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<p>The objective of the project is to initiate realization of the Digital Twin concept for composites by coupling state-of-the-art, nondestructive characterization techniques with 3D numerical modeling to study the constituent-level failure of FRP composites. Near-term implications for this work include significantly increasing our understanding of the fundamental, constituent-level, failure mechanisms in current FRP composites through ultra-realistic, multi-physics simulations. The work will have long-term impacts on the design of innovative composites by virtual testing and on the incorporation of composites into the Digital Twin framework. The initial benchmark for success will be the high resolution (i.e. 385 nm) characterization, reconstruction, and finite element discretization of an approximately 130×130×130 mm3 volume of unidirectional graphite/epoxy composite (e.g. IM7/8552, AS4/3501-6).</p>

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<p>The goal of this project is development of a passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) communication module, compliant with the EPC global class1, generation 2 air-interface standard, that can be interfaced easily with arbitrary sensors via the EV Modular Instrumentation System (MIS) hardware. Since RFID communication operates entirely using power transmitted from an RFID interrogator, this will give MIS the capability to transmit sensor data “for free”. Hence, the MIS power supply will be responsible only for data acquisition, which will substantially increase the lifetime of a battery-powered MIS node. For sufficiently low power sensors, it may be possible to power both communication and sensing using RF energy harvested from the interrogator (or through the addition of a second harvested source, such as solar). The RFID tags developed under this effort can be interrogated by any EPC global-compliant reader, such as the hand-held readers on ISS or future robotic free-flyers equipped with standard readers. Exploration vehicle structural monitoring (strain, vibration, etc.) and environmental monitoring (CO2, O2, etc.) are targeted as initial applications. The long-term goal is a small, completely passive RFID module with a plug-and-play, delay-tolerant network (DTN)-like sensor interface.</p><p>The major goals accomplished under this project are:</p><p>•A prototype open-source RFID communication module was designed, fabricated, and successfully tested by a senior design group at Rice University.</p><p>•A COTS device with the desired functionality was identified, acquired, tested, and successfully interfaced with MIS hardware at JSC.</p>

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<p><strong>MMOD toughened, smart thermal blankets</strong>. The project was successful over the past two years in developing and demonstrating by test (hypervelocity impact and thermal vacuum tests) an MMOD toughened, smart thermal blanket concept that is adaptable to different levels of MMOD threat and/or reliability levels. This blanket includes integrated impact sensor technology to determine the location and extent of MMOD impact damage. <strong>Combined MMOD/radiation protection shields</strong>. The project also has made considerable progress in developing improved MMOD and radiation shields that have so far shown better MMOD performance than the best ISS MMOD shields, while decreasing radiation dosage by 30% from solar proton events (SPE). <strong>Self-sealing materials in MMOD protection</strong>. In FY13, impact tests on alternative shielding concepts will be performed that incorporate self-sealing materials able to close or reduce the size of holes in pressure shells. Tests to-date indicate that combinations of ionomer polymers and reinforcing materials are successful at closing 0.25” diameter holes in aluminum pressure shells under 0.3 atmosphere delta-pressure. Additional impact tests using these and other materials (thermoplastic and elastomeric polymers) are planned in FY13 for up to 1 atmosphere delta-pressure.</p>

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<p>The SPOT test bed consists of three one-meter-class segments on tip/tilt and piston actuators.  The purpose of the test bed is to demonstrate wavefront sensing and control technologies for large segmented telescope architectures, without requiring separate dispersive elements or periodic rephasing.  The SPOT architecture utilizes a point source at the radius of curvature of the mirrors and performs image-based wavefront sensing (WFS), also known as phase retrieval.</p>

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<p> This project will investigate and adapt aides which will increase the efficiency of ISS robotics ground control operations with the intent of creating more opportunities for ground-controlled robotic operations. The selection and adaption of an aide will initially focus on providing relative position feedback to the operator during close-proximity operations, like grasping a robotic interface for example, since this type of operation is  one of the most inefficient from a ground-operator perspective. This is to be a video-based system using Natural Feature Image Recognition (NFIR). The intent is to eventually use the same information to generate commands within the command system. This will benefit ISS operations and provide a testbed for future telerobotic exploration systems that will save time for both the crew and the ground.</p>

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<p>We propose the investigation of pyroelectric energy harvesters with enhanced efficiencies through quantum wells induced by a multilayer design.  Pyroelectric materials generate surface charges/voltage when heated or cooled.  This type of material has been investigated for energy harvesting applications, but have thus far yielded power far below theoretically calculated outputs.  The innovation here is the multilayer design that takes advantage of quantum wells induced by thin layers of materials with mismatched band gaps to enhance local polarization of confined charge particles by a potential well with discrete energy thus enhancing power generation.</p>

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<p> Quantify the science benefits of GRACE-II mission comprised of multiple pairs of smallsats using realistic expected performance of smallsats and a miniaturized laser ranging system.<br />  </p>

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<p>The objective of this project is to test a new approach for selecting the optimal solar wind model from an ensemble of model runs.</p><p>Because of the paucity of real time solar wind measurements, numerical heliospheric models are an essential element in space weather forecasting. At any given time coupled corona/inner heliosphere models can be generated from a number of available solar photospheric synoptic magnetograms. Validation studies have shown that the average error of the ensemble of models when forecasting the arrival time of geo-effective fast wind streams is typically 1 to 2 days. Usually one or more of the models at a given time gives a significantly better forecast than the average, but over a solar cycle, no synoptic magnetogram source clearly outperforms any other.  There has been no way, in near real time, to identify which magnetogram source leads to the best forecast.</p><p>This project propose to test a new approach, which uses observations of structure in the solar wind close to the Sun obtained from the STEREO A and B Heliospheric imagers. By identifying which of the possible forecast models best fits the Heliospheric Imager data, the expectation is to be able to significantly improve the forecasts of the arrival times of fast solar wind streams at Earth.</p><p>The WSA-ENLIL model is acknowledged to be the most physically complete model of the inner heliosphere currently in active use for solar wind forecasting. Therefore the WSA-ENLIL model was chosen to use it to demonstrate the effectiveness of this new approach. The first deliverable at the end of this project will be an updated version of the WSA-ENLIL model, configured to run in ensemble mode using a different synoptic magnetogram source for each run of the model, and with newly developed routines supporting acquisition and use of the Heliospheric Imager data, and automatic identification of the optimal forecast run. The second deliverable will be a validation study of the new approach reporting the improvements achieved in forecasting fast stream arrival times. The initial goal is not to deliver an operational forecasting tool, but to demonstrate that this approach has the capability to dramatically improve forecast quality.</p><p>The aim of follow on efforts would be to refine and optimize the procedure, and to modularize components so they can be used with alternative coupled corona/inner heliosphere models in use in both the operational forecasting community and the scientific research community. In addition by demonstrating that the new procedure will significantly improve forecast quality, we would support advocacy of any flight missions which would provide a Heliospheric Imaging capability comparable to that which is currently available from STEREO A and B.</p>

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<p>Mid Infrared DIAL systems can provide vital data needed by atmospheric scientists to understand atmospheric chemistry. The Decadal Survey recommended missions, such as ASCENDS and GACM, to measure atmospheric constituents such as CO2, CH4, CO, O3, NO2, SO2, and CH2O.  However, as noted by the Decadal Survey, mid infrared solid state lasers needed for DIAL systems are not available. This program proposes a systematic search for novel mid infrared solid state lasers utilizing a quantum mechanical model and verifying results using spectroscopy.  Specifically novel mid infrared lasers will be sought to measure the atmospheric constituents noted above.  A 2 front approach is proposed.  On 1 front, Langley’s quantum mechanical model will be used, where applicable, to predict good laser materials.  On the other front, mid infrared spectrometers will measure both absorption and fluorescence spectra will to be analyzed.  This information will verify the quantum mechanical model predictions and serve as input parameters for laser models. A successful program ends with the identification of a good laser material for at least 1 of the listed atmospheric constituents and a measurement of its germane spectroscopic parameters.  The eventual goal is the demonstration of a mid infrared laser suitable for remote sensing work.</p>

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<p> Real-time quantification of volcanic gaseous and particulate releases from analysis of satellite-based Thermal Infrared (TIR) spectral imagery data<br /> Real-time visualization of the impact of changes in model parameters on the fit between observed and model radiance spectra.<br /> Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) implementation of MODTRAN’s TIR radiance algorithms integrated into an interactive toolkit for retrieving and mapping the 3-D composition of atmospheric plumes using JPL established retrieval algorithms.<br /> Achieve 100 fold run-time reduction of radiative transfer calculations vs. state-of-the-art MAP_SO2 model.<br />  </p>

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<p>A successful proof of concept was performed in FY 2012 integrating the Envision tool for parametric estimates of vehicle mass and the Rapid Response Risk Assessment (R3A) tool for probabilistic risk analysis of vehicle systems. The initial work implemented the capability to assess a number of spacecraft systems, including Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), propulsion, and others; and demonstrated the integrated operation of the tools with the ability to quickly assess the impacts of system trade option selections.</p><p>Work remains to implement a complete vehicle architecture capability by adding and addressing the trade space of major systems and to develop a capability ready for use by envisioned NASA and JSC projects and organizations such as the Human Spaceflight Architecture Team (HAT).</p>

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<p>The SWIR wavelengths are essential for science requirements for aerosol retrievals over land, for enhanced particle microphysics, and for aerosol absorption estimates.  SWIR wavelengths also add important microphysical and thermodynamic information for cloud particles.</p>

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<p>The MHSHS concept is unique in integrated TPS with primary load carrying structure. This approach offers the potential to reduce mass and increase volume while providing a dimensionally stable vehicle outer mold line for precision landing in cases where heating rates are well below 200 W/cm-2. A building block approach is being persued to develop this technology ultimately needed for advanced missions while in the interim providing a more lightweight alternative for use on ISS return missions.</p>

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<p>Recent findings indicate that frequent, short-term crew exposure to elevated CO2 levels combined with other physiological impacts of microgravity may lead to a number of detrimental effects, including loss of vision. To evaluate the risks associated with transient elevated CO2 levels and design effective countermeasures, doctors must have access to frequent CO2 measurements in the immediate vicinity of individual crew members along with simultaneous measurements of their location in the space environment.  To achieve this goal, a small, low-power, wearable system that integrates an accurate CO<sub>2</sub> sensor with an ultra-wideband (UWB) radio capable of real-time location estimation and data communication is proposed.  This system would be worn by crew members and would automatically gather and transmit  sampled sensor data tagged with real-time, high-resolution location information.  Under the current proposed effort, a breadboard prototype of such a system will be developed.  Although the initial effort is targeted to CO<sub>2</sub> monitoring, the concept is applicable to other types of sensors.  For the initial effort, existing EV Modular Instrumentation System (MIS) Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) hardware will be leveraged to integrate a low-power CO<sub>2</sub> sensor with a commercially available UWB radio system with ranging capability.  In addition, potential for integration of this system with EV’s Electronic-textile System for the Evaluation of Wearable Technology (E-SEWT) will be evaluated.</p>

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<p>Hypervelocity testing of high and low density foam has been performed to bound the MM/OD shielding capability with our aluminum alloy.  Additionally,  mechanical testing at both densities has been performed  to understand the synergism of a focused, system designed structure.  Analytical models for structural and environmental response are being developed and correlated to test data.  As a result, an intermediate sandwich core density has been selected for further testing.  This resultant structure is being built into prototypes at component and full scale levels. The next phase includes maturing the mechanical testing of the selected metallic foam density (including physical modeling),  manufacturing formed multifunctional composite structural components into a Generation 3A MMSEV, and maturing the mathematical model to address the structural effect of an impermeability bladder embedded into the core.<br /> </p>

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<p>An IRAD award in FY 2011 enabled the G-LiHT concept to be designed, assembled, installed and tested on a NASA fixed-wing, airborne platform.</p>

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<p>We propose to test a prototype water vapor sampling end-effector in the laboratory and in the field that<br />will eventually be integrated with a small, infrared spectrometer developed through SBIR phase II funding for lunar, asteroid, or Martian exploration. The analyzer is capable of in-situ analysis of water- bearing materials on a millimeter scale providing high precision measurements of water abundance and isotopic composition. The high precision isotopic analysis will include D/H, 17O/16O, and 18O/16O. Water is central to NASA’s strategic goals for exploration of the solar system and high precision isotopic analysis, especially of 17O, provides a key tool in answering fundamental scientific questions about its origin and history. In addition, these measurements can serve as an important component of ISRU operations helping to identify, characterize, understand, and predict the occurrence of volatile deposits.<br /> </p>

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<p>The prototype would be developed in cooperation with the Texas A&M University AggieSat Lab to fit available constraints in size, shape, power, and data interfaces.  This effort leverages development and testing from previous and current projects sponsored by the JSC Technology Working Group, including HIMS and DRAGONS.  Follow-on work would develop a flight article designed to collect calibrated data on the velocity and size of debris impacts when attached to a small satellite in low Earth orbit.</p>

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<p>The plan to develop a cost-compliant EV-i instrument concept entails developing a science and instrument-performance trade space that considers channel selection, spatial resolution and swath, as well as auxiliary information obtained by potential co-manifested instruments. The trade-space is fairly complex, but by defining a small set of instrument/mission configurations, a cost matrix will indicate a point design of a CISSIR-like instrument that meets the EV-i cost constraint.  Requirements for power dissipation cause the addition of mass and other complexities for the present design.  We believe that we can successfully reduce the power consumption with compounded benefit in mass and cost.</p>

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<p>Radiation exposure to living tissue generates free radicals through ionizing reaction such as photoelectric effect, Compton and Auger effects.  Radiation induced lung damage (pneumonitis/fibrosis) is the leading cause of death in persons acutely exposed to radiation when gastrointestinal and hematopoietic syndromes are successfully treated. Our preliminary study has shown that CNPs protect from radiobiological effects of photons on healthy tissue. Successful completion would lead to an effective and safe method for restoring normal tissue function and improving survival following acute radiation exposure.</p>

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<p> Develop and apply promising quantitative pass/fail criteria to CPV using acoustic emission (AE) and lay the foundation for continued development of an automated structural health monitoring (SHM) .  CPV will be tested (current funding supports two) and several additional strand tests (a portion of 380 remaining specimens provided by NNWG) are needed to provide a statistical basis to promising test results. The project: An experienced NMSG Grad student is performing modal waveform frequency analysis to identify progressive damage and by COTs and custom software (e.g., WSTF/GRC Acoustic Emission Analysis Applet and WSTF FRAT).  Utilizes new AE equipment and labor from separately funded NASA interns for more productivity.</p> <p> FY13 Hardware and Software Progress</p> <ul> <li> Identified NI and AE vendor components for a proof of concept system</li> <li> Proof of concept hardware has been procured and is currently capable of viewing AE data on 8 individual channels</li> <li> A combination of a Digital Wave FM-1 signal conditioner and B-1025 AE sensors are used  in conjunction with a NI PXI system to collect data</li> <li> NI LabView is used to view AE data but is currently not capable of recording multiple waveforms</li> <li> Development of program capable of recording all waveforms is currently under development</li> <li> Software is still not capable of recording parametric data but hardware is now in the PXI system to do so</li> </ul> <p>  </p> <p>  </p> <p> FY13 Acoustic Emission Analysis Applet Software Work Completed for Smart COPV (excluding bug fixes):</p> <ul> <li> Added Partial Energies vs. Time plot (right-click option on Partial Power Fractionsvs. Time plot)</li> <li> Added Bar Graph Analysis window (right-click option on Partial Power Fractions vs.Time plot)</li> <li> Added run-time menu item in AE Stats vs. Event Time Plots right-click menu window to spawn dialog for entering cursor bounds over which to perform curve fit. (Also added this menu item in the enlarged AE stats vs. Event Time plot.)</li> <li> Added ability to translate PAC/Mistras Group Files to NDF format including condensed NDF Format</li> <li> Added Preliminary Event Filtering Module to front panel of AEAA</li> <li> Added Breakpoint Analysis Tool (BRAT) Fine Tuning Window (When pressure profile data file is available). Added indicators for FRAT Breakpoint Tuning Parameters onto MAIN front panel that have been set in the Fine Tuning Window. (Current version of FRAT does not detect all of the breakpoints in my COPV multipart data set.)</li> </ul> <p>  </p> <p>  </p> <p>  </p>

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<p>Geochronology is the science of determining the age of rocks, fossils, and sediments.  The science of geochronology is the prime tool used to attempt to derive absolute age dates for all fossil assemblages and determine the geologic history of the Earth and extraterrestrial bodies.</p>

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<p>Doped Chiral Polymer Metamaterials (DCPM) with tunable resonance frequencies have been developed by adding plasmonic inclusions into chiral polymers with variable orientations. Amplifying the chiral parameter (k) while lowering the real part of the permittivity (e’) can achieve metamaterials without having a negative permeability (µ’) or complex architecture. Commercially available chiral polymers are doped with plasmonic particles using a novel supercritical fluid  infusion method.  Lightweight, flexible DCPM offers compact and light devices capable of beam steering, beam dispersion reduction, miniature solid state filters, ultra-thin backward & conformal antennas, superlenses, and optical limiters to create supersensitive earth/interplanetary sensors, telescopes, and improved communications for various NASA missions.</p>

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<p>Particle instruments in general such as mass spectrometers and plasma analyzers face two common problems that degrade their performance: (a) penetrating radiation through the walls of the instruments resulting in higher noise levels due to increased background signal and (b) undesirable foreground signal (e.g. ions and UV) through the aperture which degrades the useful signal. Both have the effect of reducing the useful S/N in an instrument and therefore performance. Those issues become more severe in certain environments such as the radiation belts but also in FOVs facing the solar geo – coronal light contamination. Typical mitigation techniques for background include increasing the walls of the instruments – with a heavy impact on mass, which is often impractical – or increasing thresholds in suppression.</p><p>Although the use of foils and coincidence timing in plasma instrumentation is common, <em>the foil and coincidence technique we propose has never been implemented for background/foreground suppression in this way. </em>The proposed technique will solve this problem for future instruments in high radiation environments.</p>

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<p>The approach to developing this tool are the following: to use SysML to model the instrumentation system, to develop a method to seamlessly transfer data from SysML to TEAMS to perform testability/observability analysis, to develop a multi-variate optimization technique to examine testability, observability, mass, and cost optimization, to transfer data from SysML to the optimization tool, and to perform the optimization.</p>