Jirong↗

DOE OSTI2023

In-Network DAQ Functions

A revolution in networking is changing how we compute, but we lack the tools that can channel this new capability to benefit science. It is now possible to write programs that operate "in" the network—on network cards (NICs) and network switches themselves, rather than on servers. These programs can analyze and reduce huge volumes of data as they flow through the network—at higher throughput, lower latency, and lower power consumption than if servers (containing CPUs or GPUs) were used. That equipment offers appealing features for scientific experiments that involve huge quantities of data. This poster describes a prototype LArTPC raw-waveform hit finder based on DUNE’s Trigger Primitives generator. We built this as part of ongoing research to better understand how to put programmable network hardware to use in large scientific experiments.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

NASA NTRS1978

Heave-pitch-roll analysis and testing of air cushion landing systems

The analytical tools (analysis and computer simulation) needed to explain and predict the dynamic operation of air cushion landing systems (ACLS) is described. The following tasks were performed: the development of improved analytical models for the fan and the trunk; formulation of a heave pitch roll analysis for the complete ACLS; development of a general purpose computer simulation to evaluate landing and taxi performance of an ACLS equipped aircraft; and the verification and refinement of the analysis by comparison with test data obtained through lab testing of a prototype cushion. Demonstration of simulation capabilities through typical landing and taxi simulation of an ACLS aircraft are given. Initial results show that fan dynamics have a major effect on system performance. Comparison with lab test data (zero forward speed) indicates that the analysis can predict most of the key static and dynamic parameters (pressure, deflection, acceleration, etc.) within a margin of a 10 to 25 percent.

Boghani, A. B.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Reducing the complexity of software systems - A strategic software perspective

The results of a combined management and technical initiative aimed at reducing the size and complexity associated with developing operations planning, scheduling, and resource management software systems are presented. The initiative has produced operations concepts, functional requirements, system architectures, a comprehensive lexicon, and software tools to revolutionize the traditional software technology and development practices for planning, scheduling, and resource management systems used in space operations control centers. Examples of technology and practices to reduce complexity include a method for projecting design consequences from an operations concept, a universal architecture for heuristic algorithms, an object-oriented framework for describing large classes of problems that parametrically adapt to all domain peculiarities, the identification of general approaches which respond to changes with minimum impact on systems implementations, and a management structure for prototyping to minimize the risks of ill-conceived designs.

Hornstein, Rhoda S.↗

NASA NTRS2008

Coral Reef Remote Sensing Using Simulated VIIRS and LDCM Imagery

The Rapid Prototyping Capability (RPC) node at NASA Stennis Space Center, MS, was used to simulate NASA next-generation sensor imagery over well-known coral reef areas: Looe Key, FL, and Kaneohe Bay, HI. The objective was to assess the degree to which next-generation sensor systems-the Visible/Infrared Imager/Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM)- might provide key input to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Integrated Coral Observing Network (ICON)/Coral Reef Early Warning System (CREWS) Decision Support Tool (DST). The DST data layers produced from the simulated imagery concerned water quality and benthic classification map layers. The water optical parameters of interest were chlorophyll (Chl) and the absorption coefficient (a). The input imagery used by the RPC for simulation included spaceborne (Hyperion) and airborne (AVIRIS) hyperspectral data. Specific field data to complement and aid in validation of the overflight data was used when available. The results of the experiment show that the next-generation sensor systems are capable of providing valuable data layer resources to NOAA s ICON/CREWS DST.

Estep, Leland↗

NASA NTRS2009

First Stage of a Highly Reliable Reusable Launch System

Electromagnetic launch assist has the potential to provide a highly reliable reusable first stage to a space access system infrastructure at a lower overall cost. This paper explores the benefits of a smaller system that adds the advantages of a high specific impulse air-breathing stage and supersonic launch speeds. The method of virtual specific impulse is introduced as a tool to emphasize the gains afforded by launch assist. Analysis shows launch assist can provide a 278-s virtual specific impulse for a first-stage solid rocket. Additional trajectory analysis demonstrates that a system composed of a launch-assisted first-stage ramjet plus a bipropellant second stage can provide a 48-percent gross lift-off weight reduction versus an all-rocket system. The combination of high-speed linear induction motors and ramjets is identified, as the enabling technologies and benchtop prototypes are investigated. The high-speed response of a standard 60 Hz linear induction motor was tested with a pulse width modulated variable frequency drive to 150 Hz using a 10-lb load, achieving 150 mph. A 300-Hz stator-compensated linear induction motor was constructed and static-tested to 1900 lbf average. A matching ramjet design was developed for use on the 300-Hz linear induction motor.

Kloesel, Kurt J.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Monitoring Phenology as Indicator for Timing of Nutrient Inputs in Northern Gulf Watersheds

Nutrient over-enrichment defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the anthropogenic addition of nutrients, in addition to any natural processes, causing adverse effects or impairments to the beneficial uses of a water body has been identified as one of the most significant environmental problems facing sensitive estuaries and coastal waters. Understanding the timing of nutrient inputs into those waters through remote sensing observables helps define monitoring and mitigation strategies. Remotely sensed data products can trace both forcings and effects of the nutrient system from landscape to estuary. This project is focused on extracting nutrient information from the landscape. The timing of nutrients entering coastal waters from the land boundary is greatly influenced by hydrologic processes, but can also be affected by the timing of nutrient additions across the landscape through natural or anthropogenic means. Non-point source nutrient additions to watersheds are often associated with specific seasonal cycles, such as decomposition of organic materials in fall and winter or addition of fertilizers to crop lands in the spring. These seasonal cycles or phenology may in turn be observed through the use of satellite sensors. Characterization of the phenology of various land cover types may be of particular interest in Gulf of Mexico estuarine systems with relatively short pathways between intensively managed systems and the land/estuarine boundary. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the capability of monitoring phenology of specific classes of land, such as agriculture and managed timberlands, at a refined watershed level. The extraction of phenological information from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data record is accomplished using analytical tools developed for NASA at Stennis Space Center: the Time Series Product Tool and the Phenological Parameters Estimation Tool. MODIS reflectance data (product MOD09) were used to compute the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, which is sensitive to changes in vegetation canopies. The project team is working directly with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to understand end-user requirements for this type of information product. Initial focus areas are identification of time frames for pre-plant fertilizer applications (prior to start of season), side-dress fertilizer applications (during rapid green-up), and periods of plant decomposition (during and after senescence). Prototypical maps of phenological stages related to these time frames have been generated for watersheds in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Where feasible, these maps have been compared to existing in situ nutrient monitoring data, but the in situ data is temporally sparse (monthly frequency or less), which makes interpretation challenging. Future work will include integrating effects of rainfall and seeking couplings with estuarine remote sensing.

Ross, Kenton W.↗