2013 NASA EPSCoR Recommended Proposal Abstractslanasaepscor.lsu.edu/.../uploads/2013/03/...FY2013.pdfother solar system bodies we will focus on volcanic flows and impact melts. Projects

2013 NASA EPSCoR Proposal Abstracts 1

2013 NASA EPSCoR Recommended Proposal Abstracts

AK 0032 Stereo-Derived Topography for the Last Frontier and the Final Frontier ................... 3

AL 0016 Experimental Investigation of Noise and Thermo-acoustic Instabilities in Low-Emission, High-Efficiency Combustion Systems for Aviation ......................... 5

HI 0010 Development of a large area standoff bio-finder and chemical analyzer for planetary exploration ........................................................................................................ 7

KY 0013 Improving Heat Shields for Atmospheric Entry: Numerical and Experimental Investigations for Modeling Ablative Thermal Protection System Surface Degradation Effects on Near-Wall Flow ...................... 9

LA 0027 Genetic Assessment of the Space Environment using MEMS Technologies .............. 11

MO 0015 Fabrication of Advanced Materials for Space Applications ............................................ 13

MT 0011 Minerva: A Dedicated Observatory for Exoplanet Science .............................................. 15

NE 0012 Neutron Voltaics for Deep Space Missions ............................................................................. 17

NV 0030 Advanced Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Sensors for Aerospace Robotic Applications .............................................................................................................. 19

OK 0020 A Nanostructured Energy Harvesting and Storage System for Space and Terrestrial Applications ........................................................................................................ 21

RI 0033 Web-Scale Assisted Robot Teleoperation ................................................................................ 23

UT 0024 Miniature Space Weather Sensors for Pico and Nano Satellites .................................... 25

WV 0006 Mechanical unloading and irradiation-induced musculoskeletal loss and dysfunction: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic nanoparticles ................. 27

WY 0007 Research Capacity Building using a new Dual-frequency Airborne Radar System in support of NASA GPM and ACE Ground Validation Experiments .............................................................................................................................. 29

2 2013 NASA EPSCoR Proposal Abstracts


SMD

Geological Analyses Synthetic Aperture Radar (Sar)

Topography Astrophysics

AK 13-EPSCoR-0032 University of Alaska, Fairbanks

Stereo-Derived Topography for the Last Frontier and the Final Frontier PI Denise Thorsen, University of Alaska Fairbanks Sc-I Robert R Herrick, University of Alaska Co-I Franz Josef Meyer, University of Alaska Co-I Scott A Arko, University of Alaska Co-I Jonathan Dehn, University of Alaska Co-I Gabriel J Wolken, Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Co-I Thomas A Heinrichs, University of Alaska, Fairbanks Co-I Gennady A Gienko, University of Alaska, Anchorage Collaborator Elpitha Howington-Kraus, USGS Flagstaff Collaborator Jacob E. Bleacher, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Collaborator Catherine Neish, Self Collaborator Brian Rasley, University of Alaska Collaborator Christopher W Hamilton, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Collaborator Lori S. Glaze, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Within the Alaska EPSCoR jurisdiction we will develop the infrastructure and expertise necessary to generate topographic data from a variety of terrestrial and planetary stereoscopic data sets, and we will use this infrastructure to carry out a research program focused on the study of geologic viscous flows. Having accurate topography of sufficient resolution is critical to a wide variety of geological analyses and civic planning activities. Currently available topographic data for Alaska and the planets of the solar system are insufficient for many studies. When viewed from off-nadir with a camera or a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), topographic slopes are distorted in a predictable manner through an effect known as parallax. With images taken from two different viewing angles, a stereo pair, differences in parallax can be translated into a topographic model of the imaged surface. There is abundant stereo imagery available for Alaska and the planets of the solar system in locales without good topographic coverage. Also, in Alaska the topography of certain geologically important areas can change significantly on short time scales, and currently there is very little time series topography for Alaska. While the principles of deriving topography from stereo data are easy to understand, effective and efficient processing of the data requires sophisticated software, and experience at using that software, that currently does not exist within Alaska’s research community. Here we propose to develop the infrastructure and expertise to process stereo data to topography


using SOCET SET, a versatile software package that can process all of the terrestrial and planetary data sets of interest. The expertise that we develop will be applied to several research projects in Alaska and across the solar system that are under a general theme of studying geologic flow structures. In Alaska, we will focus on glaciers and volcanic flows, on other solar system bodies we will focus on volcanic flows and impact melts. Projects include: 1. Evaluation of the efficacy and limitations of stereo-derived topography for Alaska glaciers and volcanoes from the study of three selected test areas. 2. Application of time series DEMs for the study of flow behavior in Alaska and Russian volcanic eruptions. These studies will focus on four recently erupted volcanoes, including the currently erupting basaltic volcano Tolbachik, an important planetary analog. 3. Analysis and modeling of volcanic flows on Mars and impact melts on the Moon. 4. Studies of glacier change in the upper Susitna drainage basin, Alaska Range. A broad spectrum of Alaska geoscientists are represented by the proposal team, donations of time and data from their employers provide the matching funds for this proposal. The proposal funds multiple SOCET SET licenses and hardware for dedicated stereogrammetric workstations at the Fairbanks and Anchorage campuses of the University of Alaska. The proposal also funds a post-doc, graduate students, and undergraduate research assistants (including RAs specific to Alaska Natives) to carry out the proposed work. Additional students will be funded as match by the State of Alaska’s Division of Natural Resources. The research projects are consistent with NASA's scientific goals for the Earth Science and Planetary Science arms of NASA's Science Mission Directorate. The proposal efforts build infrastructure and enhance collaboration of UAF with UAA, and of UA with state and federal agencies, including extensive collaboration with Goddard Space Flight Center. We will be improving the pipeline of UA's education efforts to provide trained employees to governmental agencies and private employers. The application of developed expertise to the analysis of flow features on the Earth and planets will result in significant advancements of our understanding of the development and behavior of these dynamic features.


ARMD Aviation

Engineering Combustion

Power AL 13-EPSCoR-0016 University of Alabama, Huntsville

Experimental Investigation of Noise and Thermo-acoustic Instabilities in Low-Emission, High-Efficiency Combustion Systems for Aviation PI John C. Gregory, The University of Alabama in Huntsville Sc-I Ajay K Agrawal, University of Alabama Co-I Brian T Fisher, University of Alabama Emissions, noise, and fuel efficiency are the three areas identified by NASA to meet future air transportation needs. Lean direct injection (LDI) combustion has emerged as a promising technique to satisfy these requirements as demonstrated by research conducted at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). Prior studies have mainly characterized the overall emissions performance, while the physical and chemical details of the combustor flow field remain unknown. Knowledge of noise and thermo-acoustic instabilities in LDI combustion and a method to effectively control them is also lacking at present. The purpose of this study is to fill the existing gap by acquiring high-fidelity experimental data to understand detailed flow, chemical, and acoustics processes in the combustor, including interactions among them. A suite of advanced diagnostic techniques will be utilized to capture time-resolved details of turbulent fuel spray, fuel-air mixing, flame structure, and acoustics fields. Results will be used to implement a passive technique to control combustion noise and instability. In this passive technique developed at The University of Alabama (UA), ring-shaped porous inserts are placed within the combustor to modify flow-mixing and heat release processes in a favorable manner. The Combustion Branch at NASA GRC has invested heavily on LDI combustion studies. Working with Dr. Chi-Ming Lee (Branch Chief) and his associates, we will design lab-scale combustors and operating parameters, exchange test data to improve advanced CFD models, and take advantage of the GRC test facilities providing high pressure and high flow rate capabilities. High-temperature metallic porous foam structures for our combustion studies will be produced at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, which has invested in an Electron Beam Additive Fabrication (EBAF) system capable of fabricating metal components utilizing additive manufacturing techniques. Rolls-Royce will provide in-kind support towards the development of the proposed research which will help establish our collaboration, benefit our capabilities in combustion, and offer training and education opportunities. Project objectives are endorsed by Dr. Rudy Dudebout, Fellow and Chief Engineer at Honeywell Aerospace, who will serve in the role of an advisor to help us focus our research on industry challenges in the area. CFDRC, a Huntsville, Alabama company


and leader in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis software has extensive experience in modeling LDI combustion, and they will work us to improve state-of-the-art CFD models and to pursue new collaborative research opportunities. Research will be conducted in the newly constructed UA Engines and Combustion Laboratory (ECL), which houses six isolated test cells, adjacent control rooms, and several work areas within 11,000 sq. ft. of floor space. The ECL is the first facility of its kind in an academic setting in Alabama. We have a vast array of state-of-the-art equipment for advanced diagnostics, including time-resolved stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (PIV), phase Doppler particle analysis (PDPA), high-speed imaging systems, and gas analysis equipment with fast sampling. Proposed research would leverage these capabilities to facilitate development of an internationally recognized, self-sustaining combustion research program at UA. Proposed research combines efforts of a chaired professor (Co-I/Science-PI Agrawal) and a tenure-track assistant professor (Co-I/UA-I Fisher) with strong backgrounds in combustion and laser diagnostics. This collaboration will significantly enhance Fisher’s research program and add capability that will benefit both investigators. In addition, the project will provide education and training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students including those from underrepresented groups. These students will bring advanced skills to the workforce to support local industry and the economy in Alabama.


SMD, STMD Lasers

Biology Remote Sensing

Biominerals Oceanography

HI 13-EPSCoR-0010 University of Hawaii, Honolulu

Development of a large area standoff bio-finder and chemical analyzer for planetary exploration PI Luke P Flynn, University of Hawaii at Manoa Sc-I Anupam K Misra, University of Hawaii Co-I Shiv K. Sharma, University of Hawaii Collaborator Christopher P McKay, NASA Ames Research Center Collaborator M. Nurul Abedin, NASA Langley Research Center Collaborator G. Jeffrey Taylor, University of Hawaii Collaborator Patricia Fryer, University of Hawaii Collaborator Paul G. Lucey, University of Hawaii Finding evidence of life on other planets using rovers and landers is one of NASA’s top priorities. The task of finding a small amount of biological material or bio-minerals from a large collection of mineral samples can be a very time consuming process for rovers. To significantly improve the capability of a rover to find bio-minerals and other bio-markers from a standoff distance of several meters, we propose to develop an instrument which will be able to locate biological materials and biomarkers from standoff distances of several meters with fast scanning speed (1 s). Such an instrument will be useful for a lander or rover for locating biological material in its vicinity. After an area of interest is identified, the instrument will assay the chemical composition of the target material from a standoff distance using remote Raman spectroscopy and Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) during both daytime and nighttime operations. The proposed instrument will be suitable for locating and identifying bacteria, biominerals, metabolic enzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), photosynthetic pigments, and diagenetic products of microbial life, etc. It will be of great significance not only for future rovers to be sent to Mars, but also in making observations on Earth’s ocean floor or at underwater active volcanoes. This EPSCoR proposal will involve the design and construction of a new combined prototype standoff time-resolved fluorescence, Raman and LIBS spectrometer and detector configured for NASA planetary exploration missions for searching for biological materials, bio-markers and water. Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy will be used as a standoff bio-finder. Most biological materials including carotenes and chlorophylls have very short fluorescence life times (<50 ns) in comparison to fluorescence signals produced


by inorganic impurities such as transition metal ions and rare-earth ions in minerals and rocks materials, which have significantly long fluorescence life times (from 100 ns to a few ms). The proposed instrument will use fluorescence life time to locate a region which will have a very high probability of finding materials of biological origin. The targeted region then can be remotely analyzed by standoff Raman spectroscopy and LIBS which provide both the molecular structure and elemental composition of the target. This new Standoff Fluorescence Raman and LIBS (SFRLIBS) instrument will be tested in both long-range (>10 m) and short-rage (1 m) stand-off configurations. Presently, it is possible to obtain good quality Raman and LIBS spectra of various materials from a standoff distance of 10 m within 1 second. Since fluorescence signals are several orders of magnitude stronger than Raman signal, the system will be able to locate a biomarker in a large area (~ 500 cm2) with significantly faster speed (0.1 s) from a standoff distance. The proposed instrument for planetary exploration will not be limited to just the identification of organic matter but will also be useful for locating water, ice, dry ice, carbon, sulfur and identifying species which are markers for past and/or present life. The University of Hawaii has been developing small standoff Raman systems for NASA under previously funded PIDDP and MIDP projects. Under the DoD projects, we have also integrated standoff Raman and LIBS systems into one unit. The proposed instrument and technology development under this EPSCoR project will benefit from the team expertise in standoff Raman and LIBS systems and take advantage of our innovative optical designs along with the development of a novel standoff bio-finder instrument. The overall outcome of this activity will be development of a new generation of a compact instrument for a rapid standoff biological detection and chemical analysis suitable for future NASA planetary exploration missions.


HEOMD, SMD, STMD Engineering

Thermal Protection Systems Atmospheric Entry Physics

KY 13-EPSCoR-0013 University of Kentucky, Lexington

Improving Heat Shields for Atmospheric Entry: Numerical and Experimental Investigations for Modeling Ablative Thermal Protection System Surface Degradation Effects on Near-Wall Flow PI Suzanne Weaver Smith, University of Kentucky Sc-I Alexandre Martin, University of Kentucky Co-I Janet K Lumpp, University of Kentucky Co-I Michael W Winter, University of Kentucky Co-I Sean C Bailey, University of Kentucky Co-I Chi Shen, KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY NASA Partner Michael J. Wright, NASA Ames Research Center NASA Partner Nagi Nicolas Mansour, NASA Ames Research Center NASA Partner Adam J Amar, NASA Johnson Space Center NASA Partner Paul M Danehy, NASA Langley Research Center NASA Partner Lawrence L Green, NASA Langley Research Center The recent success of the SpaceX Dragon capsule marks the beginning of a new era in space exploration: technology necessary to safely land spacecraft returning from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) has reached a maturity and level of confidence for use by industry. However, as NASA sets goals for future solar system exploration, vehicles must travel at increasingly higher velocities, and enter planetary atmospheres with significantly different compositions or densities. Vehicles will need to decelerate considerably to land on a planet’s surface, typically using friction generated by the planet’s atmosphere. Kinetic energy of the vehicle is transformed into heat, which is transferred into the surrounding gas. Some energy reaches the vehicle surface and, to keep the vehicle intact, the exposed vehicle surface is shielded by way of a Thermal Protection System (TPS). Higher velocity entries required for interplanetary exploration require increasingly sophisticated TPS. Research pertaining specifically to the ablative materials used for TPS is key to NASA’s technology development, with TPS mentioned in 7 of 14 space technology roadmaps for objectives including near-Earth asteroid and Mars missions as well as extreme-environment atmospheric entry. Although immensely successful, recent data from the Mars Science Lab entry confirms the need to better understand and model the complex aero-thermal environment of TPS material interaction with the flow field. The goals of the proposed study include developing the underlying high fidelity tools needed for detailed characterization of the near wall composition and flow. The proposed research activity will improve our ability to model and predict deterioration


of TPS and associated effects on the surrounding flow field. Specifically, we seek to investigate surface reactions and spallation and their influence on near wall flow, including surface roughness and pyrolysis gas injection effects on boundary layer turbulence structure and transport. The chemical composition of the boundary layer will also be examined by taking into account effects of spalled particles ejected from the ablated surface. High-fidelity numerical simulations will be possible using a GPU-accelerated in-house aerothermodynamic CFD code coupled with particle tracking capabilities and material response. Research will be conducted with close collaboration between academic and NASA partners. Experiments will be conducted in a specialized wind tunnel at the University of Kentucky and the HYMETS facility at NASA Langley. NASA Ames researchers will collaborate with material response codes development and NASA Johnson researchers will collaborate with coupling methods, a key issue for integration of turbulence models into the numerical code. In Kentucky, we will develop important computational models of atmospheric entry, build a unique experimental infrastructure, leverage a new supercomputer facility, increase specialized knowledge of early career faculty, and generate collaboration with the state’s HBCU. The new particle tracking system will be state of the art, providing a significant infrastructure investment that increases flow-field measurement capabilities and supports future funding success. The work complements Kentucky’s recent investments in small satellite technology. All four NASA Mission Directorates benefit by advancing aeronautics and space launch capability, helping overcome high-priority technical challenges, and aiding scientific research via improved landing systems for heavier scientific instruments. It has potential to assist NASA Technology Demonstration Missions and commercial spaceflight partnerships, improve safety for future astronauts and space passengers, and enable potential spinoff technology for US industries.


HEOMD, STMD Space Radiation

Biomedical Science Nanotechnology

LA 13-EPSCoR-0027 Louisiana Board of Regents

Genetic Assessment of the Space Environment using MEMS Technologies PI John P. Wefel, Louisiana State University Sc-I Niel D Crews, Louisiana Tech University Co-I Pedro A Derosa, Grambling State University Co-I Lee Sawyer, Louisiana Tech University Co-I Karl H Hasenstein, University of Louisiana The world is pressing toward an extended human presence in space. However, the high uncertainty associated with radiation risk to humans is currently prohibitive. We propose a new instrument for ground and space-based experiments aimed at better quantification of this risk. This project will focus on the gene expression changes that cascade from irradiated cells through the surrounding tissue. These bystander effects have gained recent attention as a carcinogenesis pathway, and are presently the focus of multiple NASA-sponsored research groups. Current progress is encouraging, but still burdened by the very manual and macroscale biological analysis protocols. The goal of this project is to develop and test an instrument that automates the extraction and quantification of RNA from living cells. Furthermore, this proposed device will implement a non-destructive extraction technique to preserve culture viability, and will yield a spatial resolution of the gene expression map that does not now exist. To achieve this, our experimental system will contain one or more precision-guided microneedles that have been demonstrated to almost instantly (~1 min) capture RNA from a truly pinpoint location. Using a microfluidic thermal reactor, the RNA will be automatically removed from the needles and quantified through reverse transcription and a subsequent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). An important feature of this instrument will be its ability to spatially resolve gene expression changes with respect to radiation impact. For this functionality, a hodoscope will be used to detect the path of energetic radiation traversing the biological sample, to identify irradiation sites within a cell culture. During this project, validation of this instrument will be performed in the engineering and biological laboratories of the investigators, as well as in Louisiana-based radiation facilities. We will consult with existing NASA collaborators at NASA centers KSC and ARC regarding future development and deployment opportunities, and we will seek partnerships with NASA radiobiologists (likely affiliated with the SRPE at JSC) to jointly apply for further testing in the space radiation simulators at NASA’s Space Radiation Laboratory at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Partnerships at JSC will be focused on ground-based radiation effects research. To examine the combined effects of radiation and microgravity,


we will pursue ISS deployment with our KSC partners, as well as ISS and nanosatellite missions with our ARC collaborators. In fact, ARC personnel have agreed to provide specifications of their WetLab II experiment in advance of its 2014 ISS deployment. These specifications will be considered during the design phase of this proposed project, in order to maximize future compatibility with other ISS bioanalytical hardware. We hope to attain a TRL-4 for this technology, since prior NASA EPSCoR RID support and seed investments from Louisiana institutions have resulted in high-fidelity prototypes of each of the technologies that will be combined in this work: Karl Hasenstein (Biology “ University of Louisiana at Lafayette) in using needles for gene extraction, Niel Crews (Mechanical Engineering - Louisiana Tech University) in microfluidic thermal reactors for genetic analysis, and Lee Sawyer (Physics “ Louisiana Tech University) in radiation detector development. This proposal represents the first integration of these elements, as well as the incorporation of numerical methods for system optimization, led by Pedro Derosa (Physics Grambling State University).


ARMD, STMD Composite Materials

Fabrication Engineering

Modeling MO 13-EPSCoR-0015 University of Missouri, Rolla

Fabrication of Advanced Materials for Space Applications PI Fathi A. Finaish, Missouri University of Science and Technology Sc-I Frank Liou, University of Missouri Co-I Joseph W Newkirk, University of Missouri Postdoctoral Associate Todd E Sparks, Missouri University of Science and Technology Industry Partner Kong none Ma, University of Missouri Industry Partner David M Dietrich, The Boeing Company - Boeing Research and Technology NASA Partner William James Seufzer, NASA Langley Research Center NASA Partner Karen M Taminger, NASA Langley Research Center The goal of this proposed project is to explore and develop new materials in space and aeronautic applications using Advanced Additive Manufacturing (AAM) processes. Another project goal is to enhance Missouri’s research infrastructure and expertise for fabrication of advanced materials, thus making Missouri researchers more competitive for subsequent funding, and creating economic development opportunities through industrial partnerships. This project is directly related to the mission of NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate: Subsonic Fixed Wing Project program and Supersonics Project program, for reduction of structural weight for aircraft through fabrication of lightweight, multifunctional structures. Applications have been identified in aero-engines, rocket engines, reusable spacecraft, small satellites, and UAV. To achieve this goal, an interdisciplinary team of mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, materials scientists, industrial practitioners (Boeing and Rolls Royce), and NASA researchers will make a collaborative effort to address the challenges in fabrication of Functionally Graded Materials (FGM) and Structurally Amorphous Materials (SAM) relevant to NASA missions. The research project objectives include: 1) research and develop strategies to select, design, and test candidate materials to fabricate structures, 2) enhancement and use of predictive modeling capability to fabricate high performance materials using AAM processes, and 3) demonstrate the feasibility of using a science-based approach to fabricate advanced materials using AAM techniques. To accomplish the above goals towards FGM and SAM fabrication, the project technical objectives include: 1) Develop strategies to select, filter, design, and test candidate materials, 2) enhance the current AAM model to be used as a process roadmap, 3) enhance the current AAM facilities for novel material fabrication, 4) use the enhanced AAM model to guide the AAM processes, and 5)


demonstrate the feasibility of science-based fabrication both in laboratories and in industry. The team will work toward these research tasks in collaboration with the NASA Langley Research Center and industrial partners. Both FGM and SAM are difficult to make using current manufacturing technologies. Fabrication of SAM requires high cooling rates of over 1000 deg K per second to interfere with the crystallization of alloys while FGM’s are difficult to make due to material mixing, overheating and residual stresses. AAM processes can place desired material at specific locations and can achieve high cooling rates due to the small volume of material processed at each location. Such advantages make AAM processes enabling tools in the manufacture of FGM and SAM structures. AAM processes involve many process parameters, including power of heat source, travel speed, material feed rate, shielding gas pressure, etc. Most of these process parameters are complex and have a range of values. To achieve desired material properties and geometries, assessing the impact of process parameters and predicting optimized conditions is necessary, thus an effective numerical model of the process is proposed. This proposed research will use multi-scale and multi-physics modeling to assist in fabrication of these advanced materials. The anticipated outcomes of this project include: 1) strategies for selection, design, testing, and validation of candidate materials to fabricate advanced materials for specific applications, 2) AAM facility design and enhancement strategy to fabricate advanced materials, 3) an enhanced AAM model for FGM and SAM fabrication, and 4) tested and demonstrated FGM and SAM parts and processes at NASA and in industry. Success here will pay huge dividends in future spacecraft and aircraft in terms of higher performance, lighter weight, and lowered costs of fabrication.


SMD Remote Sensing

Engineering Astronomy

Astrophysics MT 13-EPSCoR-0011 Montana State University, Bozeman

Minerva: A Dedicated Observatory for Exoplanet Science PI Angela Colman Des Jardins, Montana Space Grant Consortium Sc-I Nate McCrady, University of Montana Co-I Daniel B Reisenfeld, University of Montana Co-I Adam S Bolton, University of Utah NASA’s highly successful Kepler mission has built a diverse statistical ensemble of exoplanets, demonstrating not only that planets are common, but also that there may be more Earth-sized planets than stars in our galaxy. It is now clear that there must be as-yet undetected rocky planets orbiting nearby stars. These planets will be extremely valuable scientifically, as their proximity will facilitate detailed study of their atmospheres, the presence of liquid water and the suitability to sustain life. Recent advances in technology and our understanding of stars have allowed the first such planets to be discovered, such as alpha Centauri B b. The University of Montana, in collaboration with partner institutions Harvard, Penn State and Caltech, proposes to build and operate Minerva, a dedicated observatory for detection and characterization of rocky, Earth-like planets orbiting nearby stars. Minerva will be an array of 4 “6 robotically operated optical telescopes, all of which will use optical fibers to feed a single, custom, temperature and pressure-stabilized echelle spectrometer. The spectrograph will be optimized for work in the optical, and will use an iodine cell for wavelength and instrumental profile calibration to perform precise Doppler spectroscopy. The array will be automated for nightly operation, with options for interruption and remote operations from the partner institutions. The telescopes will also be equipped with photometric cameras with a variety of filters, so they will be able to perform precision photometry to search for transits of newly discovered planets and monitor known transiting systems. NASA EPSCoR funding will enable the University of Montana to purchase and implement the research infrastructure necessary for full participation in Minerva, and will establish a lasting scientific collaboration with our partner institutions. Minerva answers the call of the 2010 Decadal Survey of Astronomy and Astrophysics to develop new dedicated mid-sized ground-based telescopes equipped with a new generation of high-resolution spectrometers to attain the sensitivity required to detect small, rocky planets. The purpose-built Minerva spectrometer will attain the high precision (< 1 m/s) radial velocity (RV) measurements of stars required to detect the gravitational


wobble induced by an orbiting Earth-like planet. By pushing well past the RV precision of the Keck/HIRES spectrometer, every bright star that has been monitored for a decade at Keck Observatory becomes a virgin target once again, statistics from Kepler reveal that many of these stars must host rocky planets with RV amplitudes just below the Keck detection limits. Not only will Minerva match the 0.8 m/s precision of the Southern hemisphere project HARPS, it will be truly unique in its unprecedented 365 nights/year availability for RV monitoring. This will allow us to detect super-Earths (3-15 Earth masses) in the Habitable Zones of their host stars, where water can exist in liquid form, as well as close-in, Earth-sized planets in the Habitable Zones of smaller stars. Minerva science aligns with the NASA Science Mission Directorate goal of extending exoplanet exploration to the detection of habitable, Earth-like planets around other stars... and to search for indicators that they may harbor life. • While Kepler has demonstrated that planets are common, and small planets are more common than larger planets, most of the Kepler planets are very distant and orbit faint stars (V > 12). Minerva will discover the most interesting, most Earth-like, and most nearby planets in the Milky Way. In addition to being natural targets for upcoming NASA missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, the distances, orbital properties, and masses we measure for these planets will guide planning and design for future exoplanetary science missions, including interferometric and coronographic imaging efforts.


HEOMD, SMD, STMD Photovoltaic Devices

Power Materials Science

Neutron Detectors Neutron Voltaics

NE 13-EPSCoR-0012 University of Nebraska, Omaha

Neutron Voltaics for Deep Space Missions PI Scott E. Tarry, University of Nebraska at Omaha Sc-I Axel Enders, University of Nebraska Co-I Wai-Ning Mei, University of Nebraska Co-I Natale J Ianno, University of Nebraska Co-I Peter Arnold Dowben, University of Nebraska NASA Partner Sheila G Bailey, NASA Glenn Research Center The 2011 NASA Strategic Vision and 2011 NASA Strategic Plan discuss the need for deep space probes to help in understanding the universe. These probes must be powered by a non-solar source, while at the same time they will need to be shielded from intense neutron exposure during exploration. Both needs can be met by the development of a robust lightweight neutron absorber material: neutron based photovoltaic devices can potentially be this alternative power supplies for deep space satellites and probes. This power generation approach relies on the direct conversion of neutrons into electric power, which can be highly efficient and requires the probe to carry a much smaller amount of radioactive material to supply the neutrons than the sub-critical reactor in use today. The key component in this scheme is the neutron voltaic device. The PIs have demonstrated a neutron voltaic device based on boron carbide that can serve as the basis of neutron voltaics to power deep space probes. This new approach to powering deep space satellites is an important new space technology for exploration and could be an important element for all satellites. The objective of the proposed work is to develop boron carbide polymers from C2B10Hx icosahedra building blocks, with controlled p-type and n-type semiconducting doping. Based on these materials, the process parameters to synthesize several micrometer thick films and multilayers by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition will be established. The neutron-absorbing properties of films will enable three distinctive but intrinsically related applications that are relevant to NASA, which are (i) light-weight coatings for deep-space probes to shield them from intense neutron exposure during exploration, (ii) effective neutron-voltaics devices to power deep space probes, and (iii) all-boron carbide gamma-blind neutron detectors of unprecedented efficiency, to provide insight into cosmic rays, solar neutrons, neutron stars, pulsars and supernovas during NASA’s deep space missions.


The proposed research program includes a materials science approach to establish the fundamental basis of boron carbides and the development of proof-of-concept devices. Central element is the design continuum between experiment and theory for the development of materials for neutron photovoltaics. This means that first target materials are identified through a rigorous theoretical analysis that identifies materials that exhibit a suitable band structure while being mechanically stable. Synthetic routes to the target materials will then be developed, both through laboratory experimental efforts as well as through model thermodynamic cluster calculations. With the materials in hand, the major goal is to fabricate working devices to be tested as neutron detectors, or neutron voltaics, with a device architecture that optimizes the resulting device for the application. All devices proposed here are based on thin films of boron carbide, which can potentially be uniformly deposited over any surface topography. Therefore, these films could produce electricity while also acting as an excellent neutron shield increasing the operational life of satellites equipped with this technology. Preliminary but extensive studies have demonstrated the potential of boron carbide films for gamma-blind neutron detection, and the ability to systematically vary electronic structure through selective doping, to develop novel radiation sensors based on doped boron carbide homo- and hetero-junctions. The outcome of this work will enable robust, stable gamma-blind neutron detectors with dramatically enhanced detection efficiencies. It will help NASA to create new technology to power space probes and enable future space missions. Success will also permit the future design of made to order materials for neutron radiation sensing, as well as novel electronic applications.


HEOMD, SMD, STMD Robotics Sensors

Aeronautics Composite Materials

NV 13-EPSCoR-0030 University of Nevada, Reno

Advanced Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Sensors for Aerospace Robotic Applications PI Christian H. Fritsen, Desert Research Institute Sc-I Kwang J Kim, University of Nevada Co-I Kam K Leang, University of Nevada Co-I Woosoon Yim, Self Co-I DONG-CHAN LEE, University of Nevada Co-I Ann-Marie Vollstedt, Nevada System of Higher Education This is an integrated and state-wide collaborative project between the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), and the Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC). The main goal of this project is to advance the development and understanding of electroactive polymer sensors and actuators for applications in autonomous and emerging NASA-related aerospace robotic and structural systems. Specifically, the research focuses on material processing, materials chemistry, modeling and control, and systems-level integration for electroactive polymer materials. An education plan is also proposed to integrate innovative teaching material on electroactive polymers for training the future workforce across the three campuses. Novel electroactive polymers such as Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) produce a measurable voltage when deformed for sensing applications and conversely, produce large deformation when voltage is applied. The enabling capabilities of novel active polymer materials can be used to create dexterous, lightweight, and energy efficient robotic devices and structures. Electroactive polymers can be exploited to create soft and flexible sensors for deployable space structures and actuators for robotics and compliant positioning systems, and embeddable miniature sensors for detecting strain, pressure, and force in autonomous systems. As recently envisioned by NASA, the electroactive polymer technology will be able to create a series of new aerospace applications including end effectors, sensors, space structures, and intelligent robotic systems for exploration on Mars, the Moon, and other in space environments. Also, the use of electroactive polymers for human support systems is of great importance to NASA. The material system needs to be designed and tailored specifically for such harsh space environments. The anticipated technical outcomes include: (1) development of tunable ionic polymer-metal composite soft sensors and actuators with


predictable, reliable, and fast speed of response compared to existing technologies, (2) accurate input-output models, precision sensing, control, and optimized design methodologies, (3) innovative systems-level integration for advanced robotic and aerospace systems, and (4) innovative teaching materials and training programs for the future NASA workforce This program will promote the further development of NASA-related research expertise and programs among the Nevada System of Higher Education's (NSHE) institutions (UNLV, UNR and TMCC), strengthen competitive and nationally outstanding higher education and research programs in aerospace science and engineering, helping ensure sustainability. Also, the proposed effort will be able to create an environment that can foster cutting edge technologies and knowledge-based economy. Furthermore, it will enhance undergraduate/graduate curriculum in the fundamentals of electroactive polymer material systems, and help establish the envisioned M.S./Ph.D. degree in electroactive materials as NSHE institutions have a critical mass of faculty interest in this area. Outreach presentations and aerospace technology demonstration are also included in this project. The team will interact with NASA scientists/engineers from three NASA centers--Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Johnson Space Center, and Langley Research Center. This program directly supports NASA Strategic Goal 3: Create the innovative new space technologies for our exploration, science, and economic future. Finally, an advisory board consisting of NASA representatives and experts in the research field is formed to provide input to help guide the direction of the program


HEOMD, STMD Nanotechnology

Photovoltaic Devices Batteries

Computational Modeling OK 13-EPSCoR-0020 University of Oklahoma, Norman

A Nanostructured Energy Harvesting and Storage System for Space and Terrestrial Applications PI Victoria Duca Snowden, University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus Sc-I Dale C Teeters, University of Tulsa Co-I Nicholas F Materer, Oklahoma State University Co-I Ian R Sellers, University of Oklahoma Co-I Michael Wade Keller, University of Tulsa Co-I Sanwu Wang, University of Tulsa Co-I Allen W Apblett, Oklahoma State University Co-I Kenneth P Roberts, University of Tulsa Co-I Parameswar Hari, University of Tulsa Co-I Peter J Hawrylak, University of Tulsa NASA Ames Research Center/NASA Glenn Research Centers NASA Research Area of Interest: Identification, development, and validation of exploration systems and technologies Key, central objectives of the proposal: a. Fabrication of nanostructured photovoltaic devices made from ZnO and decorated with nanoparticles. We believe that with the nanoengineering, we can increase the efficiency to as high as 4-6% while maintaining the low cost per watt for these systems. b. Further development and characterization of nanobattery systems tuned for photovoltaic interfacing. We have already made substantial increases in battery performance. Our metrics for this work include batteries that have charge/discharge rates as high as 200 C with capacities that are able to exceed theoretical values. Nanostructuring will allow us to reach these values. c. Computational modeling of the proposed system to maximize energy production, storage and system durability. d. Integration of the PV and nanobatteries into a highly efficient light-harvesting system. Methods/techniques proposed to accomplish the stated research objectives: The ultimate goal of the proposed research is the final fabrication and characterization of a nanostructured photovoltaic (PV) system connected to nanostructured batteries in order to form a novel, self-sustaining energy storage system. The nanostructuring for the


batteries will be done by using a nanostructured substrate. Nanostructured PV consisting of inorganic nanorods will be fabricated by high temperature solution growth methods. Nanorods will be decorated with quantum dots synthesized by standard chemical methods. The inherent nanostructuring will greatly enhance the PV system while simultaneously enhancing the electron and ion conduction kinetics of the battery. The combined effect will result in nanobatteries that can be charged more readily by the photovoltaic system and can have increased capacity. Laser spallation techniques will be used to assess the adhesion strength and structural integrity of the various interfaces and materials in the system. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy/focused ion beam, ac impedance spectroscopy, thermal analysis and PV cell testing are among the characterization techniques that will be used. Statement of the perceived significance of the proposed work to the objectives of the solicitation and to NASA interests and programs in general: To reduce energy consumption and improve system mobility, NASA’s electronics have to constantly be reduced in size and increased in efficiency. The integration of a distributive battery system that is self-rechargeable by means of enhanced photovoltaics fits well in NASA’s flight and terrestrial exploration missions. The ultimate goal of the proposed research is the final fabrication and characterization of a nanostructured photovoltaic (PV) system connected to nanostructured batteries in order to form a novel, self-sustaining energy storage system. The combined effect will result in nanobatteries that can be charged more readily by the photovoltaic system and can have increased capacity. Furthermore, the overall reduced size of the energy generation and storage system will allow for increased scientific payloads in satellites and rovers.


SMD, STMD Robotics

Communications IT Systems

RI 13-EPSCoR-0033 Brown University

Web-Scale Assisted Robot Teleoperation PI Peter H. Schultz, Brown University Sc-I Odest Jenkins; Brown University Collaborator Michael Lye, Rhode Island School of Design Collaborator Christopher N Roman; University of Rhode Island We propose to develop web-based interfaces for assisted teleoperation of robot manipulation systems to both study questions of adjustable autonomy and broaden participation in robotics. Such web-based interfaces will both allow larger-scale evaluation of approaches to human-in-the loop robotic mobile manipulation and broaden access to robot platforms. In particular, we aim to engage secondary students through informal education venues to control and program state-of-the-art robots, both real and simulated, through crowdsourcing common robot tasks, and to encourage participation in STEM disciplines. With the emergence of robotic exploration (e.g., space station maintenance and monitoring, aerial reconnaissance, undersea exploration), teleoperation of robots has become a critical technological capability with many open research questions. However, teleoperation alone will lead to neither optimal performance of robots nor the best use of an human operators cognitive abilities. There are tasks that autonomous robots can perform faster and more reliably than direct human teleoperation alone, and without the risk of boredom. By contrast, while autonomous robot functionality is attractive, such autonomy lacks the adaptivity in decision making of any human operator. Our research goal is to develop assisted teleoperation systems that optimally balance direct human teleoperation with autonomy for controlling robot manipulators. In particular, we aim to establish online robotic remote labs where users can sign on to control and program state-of-the-art robots, both real and simulated, as contributors to crowd sourced trials. The robots will range from the commercial PR2 and Kuka YouBot platforms, to the NASA Robonaut 2, NASA K10 planetary rover, and the URI/GSO Autonomous Surface Vehicle, a nautical robot for gathering environmental science data. These robots will be made accessible to users over the Internet, with varying interfaces and tasks for assisted teleoperation. Data will be gathered about user performance on various tasks to improve assisted teleoperation interfaces, optimize the level of autonomy available to the operator, and to find control strategies that increasingly improve task performance. The potential impacts of this project are to: 1. Improve assisted teleoperation of robotic manipulators in scenarios involving remote command centers; 2. Provide greater access to robots for broader populations; 3. Advance the emerging area of cloud robotics through developing network protocols and software systems for remote robotics laboratories; and 4. Stimulate


broader participation in STEM disciplines through the use of remote robotics laboratories in informal education. Towards the goal of usable and accessible robots, there is considerable potential for Brown Robotics to engage groups at NASA and around Rhode Island as well as serve as a conduit for robotics outreach to local schools. In terms of research, The Brown Robotics Group will build upon substantial previous collaborations with the Dexterous Robotics Laboratory at Johnson Space Center, and aims to establish new collaborations with the NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics Group.


SMD, STMD Engineering

Weather Cubesats

Heliophysics UT 13-EPSCoR-0024 University of Utah, Salt Lake City

Miniature Space Weather Sensors for Pico and Nano Satellites PI Joseph Orr, University of Utah Co-I Charles M Swenson, Utah State University Co-I Alan B Marchant, Utah State University Co-I Chad S Fish, Utah State University Research Foundation Co-I Erik Alan Syrstad, Utah State University Research Foundation NASA Partner Douglas E Rowland, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center NASA Partner Larry Kepko, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Our EPSCoR proposal is focused on the compelling need for miniature scientific sensors for CubeSats. It is focused on the instruments and measurement techniques for sensing the density, motion, and composition of the upper atmosphere of the Earth and other planets. It makes significant contributions to the strategic research and technology development priorities of both the NASA Heliophysics Division and the Office of the Chief Technologist. It will develop within the State of Utah an infrastructure to compete for future space weather and small satellite related research funding from the federal government. Our goal is to develop and functionally test miniaturized instruments for observing the density, composition and winds in the Earth’s thermosphere. This will strengthen the competiveness of Utah to attract additional research investment. The emphasis is on those instruments most needed to advance the science for understanding space weather and which fit within the size, mass, and power constraints of CubeSats. To achieve this goal we have designed three objectives for our research: 1. Develop a miniaturized time-of-flight mass spectrometer to enable the measurement of composition and density of the Earth’s thermosphere. 2. Develop in-situ and remote sensing instruments that enable thermospheric wind measurements. 3. Design spacecraft to accommodate these new sensors and the constellation missions required to address the most compelling science questions for space weather that have been identified by NASA. This work will be completed by researchers at Utah State University and the Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory in collaboration with colleagues at the NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center.



HEOMD Human Research

Space Biosciences Space Radiation

Biomedical Science Nanotechnology

WV 13-EPSCoR-0006 West Virginia University

Mechanical unloading and irradiation-induced musculoskeletal loss and dysfunction: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic nanoparticles PI Majid Jaridi, NASA WV Space Grant Consortium Sc-I Miaozong Wu, Marshall University Research Corp Co-I Henry Driscoll, Marshall University Research Corp Co-I Andrea Samantha Gobin, University of Louisville Co-I Eric R Blough, Marshall University Research Corp Co-I Omolola B Olajide, Marshall University Research Corp Co-I Nicole Rockich Winston, Marshall University Research Corp Co-I Gerald Hankins, West Virginia State University Consultant Honglu Wu, NASA Johnson Space Center Consultant Lori Ploutz-Snyder, Universities Space Research Association Consultant Scott M Smith, NASA Johnson Space Center The loss of muscle and bone observed with space travel is an important and vexing problem. Both NASA Human Research Program and the Space Biosciences Division are rating the identification of risk factors and molecular targets, and the development of countermeasures as their acute research priorities and primary goals. Space travel is associated with the absence of musculoskeletal loading and exposure to increased radiation. To date, only a very small number of studies have evaluated the effects of both of these critical stressors on bone loss, while the molecular mechanisms underlying these skeletal changes remain unknown. To our knowledge, and important to this project, if and how mechanical unloading and irradiation might affect muscle remodeling has yet to be investigated. More importantly, effective countermeasures to musculoskeletal loss and dysfunction have not been developed. This proposal has been specifically constructed to investigate the effects of mechanical unloading and irradiation on musculoskeletal loss and dysfunction, to identify causative molecular mechanisms, and to develop novel therapeutic interventions using curcumin and cerium oxide nanoparticles. Three objectives will be pursued. Objective 1 is to determine the combined effects of mechanical unloading and irradiation on musculoskeletal loss and dysfunction. We hypothesize that the combination of mechanical unloading and irradiation will result in greater musculoskeletal impairment than that seen with either hindlimb unloading or irradiation alone. A novel earth-based model where laboratory rats will be


subjected to different combinations of radiation exposure and hindlimb unloading will be employed, and musculoskeletal loss, microstructural alterations and dysfunction (muscle contractile and bone strength) will be evaluated. Objective 2 is to determine how mechanical unloading and irradiation induce musculoskeletal mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, and to identify molecular markers responsible for musculoskeletal loss. We hypothesize that the combination of mechanical unloading and irradiation will disrupt mitochondria function that will produce greater oxidative stress and dysregulation of the Akt-FOXO (atrophic / apoptotic signaling), Nrf-2 (anti-oxidant) and NFkB (inflammatory) signaling in the musculoskeletal system than that seen with either stressor alone. Objective 3 is to establish the efficacy of nanoparticles for the treatment of musculoskeletal loss following simulated space travel. We hypothesize that curcumin and cerium oxide nanoparticle intervention will reduce mechanical unloading and irradiation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, excessive oxidative stress and its damage to key regulators of muscle and bone remodeling, which will provide important information regarding the use of new interventional strategies to mitigate the deleterious effects of space travel. The findings gleaned from these studies are expected to have direct applicability to NASA personnel and those beset with musculoskeletal loss including patients suffering from cancer cachexia, aging, AIDS and diabetes. In addition to scientific discovery, this proposal will also catalyze the development of new multi-state / institutional research infrastructure by furthering on-going collaborations between Marshall University, West Virginia State University, University of Louisville, University of Delaware and NASA research centers. The outcomes of this effort are expected to significantly increase jurisdictional R&D capabilities, the procurement of external funding, to support NASA’s educational mission by increasing student and researcher training opportunities, and will promote jurisdictional economic development in nanotechnology and space biomedicine. Keywords: Musculoskeletal loss, Mechanical unloading, Irradiation, Curcumin nanoparticle, Cerium oxide nanoparticle, Mitochondrial function, Oxidative stress.


SMD, STMD Radar

Atmospheric Science Remote Sensing

WY 13-EPSCoR-0007 University of Wyoming

Research Capacity Building using a new Dual-frequency Airborne Radar System in support of NASA GPM and ACE Ground Validation Experiments PI Paul E. Johnson, University of Wyoming Sc-I/Co-I Bart Geerts, University of Wyoming Co-I Samuel Haimov, University of Wyoming Co-I Perry Wechsler, University of Wyoming Co-I Zhien Wang, University of Wyoming There is considerable interest in dual-frequency radar reflectivity measurements as a new frontier to characterize key elements of the climate system, i.e. clouds and precipitation. It is driven by the frequency-specific differences in absorption properties and in Rayleigh vs. Mie scattering. These differences are related to the particle size distributions, water content, and water phase (liquid or ice). For the first time, two NASA missions plan to deploy the dual-frequency radar technology in space: the Global Precipitation Mission (GPM), to be launched in 2014, and the Aerosol Cloud Ecosystem (ACE) Decadal Survey Mission, still in a planning stage. We operate a research aircraft, the University of Wyoming King Air (UWKA), equipped with in situ aerosol, cloud and precipitation probes, as well as a profiling W-band (95 GHz) Doppler radar and a polarization backscatter lidar. The W-band radar profiling capability was partially funded by a previous NASA EPSCoR award (2001-2006). As a result, our airborne facility has been used in several NASA validation campaigns, as well as in a series of NSF-funded projects. Here we propose to add a profiling Ka-band (35 GHz) radar to the UWKA, to enable dual-frequency radar reflectivity profiles above and below the aircraft. These profiles, in combination with in situ particle size measurements from well-characterized probes, will uniquely enable us to validate and improve retrieval algorithms developed for dual-frequency profiles from GPM and especially from ACE. These algorithms make assumptions about cloud and hydrometeor size distribution parameters, assumptions that can be tested directly with our combined radar, lidar, and flight-level microphysical measurements. This proposal emphasizes new, long-term capacity building as follows. First, it builds an airborne Ka-band radar, including hardware and software development, installation, and testing. Second, the proposal supports a small, local field campaign, collecting sufficient data aboard the UWKA to enable us to evaluate our dual-frequency algorithms, modeled after the GPM/ACE algorithms. Third, this work will be the basis for one or more


competitive proposals for UWKA participation in future GPM and ACE validation campaigns. Intellectual merit. Clouds constitute one of the largest uncertainties in global climate change predictions, and climate models poorly simulate current-day cloud properties and precipitation rates. Airborne dual-frequency radar reflectivity measurements, combined with flight-level cloud and precipitation measurements, enable a new dimension of cloud physics research, especially when collected in the context of NASA’s planned spaceborne dual-frequency radar measurements. Improved remote sensing of clouds and precipitation will enable weather and climate model improvements through refinements in the parameterization of cloud microphysical processes. Broader impact. Our previous NASA EPSCoR award (2001-2006) built a capacity that has been used in ~25 field experiments to date, sponsored by NSF and NASA, and has resulted in ~100 publications so far. This research supported and trained an estimated 35 graduate students, many of whom used the W-band profiling radar data. The present proposal hopes to achieve a similar long-term impact, and directly supports one post-doc and one PhD student.

2013 NASA EPSCoR Recommended Proposal Abstractslanasaepscor.lsu.edu/.../uploads/2013/03/...FY2013.pdfother solar system bodies we will focus on volcanic flows and impact melts. Projects

Documents