NASA Tech Briefs Index, 1976

Abstracts of new technology derived from the research and development activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration are presented. Emphasis is placed on information considered likely to be transferrable across industrial, regional, or disciplinary lines. Subject matter covered includes: electronic components and circuits; electronic systems; physical sciences; materials; life sciences; mechanics; machinery; fabrication technology; and mathematics and information sciences

NASA Tech Briefs, September 2011

Topics covered include: Fused Reality for Enhanced Flight Test Capabilities; Thermography to Inspect Insulation of Large Cryogenic Tanks; Crush Test Abuse Stand; Test Generator for MATLAB Simulations; Dynamic Monitoring of Cleanroom Fallout Using an Air Particle Counter; Enhancement to Non-Contacting Stress Measurement of Blade Vibration Frequency; Positively Verifying Mating of Previously Unverifiable Flight Connectors; Radiation-Tolerant Intelligent Memory Stack - RTIMS; Ultra-Low-Dropout Linear Regulator; Excitation of a Parallel Plate Waveguide by an Array of Rectangular Waveguides; FPGA for Power Control of MSL Avionics; UAVSAR Active Electronically Scanned Array; Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Simulator; Silicon Carbide Mounts for Fabry-Perot Interferometers; Measuring the In-Process Figure, Final Prescription, and System Alignment of Large; Optics and Segmented Mirrors Using Lidar Metrology; Fiber-Reinforced Reactive Nano-Epoxy Composites; Polymerization Initiated at the Sidewalls of Carbon Nanotubes; Metal-Matrix/Hollow-Ceramic-Sphere Composites; Piezoelectrically Enhanced Photocathodes; Iridium-Doped Ruthenium Oxide Catalyst for Oxygen Evolution; Improved Mo-Re VPS Alloys for High-Temperature Uses; Data Service Provider Cost Estimation Tool; Hybrid Power Management-Based Vehicle Architecture; Force Limit System; Levitated Duct Fan (LDF) Aircraft Auxiliary Generator; Compact, Two-Sided Structural Cold Plate Configuration; AN Fitting Reconditioning Tool; Active Response Gravity Offload System; Method and Apparatus for Forming Nanodroplets; Rapid Detection of the Varicella Zoster Virus in Saliva; Improved Devices for Collecting Sweat for Chemical Analysis; Phase-Controlled Magnetic Mirror for Wavefront Correction; and Frame-Transfer Gating Raman Spectroscopy for Time-Resolved Multiscalar Combustion Diagnostics

Characterization of multiphase flows integrating X-ray imaging and virtual reality

Multiphase flows are used in a wide variety of industries, from energy production to pharmaceutical manufacturing. However, because of the complexity of the flows and difficulty measuring them, it is challenging to characterize the phenomena inside a multiphase flow. To help overcome this challenge, researchers have used numerous types of noninvasive measurement techniques to record the phenomena that occur inside the flow. One technique that has shown much success is X-ray imaging. While capable of high spatial resolutions, X-ray imaging generally has poor temporal resolution. This research improves the characterization of multiphase flows in three ways. First, an X-ray image intensifier is modified to use a high-speed camera to push the temporal limits of what is possible with current tube source X-ray imaging technology. Using this system, sample flows were imaged at 1000 frames per second without a reduction in spatial resolution. Next, the sensitivity of X-ray computed tomography (CT) measurements to changes in acquisition parameters is analyzed. While in theory CT measurements should be stable over a range of acquisition parameters, previous research has indicated otherwise. The analysis of this sensitivity shows that, while raw CT values are strongly affected by changes to acquisition parameters, if proper calibration techniques are used, acquisition parameters do not significantly influence the results for multiphase flow imaging. Finally, two algorithms are analyzed for their suitability to reconstruct an approximate tomographic slice from only two X-ray projections. These algorithms increase the spatial error in the measurement, as compared to traditional CT; however, they allow for very high temporal resolutions for 3D imaging. The only limit on the speed of this measurement technique is the image intensifier-camera setup, which was shown to be capable of imaging at a rate of at least 1000 FPS. While advances in measurement techniques for multiphase flows are one part of improving multiphase flow characterization, the challenge extends beyond measurement techniques. For improved measurement techniques to be useful, the data must be accessible to scientists in a way that maximizes the comprehension of the phenomena. To this end, this work also presents a system for using the Microsoft Kinect sensor to provide natural, non-contact interaction with multiphase flow data. Furthermore, this system is constructed so that it is trivial to add natural, non-contact interaction to immersive visualization applications. Therefore, multiple visualization applications can be built that are optimized to specific types of data, but all leverage the same natural interaction. Finally, the research is concluded by proposing a system that integrates the improved X-ray measurements, with the Kinect interaction system, and a CAVE automatic virtual environment (CAVE) to present scientists with the multiphase flow measurements in an intuitive and inherently three-dimensional manner

NASA SBIR abstracts of 1990 phase 1 projects

The research objectives of the 280 projects placed under contract in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 1990 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 program are described. The basic document consists of edited, non-proprietary abstracts of the winning proposals submitted by small businesses in response to NASA's 1990 SBIR Phase 1 Program Solicitation. The abstracts are presented under the 15 technical topics within which Phase 1 proposals were solicited. Each project was assigned a sequential identifying number from 001 to 280, in order of its appearance in the body of the report. The document also includes Appendixes to provide additional information about the SBIR program and permit cross-reference in the 1990 Phase 1 projects by company name, location by state, principal investigator, NASA field center responsible for management of each project, and NASA contract number

Microfluidics and Nanofluidics Handbook

The Microfluidics and Nanofluidics Handbook: Two-Volume Set comprehensively captures the cross-disciplinary breadth of the fields of micro- and nanofluidics, which encompass the biological sciences, chemistry, physics and engineering applications. To fill the knowledge gap between engineering and the basic sciences, the editors pulled together key individuals, well known in their respective areas, to author chapters that help graduate students, scientists, and practicing engineers understand the overall area of microfluidics and nanofluidics. Topics covered include Finite Volume Method for Numerical Simulation Lattice Boltzmann Method and Its Applications in Microfluidics Microparticle and Nanoparticle Manipulation Methane Solubility Enhancement in Water Confined to Nanoscale Pores Volume Two: Fabrication, Implementation, and Applications focuses on topics related to experimental and numerical methods. It also covers fabrication and applications in a variety of areas, from aerospace to biological systems. Reflecting the inherent nature of microfluidics and nanofluidics, the book includes as much interdisciplinary knowledge as possible. It provides the fundamental science background for newcomers and advanced techniques and concepts for experienced researchers and professionals

Developing Compatible Techniques for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Stroke Pathophysiology

Stroke is the most prevalent neurological disease facing our nation today. Treatments, however, are few and insufficient at reducing the impact of this neurological condition. Experimental animal models are important to improving our understanding of stroke, and for developing new therapies to counter the pathology of stroke. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is the leading tool for the non-invasive investigation of stroke pathophysiology. While most MRI work in animals is conducted under anesthesia, anesthesia has profound effects on cerebral circulation and metabolism, and can affect stroke outcome. Several novel methods were combined with MRI compatible physiologic monitoring equipment to conduct stroke studies in conscious animals. Stress was studied as a factor in these studies and conditioning was utilized to reduce the impact of stress on the animals\u27 physiology. Models of both occlusive and hemorrhagic strokes were successfully implemented within the MRI apparatus. Lastly, experiments using a macrosphere model showed evidence of a pathophysiologic difference between awake and anesthetized animals that undergo stroke

Optical Coherence Tomography and Its Non-medical Applications

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a promising non-invasive non-contact 3D imaging technique that can be used to evaluate and inspect material surfaces, multilayer polymer films, fiber coils, and coatings. OCT can be used for the examination of cultural heritage objects and 3D imaging of microstructures. With subsurface 3D fingerprint imaging capability, OCT could be a valuable tool for enhancing security in biometric applications. OCT can also be used for the evaluation of fastener flushness for improving aerodynamic performance of high-speed aircraft. More and more OCT non-medical applications are emerging. In this book, we present some recent advancements in OCT technology and non-medical applications

Building And Validating Next-Generation Neurodevices Using Novel Materials, Fabrication, And Analytic Strategies

Technologies that enable scientists to record and modulate neural activity across spatial scales are advancing the way that neurological disorders are diagnosed and treated, and fueling breakthroughs in our fundamental understanding of brain function. Despite the rapid pace of technology development, significant challenges remain in realizing safe, stable, and functional interfaces between manmade electronics and soft biological tissues. Additionally, technologies that employ multimodal methods to interrogate brain function across temporal and spatial scales, from single cells to large networks, offer insights beyond what is possible with electrical monitoring alone. However, the tools and methodologies to enable these studies are still in their infancy. Recently, carbon nanomaterials have shown great promise to improve performance and multimodal capabilities of bioelectronic interfaces through their unique optical and electronic properties, flexibility, biocompatibility, and nanoscale topology. Unfortunately, their translation beyond the lab has lagged due to a lack of scalable assembly methods for incorporating such nanomaterials into functional devices. In this thesis, I leverage carbon nanomaterials to address several key limitations in the field of bioelectronic interfaces and establish scalable fabrication methods to enable their translation beyond the lab. First, I demonstrate the value of transparent, flexible electronics by analyzing simultaneous optical and electrical recordings of brain activity at the microscale using custom-fabricated graphene electronics. Second, I leverage a recently discovered 2D nanomaterial, Ti3C2 MXene, to improve the capabilities and performance of neural microelectronic devices. Third, I fabricate and validate human-scale Ti3C2 MXene epidermal electrode arrays in clinical applications. Leveraging the unique solution-processability of Ti3C2 MXene, I establish novel fabrication methods for both high-resolution microelectrode arrays and macroscale epidermal electrode arrays that are scalable and sufficiently cost-effective to allow translation of MXene bioelectronics beyond the lab and into clinical use. Thetechnologies and methodologies developed in this thesis advance bioelectronic technology for both research and clinical applications, with the goal of improving patient quality of life and illuminating complex brain dynamics across spatial scales

Quantitative optical imaging platform for studying neurovascular hemodynamics during ischemic stroke

The measurement of cerebral hemodynamics is vital for the study of physiological and pathophysiological conditions in the brain. Preclinical research examining the mechanisms, outcomes, and efficacies of interventions during ischemic stroke require quantitative imaging technologies. This dissertation presents the development of an optical imaging platform capable of chronic in vivo monitoring of cortical hemodynamics during ischemic stroke and the subsequent recovery. The system combines two different imaging techniques, laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and oxygen-dependent quenching of phosphorescence, to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) and dissolved oxygen tension (pO2) within cortical vasculature. Phosphorescence signal localization is achieved through the use of a spatial light modulator to selectively pattern excitation light in order to overcome the traditional limitations of the imaging modality. The spatial light modulator is also utilized to perform artery-targeted photothrombosis for the induction of highly-localized, reproducible infarcts as an extension of the photothrombotic model of ischemic stroke. The LSCI hardware implements the multi-exposure speckle imaging (MESI) technique for robust estimates of CBF that facilitate day-to-day and between-subject comparisons. The integration of an awake imaging system eliminates the confounding effects of anesthesia upon cerebral hemodynamics. The capabilities of the complete optical imaging platform are demonstrated by monitoring the acute hemodynamic response during targeted photothrombosis and the chronic recovery of the resulting ischemic infarctBiomedical Engineerin