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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Software Quality Assurance Plan ANSYS LSDYNA Version 2023R1

ANSYS Inc. develops and markets engineering simulation software and services used in the aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, electronics, biomedical, energy, defense, and many other industries. ANSYS is dedicated to engineering simulation and is the world’s leading software provider. ANSYS was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. ANSYS provides an engineering analysis tool combining structural, thermal, computational fluid dynamics, acoustic and electromagnetic simulation capabilities. ANSYS LS-DYNA is the most used explicit simulation program capable of simulating the response of materials to short periods of severe loading. Its many elements, contact formulations, material models, and other controls can be used to simulate complex models with control over all the details of the problem. ANSYS LS-DYNA has a vast array of capabilities to simulate extreme deformation problems using its explicit solver. Engineers can tackle simulations involving material failure and look at how the failure progresses through a part or through a system. Models with large amounts of parts or surfaces interacting with each other are also easily handled, and the interactions and load passing between complex behaviors are modeled accurately. Using computers with higher numbers of CPU cores can drastically reduce solution times. In addition, many consulting firms and hundreds of universities use ANSYS for analysis, research, and educational purposes. ANSYS is recognized worldwide as one of the most widely used and capable programs of its type. ANSYS has successfully passed over 100 customer quality system audits against American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) NQA-1 and 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, since the company was founded, over 60 of which have been since 1997. ANSYS has successfully passed over 100 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 assessments. ANSYS design analysis software is the first created within a quality system with ISO 9001 certification, which is the internationally accepted quality standard. Product development, testing, maintenance, and support processes also meet the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) quality requirements, as they have for nearly four decades. ANSYS staff perform more than 60,000 software verification tests before releasing each new product. ASME NQA-1-2012 (Subpart 2.7 is specific to software) is the industry- and NRC-accepted approach (consensus standard) for meeting 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, requirements.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1973

NASA technology utilization applications

The work is reported from September 1972 through August 1973 by the Technology Applications Group of the Science Communication Division (SCD), formerly the Biological Sciences Communication Project (BSCP) in the Department of Medical and Public Affairs of the George Washington University. The work was supportive of many aspects of the NASA Technology Utilization program but in particular those dealing with Biomedical and Technology Application Teams, Applications Engineering projects, new technology reporting and documentation and transfer activities. Of particular interest are detailed reports on the progress of various hardware projects, and suggestions and criteria for the evaluation of candidate hardware projects. Finally some observations about the future expansion of the TU program are offered.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1989

Computations of three-dimensional steady and unsteady viscous incompressible flows

The INS3D family of computational fluid dynamics computer codes is presented. These codes are used to as tools in developing and assessing algorithms for solving the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations for steady-state and unsteady flow problems. This work involves applying the codes to real-world problems involving complex three-dimensional geometries. The algorithms utilized include the method of pseudocompressibility including both central and upwind differencing, several types of artificial dissipation schemes, approximate factorization, and an implicit line-relaxation scheme. These codes have been validated using a wide range of problems including flow over a backward-facing step, driven cavity flow, flow through various types of ducts, and steady and unsteady flow over a circular cylinder. Many diverse flow applications have been solved using these codes including parts of the Space Shuttle Main Engine, problems in naval hydrodynamics, low-speed aerodynamics, and biomedical fluid flows. The presentation details several of these, including the flow through a Space Shuttle Main Engine inducer, vortex shedding behind a circular cylinder, and flow through an artificial heart.

Kwak, Dochan↗
DOE OSTI2025

Application of lipid-stabilized liquid-liquid interfaces in 3D printing of biomaterials

Developing strategies to stabilize liquid-liquid interfaces is essential for advancing applications in various biomedical systems. This study introduces a novel biocompatible in situ-forming material in which lipid self-assembly stabilizes water–oil interfaces, enabling controlled structuring of liquids through liquid-in-liquid 3D printing. The stabilization process, driven by the formation of nanostructures at the interface, is thoroughly analyzed through small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), rheometry, and microscopy techniques. This material system enables the fabrication of complex 3D constructs, including fibers, substrates, and microneedle patches, which exhibit outstanding mechanical properties and biocompatibility, as confirmed by tensile testing and cell viability tests. Here, by leveraging the unique properties of lipid-stabilized interfaces, this work demonstrates the potential of this approach for diverse biomedical applications such as drug delivery and tissue engineering while establishing a foundation for future advancements in liquid-in-liquid 3D printing technology.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Foundational insights into the mechanical and molecular evolution of porcine skin gelatin during gelation

Gelatin is a widely used material in biomedical fields, particularly in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, due to its biocompatibility and versatile properties. While prior research has explored methods to enhance gelatin's mechanical strength and stability, fundamental studies on gelatin, specifically its curing process, mechanical stiffness, and chemical evolution during gelation, remain limited. This study uses ultrasonic testing and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to examine gelatin's stiffness and molecular changes during gelation. Samples of 175 and 300 Porcine Skin Bloom Strength Gelatin at concentrations of 2% and 6% (w/v) were analyzed. Through transmission ultrasonic testing helped identify key transition points in gelation, with higher concentrations exhibiting delayed transitions. FTIR revealed that C-N bond formation peaks early while N-H bond deformation persists. A correlation emerged between sound speed and peak absorbance, suggesting that changes in molecular mobility may contribute to the observed sound speed behavior during periods of active bond formation. However, as gelation continues, fewer bonding components may be available, potentially decreasing molecular movement and contributing to the observed increase in sound speed. These findings provide insights into gelatin's mechanical and chemical evolution, offering a framework for improved control over its gelation kinetics. Swept-Frequency Acoustic Interferometry (SFAI) was performed at the end of the curing process to measure the sound speed, enabling the calculation of the bulk moduli of the gelatin samples. The combined use of ultrasonic and FTIR testing provides a non-destructive method for characterizing gelatin and other biomaterials. This approach advances understanding of gelatin curing behavior and supports the development of safer biomaterials with tailored mechanical properties for various applications such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Biomaterials↗
NASA NTRS2005

Cognitive Functioning in Space Exploration Missions: A Human Requirement

Solving cognitive issues in the exploration missions will require implementing results from both Human Behavior and Performance, and Space Human Factors Engineering. Operational and research cognitive requirements need to reflect a coordinated management approach with appropriate oversight and guidance from NASA headquarters. First, this paper will discuss one proposed management method that would combine the resources of Space Medicine and Space Human Factors Engineering at JSC, other NASA agencies, the National Space Biomedical Research Institute, Wyle Labs, and other academic or industrial partners. The proposed management is based on a Human Centered Design that advocates full acceptance of the human as a system equal to other systems. Like other systems, the human is a system with many subsystems, each of which has strengths and limitations. Second, this paper will suggest ways to inform exploration policy about what is needed for optimal cognitive functioning of the astronaut crew, as well as requirements to ensure necessary assessment and intervention strategies for the human system if human limitations are reached. Assessment strategies will include clinical evaluation and fitness-to-perform evaluations. Clinical intervention tools and procedures will be available to the astronaut and space flight physician. Cognitive performance will be supported through systematic function allocation, task design, training, and scheduling. Human factors requirements and guidelines will lead to well-designed information displays and retrieval systems that reduce crew time and errors. Means of capturing process, design, and operational requirements to ensure crew performance will be discussed. Third, this paper will describe the current plan of action, and future challenges to be resolved before a lunar or Mars expedition. The presentation will include a proposed management plan for research, involvement of various organizations, and a timetable of deliverables.

Fiedler, Edan↗
NASA NTRS1999

NASA Ames Research Center R and D Services Directorate Biomedical Systems Development

The Ames Research Center R&D Services Directorate teams with NASA, other government agencies and/or industry investigators for the development, design, fabrication, manufacturing and qualification testing of space-flight and ground-based experiment hardware for biomedical and general aerospace applications. In recent years, biomedical research hardware and software has been developed to support space-flight and ground-based experiment needs including the E 132 Biotelemetry system for the Research Animal Holding Facility (RAHF), E 100 Neurolab neuro-vestibular investigation systems, the Autogenic Feedback Systems, and the Standard Interface Glove Box (SIGB) experiment workstation module. Centrifuges, motion simulators, habitat design, environmental control systems, and other unique experiment modules and fixtures have also been developed. A discussion of engineered systems and capabilities will be provided to promote understanding of possibilities for future system designs in biomedical applications. In addition, an overview of existing engineered products will be shown. Examples of hardware and literature that demonstrate the organization's capabilities will be displayed. The Ames Research Center R&D Services Directorate is available to support the development of new hardware and software systems or adaptation of existing systems to meet the needs of academic, commercial/industrial, and government research requirements. The Ames R&D Services Directorate can provide specialized support for: System concept definition and feasibility Mathematical modeling and simulation of system performance Prototype hardware development Hardware and software design Data acquisition systems Graphical user interface development Motion control design Hardware fabrication and high-fidelity machining Composite materials development and application design Electronic/electrical system design and fabrication System performance verification testing and qualification.

Pollitt, J.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Extended Duration Orbiter Medical Project

Biomedical issues have presented a challenge to flight physicians, scientists, and engineers ever since the advent of high-speed, high-altitude airplane flight in the 1940s. In 1958, preparations began for the first manned space flights of Project Mercury. The medical data and flight experience gained through Mercury's six flights and the Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab projects, as well as subsequent space flights, comprised the knowledge base that was used to develop and implement the Extended Duration Orbiter Medical Project (EDOMP). The EDOMP yielded substantial amounts of data in six areas of space biomedical research. In addition, a significant amount of hardware was developed and tested under the EDOMP. This hardware was designed to improve data gathering capabilities and maintain crew physical fitness, while minimizing the overall impact to the microgravity environment. The biomedical findings as well as the hardware development results realized from the EDOMP have been important to the continuing success of extended Space Shuttle flights and have formed the basis for medical studies of crew members living for three to five months aboard the Russian space station, Mir. EDOMP data and hardware are also being used in preparation for the construction and habitation of International Space Station. All data sets were grouped to be non-attributable to individuals, and submitted to NASA s Life Sciences Data Archive.

Sawin, Charles F.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Periodontal Probe Improves Exams, Alleviates Pain

Dentists, comedian Bill Cosby memorably mused, tell you not to pick your teeth with any sharp metal object. Then you sit in their chair, and the first thing they grab is an iron hook!" Conventional periodontal probing is indeed invasive, uncomfortable for the patient, and the results can vary greatly between dentists and even for repeated measurements by the same dentist. It is a necessary procedure, though, as periodontal disease is the most common dental disease, involving the loss of teeth by the gradual destruction of ligaments that hold teeth in their sockets in the jawbone. The disease usually results from an increased concentration of bacteria in the pocket, or sulcus, between the gums and teeth. These bacteria produce acids and other byproducts, which enlarge the sulcus by eroding the gums and the periodontal ligaments. The sulcus normally has a depth of 1 to 2 millimeters, but in patients with early stages of periodontal disease, it has a depth of 3 to 5 millimeters. By measuring the depth of the sulcus, periodontists can have a good assessment of the disease s progress. Presently, there are no reliable clinical indicators of periodontal disease activity, and the best available diagnostic aid, periodontal probing, can only measure what has already been lost. A method for detecting small increments of periodontal ligament breakdown would permit earlier diagnosis and intervention with less costly and time-consuming therapy, while overcoming the problems associated with conventional probing. The painful, conventional method for probing may be destined for the archives of dental history, thanks to the development of ultrasound probing technologies. The roots of ultrasound probes are in an ultrasound-based time-of-flight technique routinely used to measure material thickness and length in the Nondestructive Evaluation Sciences Laboratory at Langley Research Center. The primary applications of that technology have been for corrosion detection and bolt tension measurements (Spinoff 2005). This ultrasound measurement system was adapted to the Periodontal Structures Mapping System, invented at Langley by John A. Companion, under the supervision of Dr. Joseph S. Heyman. Support of the research and development that led to this invention was provided by NASA s Technology Applications Engineering Program and by the Naval Institute for Dental and Biomedical Research, in Great Lakes, Illinois.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1975

Biomedical applications team tasks

The status of the biomedical applications team is discussed along with its activity in applications engineering. Various technology requests are summarized.

Laenger, C. J., Sr.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Contact Angle of Drops Measured on Nontransparent Surfaces and Capillary Flow Visualized

The spreading of a liquid on a solid surface is important for various practical processes, and contact-angle measurements provide an elegant method to characterize the interfacial properties of the liquid with the solid substrates. The complex physical processes occurring when a liquid contacts a solid play an important role in determining the performance of chemical processes and materials. Applications for these processes are in printing, coating, gluing, textile dyeing, and adhesives and in the pharmaceutical industry, biomedical research, adhesives, flat panel display manufacturing, surfactant chemistry, and thermal engineering.

Chao, David F.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Mechanical behaviour of additively manufactured metals

Additive manufacturing is reshaping the production of engineering components in diverse industries, such as the automotive, aerospace, defense, and biomedical sectors, by offering unprecedented design flexibility. The non-equilibrium processing conditions of additive manufacturing generate materials with unique microstructures and tailored mechanical properties that are often unattainable through conventional routes. This review focuses on recent advances in additively manufactured metals that demonstrate distinctive mechanical behaviors, including strength-ductility synergy, microstresses and gradient plasticity, fracture and fatigue resistance, and high-temperature creep performance. Here, we examine the mechanisms and micromechanical effects arising from the heterogeneous microstructures fabricated by additive manufacturing, to guide the design of a wide range of high-performance structural materials. Furthermore, we discuss critical research needs and emerging opportunities in process control, alloy design, advanced characterization, high-fidelity computational modeling, and machine learning aimed at achieving exceptional mechanical properties in additively manufactured metals.

Additive Manufacturing↗
NASA NTRS2023

Application of Bioengineering in Space Exploration - Sleep Study System

Bioengineering has spread roots far and wide among the needs of space exploration. The field creates many of paths to generate information from a variety of sources. One such source is the astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS). As of now the investigation is focused on the quality of sleep of crew members during a long duration flight. Our team is investing time into a piece of hardware’s comfort, waste, and operability. The hardware was not originally designed for space; therefore, the device must be modified to function at a optimal level in space. The design not made for space has generated some ailments, such as discomfort and decreased mobility. A function of the internship was to produce designs that would manage the wires to increase mobility and comfort. The wires excess slack was reduced by the part that was designed. The piece was adjustable, so the patient may adjust the system to their comfort and space compatible material was used. This product will help control the direction and length of the wires, thereby aiding in comforting the patient. This multifaceted design may be used in future for all other wire management for wearable biomedical sensor on orbit.

Biomedical↗
NASA NTRS1995

NASA Advanced Refrigerator/Freezer Technology Development Project Overview

NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) has recently initiated a three-year project to develop the advanced refrigerator/freezer (R/F) technologies needed to support future life and biomedical sciences space experiments. Refrigerator/freezer laboratory equipment, most of which needs to be developed, is enabling to about 75 percent of the planned space station life and biomedical science experiments. These experiments will require five different classes of equipment; three storage freezers operating at -20 C, -70 C and less than 183 C, a -70 C freeze-dryer, and a cryogenic (less than 183 C) quick/snap freezer. This project is in response to a survey of cooling system technologies, performed by a team of NASA scientists and engineers. The team found that the technologies, required for future R/F systems to support life and biomedical sciences spaceflight experiments, do not exist at an adequate state of development and concluded that a program to develop the advanced R/F technologies is needed. Limitations on spaceflight system size, mass, and power consumption present a significant challenge in developing these systems. This paper presents some background and a description of the Advanced R/F Technology Development Project, project approach and schedule, general description of the R/F systems, and a review of the major R/F equipment requirements.

Cairelli, J. E.↗
DOE OSTI2026

A Scaling Study for Incompressible Multispecies Solver in Vertex-CFD

Multispecies incompressible flows occur widely in engineering and environmental applications, such as chemical reactors, fuel cells, ocean mixing, and biomedical systems. However, accurately resolving the complex transport and mixing phenomena associated with multiple interacting species remains computationally challenging, especially for large-scale problems. In this study, we present a robust, high-performance computing--enabled multispecies incompressible Navier–Stokes solver integrated within the Vertex-CFD framework. Our solver employs a fully coupled, implicit, finite element--based formulation that accurately captures the advection, diffusion, and interaction of multiple species in incompressible flows by leveraging the Kokkos library for parallel computing to achieve high computational efficiency. For pressure coupling, the entropically damped artificial compressibility method is utilized. We validated the solver against canonical test cases, including multispecies advection, diffusion, and Bateman systems; the results demonstrate second- and third-order spatial accuracy and consistent convergence. Additionally, we demonstrated the strong and weak scaling study results obtained on the leadership-class high-performance computing system, Frontier at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Oz, Furkan [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000265831724)↗
NASA NTRS1973

Findings on American astronauts bearing on the issue of artificial gravity for future manned space vehicles

Findings for American astronauts are reviewed that may indicate some alteration in vestibular response related to exposure to zero gravity. Of 25 individuals participating in Apollo missions 7 through 15, nine have experienced symptomatology that could be related to motion sickness. The apparent divergence between these results and those from the Soviet space program, which initially appears great, may reflect the greater emphasis given by Soviet investigators to vestibular aberrations. Presently the incidence of motion sickness, long known as an indicator of vestibular disturbance, seems too low to warrant any positive statement regarding inclusion of an artificial gravity system in future long term space missions. Where motion sickness has occurred, adaptation to weightlessness has always resulted in abatement of symptoms. In the absence of biomedical justification for incorporating artificial gravity systems in long term space flight vehicles, engineering considerations may dictate the manner in which the final ballot is cast.

Berry, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Advanced Refrigerator/Freezer Technology Development Project

The Advanced Refrigerator/Freezer (R/F) Technology Development Project was initiated in 1994, on the basis of recommendations of a team of NASA Scientists and engineers, who assessed the need for advanced technology to support future life and biomedical sciences space flight missions. The project, which was cofunded by NASA's Office of Aerospace Technology and Life and Biomedical Sciences & Applications Division, has two phases. In the Phase I Advanced R/F Technology Assessment, candidate technologies were identified and ranked, on the basis of a combination of their effect on system performance and their risk of developmental success. In Phase II Technology Development, the advanced technologies with the highest combined ranking, which could be accomplished within the budgetary constraints, were pursued. The effort has been mainly by contract, with a modest in-house effort at the NASA Lewis Research Center. Oceaneering Space Systems (OSS) of Houston, Texas, was selected as the prime contractor for both contract phases.

Cairelli, James E.↗
NASA NTRS2014

HRP's Healthcare Spin-Offs Through Computational Modeling and Simulation Practice Methodologies

Spaceflight missions expose astronauts to novel operational and environmental conditions that pose health risks that are currently not well understood, and perhaps unanticipated. Furthermore, given the limited number of humans that have flown in long duration missions and beyond low Earth-orbit, the amount of research and clinical data necessary to predict and mitigate these health and performance risks are limited. Consequently, NASA's Human Research Program (HRP) conducts research and develops advanced methods and tools to predict, assess, and mitigate potential hazards to the health of astronauts. In this light, NASA has explored the possibility of leveraging computational modeling since the 1970s as a means to elucidate the physiologic risks of spaceflight and develop countermeasures. Since that time, substantial progress has been realized in this arena through a number of HRP funded activates such as the Digital Astronaut Project (DAP) and the Integrated Medical Model (IMM). Much of this success can be attributed to HRP's endeavor to establish rigorous verification, validation, and credibility (VV&C) processes that ensure computational models and simulations (M&S) are sufficiently credible to address issues within their intended scope. This presentation summarizes HRP's activities in credibility of modeling and simulation, in particular through its outreach to the community of modeling and simulation practitioners. METHODS: The HRP requires all M&S that can have moderate to high impact on crew health or mission success must be vetted in accordance to NASA Standard for Models and Simulations, NASA-STD-7009 (7009) [5]. As this standard mostly focuses on engineering systems, the IMM and DAP have invested substantial efforts to adapt the processes established in this standard for their application to biological M&S, which is more prevalent in human health and performance (HHP) and space biomedical research and operations [6,7]. These methods have also generated substantial interest by the broader medical community though institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop similar standards and guidelines applicable to the larger medical operations and research community. DISCUSSION: Similar to NASA, many leading government agencies, health institutions and medical product developers around the world are recognizing the potential of computational M&S to support clinical research and decision making. In this light, substantial investments are being made in computational medicine and notable discoveries are being realized [8]. However, there is a lack of broadly applicable practice guidance for the development and implementation of M&S in clinical care and research in a manner that instills confidence among medical practitioners and biological researchers [9,10]. In this presentation, we will give an overview on how HRP is working with the NIH's Interagency Modeling and Analysis Group (IMAG), the FDA and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to leverage NASA's biomedical VV&C processes to establish a new regulatory standard for Verification and Validation in Computational Modeling of Medical Devices, and Guidelines for Credible Practice of Computational Modeling and Simulation in Healthcare.

Mulugeta, Lealem↗