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At least 163 records · Page 9

Manufactured Porous Ambient Surface Simulants

The planetary science decadal survey for 2013-2022 (Vision and Voyages, NRC 2011) has promoted mission concepts for sample acquisition from small solar system bodies. Numerous comet-sampling tools are in development to meet this standard. Manufactured Porous Ambient Surface Simulants (MPASS) materials provide an opportunity to simulate variable features at ambient temperatures and pressures to appropriately test potential sample acquisition systems for comets, asteroids, and planetary surfaces. The original "flavor" of MPASS materials is known as Manufactured Porous Ambient Comet Simulants (MPACS), which was developed in parallel with the development of the Biblade Comet Sampling System (Backes et al., in review). The current suite of MPACS materials was developed through research of the physical and mechanical properties of comets from past comet missions results and modeling efforts, coordination with the science community at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and testing of a wide range of materials and formulations. These simulants were required to represent the physical and mechanical properties of cometary nuclei, based on the current understanding of the science community. Working with cryogenic simulants can be tedious and costly; thus MPACS is a suite of ambient simulants that yields a brittle failure mode similar to that of cryogenic icy materials. Here we describe our suite of comet simulants known as MPACS that will be used to test and validate the Biblade Comet Sampling System (Backes et al., in review).

Carey, Elizabeth M.↗

Development of a High Efficiency UVR/IRR Coverglass for Triple Junction Solar Cells

Cover glasses have been a necessary and integral part of space solar arrays since their inception. The main function of the cover glass is to protect the underlying solar cell from the harsh radiation environment of space. They are formed either from fused silica or specially formulated ceria doped glass types that are resistant to radiation damage, for example Pilkington's CMX, CMG, CMO. Solar cells have steadily increased in performance over the past years, from Silicon cells through textured Silicon cells to GaAs cells and the multijunction cells of today. The optimum coverglass solution for each of these cells has been different. The glass itself has also evolved. In some cases it has had its expansion coefficient matched to the cell substrate material, and in addition, added value has been derived from the application of thin film optical coatings to the coverglass. In the majority of cases this has taken the form of a single layer of MgF2 which acts as an antireflection coating. There are also conductive coatings to address electrostatic discharge issues (ESD) and Ultra Violet Reflective (UVR) and Infrared Reflective (IRR) coatings designed for thermal enhancement. Each type of coating can be applied singly or in combination. This paper describes a new type of UVR/IRR (or blue red reflector BRR) specifically designed for triple junction solar cells. For space applications, where radiation is the principal mechanism for removing heat from the satellite, it is the emittance and solar absorptance that primarily determine the temperature of the array. It is therefore essential that any coatings designed to have an effect on the temperature by reducing the solar absorption have a minimal effect on the overall emittance.

Russell, John↗

Simultaneous Retrieval of Selected Optical Water Quality Indicators From Landsat-8, Sentinel-2, and Sentinel-3

Constructing multi-source satellite-derived water quality (WQ) products in inland and nearshore coastal waters from the past, present, and future missions is a long-standing challenge. Despite inherent differences in sensors’ spectral capability, spatial sampling, and radiometric performance, research efforts focused on formulating, implementing, and validating universal WQ algorithms continue to evolve. This research extends a recently developed machine-learning (ML) model, i.e., Mixture Density Networks (MDNs) (Pahlevan et al., 2020; Smith et al., 2021), to the inverse problem of simultaneously retrieving WQ indicators, including chlorophyll-a (Chla), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and the absorption by Colored Dissolved Organic Matter at 440 nm (a cdom (440)), across a wide array of aquatic ecosystems. We use a database of in situ measurements to train and optimize MDN models developed for the relevant spectral measurements (400–800 nm) of the Operational Land Imager (OLI), MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI), and Ocean and Land Color Instrument (OLCI) aboard the Landsat-8, Sentinel-2, and Sentinel-3 missions, respectively. Our two performance assessment approaches, namely hold-out and leave-one-out, suggest significant, albeit varying degrees of improvements with respect to second-best algorithms, depending on the sensor and WQ indicator (e.g., 68%, 75%, 117% improvements based on the hold-out method for Chla, TSS, and a cdom (440), respectively from MSI-like spectra). Using these two assessment methods, we provide theoretical upper and lower bounds on model performance when evaluating similar and/or out-of-sample datasets. To evaluate multi-mission product consistency across broad spatial scales, map products are demonstrated for three near-concurrent OLI, MSI, and OLCI acquisitions. Overall, estimated TSS and a cdom (440) from these three missions are consistent within the uncertainty of the model, but Chla maps from MSI and OLCI achieve greater accuracy than those from OLI. By applying two different atmospheric correction processors to OLI and MSI images, we also conduct matchup analyses to quantify the sensitivity of the MDN model and best-practice algorithms to uncertainties in reflectance products. Our model is less or equally sensitive to these uncertainties compared to other algorithms. Recognizing their uncertainties, MDN models can be applied as a global algorithm to enable harmonized retrievals of Chla, TSS, and a cdom (440) in various aquatic ecosystems from multi-source satellite imagery. Local and/or regional ML models tuned with an apt data distribution (e.g., a subset of our dataset) should nevertheless be expected to outperform our global model.

Machine learning↗

Numerical Modeling of Crystal of ZnSe by Physical Vapor Transport - Towards a more Comprehensive Formulations

Crystal growth from the vapor phase has various advantages over melt growth. The main advantage is from a lower processing temperature which makes the process more amenable in instances where the melting temperature of the crystal is high. Other benefits stem from the inherent purification mechanism in the process due to differences in the vapor pressures of the native elements and impurities, and the enhanced interfacial morphological stability during the growth process. Further, the implementation of PVT growth in closed ampoules affords experimental simplicity with minimal needs for complex process control which makes it an ideal candidate for space investigations in systems where gravity tends to have undesirable effects on the growth process. Bulk growth of wide band gap II-VI semiconductors by physical vapor transport has been developed and refined over the past several years at NASA MSFC. Results from a modeling study of PVT crystal growth of ZnSe are reported in this paper. The PVT process is numerically investigated using both two-dimensional and fully three-dimensional formulation of the governing equations and associated boundary conditions. Both the incompressible Boussinesq approximation and the compressible model are tested to determine the influence of gravity on the process and to discern the differences between the two approaches. The influence of a residual gas is included in the models. The results show that both the incompressible and compressible approximations provide comparable results and the presence of a residual gas tends to measurably reduce the mass flux in the system. Detailed flow, thermal and concentration profiles will be provided in the final manuscript along with computed heat and mass transfer rates. Comparisons with the 1-D model will also be provided. The effect of gravity on the process from numerical computations shows subtle effects although experimental evidence from vertically and horizontally grown samples show dramatic evidence of gravitational effects. The shortcomings of the problem formulation will be discussed and a framework will be provided leading up towards a more comprehensive model of PVT systems.

Ramachandran, N.↗

Progress and Challenges in Self-Healing Cementitious Materials

Concrete is the most used man-made material today consisting of a mixture of aggregates (sand, gravel, crashed rock) and paste. The paste component, made up of cement and water, cracks with time. Despite this shortcoming, research towards next-generation cement and concrete has only taken a boost in the past 10-15 years. In particular, self-healing cementitious materials is a research area that has attracted a great deal of attention. A number of reported novel formulations have demonstrated an increase in mechanical and chemical stability with respect to conventional Portland cement, through the addition of inorganic, organic, and even biological additives. This review reports on the latest advances in cement research related to the synthesis of self-healing cements applied in concrete structures. These include geopolymers, engineered cementitious materials (ECC), bacterial cement composites, microencapsulated self-healing materials, shape memory alloys (SMA), and polymer-cement composites. This work describes the performance of each cementitious material and the mechanism responsible for self-healing, including a section on the latest computational modeling studies towards this end. A detailed understanding of these various self-healing cement technologies, including their strengths and weaknesses, is critical at the time of determining the type of structures that these materials could be used for.

Fernandez, Carlos A.↗

Dataset of solution-based inorganic materials synthesis procedures extracted from the scientific literature

The development of a materials synthesis route is usually based on heuristics and experience. A possible new approach would be to apply data-driven approaches to learn the patterns of synthesis from past experience and use them to predict the syntheses of novel materials. However, this route is impeded by the lack of a large-scale database of synthesis formulations. In this work, we applied advanced machine learning and natural language processing techniques to construct a dataset of 35,675 solution-based synthesis procedures extracted from the scientific literature. Each procedure contains essential synthesis information including the precursors and target materials, their quantities, and the synthesis actions and corresponding attributes. Every procedure is also augmented with the reaction formula. Through this work, we are making freely available the first large dataset of solution-based inorganic materials synthesis procedures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Clarifications concerning the definition and determination of the celestial ephemeris pole

The precise meaning and consequences of the introduction beginning in 1984 of the 1980 IAU theory of nutation (Wahr, 1980; Seidelmann, 1982) based on the celestial ephemeris pole (CEP) rather than the instantaneous pole of rotation (IPR) of the previous theory (Woolard, 1953) are analyzed and discussed. The CEP implicitly accounts for the forced diurnal polar motion and thus implies a fixed change of 0.0087 arcsec in the mean celestial pole. It is pointed out that past determinations of the obliquity and the celestial pole which were assumed to be referred to the IPR were actually referred to the CEP. A number of clarified formulations of the new theory are proposed.

Capitaine, N.↗

A multiblock multigrid three-dimensional Euler equation solver

Current aerodynamic designs are often quite complex (geometrically). Flexible computational tools are needed for the analysis of a wide range of configurations with both internal and external flows. In the past, geometrically dissimilar configurations required different analysis codes with different grid topologies in each. The duplicity of codes can be avoided with the use of a general multiblock formulation which can handle any grid topology. Rather than hard wiring the grid topology into the program, it is instead dictated by input to the program. In this work, the compressible Euler equations, written in a body-fitted finite-volume formulation, are solved using a pseudo-time-marching approach. Two upwind methods (van Leer's flux-vector-splitting and Roe's flux-differencing) were investigated. Two types of explicit solvers (a two-step predictor-corrector and a modified multistage Runge-Kutta) were used with multigrid acceleration to enhance convergence. A multiblock strategy is used to allow greater geometric flexibility. A report on simple explicit upwind schemes for solving compressible flows is included.

Cannizzaro, Frank E.↗

Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Trajectory and Atmosphere Reconstruction

On August 5th 2012, The Mars Science Laboratory entry vehicle successfully entered Mars atmosphere and landed the Curiosity rover on its surface. A Kalman filter approach has been implemented to reconstruct the entry, descent, and landing trajectory based on all available data. The data sources considered in the Kalman filtering approach include the inertial measurement unit accelerations and angular rates, the terrain descent sensor, the measured landing site, orbit determination solutions for the initial conditions, and a new set of instrumentation for planetary entry reconstruction consisting of forebody pressure sensors, known as the Mars Entry Atmospheric Data System. These pressure measurements are unique for planetary entry, descent, and landing reconstruction as they enable a reconstruction of the freestream atmospheric conditions without any prior assumptions being made on the vehicle aerodynamics. Moreover, the processing of these pressure measurements in the Kalman filter approach enables the identification of atmospheric winds, which has not been accomplished in past planetary entry reconstructions. This separation of atmosphere and aerodynamics allows for aerodynamic model reconciliation and uncertainty quantification, which directly impacts future missions. This paper describes the mathematical formulation of the Kalman filtering approach, a summary of data sources and preprocessing activities, and results of the reconstruction.

Karlgaard, Christopher D.↗

Re-examination of cumulative fatigue damage analysis: An engineering perspective

A method which has evolved in our laboratories for the past 20 yr is re-examined with the intent of improving its accuracy and simplicity of application to engineering problems. Several modifications are introduced both to the analytical formulation of the Damage Curve Approach, and to the procedure for modifying this approach to achieve a Double Linear Damage Rule formulation which immensely simplifies the calculation. Improvements are also introduced in the treatment of mean stress for determining fatigue life of the individual events that enter into a complex loading history. While the procedure is completely consistent with the results of numerous two level tests that have been conducted on many materials, it is still necessary to verify applicability to complex loading histories. Caution is expressed that certain phenomena can also influence the applicability - for example, unusual deformation and fracture modes inherent in complex loading - especially if stresses are multiaxial. Residual stresses at crack tips, and metallurgical factors are also important in creating departures from the cumulative damage theories; examples of departures are provided.

Manson, S. S.↗

Re-examination of cumulative fatigue damage analysis - An engineering perspective

A method which has evolved in the laboratories for the past 20 yr is re-examined with the intent of improving its accuracy and simplicity of application to engineering problems. Several modifications are introduced both to the analytical formulation of the Damage Curve Approach, and to the procedure for modifying this approach to achieve a Double Linear Damage Rule formulation which immensely simplifies the calculation. Improvements are also introduced in the treatment of mean stress for determining fatigue life of the individual events that enter into a complex loading history. While the procedure is completely consistent with the results of numerous two level tests that have been conducted on many materials, it is still necessary to verify applicability to complex loading histories. Caution is expressed that certain phenomenon can also influence the applicability - for example, unusual deformation and fracture modes inherent in complex loading especially if stresses are multiaxial. Residual stresses at crack tips, and metallurgical factors are also important in creating departures from the cumulative damage theories; examples of departures are provided.

Manson, S. S.↗

Cloud Modeling

Numerical cloud models have been developed and applied extensively to study cloud-scale and mesoscale processes during the past four decades. The distinctive aspect of these cloud models is their ability to treat explicitly (or resolve) cloud-scale dynamics. This requires the cloud models to be formulated from the non-hydrostatic equations of motion that explicitly include the vertical acceleration terms since the vertical and horizontal scales of convection are similar. Such models are also necessary in order to allow gravity waves, such as those triggered by clouds, to be resolved explicitly. In contrast, the hydrostatic approximation, usually applied in global or regional models, does allow the presence of gravity waves. In addition, the availability of exponentially increasing computer capabilities has resulted in time integrations increasing from hours to days, domain grids boxes (points) increasing from less than 2000 to more than 2,500,000 grid points with 500 to 1000 m resolution, and 3-D models becoming increasingly prevalent. The cloud resolving model is now at a stage where it can provide reasonably accurate statistical information of the sub-grid, cloud-resolving processes poorly parameterized in climate models and numerical prediction models.

Tao, Wei-Kuo↗

Qualification and Issues with Space Flight Laser Systems and Components

The art of flight quality solid-state laser development is still relatively young, and much is still unknown regarding the best procedures, components, and packaging required for achieving the maximum possible lifetime and reliability when deployed in the harsh space environment. One of the most important issues is the limited and unstable supply of quality, high power diode arrays with significant technological heritage and market lifetime. Since Spectra Diode Labs Inc. ended their involvement in the pulsed array business in the late 1990's, there has been a flurry of activity from other manufacturers, but little effort focused on flight quality production. This forces NASA, inevitably, to examine the use of commercial parts to enable space flight laser designs. System-level issues such as power cycling, operational derating, duty cycle, and contamination risks to other laser components are some of the more significant unknown, if unquantifiable, parameters that directly effect transmitter reliability. Designs and processes can be formulated for the system and the components (including thorough modeling) to mitigate risk based on the known failures modes as well as lessons learned that GSFC has collected over the past ten years of space flight operation of lasers. In addition, knowledge of the potential failure modes related to the system and the components themselves can allow the qualification testing to be done in an efficient yet, effective manner. Careful test plan development coupled with physics of failure knowledge will enable cost effect qualification of commercial technology. Presented here will be lessons learned from space flight experience, brief synopsis of known potential failure modes, mitigation techniques, and options for testing from the system level to the component level.

Ott, Melanie N.↗

Qualification and Issues with Space Flight Laser Systems and Components

The art of flight quality solid-state laser development is still relatively young, and much is still unknown regarding the best procedures, components, and packaging required for achieving the maximum possible lifetime and reliability when deployed in the harsh space environment. One of the most important issues is the limited and unstable supply of quality, high power diode arrays with significant technological heritage and market lifetime. Since Spectra Diode Labs Inc. ended their involvement in the pulsed array business in the late 199O's, there has been a flurry of activity from other manufacturers, but little effort focused on flight quality production. This forces NASA, inevitably, to examine the use of commercial parts to enable space flight laser designs. System-level issues such as power cycling, operational derating, duty cycle, and contamination risks to other laser components are some of the more significant unknown, if unquantifiable, parameters that directly effect transmitter reliability. Designs and processes can be formulated for the system and the components (including thorough modeling) to mitigate risk based on the known failures modes as well as lessons learned that GSFC has collected over the past ten years of space flight operation of lasers. In addition, knowledge of the potential failure modes related to the system and the components themselves can allow the qualification testing to be done in an efficient yet, effective manner. Careful test plan development coupled with physics of failure knowledge will enable cost effect qualification of commercial technology. Presented here will be lessons learned from space flight experience, brief synopsis of known potential failure modes, mitigation techniques, and options for testing from the system level to the component level.

Ott, Melanie N.↗

Effect of Cross-Correlation of Orbital Error on Probability of Collision Determination

This paper discusses the effect of global model error on probability of collision (Pc) determination. Modifications to the Pc formulation for cross-correlation of orbital error in prediction are developed and assessed for recent conjunctions. While specific geometries can be identified or constructed to produce significant change in Pc for the modified formulation, it is of operational interest to quantify the relative occurrence of such cases for satellite conjunction risk assessment. Such analysis is feasible per data collections in place over the past year.

Cross-correlation↗

Asteroid orbital error analysis: Theory and application

We present a rigorous Bayesian theory for asteroid orbital error estimation in which the probability density of the orbital elements is derived from the noise statistics of the observations. For Gaussian noise in a linearized approximation the probability density is also Gaussian, and the errors of the orbital elements at a given epoch are fully described by the covariance matrix. The law of error propagation can then be applied to calculate past and future positional uncertainty ellipsoids (Cappellari et al. 1976, Yeomans et al. 1987, Whipple et al. 1991). To our knowledge, this is the first time a Bayesian approach has been formulated for orbital element estimation. In contrast to the classical Fisherian school of statistics, the Bayesian school allows a priori information to be formally present in the final estimation. However, Bayesian estimation does give the same results as Fisherian estimation when no priori information is assumed (Lehtinen 1988, and reference therein).

Muinonen, K.↗

Study of modal coupling procedures for the shuttle: A matrix method for damping synthesis

The damping method was applied successfully to real structures as well as analytical models. It depends on the ability to determine an appropriate modal damping matrix for each substructure. In the past, modal damping matrices were assumed diagonal for lack of being able to determine the coupling terms which are significant in the general case of nonproportional damping. This problem was overcome by formulating the damped equations of motion as a linear perturbation of the undamped equations for light structural damping. Damped modes are defined as complex vectors derived from the complex frequency response vectors of each substructure and are obtained directly from sinusoidal vibration tests. The damped modes are used to compute first order approximations to the modal damping matrices. The perturbation approach avoids ever having to solve a complex eigenvalue problem.

Hasselman, T. K.↗

NASA Facts: How We Get Pictures from Space

The past 25 years of space travel and exploration has generated an unprecedented quantity of data from planetary systems. Images taken in space and telemetered back to Earth have greatly aided scientists in formulating better and more accurate theories about the nature and origin of out solar system. The procedures and spacecraft systems used to gather data are explained.

Haynes, Robert↗