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At least 163 records · Page 9

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1980

A continuation of base-line studies for environmentally monitoring Space Transportation Systems (STS) at John F. Kennedy Space Center. Volume 4: Threatened and endangered species of the Kennedy Space Center. Part 1: Marine turtle studies

The status of marine turtle populations in the KSC area was studied using data from previous results from ground and aerial surveillance conducted from 1976 to April 1979. During ground surveillance, various data were recorded on emergent turtles such as: species, weight, tag number (if previously tagged), time discovered, activity at discovery and the location of discovery. Observations were also made on nesting and reproductive characteristics, population estimates, immigration and emigration and growth rate of the turtles. Mortality studies were additionally made and autopsies performed on dead turtles found in the area. It is concluded that further mortality documentation should be done just prior to and just after a future space launch operation in order to accurately assess the cause and effect relationship of such a launch on the turtle population.

Ehrhart, L. M.↗

NASA NTRS1972

The management approach to the NASA space station definition studies at the Manned Spacecraft Center

The overall management approach to the NASA Phase B definition studies for space stations, which were initiated in September 1969 and completed in July 1972, is reviewed with particular emphasis placed on the management approach used by the Manned Spacecraft Center. The internal working organizations of the Manned Spacecraft Center and its prime contractor, North American Rockwell, are delineated along with the interfacing techniques used for the joint Government and industry study. Working interfaces with other NASA centers, industry, and Government agencies are briefly highlighted. The controlling documentation for the study (such as guidelines and constraints, bibliography, and key personnel) is reviewed. The historical background and content of the experiment program prepared for use in this Phase B study are outlined and management concepts that may be considered for future programs are proposed.

Heberlig, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Effects of volute geometry and impeller orbit on the hydraulic performance of a centrifugal pump

Overall performance data was taken for a Plexiglas water pump with a logarithmic spiral volute and rectangular cross sectioned flow channels. Parametric studies were made in which the center of the impeller was offset from the design center of the volute. The rig was also designed such that the impeller was allowed to synchronously orbit by a fixed amount about any center. The studies indicate that decreasing the tongue clearance decreases the head at low flowrates and increases the head at high flowrates. Also, decreasing the volute area in the first half of the volute and holding the tongue clearance the same, resulted in a decreased head for low flowrates but performance at high flowrates was not affected. Finally, the overall hydraulic performance was not affected by the impeller orbitting about the volute center.

Flack, R. D.↗

NASA NTRS1982

A preliminary study of environmental parameters associated with the feasibility of a polygeneration plant at Kennedy Space Center

The feasibility of a polygeneration plant at Kennedy Space Center was studied. Liquid hydrogen and gaseous nitrogen are the two principal products in consideration. Environmental parameters (air quality, water quality, biological diversity and hazardous waste disposal) necessary for the feasibility study were investigated. A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) project flow sheet was to be formulated for the environmental impact statement. Water quality criteria for Florida waters were to be established.

Barnes, G. D.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Earth observation system: Spacecraft design

The Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) was a study funded by NASA Langley Research Center. The study was a system investigation of the total spacecraft integration with its major subsystems and sensors. Mission optimization and ranking using various sensors was also an objective of the contract. Integrating the spacecraft and major subsystems with the large microwave radiometer was done, essentially making the radiometer a free-flyer without an external spacecraft. Another program objective was to provide design and analysis data on microwave radiometer satellites augmented with additional Earth, ocean, and atmospheric sensors. A top-down systems approach resulted in a detailed design integrating subsystems and sensors into the microwave support structure. An important objective of the program was to identify technology needs for Earth observation satellites. The definition and understanding of these design drivers are critical in order to set priorities for future EOS work.

Herbert, J. J.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Artificial intelligence for geologic mapping with imaging spectrometers

This project was a three year study at the Center for the Study of Earth from Space (CSES) within the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science (CIRES) at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The goal of this research was to develop an expert system to allow automated identification of geologic materials based on their spectral characteristics in imaging spectrometer data such as the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS). This requirement was dictated by the volume of data produced by imaging spectrometers, which prohibits manual analysis. The research described is based on the development of automated techniques for analysis of imaging spectrometer data that emulate the analytical processes used by a human observer. The research tested the feasibility of such an approach, implemented an operational system, and tested the validity of the results for selected imaging spectrometer data sets.

Kruse, F. A.↗

NASA NTRS1996

The 29 July 1994 Merritt Island, Fl Microburst: A Case Study Intercomparing Kennedy Space Center Three-Dimensional Lightning Data (LDAR) and WSR-88D Radar Data

Many researchers have shown that the development and evolution of electrical discharges within convective clouds is fundamentally related to the growth and dynamics of precipitation particles aloft. In the presence of strong updrafts above the freezing level collisions among mixed-phase particles (i.e., hail. ice, supercooled water) promote the necessary charge separation needed to initiate intra-cloud lightning. A precipitation core that descends below the freezing level is often accompanied by a change in the electrical structure of the cloud. Consequently, more Cloud-to-Ground (CG) than Intra-Cloud (IC) lightning flashes appear. Descending precipitation cores can also play a significant role in the evolution of mesoscale features at the surface (e.g., microbursts, downbursts) because of latent heat and mass loading effects of water and ice. For this reason, some believe that lightning and microbursts are fundamentally linked by the presence of ice particles in thunderstorms. Several radar and lightning studies of microburst thunderstorms from COHMEX in 1986 showed that the peak IC lightning systematically occurred ten minutes before the onset of a microburst. In contrast, most CG lightning occurred at the time of the microburst. Many of the preceding studies have been done using high-resolution research radars and experimental lightning detection systems in focused field projects. In addition, these studies could only determine the vertical origin or occurrence of IC lightning, and not a true three-dimensional representation. Currently, the WSR-88D radar system and a real-time, state-of-the-art lightning system (LDAR) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida provide an opportunity to extend these kinds of studies in a more meaningful operational setting.

Hoffert, Steven G.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Space Shuttle Orbiter trimmed center-of-gravity extension study. Volume 9: Effects of configuration modifications on the aerodynamic characteristics of the 140 A/B Orbiter at Mach numbers of 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5

Wind-tunnel tests were conducted at Mach 1.5 to 2.5 to determine the effect of modifications designed to extend the forward center-of-gravity trim capability on the static longitudal and lateral directional characteristics of a Space shuttle 140 A/B orbiter model (0.01 scale). The modifications consisted of a forward-extended wing fillet, a flat plate canard, and a blended canard. The investigation was conducted in the low Mach number test section of the Langley unitary plan wind tunnel at a Reynolds number of approximately 2.15 million based on the fuselage reference length. The test angle of attack range was -1 deg to 32 deg and the sideslip angles were 0 deg and 5 deg.

Phillips, W. P.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Space shuttle orbiter trimmed center of gravity extension study. Volume 1: Effects of configuration modifications on the aerodynamic characteristics of the 140 A/B orbiter at Mach 10.3

Longitudinal and lateral-directional characteristics were obtained on several modified versions of the Rockwell International 140 A/B orbiter (0.010 scale). These modifications, designed to extend trim capability to center-of-gravity locations forward of the 65 percent fuselage station, consisted of two forebodies, two canard trimmers, and two body-wing fillets. Tests were performed over an angle-of-attack range of 12 to 36 degrees at a Reynolds number of 1.03 million based on body reference length. Data were obtained with the elevons and body flap deflected at the full-up and full-down design values. This investigation was conducted in the NASA Langley continuous flow hypersonic tunnel.

Bernot, P. T.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Case Study: Analysis of Autonomous Center line Tracking Neural Networks

Deep neural networks have gained widespread usage in a number of applications. However, limitations such as lack of explainability and robustness inhibit building trust in their behavior, which is crucial in safety critical applications such as autonomous driving. Therefore, techniques which aid in understanding and providing guarantees for neural network behavior are the need of the hour. In this paper, we present a case study applying a recently proposed technique, Prophecy, to analyze the behavior of a neural network model, provided by our industry partner and used for autonomous guiding of airplanes on taxi runways. This regression model takes as input an image of the runway and produces two outputs, cross-track error and heading error, which represent the position of the plane relative to the center line. We use the Prophecy tool to extract neuron activation patterns for the correctness and safety properties of the model. We show the use of these patterns to identify features of the input that explain correct and incorrect behavior. We also use the patterns to provide guarantees of consistent behavior. We explore a novel idea of using sequences of images (instead of single images) to obtain good explanations and identify regions of consistent behavior.

Deep Neural Networks↗

NASA NTRS1977

Study of Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center utility systems

The results of an engineering study of potential energy saving utility system modifications for the NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center are presented. The objective of the study was to define and analyze utility options that would provide facility energy savings in addition to the approximately 25 percent already achieved through an energy loads reduction program. A systems engineering approach was used to determine total system energy and cost savings resulting from each of the ten major options investigated. The results reported include detailed cost analyses and cost comparisons of various options. Cost are projected to the year 2000. Also included are a brief description of a mathematical model used for the analysis and the rationale used for a site survey to select buildings suitable for analysis.

Redding, T. E.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Space shuttle orbiter trimmed center-of-gravity extension study. Volume 5: Effects of configuration modifications on the aerodynamic characteristics of the 140A/B orbiter at Mach numbers of 2.5, 3.95 and 4.6

Supersonic aerodynamic characteristics are presented for the 140A/B space shuttle orbiter configuration (0.010 scale) and for the configuration modified to incorporate geometry changes in the wing planform fillet region. The modifications designed to extend the orbiter's longitudinal trim capability to more forward center-of-gravity locations, included reshaping of the baseline wing planform fillet and adding canards. The investigation was made in the high Mach number test section of the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at a Reynolds number of approximately 2.2 million based on fuselage reference length. The angle-of-attack range for the investigation extended from -1 deg to 31 deg. Data were obtained with the elevators and body flap deflected at appropriate negative and positive conditions to assess the trim limits.

Phillips, W. P.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Space Shuttle Orbiter trimmed center-of-gravity extension study. Volume 8: Effects of configuration modifications on the aerodynamic characteristics of the 140 A/B Orbiter at a Mach number of 5.97

Aerodynamic characteristics at M=5.97 for the 140 A/B Space Shuttle Orbiter configuration and for the configuration modified by geometric changes in the wing planform fillet region and the fuselage forebody are presented. The modifications, designed to extend the orbiter's longitudinal trim capability to more forward center of gravity locations, include reshaping the baseline wing fillet, changing the fuselage forebody camber, and adding canards. The Langley 20 inch Mach 6 Tunnel at a Reynolds number of approximately 6 million based on fuselage reference length was used. The angle of attack range of the investigation varied from about 15 deg to 35 deg at 0 deg and -5 deg sideslip angles. Data are obtained with the elevators and body flap deflected at appropriate negative and positive conditions to assess the trim limits.

Phillips, W. P.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Parameter identification studies on the NASA/Ames Research Center Advanced Concepts Flight Simulator

The results of an aircraft parameters identification study conducted on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Ames Research Center Advanced Concepts Flight Simulator (ACFS) in conjunction with the Navy-NASA Joint Institute of Aeronautics are given. The ACFS is a commercial airline simulator with a design based on future technology. The simulator is used as a laboratory for human factors research and engineering as applied to the commercial airline industry. Parametric areas examined were engine pressure ratio (EPR), optimum long range cruise Mach number, flap reference speed, and critical take-off speeds. Results were compared with corresponding parameters of the Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft. This comparison identified two areas where improvements can be made: (1) low maximum lift coefficients (on the order of 20-25 percent less than those of a 757); and (2) low optimum cruise Mach numbers. Recommendations were made to those anticipated with the application of future technologies.

Mckavitt, Thomas P., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Space shuttle orbiter trimmed center-of-gravity extension study: Volume 2: Effects of configuration modifications on the aerodynamic characteristics of the 140 A/B orbiter at transonic speeds

Tests were conducted in the LaRC 8-foot transonic pressure tunnel to determine effects of fuselage nose and wing fillet modifications on the transonic aerodynamic characteristics of a space shuttle orbiter configuration. In addition to reshaping the baseline wing planform fillet, small canards were added to the configuration. The modifications considered were of interest in extending the forward center-of-gravity boundary for the configuration.

Phillips, W. P.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Testing the radiometric stability of HCMM thermal infrared data

A study conducted to test the radiometric stability of thermal infrared (TIR) data from the heat-capacity mapping mission (HCMM) satellites is considered. The radiance values associated with various land use and cover types in a regional study area centered on Washington, D.C. are examined. The study shows that for three different day TIR-data sets, the relative ranking of mean thermal values associated with five Level I and three Level II land-use/land-cover categories remains constant over time. Although HCMM predicted temperatures show variability up to 5 C from ground observed temperatures, the thermal measurements recorded by the satellite are fairly stable as indicators of surface temperature. A method for combining HCMM thermal data and Landsat multispectral scanner (MSS) data to improve the classification of Level I land-cover categories, and in particular the separability of urban and nonurban areas is described. A merged HCMM-MSS data set is found to yield the best results in terms of thematic-map accuracy.

Witt, R. G.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Team Performance and Error Management in Chinese and American Simulated Flight Crews: The Role of Cultural and Individual Differences

This report describes results of a study conducted for NASA-Langley Research Center. This study is part of a program of research conducted for NASA-LARC that has focused on identifying the influence of national culture on the performance of flight crews. We first reviewed the literature devoted to models of teamwork and team performance, crew resource management, error management, and cross-cultural psychology. Davis (1999) reported the results of this review and presented a model that depicted how national culture could influence teamwork and performance in flight crews. The second study in this research program examined accident investigations of foreign airlines in the United States conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The ability of cross-cultural values to explain national differences in flight outcomes was examined. Cultural values were found to covary in a predicted way with national differences, but the absence of necessary data in the NTSB reports and limitations in the research method that was used prevented a clear understanding of the causal impact of cultural values. Moreover, individual differences such as personality traits were not examined in this study. Davis and Kuang (2001) report results of this second study. The research summarized in the current report extends this previous research by directly assessing cultural and individual differences among students from the United States and China who were trained to fly in a flight simulator using desktop computer workstations. The research design used in this study allowed delineation of the impact of national origin, cultural values, personality traits, cognitive style, shared mental model, and task workload on teamwork, error management and flight outcomes. We briefly review the literature that documents the importance of teamwork and error management and its impact on flight crew performance. We next examine teamwork and crew resource management training designed to improve teamwork. This is followed by discussion of the potential influence of national culture on teamwork and crew resource management. We then examine the influence of other individual and team differences, such as personality traits, cognitive style, shared mental model, and task workload. We provide a heuristic model that depicts the influence of national culture and individual differences on teamwork, error management and flight outcomes. The results demonstrate the usefulness of the model for future research.

Davis, Donald D.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Smart Buildings Case Study

The purpose of this smart buildings case study is to showcase a leading example of a GEB renovation project in the federal buildings space and provide key information on the technology and control upgrades, costs, and energy and utility bill savings. This case study also provides information and recommendations for selecting energy conservation measures (ECMs) and choosing energy and cost reduction strategies from the energy management team at the site. The findings from this successful GEB project can be used to help pave the way for additional GEB retrofits in the future. The Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, demonstrates that GEB strategies and technologies can be realistically deployed today across buildings with substantial energy and cost savings. The project implemented both ECMs and grid-interactive technologies and controls strategies, making it a leading example of a smart, sustainable, and efficient commercial building.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗