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At least 145 records · Page 8

NASA Tech Briefs, March 2007

Topics include: Advanced Systems for Monitoring Underwater Sounds; Wireless Data-Acquisition System for Testing Rocket Engines; Processing Raw HST Data With Up-to-Date Calibration Data; Mobile Collection and Automated Interpretation of EEG Data; System for Secure Integration of Aviation Data; Servomotor and Controller Having Large Dynamic Range; Digital Multicasting of Multiple Audio Streams; Translator for Optimizing Fluid-Handling Components; AIRSAR Web-Based Data Processing; Pattern Matcher for Trees Constructed From Lists; Reducing a Knowledge-Base Search Space When Data Are Missing; Ground-Based Correction of Remote-Sensing Spectral Imagery; State-Chart Autocoder; Pointing History Engine for the Spitzer Space Telescope; Low-Friction, High-Stiffness Joint for Uniaxial Load Cell; Magnet-Based System for Docking of Miniature Spacecraft; Electromechanically Actuated Valve for Controlling Flow Rate; Plumbing Fixture for a Microfluidic Cartridge; Camera Mount for a Head-Up Display; Core-Cutoff Tool; Recirculation of Laser Power in an Atomic Fountain; Simplified Generation of High-Angular-Momentum Light Beams; Imaging Spectrometer on a Chip; Interferometric Quantum-Nondemolition Single-Photon Detectors; Ring-Down Spectroscopy for Characterizing a CW Raman Laser; Complex Type-II Interband Cascade MQW Photodetectors; Single-Point Access to Data Distributed on Many Processors; Estimating Dust and Water Ice Content of the Martian Atmosphere From THEMIS Data; Computing a Stability Spectrum by Use of the HHT; Theoretical Studies of Routes to Synthesis of Tetrahedral N4; Estimation Filter for Alignment of the Spitzer Space Telescope; Antenna for Measuring Electric Fields Within the Inner Heliosphere; Improved High-Voltage Gas Isolator for Ion Thruster; and Hybrid Mobile Communication Networks for Planetary Exploration.

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Final CRADA Report for Enhanced and Miniaturized Wireless Valve Position Indicator Prototype

Most operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) in the United States have received approval to extend their operating licenses to 60 years. Now the nuclear industry is preparing to extend operating licenses to 80 years. While NPPs are preparing for extensions (60 years and beyond), the nuclear industry is facing a unique economic sustainability challenge in the current energy market. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), generating costs of U.S. reactors have risen by 28% over the last 12 years, which is impacting the competitiveness of nuclear power in a market being increasingly penetrated by natural gas and renewable energy. This is partly because of the fact that the present nuclear work practice is dependent on a large technical staff which results in high operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, accounting for approximately 66% of the total operating cost. To address these concerns and abide by the NEI’s “Delivering the Nuclear Promise Initiative,” the U.S. utilities are embracing digitalization of their work practice to lower the O&M costs and increase productivity and efficiency while maintaining a safe and reliable operation. To address these above-mentioned concerns, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) researchers (proposal team) have developed a wireless valve position indication (VPI) sensor system that can be retrofitted on three main manual valve types (extendible to other manual valve types) to replace manual valve position verification with digital verification and enable online monitoring of manual valves. The developed technology 1) is evaluated for electromagnetic interference, 2) has a low power consuming and miniaturized electronic board, 3) is mounted on adjustable and reconfigurable sensor mounting unit that can fit on an actual flow-loop (at Idaho State University-ISU) to enable online monitoring of manual valve types without any valve body modification, and 4) ensures robust, secure, and reliable real-time communication of manual valve position.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Modeling and Analysis of Eavesdropping Attack in 802.11ad mmWave Wireless Networks

Next generation wireless communication networks utilizing 60 GHz millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency bands are expected to achieve multi-gigabit throughput with the use of highly directional phased-array antennas. These directional signal beams provide enhanced security to the legitimate networks due to the increased difficulties of eavesdropping. However, there still exists significant possibility of eavesdropping since 1) the reflections of the signal beam from ambient reflectors enables opportunistic stationary eavesdropping attacks, and; 2) carefully designed beam exploration strategy enables active nomadic eavesdropping attack. This paper discusses eavesdropper attack strategies for 802.11ad mmWave systems and provides the first analytical model to characterize the success possibility of eavesdropping in both opportunistic stationary attacks and active nomadic attacks. We derive the success probability of eavesdropping considering the ambient reflectors in the environment and errors introduced in the beam exploration strategies of the proposed eavesdropping attacker models. We study the success probability for both opportunistic stationary attack scenario and active nomadic attack scenario through numerical simulations. In addition to numerical simulations, we also evaluate the proposed attacker models using an 802.11ad test bed consisting of commercially available off-the-shelf devices.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Karst characterization in a semi-arid region using gravity, seismic, and resistivity geophysical techniques.

We proposed to customize emerging in situ geophysical monitoring technology to generate time-series data during sporadic rain events in a semi-arid region. Electrodes were to be connected to wireless \nodes" which can be left in the eld for many months. Embedded software would then increase sampling frequency during periods of rainfall. We hypothesized that this contrast between no-volume ow in karst passageways dur- ing dry periods and partial- or saturated-volume ow during a rain event is detectable by these Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) geophysical nodes, we call this a Wireless Resistivity Network (WRN). The development of new methodologies to characterize semi-arid karst hydrology is intended to augment Sandia National Laboratorys mission to lead e orts in energy technologies, waste disposal and climate security by helping to identify safe and secure regions and those that are at risk. Development and initial eld testing identi ed technological barriers to using WRNs for identifying semi-arid karst, exposing R&D which can be targeted in the future. Gravity, seismic, and resis- tivity surveys elucidated how each technique might e ectively be used to characterize semi-arid karst. This research brings to light the importance and challenges with char- acterizing semi-arid karst through a multi-method geophysical study. As there have been very few studies with this emphasis, this study has expanded the body of practical experience needed to protect the nations water and energy security interests.

Barnhart, Kevin Scott↗

Acoustic Channel Link Models for Digital Communication Protocols

Integration of advanced communication technologies into nuclear facility operation has the potential for enhancing safety and accident -resiliency of the existing fleet of aging light water reactors, as well those of future advanced reactors. Conventional wired and wireless communication systems face implementation challenges at nuclear facilities due to the presence of thick reinforced concrete walls with steel liners throughout much of nuclear facility, especially the containment building. In addition, concerns related to security gaps in conventional communication networks have to be addressed when developing communication systems for nuclear facilities. To address communication technology gaps for nuclear energy, we are currently developing the acoustic communication (AC) hardware and network protocols for efficient and secure transfer of data, and will provide a preliminary experimental demonstration of the AC system prototype in a representative environment.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

Continuously Connected With Mobile IP

Cisco Systems developed Cisco Mobile Networks, making IP devices mobile. With this innovation, a Cisco router and its connected IP devices can roam across network boundaries and connection types. Because a mobile user is able to keep the same IP address while roaming, a live IP connection can be maintained without interruption. Glenn Research Center jointly tested the technology with Cisco, and is working to use it on low-earth-orbiting research craft. With Cisco's Mobile Networks functionality now available in Cisco IOS Software release 12.2(4)T, the commercial advantages and benefits are numerous. The technology can be applied to public safety, military/homeland security, emergency management services, railroad and shipping systems, and the automotive industry. It will allow ambulances, police, firemen, and the U.S. Coast Guard to stay connected to their networks while on the move. In the wireless battlefield, the technology will provide rapid infrastructure deployment for U.S. national defense. Airline, train, and cruise passengers utilizing Cisco Mobile Networks can fly all around the world with a continuous Internet connection. Cisco IOS(R) Software is a registered trademark of Cisco Systems.

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On Success Probability of Eavesdropping Attack in 802.11ad mmWave WLAN

Next generation wireless communication networks utilizing 60 GHz millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency bands are expected to achieve multi-gigabit throughput with the use of highly directional phased-array antennas. These directional signal beams provide enhanced security to the legitimate networks due to the increased difficulties of eavesdropping. However, there still exists significant possibility of eavesdropping since (i) the reflections of the signal beam from ambient reflectors enables opportunistic stationary eavesdropping attacks; and (ii) carefully designed beam exploration strategy enables active nomadic eavesdropping attack. This paper discusses eavesdropper attack strategies for 802.11ad mmWave systems and provides the first analytical model to characterize the success possibility of eavesdropping in both opportunistic stationary attacks and active nomadic attacks.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

5G Zero Trust Architecture: A Testable and Phased Approach

With the emphasis being placed on Zero Trust Architecture in technology and by Executive Order (Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity ), an investigation was performed as to the feasibility of implementing this approach into 5G. Reference documents include NIST Special Publication 800-207 and Department of Defense (DoD) Zero Trust Reference Architecture , and these provided guidance as to the overall approach. Progress is being made within 5G to address the lack of Zero Trust Architecture; a June 2021 DoD press release indicated that “The prototype 5G network is built on the next generation of Open Radio Network standards and designed to comply with DOD specifications for zero-trust architecture for native security and secure connectivity with other networks.”

5G↗

Response of the REWARD detection system to the presence of a Radiological Dispersal Device

In recent years an increased international concern has emerged about the radiological and nuclear (RN) threats associated with the illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials that could be potentially used for terrorist attacks. The objective of the REWARD (Real Time Wide Area Radiation Surveillance System) project, co-funded by the European Union 7. Framework Programme Security, consisted in building a mobile system for real time, wide area radiation surveillance, using a CdZnTe detector for gamma radiation and a neutron detector based on novel silicon technologies. The sensing unit includes a GPS system and a wireless communication interface to send the data remotely to a monitoring base station, where it will be analyzed in real time and correlated with historical data from the tag location, in order to generate an alarm when an abnormal situation is detected. Due to its portability and accuracy, the system will be extremely useful in many different scenarios such as nuclear terrorism, lost radioactive sources, radioactive contamination or nuclear accidents. This paper shortly introduces the REWARD detection system, depicts some terrorist threat scenarios involving radioactive sources and special nuclear materials and summarizes the simulation work undertaken during the past three years in the framework of the REWARD project. The main objective consisted in making predictions regarding the behavior of the REWARD system in the presence of a Radiological Dispersion Device (RDD), one of the reference scenarios foreseen for REWARD, using the Monte Carlo simulation program MCNP6. The reference scenario is characterized in detail, from the i) radiological protection, ii) radiation detection requirements and iii) communications points of view. Experimental tests were performed at the Fire Brigades Facilities in Rome and at the Naples Fire Brigades, and the results, which validate the simulation work, are presented and analyzed. The response of the REWARD detection system to the presence of an RDD is predicted and discussed. (authors)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

COSPO/CENDI Industry Day Conference

The conference's objective was to provide a forum where government information managers and industry information technology experts could have an open exchange and discuss their respective needs and compare them to the available, or soon to be available, solutions. Technical summaries and points of contact are provided for the following sessions: secure products, protocols, and encryption; information providers; electronic document management and publishing; information indexing, discovery, and retrieval (IIDR); automated language translators; IIDR - natural language capabilities; IIDR - advanced technologies; IIDR - distributed heterogeneous and large database support; and communications - speed, bandwidth, and wireless.

Source record↗

Switched Band-Pass Filters for Adaptive Transceivers

Switched band-pass filters are key components of proposed adaptive, software- defined radio transceivers that would be parts of envisioned digital-data-communication networks that would enable real-time acquisition and monitoring of data from geographically distributed sensors. Examples of sensors to be connected to such networks include security cameras, radio-frequency identification units, and geolocation units based on the Global Positioning System. Through suitable software configuration and without changing hardware, these transceivers could be made to operate according to any of a number of complex wireless-communication standards that could be characterized by diverse modulation schemes, bandwidths, and data-handling protocols. The adaptive transceivers would include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and digital signal-processing hardware. In the receiving path of a transceiver, the incoming signal would be amplified by a low-noise amplifier (LNA). The output spectrum of the LNA would be processed by a band-pass filter operating in the frequency range between 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz. Then a down-converter would translate the signal to a lower frequency range to facilitate analog-to-digital conversion, which would be followed by baseband processing by one or more FPGAs. In the transmitting path, a digital stream would first be converted to an analog signal, which would then be up-converted to a selected frequency band before being applied to a transmitting power amplifier. The aforementioned band-pass filter in the receiving path would be a combination of resonant inductor-and-capacitor filters and switched band-pass filters. The overall combination would implement a switch function designed mathematically to exhibit desired frequency responses and to switch the signal in each frequency band to an analog-to-digital converter appropriate for that band to produce a digital intermediate-frequency signal for digital signal processing.

Wang, Ray↗

5G Securely Energized and Resilient: (5G-SER) (Final Report)

NREL's work on 5G integration with physical power systems (versus simulated systems demonstrated in task 3) under 5G-Securely Energized and Resilient (5G-SER) achieved a major milestone in with the completion of Task 4 activities. After many months (6+) of planning and development along with scaling challenges along the way, a full 5G end-to-end network with physical hardware components (physical inverter, physical power panel, physical battery, etc.) was deployed in a containerized environment. In parallel, a distributed controls architecture for a microgrid powering 5G resources was also successfully modified from its previous instantiation for a simulated environment to work with these physical components. These accomplishments set the stage to use newly setup 5G technology with physical microgrid components to test the feasibility of 5G wireless with physical systems to enable resilient communications between controls and distributed solar and storage resources while exploring ways to configure 5G components to survive power disturbances. The results detailed in the report below show that even utilizing physical components, 5G wireless systems were able to provide resilient results that were similar to the results from the simulated environment Task 3).

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

A robust wireless communication system for electromagnetically harsh environments of nuclear facilities - 155

Wireless sensors could play a significant role in safety, efficiency, and reliability of instrumentation and control process in current and next generation nuclear power reactors. While conventional narrowband wireless sensors have successfully been used in numerous industrial applications, the RF propagation challenges posed by the heavy metallic and cluttered environment of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) has prevented their use in such operations. These challenges include: RF propagation in harsh (reflective, absorptive, cluttered) environments, data security issues, and RF interference to and from other devices in a nuclear reactor. In this introductory paper, first we address how Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology can provide a viable solution for the signal propagation issues in such electromagnetically harsh environments. Second, we present a novel UWB remote powering scheme that allows for battery-free operation of sensors to increase their lifetime. We finalize the paper by presenting the experimental results of using UWB signaling in a representative harsh environment conducted at MIT research reactor. We plan to address the security issues through an innovative UWB communications scheme for sensor data communications in a subsequent paper. (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Efficient Management of Certificate Revocation Lists in Smart Grid Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) forms a communication network for the collection of power data from smart meters in Smart Grid. As the communication within an AMI needs to be secure, key management becomes an issue due to overhead and limited resources. While using public-keys eliminate some of the overhead of key management, there is still challenges regarding certificates that store and certify the publickeys. In particular, distribution and storage of certificate revocation list (CRL) is major a challenge due to cost of distribution and storage in AMI networks which typically consist of wireless multi-hop networks. Motivated by the need of keeping the CRL distribution and storage cost effective and scalable, in this paper, we present a distributed CRL management model utilizing the idea of distributed hash trees (DHTs) from peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. The basic idea is to share the burden of storage of CRLs among all the smart meters by exploiting the meshing capability of the smart meters among each other. Thus, using DHTs not only reduces the space requirements for CRLs but also makes the CRL updates more convenient. We implemented this structure on ns-3 using IEEE 802.11s mesh standard as a model for AMI and demonstrated its superior performance with respect to traditional methods of CRL management through extensive simulations.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Design and analysis of Vivaldi antenna with enhanced radiation characteristics for mm-wave and THz applications

This article presents a novel approach to design Vivaldi antennas for millimeter and Terahertz band applications. The radiation performance of the proposed Vivaldi antenna is enhanced by employing cross shape resonator and abridged rectangular slots at the edge of radiating arms. In the THz regime, the simulated − 10 dB impedance bandwidth is approximately 76 GHz, minimum return loss of − 58.83 dB, VSWR of 1.002, peak gain of 11.77 dB, radiation efficiency of 97.40% and directivity of 11.89 dBi are achieved at the corresponding resonance frequency of 0.603 THz. Further, in order to validate the suggested design method, targeted antennas are fabricated, tested at 0.06125-THz and 0.06215-THz frequency. The significant performance improvement in radiation characteristics are observed over the frequency band from 0.06- to 0.065-THz. The proposed THz antenna useful for the application of video-rate imaging, object imaging, detection of illicit drugs using spectroscopy, Doppler radar and/or on-body techniques and wireless communications. Similarly, the planned mm-wave antenna is useful for the imaging system.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

FY2016 Vehicle Systems Annual Progress Report

Vehicle Systems is concerned with advancing light-, medium-, and heavy-duty (HD) vehicle systems to support DOE’s goals of developing technologies for the U.S. transportation sector that enhance national energy security,increase U.S. competitiveness in the global economy, and support improvement of U.S. transportation and energy infrastructure.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Self-powered Through-wall communication for dry cask storage monitoring

Many nuclear facilities, such as spent fuel storage dry casks and nuclear reactor pressure vessels, are entirely sealed by metal layers to prevent harmful radiation. For safety and security operations, the temperature, pressure, radiation, and humidity inside the vessel needs to be closely monitored. However, no practical technology is currently available to realize the through-wall data communication and monitoring for these vessels due to the inside harsh environment of high temperature and nuclear radiation. In this paper, an innovative self-powered wireless through-wall data communication system for the nuclear environment is presented, which demonstrates a successful solution to such challenges. The presented system is composed of four modules, i.e., energy harvester with power management circuits, ultrasound wireless communication using high-temperature piezoelectric transducers, electronic circuits for sensing and data transmission, and radiation shielding for electronics. Here, constitutive functions of each module were firstly designed and followed by the system integration. Experiments were conducted subsequently to validate the designed functions and evaluate the performance of the integrated system. Results showed that the average power of over 40 mW was harvested from the thermal flow inside the nuclear spent fuel canisters which could provide enough energy to operate the sensing and data communication systems. The gamma radiation test results showed that the thermoelectric energy harvester and ultrasound transceivers can withstand radiation dosing over 100 Mrad. Furthermore, temperature shock tests demonstrated that the entire system including the shielded electronics can survive and maintain their functionalities at temperatures as high as 195°C. Under the in-lab mocked-up high temperature conditions and radiation shielding, the proposed system is foreseen to survive and operate stably for fifty years inside a nuclear spent fuel canister, and send the frequency modulated data out of the canister for 3 s in every 10 min.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Design and testing of ultrasound probe adapters for a robotic imaging platform

Medical imaging-based triage is a critical tool for emergency medicine in both civilian and military settings. Ultrasound imaging can be used to rapidly identify free fluid in abdominal and thoracic cavities which could necessitate immediate surgical intervention. However, proper ultrasound image capture requires a skilled ultrasonography technician who is likely unavailable at the point of injury where resources are limited. Instead, robotics and computer vision technology can simplify image acquisition. As a first step towards this larger goal, here, we focus on the development of prototypes for ultrasound probe securement using a robotics platform. The ability of four probe adapter technologies to precisely capture images at anatomical locations, repeatedly, and with different ultrasound transducer types were evaluated across more than five scoring criteria. Testing demonstrated two of the adapters outperformed the traditional robot gripper and manual image capture, with a compact, rotating design compatible with wireless imaging technology being most suitable for use at the point of injury. Next steps will integrate the robotic platform with computer vision and deep learning image interpretation models to automate image capture and diagnosis. This will lower the skill threshold needed for medical imaging-based triage, enabling this procedure to be available at or near the point of injury.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗