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Virtual

Poster Session and Symposium


WelcometotheNASAUniversityResearchCenters(URC)VirtualPosterSessionandSymposium (VPSS).ThisisauniqueopportunitytomeetNASAURCstudentsandlearnabouttheirexciting experiencesassummer2012internsorcoopsatNASAcenters. Browsetheposterpresentationsbelowtoseeadescriptionandvisualrepresentationofresearch projectsthatURCstudentscompletedundertheguidanceofNASAmentors. YoucanleavequestionsorcommentsforstudentpresentersusingaccountsonFacebook,Yahoo, HotmailandAOL.Thecommentsectionisatthebottomofeachprojectpage. URCstudentswelcomeyourfeedbackduringtheVPSS.Ifyouareapostersessionjudge,students willrespondtoyouwithin24hoursofyourpost.
TolearnmoreabouttheNASAURCProgram, Pleasevisitusatthefollowingwebsites: http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/programs/national/urc/home/index.html http://www.facebook,com/NASAURC1

NASA University Research Centers Present a

VirtualPosterSession and Symposium

PosterCategories: AeronauticsResearch(ARMD) HumanExplorationandOperations(HEOMD) Science(SMD)

2012SummerInternParticipants
RaulAcevedo Adeyemi Adegbite JuanM.Barragan BillyBarrios TaraBlakey HarryBurtonIII Kalind Carpenter StanfordCarter FrankCeballos VanessaDorado RobertEllis JordanFuchs RaulGarciaSanchez Zenia Garcia ValeriaC.Arce Gonzalez KellyCourtneyGustafson
ThisVPSSisopentotheNASAURCcommunityandthepublic. Thecompetitionandjudgingportionofthepostersessionwill runfromOct.24 31,2012. Winnersandrunnersupinthethreecategorieslistedbelowwill beannouncedonNov.1,2012.Theseindividualswillbeinvited togiveanoralpresentationoftheirresearchtotheNASAURC communityataVirtualSymposiumonNov.8,2012. Foradditionaldetails,contacttheNASAURCManagementOffice viadaesha.d.roberts@nasa.gov ortyra.wheelerzubia@nasa.gov.

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DanielH.Hernandez,Jr. JesusHinojosa AdrienneLam AlbertoMata JoseA.McKinnon Hctor MendezColberg KevinJ.MonkII GregoryMorales BrandonNorman RyanOConnor EdwinOrtizQuiles FranciscoPena Darian Phillips ZacharyRoberts Rigoberto Roche RobertConradRorie JanetRuedas Kimberlin Schnittaker ChristopherSt.Julian EricThomas LoraineTorresCastro Viviana Villamizar MichaelJosephWilliams JasonZiccardi

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In Situ Electrosynthesis of Polymethylmethacrylate within Ceramic Launch Pad Materials

Raul Acevedo
University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Major: Chemical Physics Degree Level: Ph.D. Intern Site: NASA Kennedy Space Center Mentor: Dr. Luz M. Calle

Abstract:
Electrokineticdepositionofmethylmethacrylate isusedtomitigate corrosioninreinforcedconcrete.Themethylmethacrylate (MMA) monomerdepositsintheporesintheconcretewhereitisconvertedinto itspolymer,polymethylmethacrylate,thuscreatingabarrierthatalso enhancesthemechanicalpropertiesoftheconcrete.PrevioustotheMMA treatment,anelectrokinetic depositionisusedtotransportcalcium, sodiumandpotassiumhydroxideparticlesthroughthecapillaryporesof concretedirectlytotheconcretereinforcement.Theintentistousethese compoundsasasacrificialelectrodelayerduringtheelectrokinetic depositionofmethylmethacrylate monomer.Cylindricalreinforced concretespecimensweresubjectedtoelectrokinetic treatmentandthe specimensweretestedtocharacterizeporosityreductionandtensile splittingstrength,showinganincreaseinthetensilestrength.Inaddition, ninespecimenstreatedelectrokinetically andinlongtermatmospheric exposuretestingatNASAsKennedySpaceCentersseasideatmospheric exposuretestsiteweretestedtodeterminetheircorrosionrate.

HEOMD

USSCR Modem Functional Configuration Summary

Adeyemi Adegbite
Morgan State University, Maryland Major: Electrical Engineering Degree Level: Bachelor of Science Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentors: Harry Shaw and Darryl Lakins

Abstract:
TheSatelliteNetwork(SN)isadatacommunicationsystem comprisedofaconstellationofTrackingandDataRelay Satellites(TDRS)andseveralgroundterminals.Mymain purposewasattainingandorganizingallthelegalreturn servicemodesoftheNarrowBandModemandmappingthem toeachother,withproperdocumentation.Themodesofthe NarrowBandModemsarethedifferentconfigurationsthat arebeingusedduringthevariousteststocheckthe functionalityrequirements.Thesemodemsareinuseforthe USSCRproject,whichwillistestingkeycomponentsthatwill replacecurrentsubsystemsfortheTDRSgroundterminalsat theWhiteSandFacility.Usingrequirementspecification documentsandtestdata,themodesareorganizedusing Mindjet MindManager,atoolthatishelpfulfororganizational andpresentationalpurposes.WithMindjet,Isuccessfully mappedallmodesforaSBandSingleAccessReturnService.

Morpheus Support and Secondary Vehicle Development

Juan M. Barragan
University of El Paso at El Paso, Texas Major: Mechanical Engineering Degree Level: Bachelor of Science Intern Site: NASA Johnson Space Center Mentor: Eric Hurlbert

Abstract:
Morpheus isaverticaltestbedthatiscurrentlybeingused bytheNASAJohnsonSpaceCentertoexploreandperfect greenpropellantpropulsion.Thisverticallanderutilizes differenttechnologiesthatallowthetestbedto autonomouslyland,detectandavoidhazardswiththehelp ofvarioussubsystems.Thevehicleatthemomentwillbe testedattheKennedySpaceCenterandasparevehicleis neededforbackup.Mytaskistobegintheconstructionof thesparevehiclepropellantstorageandpropellantdelivery systeminconjunctionwiththevehiclestructure,aswellas supportinganytestingandpreparationfortheKSCtest. Learningfromcurrentvehicletesting,componentsnew vehiclessubsystemwillbeupgradedandmodifiedfor increasedperformance.

NICER XRay Optics Assembly and Testing

Billy Barrios
California State University, Los Angeles, California Major: Mechanical Engineering/Physics Degree Level: Bachelor of Science Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Dr. Keith C. Gendreau

GoddardinternBilly Barriosperformsan opticalcheckonone oftheNICEROptics mirrors.Image Credit:URC.

Abstract:
TheNeutronStarInteriorCompositionExploreR (NICER)willbeaNASAExplorerMissionof Opportunity,dedicatedtothestudyofneutronstars,theonlyplacesintheuniverse whereallfourfundamentalforcesofnaturearesimultaneouslyimportant.Answeringthe longstandingastrophysicsquestionHowbigisaneutronstar?,NICERwillconfront nuclearphysicstheorywithuniqueobservationconstraints,exploringtheexoticstatesof matterwithinneutronstars,andrevealingtheirinteriorandsurfacecompositionsthrough rotationresolvedXrayspectroscopy.NICERwillfeature56coalignedXrayconcentrators andmatchingdetectorswitha2,000cm2effectivearea.Eachopticisroughly6inchesin heightand4inchesindiameter,featuring24concentricaluminumfoilswhichare individuallycoatedwithgold.Thedetectorswhichare,locatedatthefocallengthof1.085 metersbehindtheoptics,eachhavea2mmaperture.NICERwillbethefirstXRay telescopeutilizingmirrorsinafullcylindricalconfiguration,alongwithnew manufacturingtechniquesonsuchasmallscale.Webegancharacterizingthe effectivenessofthefirstassembledopticsorengineeringtestingunits(ETUs)by determiningthepointspreadfunction.Theopticswereplacedinsideavacuum,where theyreceivedapproximatelyparallelXrayphotons.Thedataisthenpickedupbythe detectorandanalyzedwithsoftware.Wefinda1.84mmhalffluxradiusanda3.49mm 80%fluxradiusforthefullypopulatedoptic,anda0.72mmhalffluxradiusanda1.64mm 80%fluxradiusforthesparselypopulatedoptic.Fromtheseresultsweconcludethatthe opticsareperformingrelativelywell,andshouldmeetdesignrequirementswith improvementsinthemanufacturingmethods.(ThisprojectwascoauthoredbyBilly Barrios,SteveLentine,andCeili Burdhimo).

SMD

Incidence of Vectorborne Disease and Climate Change: A Case Study in SemiArid Algeria

Tara Blakey
Florida International University Major: Hydrogeology Degree Level: Ph.D. Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Dr. Lahouri Bounoua

Abstract:
Leishmaniases areamongthemostimportantemergingandresurging vectorbornediseases,secondonlytomalariaintermsofthenumberof affectedpeople.Leishmaniases areendemicin88countriesworldwide andthreatenabout350millionpeople(WHO,2007).Sincethefirst reportedcaseofzoonoticcutaneousleishmaniasis (ZCL)inSaida,Algeria, in1991,1,275caseshavebeenrecorded(Makhlouf &Houti,2010),with thevastmajorityofstudyareacases(99%)reportedbetweentheyears of2000and2009.Aninvestigationofpotentialclimaticindicatorsforthe apparentshiftindiseaseprevalencewasconductedbycomparing anomaliesintheclimatedataspecifictothelocalpathogencycle.Itwas determinedthatlongtermclimatetrendshaveresultedinconditions thatpromotetheprevalenceofZCL.Increasedprecipitationhave resultedingreatervegetationandpromotedhostandvectorpopulation growththroughatrophiccascade.Increasedminimumtemperatures havelengthenedtheannualdurationofsandfly activity.Shortterm variationsinmaximumtemperatures,however.showacorrelationwith diseasesuppressioninthesubsequentyears.Thesefindingsindicatea potentialtoforecasttheriskofZCLinfectionthroughmodelsofthe trophiccascadeandsandfly populationgrowth.

SMD

Quantum Cascade Laser Frequency Modulation for Trace Gas Detection

Harry Burton III


Delaware State University Major: Applied Optics Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Eduard Luzhanskiy

Abstract:
QuantumCascadeLasers(QCLs)canbedesignedtooperateanywherefrom theMidIRtoTHzspectrum,andwiththeirsmallsize,tunablefrequencies, andhighenergyoutputmakesthemanexcellentchoiceforTraceGas Detection.Duringthecourseofthisinternship,ourjobwastoconstructa lasersystemcapableofproducinglowenoughbeatfrequenciesthatcouldbe detectedviaaspectrumanalyzer.Aftertheinternship,theQCLwouldthen undergoexperimentationintodetectingvariousmolecules.Researchand experimentationintoQCLswillallowthemtobeusedinbothEarthscience andfutureplanetaryNASAmissions.QCLsarerelativelynewwithinthefield ofspectroscopyandoperateonaprincipledifferentfromthatofcommonp njunctiondiodelasers.Inadiodelaser,conductionbandelectronsjumpinto avalencebandholeandemitaphotonwhosewavelengthisdeterminedby thebandgapenergyofthesemiconductor,knownasaninterband transition. WithQCLs,aconductionbandelectroncanmakeaseriesofjumpsina staircaselikepotentialexistingintheconductionband,emittinganidentical photonineachtransition.Here,asingleelectronemitsacascadeofphotons leadingtotheformationofahighpowerlaser.TransitionswithinaQCLtake placefromsubbandtosubband insideaquantumwell,continuingintothe nextquantumwell,andsoon.Thus,thesearereferredtoasintersubband transitions.

SMD

Thermal and Cryogenic Testing Systems Development

Kalind Carpenter
California State University, Los Angeles, California Major: Mechanical Engineering Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Mentor: Dr. Eugenio Urquiza

Mechanicalengineering researcherKalind Carpenter assemblestheSOLOTREC Powergeneration subsystemtestrig.Image Credit:URC.

Abstract:
Design,model,fabricate,setup,conductandanalyzethermaland cryogenictestresultsforseveralcurrentJPLprojects. UltraCompactImagingSpectroscopy(UCIS): Quantifytheeffectivethermalconductanceofadatacabletoenable optimizationoftacticalcryocooler useinfuturesystems. AirbornescanningMultiSPectral Infraredinstrument(AirMSPI): Setupandrunatesttodeterminewhethernormaloperatingthermal stressesonasilicafilterwillresultinepoxyfailureand delaminationofthelayerswithinthesilicafilter. MarsAtmosphericTraceMoleculeOccultationSpectrometer(MATMOS): CreatedinterfacepartsinSolidworks forthephysicalconnection betweentheradiator,thermalstrapandload;andcreatedaLabVIEW dataacquisitiongraphicaluserinterfaceforthetestdata characterizingthecoolingsystemthermalperformance.

SMD

Study of Microwave Radiometer Temperature Profiles for Use in Calculating Relative Humidity

Stanford Carter
Howard University, Washington, D.C. Major: Physics Degree Level: Bachelor of Science Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Dr. Daniel Ramirez
StanfordCarterreviews datacapturedontheHURL RamanLidar attheHoward UniversityBeltsvilleCenter forClimateSystem Observation.ImageCredit: URC.

Abstract:
Hygroscopicgrowthisoneofthemostfundamentalpropertiesofatmosphericaerosols. Byabsorbingorevaporatingwater,anaerosolparticlechangesitssize,morphology, phase,chemicalcompositionandreactivity,andotherparameterssuchasitsrefractive index.Becauseofthis,extensiveresearchisbeingdoneonaerosolparticlehygroscopic growthatNASA.Thisresearchisimportanttotheunderstandingofaerosoleffectson climatechange.Currently,theoperationofradiosondes isthemostcommontechnique usedtocharacterizeverticalprofilesoftemperature,watervapormixingratioand relativehumidity.However,radiosondes arelaunchedonlytwotothreetimesaday becauseofthehighcostofeachone.Theattemptedsolutiontothisproblemisutilizinga MicrowaveRadiometer(MWR).Microwaveradiometryallowsforcontinuousretrievals oftemperatureprofilesbymeasuringbrightnessandskytemperatureatdifferentzenith elevations.ThefocusofthisstudyisthesensitivityofRelativeHumidityProfilesobtained frombothinstruments.Thiswillbeaccomplishedbyusingtemperatureprofilesfromthe MWRandradiosonde.Theresultofthesecomparisonswillallowforthestudyofthe sensitivityoftheRelativeHumidityprofileobtainedbyradiosonde andthosecombining temperatureprofilesfromtheMWRandtheWaterVapormixingratiofromthe radiosonde.TheseRelativeHumidityprofileswillthenbecomparedtoRelativeHumidity profilesfromtheradiosonde.ThedatausedinthisstudywasacquiredfromtheHoward UniversityBeltsvilleCampus duringtheDiscoverAQcampaigninthesummerof2011. Theresultofthisprojectwillbeusedasabaselineforevaluatinguncertaintiesinthe retrievalofaerosolhygroscopicgrowthbymeansofLidar measurement.

SMD

Update: Gravitational Wave Galaxy Catalogue for the Rapid Search of Electromagnetic Counterparts from Gravitational Waves

Frank Ceballos
University of Texas at Brownsville, Texas Major: Physics Degree Level: Bachelor of Science Intern Site: NASA Glenn Research Center Mentor: Jonah Kanner

PhysicsstudentFrank Ceballos discoversthat workatNASAGoddardcan bechallenging,yetfun. ImageCredit:URC.

Abstract:
TheLaserInterferometerGravitationalWaveObservatory(LIGO)isalargescale Michelsoninterferometerwhichaimstodirectlydetectgravitationalwaves predictedbyAlbertEinsteinin1916.ThegravitationalwavessourcesthatLIGO expectstodetectconsistofthemergingoftwoneutronstarsoraneutronand blackholeatcosmicdistances.Itisanticipatedthatthecoalescenceofthese compactobjectsmayalsoproduceashortlivedgammarayburst(GRB). Unfortunately,LIGOisnotaccurateinlocalizingthepointsintheskywherethe gravitationalsourcesaretobefound.ThebestthatLIGOcandoistoconstraina gravitationalwavesourceinanareaofapproximately100squaredegrees, whereliterallymillionsofelectromagneticsourcescanbeobserved.Soitseems thatthesimultaneousdetectionofgravitationalandelectromagneticwaves comingfromasourceishighlyunlikely.Tofacilitatethetaskofsearchingfor electromagneticcounterpartscomingfromgravitationalwaves,alistofgalaxies within100Mpc hasbeencompiledthegravitationalwavesgalaxycatalog (GWGC).LIGOisnowbeingdesignedtoimproveitssensitivitybyafactorof10, whichmeansthatitwouldbeabletoobserveneutronstar/neutronstar coalescencetodistancesof300Mpc andneutronstar/blackholecoalescence upto650Mpc.Therefore,GWGCmustbeupdatedtocontaingalaxiesatthese distances.WepresenttheresultsoftheupdatesmadetoGWGC.

SMD

Characterization of a TriGas Thruster

Vanessa Dorado
University of Texas at El Paso, Texas Major: Mechanical Engineering Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Mentor: Kevin Pedersen

Abstract:
Historically,spacecraftreactioncontrolsystemshaveprimarilyusedcoldgas thrustersbecauseoftheirinherentsimplicityandreliability.However,coldgas thrusterstypicallyhavealowspecificimpulse.Ithasbeendeterminedthata higherspecificimpulsecanbeachievedbypassingamonopropellantfluid mixturethroughacatalystbedpriortoexpulsionthroughthethrusternozzle. Thisresearchanalyzesthepotentialefficiencyimprovementsfromusingtri gas:amixtureofhydrogen,oxygen,andaninertgas,inthiscasehelium. Passingtrigasthroughaplatinumcatalystcausesthehydrogenandoxygento becomereactive,ultimatelyheatingtheexitingfluidandgeneratingahigher specificimpulse.Thegoalofthisprojectwastooptimizethethruster performancebycharacterizingtheeffectsofseveralsystemcomponents.The performanceeffectswereexaminedbyvaryingcatalysttypes,catalystlengths, andinitialcatalysttemperatures.Additionaltestingwouldutilizeahydrogen richtrigasmixtureorcharacterizetheperformanceeffectsoffiringina vacuumchamberforfutureapplicationsandadvancementinthefieldofgreen propellants

The Use of Thermoelectric Devices for Power Generation

Robert Ellis
University of Texas at El Paso, Texas Major: Mechanical Engineering Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Johnson Space Center Mentor: Jeffrey George

Abstract:
Astandardtechnologyforpowergenerationisthermoelectricdevices.Thermoelectrics takeadvantageoftheSeebeck effectwhichallowsforpowergenerationwhengiven justatemperaturedifference.Theyworkbyusingtwodissimilarsemiconducting materialsalongwithatemperaturedifferencetocreateanelectromotiveforcewhich thengeneratespower.Theyalsohavenomovingpartswhichgivesthemverylonglife spansevenupto30years.Thismakesthemidealcandidatesforalmostanyapplication wherewasteheatisnotbeingutilized.However,sincethistechnologyisrelatively inefficientthecostusuallydoesntjustifytheirinstallation,butinapplicationswhere costisnotthemainconcern,suchasinspacecraft,thermoelectricdevicesarevery promising.Inthisprojectasystemwillbedesignedaroundaheatpipeanda thermoelectricelementinordertoproducepower.Thefirststepistodesignasystem thatmeetsvariousrequirementsinordertosimulatetheenvironmentinwhichitwill beused.Nextthedesignedsetupmustbecreatedandtestedtoensureoptimization. FinallythethermoelectricdevicewillbetestedatJohnsonSpaceCenterfordifferent temperaturedifferencesanddataofthepower,voltage,andcurrentoutputswillbe recordedinordertodeterminetheusefulnessofthistechnologyforother applications.

ITOS to EDGE Bridge Software for the Morpheus Lunar/Martian Vehicle

Jordan Fuchs
Prairie View A&M University, Texas Major: Electrical Engineering Degree Level: Bachelor of Science Intern Site: NASA Johnson Space Center Mentor: Robert Hirsh

Abstract:
Myprojectinvolvedimprovinguponexistingsoftwareand developingnewsoftwarefortheProjectMorpheusTeam. Specifically,IcreatedandupdatedIntegratedTestand OperationsSoftware(ITOS)userinterfacesforonboard interactionwiththevehicleduringarchiveplaybackaswell aslivestreamingdata.Theseinterfacesareanintegralpart ofthetestingandoperationsfortheMorpheusvehicle, providinganyandallinformationtoevaluateinstruments andensurecoherenceandcontrolduringMorpheus missions.Ialsodevelopedabridgeprogramforinterfacing liveCCSDS(telemetry)datatotheEngineeringDOUG GraphicsEngine(EDGE)displayforagraphical(standalone orVRdome)viewofliveMorpheusflightsorarchivereplays.

Normalization of the SAM Spectra Using PFTBA

Raul GarciaSanchez
Howard University, Washington, D.C. Major: Physics Degree Level: Ph.D. Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Dr. Paul Mahaffy

Abstract:
TheorganiccontaminantslibrarywasdevelopedaspartofthecontaminationcontrolplanfortheMars ScienceLaboratoryrovermission.WorktonormalizethedatatakenfromSampleAnalysisatMars(SAM) tomatchstandardizedorganiccompounddatabasessuchastheNationalInstituteofStandardsand Technology(NIST)isneededinordertoincreaseitsavailabilitytootherpotentialusers.Todothis,we analyzedastandardfragmentationpattern,inthiscasePerfluorotributyl amine(PFTBA),usingtheSAM GCMS settingsthatwillbeusedfortheactualmissionandthencalculatedtheratiodifferencesbetween theSAMPFTBAdataandtheNISTstandardforPFTBA.ThislibraryissubmittedasaNewTechnology Report,andwillbereadilyavailableinthefuture.CarryingoutacorrectionoftheSAMspectral response,developingandprovidinganalgorithmthatmakesthesecorrectionstomatchwithmore standardlibrarieslikeNIST,willallowgeneraluserstousethislibraryandcorrectSAMdatafortheir work.Thedataisprocessedbycorrectingforinstrumentalcalibration,andotherspecificinstrumental behaviors.Theprocessingisdocumentedinalinkedlocationrelatedtothedatadirectories.Thisworks foralargenumberofthecontinuingsatellitemissions.Thelowerleveldataisprimarilyavailablefrom themissionoperationsgroups.AlthoughthisworkisintensiveintermsoftheGCMSSpectrallibrary,the changestothespreadsheetsthatcontainentriessupplementingthecontaminantslibraryshouldbe minimal,andonlyneededwhenthenormalizationchangesthespectraenoughtochangethechemical formula(inthosecasesthecompoundisproperlyidentifiedbythelibrary).Withtheexpecteddatafor theMarsScienceLaboratory(MSL)CuriosityMarslandingbeingAugust6,continuedsupportofthe missionviafurtherlibraryimprovementswillbeneeded.

RaulGarciaSanchezandDr.Prabhakar Misra withamodelof theSampleAnalysisatMars(SAM)instrumentfortheMars ScienceLaboratory(MSL)mission.ImageCredit:URC.

Principles in Avoiding Design Errors and Facets of Engineering a Total System

Zenia Garcia
University of Texas at El Paso, Texas Major: Mechanical Engineering Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Mentor: Kevin Pedersen
UniversityofTexasatEl PasoMechanical EngineeringmajorZenia Garcia.ImageCredit: URC.

Abstract:
Servinganothertermasacooperativeprogramstudentat MarshallSpaceFlightCenter,mytaskswerelargelyvaried withintheEV32StructuralandMechanicalDesignBranch. Withinthebranch,Ihelpedprovidestructuraland mechanicaldesignsupportincluding:specializedengineering, technicalassistance,programsupport,modelandCAD packagesforstructural/mechanicalcomponentsystems design,anddevelopmentforspacecraftandvehiclesystems. DuringthistimeIworkedoneffortsandprojectsthatare proprietaryanddatasensitiveandthereforenotlistedin detailhere.Asidefromtheseactivities,Iwasbeingprepared forfollowonworkandhadtotakecoursetrainingand PreliminaryDevelopmentFlightInstrumentationmodelingas listed.

SMD

Effects of Carbon Nanotubes Addition on Vibration Damping Behavior of Epoxy Resins

Valeria C. Arce Gonzlez


University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Major: Chemical Engineering Degree Level: Bachelor of Science Intern Site: NASA Glenn Research Center Mentor: Dr. Marisabel LebrnColn

ValeriaC.Arce Gonzlezanalyzes thedispersionof carbonnanotubesin anepoxyresin sample.Image Credit:URC

Abstract:
Todayshelicoptergearboxesarelimitedbytheirpoorstructuraldesignand lackofcapabilitytocorrelatechangesintransmissionandgearboxnoiselevels withexpectedchangesincabinnoiselevels.Thisresearchfocusesonthe developmentofmultifunctionalnanocomposite materialsthatpossesshigh strength,goodthermalconductivityandhighperformanceabilitiesinvibration andnoisecontrol.Theprojectseekstodemonstrateimprovementinthe vibrationdampingpropertiesofpolymericmaterialsbytheadditionofcarbon nanotubes.Carbonnanotubesarecommonlyusedtoimprovethestiffness, durability,performanceanddampingpropertiesofmaterials.Becauseoftheir adjustableelasticityandabilitytoactassprings,theycandissipateenergymuch moreefficiently,becomingakeycomponentinnoisereductionapplications. Someofthegreaterbenefitsandpayoffsofthisresearchincludequietercabins andthedevelopmentoflightweightmaterialsthatcarrynoweightpenalties. Thesematerialshavemanyotherapplications,especiallyintheautomotiveand aerospaceindustrieswheremanufacturersrequirevibrationabsorbing materialsthatarecosteffectivefortheproductionofnextgenerationvehicles. Thisresearchprojectinvolvesthesynthesisofepoxynanocomposite materials, dispersionandorganicfunctionalizationofcarbonnanotubes,andthe processingandcharacterizationofpolymericsamples.

SMD

Australia: ClimateEcosystem Varability and Impacts on Diseases

Kelly Courtney Gustafson


Florida International University Major: Environmental Studies Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Dr. Assaf Anyamba

KellyGustafsonmarvels attheadvanceof technologywhile encounteringarchivesof researchandequipment fromagespast.Image Credit:URC.

Abstract:
ClimatevariabilityinAustraliaislargelydrivenbyanatmosphericphenomenoncalledtheSouthern Oscillation(SO),whichinvolvesaseesawlikebehaviorbetweenlowandhighpressuresystemswithinthe equatorialPacificregions.TheinteractionofSOwithabnormallyhighseasurfacetemperatures(SSTs) El Nio andabnormallylowSSTs LaNia(antiElNio) createsextremedroughtorextremeflooding, respectively,throughoutAustralia.ElNioSouthernOscillation(ENSO)eventshavesignificantimpactson Australiaslandscape,ecosystems,agricultureproduction,and,asthisreportshows,humanhealth.During LaNiayears,whenENSOeventsinvolveincreasedrainfallandconsequentialflooding,Australiastropical, warmclimateandanassociatedincreaseinvegetationgrowthfromtherainfallcreatesanidealhabitatfor mosquitopopulationincreases.Certainspeciesofmosquitoes(Culux annulirostris)arecarriersofMurray ValleyEncephalitis(MVE)virus,ararebutpotentiallyfatalinfectionthatattacksneurologicalandmuscular functioning.Wehypothesizedthatawidespreadincreaseinvegetationindicatesanexpansionofideal mosquitoproductionhabitatsandwilltranslatetoanincreasedriskofMVEcontraction.Ourobjectiveisto showifacorrelationexistsbetweentheENSOdrivenclimateandconsequentialecosystemchangesand MVEoutbreaksthroughoutAustralia.ThisstudymakesuseoftheModerateResolutionImaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)sensoroperatingonNASAsTerrasatellitetoobtainmonthlyNormalized DifferenceVegetationIndex(NDVI)data.ItisassumedinthisresearchthatananomalousincreaseinNDVI values indicativeofvegetationgrowth occursduetoincreasedrainfall,which,intandemwith Australiastropicalclimate,allowsforNDVItobeanadequateproxyforthecombinedinfluenceofrainfall andtemperatureonmosquitoecology.Ourresultsshowedageneraltemporalandspatialcorrelation betweenMVEoutbreaksandagreeningperiod,suggestiveofidealmosquitobreedinghabitatsand assumedpopulationincreases.(ThisprojectwascoauthoredbyK.Cortney Gustafson,Mouhamad Diabate, andDr.Assaf Anyamba).

SMD

Stress Analysis, Fixture Design for MAS Pathfinder and Pin Tool Analysis Using Conventional Friction Stir Welding

Daniel H. Hernandez, Jr.


University of Texas at El Paso, Texas Major: Mechanical Engineering Degree Level: Bachelor of Science Intern Site: NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Mentor: Shane Brooke, Jon Street and Carolyn Russell

Abstract:
FrictionStirWeldingisaprocessinwhichdifferentfactorssuchastravelspeed,rotational speed(RPM),andplungeforceplayakeyroleincreatingasuccessfulweld.Frictionis createdbetweentwopanelsbyashoulderandpin.Thisfrictioncausesthematerialatthe abuttingedgeoftwopanelstoplasticize(plasticallydeformed70percentofmelting point taffyconsistency),allowingforthematerialtobestirredandwelded.Thisproject willconsistoftwoseparatebutequallyimportanttasks.First,istoanalyzethenugget shapeandmaterialflowcharacteristicsofconventionallyfrictionstirwelded(CFSW) panelswithdifferentpintooldesigns.Analyzingthenuggetshapeandstirringoftheweld throughopticalmicroscopywillaidinunderstandinghowtheseflatswillaffectaweld. Therearesixdifferentpintooldesignsforthisproject:astandardCFSWpinwithout machinedflatedges(baseline),andfiveotherswithflatsrangingfrom1to5.Thepanelsto beweldedarealuminum2219toaluminum2219.Thisprojectwillaidinunderstandingthe differencesandsimilaritiesbetweeneachofthepins.Thisworkwillultimatelyaidin determiningwhichpindesignprovidestheoptimumweldscheduleandcharacteristics. Second,istosupportfixturedesign,stressanalysis(FEA),andprocurementfortheMulti purposeCrewVehicleStageAdapter(MSA)pathfinderconetoadapterringweldforthe SpaceLaunchSystem(SLS).(TheresearchwascoauthoredbyDanielH.HernandezJr.and ElvisBoves).

Lunar Exospheric Sodium and Potassium Emissions

Jesus Hinojosa
University of Texas at Brownsville, Texas Major: Physics Degree Level: Bachelor of Science Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Dr. Ronald Oliversen

Abstract:
Atthebeginningofmyinternship,IoperatedtheMcMathPierce SolarTelescopeatKitt PeakNationalObservatory.Therewe observedthemoonandreceivedhighresolutionspectraldataof lunarexosphericsodiumemissionsforfournights.Theoveralldata measuredsodiumemissionfromthelunarlimbouttotwolunar radiifromthelimbforlunarlatitudesfromtheequatortothepole overlunarphasesfromthefirsttothirdquarter.HereatGSFCI havestartedgainingexperienceinCCDdatareductions,lineprofile fitting,andIDLsoftwareprogramming.Theexpectedoutcomeof myinternshipistoadvancetheunderstandingoftheinteraction betweenthesolarwindandlunarsurfacevialineprofile measurements,yieldingexosphericsodiumatomtemperaturesand velocities.

Testing of FPGA Telemetry Decoders for the New 35 m Beam Waveguide Antenna

Adrienne Lam
California State University, Los Angeles, California Major: Electrical Engineering Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Mentor: Dr. Chau M. Buu
AdrienneLamwiththe telemetryprocessorand Unixcomputer.Image Credit:URC.

Abstract:

TheDeepSpaceNetwork(DSN) isaninternationalantennanetworkfundedbyNASAwhich providescommunicationsandsupportforvariousspacemissions.A34meterbeam waveguideantennaisunderconstructioninCanberra,Australia,andrequiresanewdownlink channelandtelemetryprocessors.Thisprojectfocusesontestingofnewtelemetrydecoders whichareimplementedonFieldProgrammableGateArray(FPGA)boards.Thesearealso intendedtoreplacelegacytelemetryprocessorsinthefuturetoimproveeaseofmaintenance andsustainability.Theintendedfunctionalityandperformanceofthedecodersmustbethe sameasthosewhichtheyarereplacing.Thenewdecodersaretestedusingdifferentcode rates,codingschemesandmodulationschemesstandardtotheDSN.Thetestingprocess utilizesequipmentsimilartothoseatDSNgroundstations,alongwithasignalgeneratorto provideequivalentRFsignals.ThePythonscriptinglanguageisusedtoverifytheintegrityof decodeddataandcanhandlelargesets.Thesetoolsareusedtoobtaincharacteristicsof performancesuchassymbolerrorrate(SER),biterrorrate(BER),andsignaltonoiseratio (SNR).Throughoutthecourseoftheinternship,theencodingschemethatwasofprimary focuswasTurboCodeusingcoderatesandmodulationschemesseenontheactualDSN. Discrepanciesindecoderperformancewereencounteredduringtesting,withseveralsources identified.Variousparameterswereaddedtotheoutputtoisolatedifferentsectionsofthe testsetupforidentifyingthosesourcesoferror.

SMD

Investigating the Gas Chemistry of Protoplanetary Disks

Alberto Mata
University of Texas at Brownsville, Texas Major: Physics Degree Level: Bachelor of Science Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Dr. Avi Mandell

Abstract:
UsingInteractiveDataLanguage(IDL),anestablisheddatavisualization software,Ianalyzeinfraredspectroscopicobservationsofprotoplanetary disks.TheobservationsaretakenwiththeVeryLargeTelescope(VLT) in theAtacamaDesertofChileusingtheCryogenicInfraredEchelle Spectrograph(CRIRES).Observingprotoplanetary disks,orthegasand dustaroundearlystars,givesusinsightastowhatmaterialsurrounds earlystars,andsinceplanetsformintheprotoplanetary diskofthestar, investigatingthechemicalcompositionofprotoplanetary disksallowsus toprobethematerialthatwilleventuallymakeuptheplanetsarounda certainstar.Planetswhoseoriginsandcompositionswewouldliketo betterunderstandincludetherecentdiscoveriesof"superEarths." ObservingthesesuperEarthsgivesusminimalinformationastowhat theyarecomposedof,butobservingprotoplanetary diskscanhelpus betterunderstandtheoriginsoftheatmospheresandinteriorsofthese planets.
BrandonNorman(left)andUniversityofTexasatBrownsville,TXstudent, AlbertoMataattheNASAGoddardInternPosterSession.ImageCredit:URC.

Mapping the Milky Way Galaxy with LISA

Jose A. McKinnon
University of Texas at Brownsville, Texas Major: Physics Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Dr. John Baker and Dr. Jeffrey Livas

MasterofScience studentJoseA. McKinnon..Image Credit:URC.

Abstract:
GravitationalwavedetectorsinthemHz band(suchastheLaser InterferometerSpaceAntenna,orLISA)willobservethousandsofcompact binariesinthegalaxywhichcanbeusedtobetterunderstandthestructure oftheMilkyWay.TotesttheeffectivenessofLISAtomeasurethe distributionofthegalaxy,wesimulatedtheCloseWhiteDwarfBinary (CWDB)gravitationalwaveskyusingdifferentmodelsfortheMilkyWay.To doso,wehavedevelopedagalaxydensitydistributionmodelingcodebased ontheMarkovChainMonteCarlomethod.Thecodeusesdifferent distributionstoconstructrealizationsofthegalaxy.WethenusetheFisher InformationMatrixtoestimatethevarianceandcovarianceoftherecovered parametersforeachdetectedCWDB.Thisisthefirststeptoward characterizingthecapabilitiesofspacebasedgravitationalwavedetectorsto constrainmodelsforgalacticstructure,suchasthesizeandorientationof thebarinthecenteroftheMilkyWay.

Development of Chemical Sensors for Hydrogen Detection

Hctor MendezColberg
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Major: Chemical Engineering Degree Level: Ph.D. Intern Site: NASA Glenn Research Center Mentor: Dr. Gary W. Hunter
Chemicalengineering doctoralcandidate Hctor MendezColberg catchesararemoment ofrestduringhis internshipatNASA GlennResearchCenter. ImageCredit:URC.

Abstract:
Inthelastdecade,therehasbeenan increasedinterestinusingpalladium(Pd) nanostructuresforhydrogen(H2)sensing devices.Nanostructuredbasedsensors promiseshorterresponsetimesandhigher sensitivityduetotheirhighsurfaceto volumeratio.Withthisinmind,ananodic aluminamembrane(AAM)Pd nanostructuredbasedsensorhasbeen developedandtested.TheSolidState Reductionmethodusedformeda combinationofathinfilmandnanowires intheAAM.Thefabricationmethodand preliminarytestresultsarediscussedhere.

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Mars Image Viewer: User Needs Analysis

Kevin J. Monk II
California State University, Long Beach, California Major: Human Factors Psychology Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Mentor: Elias Sayfi

Abstract:

KevinJ.MonkIIat CaliforniaState University,LongBeach. ImageCredit:URC.

TheAdvancedMultimission OperationsSystem(AMMOS)offersmissionsoperations toolsandservicestodeepspacemissionsthatarereliableandcosteffective.The InstrumentOperationsSubsystem(IOS)ofAMMOSdealswiththeprocessingofdata fromspace,andprovidestoolstoorbitersandobservatoriesfortacticaloperations relatedtoimageprocessingandinstrumentdesign.Currently,upto189 measurementsfromMars'surface(suchaswindspeed,temperature,and atmosphericpressure)areavailabletoobserversintheformofrawdata.However, thisdataisrecordedeverytwoseconds,makingtheamountofdataenormousand moredifficulttosiftthroughforspecificinformation.UsingJavascript/jQuery,amore aestheticallypleasingwayofviewingthisinformationwasdevelopedand demonstratedtomakeiteasierforscientiststodissect.ToolssuchastheMarsImage Viewer(MIV)arerequiredfromlowvolume,relativelysimplemissionstohigh volume,complexmissions.PrimaryusersoftheMIVwereobservedintheirworkspace andsurveyed.Secondaryuserswerealsoqueriedontheirinterestinandtheusability ofthetool.TheinteractionbetweentheMIVanditscurrent/potentialuserswere analyzedinordertodefinerequirementsandensurethatitadequatelyfittheneeds oftheusersinwaysthatenablethemtoreachtheirgoalswithoptimalefficiency. RecommendationswereprovidedfortheMIVusersmanualtofurthercatertothe standpointofthenoviceuser.

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Human Factors in Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Gregory Morales
California State University, Long Beach, California Major: Human Factors Psychology Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Mentor: Mark Pestana

Abstract:
AspartoftheFederalAviationAdministration(FAA) ReauthorizationAct,theFAAistaskedtodevelopregulations testingandlicensingunmannedaircraftsystems(UAS)tobe integratedintheNationalAirspaceSystem.LeadbyNASAs DrydenFlightResearchCenter,aprojectisunderwaytoaddress safetyandoperationalchallengesforUASintegration.The ResearchGroundControlStationisbeingdevelopedasatest bedanddatabasetoprovidedataandproofofconceptfora GroundControlStation.Thisresearchsupportsthedevelopment ofstandardsandpracticeswithconsiderationtohumanfactors issuesfortheGroundControlStation.Theprojectincludes: developingandevaluationofdisplayandcontrolformats, commandandcontrolschemes,ergonomics,proceduresforthe UASpilot,andotherhumansystemintegrationfeatures.

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Low Dose Rate TID Test of Commercial Bipolar Op Amp

Brandon Norman
Prairie View A&M University, Texas Major: Electrical Engineering Degree Level: Bachelor of Science Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Jonathan Pellish
InternBrandon Normantests theopampafter takingitoutof theradiation chamberofthe Keithley 4200 andHPtest fixture.Image Credit:URC.

Abstract:
ThisprojectinvolvedTotalIonizingDose(TID)testsatthe GSFCradiationchamber.Thetestswereperformedusing aTLE2022BipolarOpAmpastheDeviceUnderTest (DUT). TheDUTwassubjecttoaCobalt60sourceataLowDose Rate(LDR).Themainvaluesobservedweretheinputbias current,supplycurrent,voltageoffset,andcurrentoffset. Theimplicationfromtheresultssupportthatthedevice hascharacteristicsofradiationhardened.

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Cognitive Walkthrough with a Commercial Pilot for Preliminary SinglePilot Operations Experiment

Ryan OConnor
California State University, Long Beach, California Major: Human Factors Psychology Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Ames Research Center Mentor: Dr. Walter Johnson
InternRyanOConnor(left)withfellowCaliforniaState University,LongBeach,graduatestudentZackRoberts. ImageCredit:URC.

Abstract:
Thenumberofcrewmembersincommercialflightshassteadily decreasedtotwomembers,downfromfivemembers50years ago.Thenextstepistoreducethecrewtoonepilot,and eventuallyfullyautomatecommercialaircraft,withoneground pilotmanagingnumerousUAS.Thisreductionincrewwill reducecostsformajorairliners.Consistentdevelopmentofnew aeronautictechnologieshasenabledthisdrasticshifttobe possible.The(FDRL)atNASAAmesisgettinginvolvedinthe researcheffortsfortheupcomingchanges.Mytaskasanintern wastodevelopacognitivewalkthroughandworkdirectlywitha commercialpilottocreatetestingscenariosandflowchartsfor theexperimentaltestingonsinglepilotoperations.

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Molten Salt Flux Synthesis to Reduce Cation Disorder in Cathodes for Lithium Ion Batteries

Edwin OrtizQuiles
University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Major: Chemistry Degree Level: Ph.D. Intern Site: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Mentor: Dr. William C. West

Abstract:
LithiumionbatteriesusingLi2MnO3/LiMO2(M=Mn,Co,Ni)asthecathodehad beenextensivelystudied.Under0C,batterieswiththiscompositeoxidepresent efficiencyissues.Thiscanbeexplainedbyadiffusionprocesswiththelithiumas consequencesofthepoorlayerorganization.LiCl saltscanhelpimprovethis organizationbyresupplyingtheintercalatedlithiumtoamoltenmixture.Sensitivity studiesdirectedtounderstandtheeffectsofLiCl onthecathodematerial controllingvariablesasthesynthesistime,andLiCl concentrationwillbe accomplished.Electrochemicalexperimentsusinggalvanostatic charge/discharge processesatC/5andC/10andimpedancesatdifferenttemperaturesprovidedirect informationofthediffusionandthedynamicsofthebatteriespreparedwith Li2MnO3/LiMO2.Tapdensityanalysiswillbecompletedtohaveabetter understandingofthebehaviorofthecathodeafterbeingpackedinthebatteries andanAlPO4coating.Resultsshowanimprovementinthecapacityofthecathode aftertheLiCl flux.

Analysis and Experimental Validation of Lightweight Structures for Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles

Francisco Pena
California State University, Los Angeles, California Major: Mechanical Engineering Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Mentor: Dr. Lance Richards

Abstract:
TheDrydenAeroElasticLablocatedattheAEROInstitute isdeveloping cuttingedgeresearchinfiberopticstrainsensing.Theinnovativefiber opticssystemsarecapableofmonitoringmechanicalandthermalstrains, whichallowengineerstomonitorrealtimedeformationofastructure. UtilizingtheNASAUniversityResearchCenter(S.P.A.C.E.)Uninhabited AirVehicle(Odyssey)asatestbedforthefiberopticsstrainsensors, engineerswillvalidatethecapabilitiesoftheFiberBraggGratingsensors. Theuseoffiniteelementmodelingwillaidinthefurtherdevelopmentof embeddedFiberBraggGratingsensorsforUninhabitedAirVehicles. Withrealtime,deformationshapeprediction,itwillbepossibleto accuratelymeasuremodeshapedeformationsofaircraftwingsdueto aeroelasticeffectsontheaircraftduringflight.Structuraldeformation datacanbesenttoafeedbackcontrolsystemtomitigatetheaero elasticeffectsontheairframe.MethodsdevelopedbyNASA'sDryden FlightResearchCenter forrealtimedeformationshapepredictionof lightweightunmannedflyingaerospacestructurescanpotentiallyreduce theriskofinflightbreakups,suchasthatoftheHeliosWing..

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Modeling a SSAF Service

Darian Phillips
Morgan State University, Maryland Major: Electrical Engineering Degree Level: Bachelor of Science Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Harry Shaw

MorganState electrical engineering studentDarian Phillips.Image Credit:URC.

Abstract:
IhavebeenworkingontheUSSCR(UserService SubsystemComponentReplacement)Projectthatdeals withthereplacementofkeycomponentsthatprocessuser signalswithintheTDRS(TrackingDataRelaySatellite) groundterminalsattheWhiteSandsComplexinNew Mexico.Newmodems,FrequencyConverters,SwitchGear, andaMonitorandControlSystem(MCS)arebeing providedtoupdateSpaceGroundLinkTerminals(SGLT) currentlyinuseatWhiteSands.ThemaingoalofUSSCRis tomodernizeequipmentthatiscurrentlyactiveandthen providebackupssothathardwarecanstayfunctionaluntil theSGSS(SpaceNetworkGroundSegmentSustainment) projectiscompletearoundtheyear2017.Inparticular,my researchinvolveslearningvariousSystemsEngineering techniquessothatIcanmodelaSSAF(SbandSingeAccess Forward)service.

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Measured Response to UAS Pilot Commands

Zachary Roberts
California State University, Long Beach, California Major: Human Factors Psychology Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Ames Research Center Mentor: Dr. Walter Johnson

Abstract:
Usingasimulatedairtrafficenvironment,thisstudy measuredtheresponsetime,executiontime,and generalbehaviorofunmannedaerialvehicle(UAV) pilotsinresponsetodirectcommandsfromairtraffic controllers.Datawascollectedfromeightparticipant UAVpilotswhowereaskedtorespondtoandexecute ATCcommandsasquicklyaspossible.Quick responsestoATCcommandsareonefactoressential forUAVstooperatesafelywithmannedaircraftand thismeasuredresponsedatacontributestothe knowledgebasenecessarytofullyintegrate unmannedaerialsystemsintothenationalairspace inthenearfuture.(Thisprojectwascoauthoredby ZacharyRobertsandJasonZiccardi).

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An Experimental Study of the SmallScale Variability of Rainfall

Rigoberto Roche
Florida International University Major: Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Ali Tokay

Rigoberto Rochemakes changestoimprove outputstatisticsand providehighquality graphicalrepresen tations oftheanalyzed dataproducedduring hisinternshipatNASA GoddardSpaceFlight Center.ImageCredit: NASA/Dr.AliTokay.

Abstract:
AnexperimentalstudywasconductedontheMidAtlanticregiontoinvestigatetherainfall variabilitywithintheinstantaneousfieldofviewofthemicrowavesensorbasedsatelliterainfall estimate.Thestudywasconductedthrough30raingaugesthatweredeployedat11sites,where eightsiteshadtripleandremainingsiteshaddualgauges.Thegaugesweretippingbucketat0.01 inchesresolution.Thetimeofthetipwasrecordedtoadataloggerwhichispoweredbylithium battery.AcontinuousgaugerecordwasobtainedateverygaugesitefromMay2005toSeptember 2010.ThegaugessitesweredistributedfromOceanCity,Maryland,toKiptopeke,Virginia,ata maximumseparationof150kmandataminimumseparationof1kmbetweenthetwositesat WallopsIsland,Virginia.Thisstudyfocusesonthevariabilityofrainfallatdifferentclimatological periods.Theobservationsweredividedinto20seasons,10cold/warmperiods,andfiveyears.A stretchedexponentialmodelwasappliedtothecorrelationsofpairedgaugerainfallat30minute integrationperiod.Twotips(0.5mm)wereconsideredasthethresholdforrainevents.The correlationsfellbelow50%ata10kmdistancemostofthetimeinanobservationalperiod,while theywerebelow20%at40kmdistance.Thevariabilitywasmorenoticeablebetweentheseasons thanbetweenthewarm/coldperiodsandbetweentheyears.Thiscould,inpart,berelatedtothe samplesize,partlytodifferencesinrainfallcharacteristics.Additionally,theremnantsoftropical cyclonesbringabundantrainfalltotheMidAtlanticregionbuttheymaynotbeobservedatagiven year.Thenuggetparameterwasmainlyabove0.95,whiletheshapeparameterwasmainly between0.4and1.0.Thecorrelationdistancesremainedmostlylessthan50kmatagiven observationalperiod.

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Effect of Force Feedback on an Aimed Movement Task

Robert Conrad Rorie


California State University, Long Beach, California Major: Human Factors Psychology Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Ames Research Center Mentor: Dr. Walter Johnson

Abstract:
Thisstudyexaminedtheeffectofforcefeedbackontarget acquisitioninasimulatedtask,usingacomputermouse andtheNovint Falcon,withandwithoutforcefeedback information.Participantswereaskedtoselecttargetsthat variedinsize,distance,andangulardirectionfromthe startlocation.Resultsshowedsignificantdifferences betweenthemovementtimesforthevariousinput devices.MovementtimeswiththemouseandtheFalcon withforcefeedbackweresignificantlyfasterthanthe Falconwithoutforcefeedback.Forcefeedbackwasfound toreducetheeffectoftargetsize,butnottheeffectof targetdistance.Forcefeedbackalsoproducedfaster movementtimeswhenthedirectionofmovementwasin twodimensions.Thefindingssuggestthatforcefeedback maybeausefulmethodforassistingpilotsinfutureCDTIs.

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Chemical Etching of Plastic Nuclear Track Detectors

Janet Ruedas
Prairie View A&M University, Texas Major: General Engineering, Emphasis on Chemical Engineering Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Johnson Space Center Mentor: Dr. Ramona Gaza

PrairieViewA&M University researcherJanet Ruedas engraves CR39detectorsfor etching.Image Credit:URC.

Abstract:
WhenchargedparticlespassthroughCR39detectors,theylose energyandbreakthemolecularbondsoftheCR39polymertoform pathsofhighchemicalreactivesitesalongtheirtrajectories.These trajectoriescanberevealedasetchedconesonthesurfacesofCR39 detectorsbychemicaletchforaCE39plate.Chemicaletchingfor plasticnucleartrackdetectors(CR39)andthermoluminescence measurementswereperformedperestablishedtechniquescurrently usedbytheSpaceRadiationAnalysisGroup(SRAG) atNASA/JSC. Workobjectivesincluded:workingwiththesodiumhydroxide(NaOH) etchingsolution,etchingtheplasticnucleartrackdetectors, measuringthedetectorspre andpostetch.Thegoalwasto calculatethebulketchandpreparethedetectorsforstoragefor futureanalysis.Over150CR39swereetchedsuccessfullyandthe bulketchvalueswereanalyzedforaccuracyusingthestandarderrors anderrorpropagation..

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A Life Cycle Assessment of a SelfSustainable Renewable Energy Ecosystem

Kimberlin Schnittaker
University of Texas at El Paso, Texas Major: Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Glenn Research Center Mentor: Dr. Bilal Mark McDowell Bomani
Kimberlin Schnittaker cleansandmonitorsthe sixecosystemsfor optimalgrowthof halophytes(salttolerant plants)usedforthe creationofbiofuels. ImageCredit:NASA Glenn/Tamaera McDowell.

Abstract:
Thesustainabilityofaviationdirectlydependsontheavailabilityof environmentallyresponsiblefuel.Withthegrowinggapbetweenpetroleum productionanddemand,increasingprices,carbonemissions,mounting environmentalregulations,andthelimitedconcentrationofknownfuel reservesinpoliticallyunstableregions,biofuelsareconsideredaviable alternativetosecuringthefutureofaviation.Biofuelsarearenewable energysource,whichcouldbecustomizedtomeetspecificfuelneeds. NASAGRCdevelopedtheGreenLab ResearchFacilitytostudytwoprincipal sourcesofbiofuels:aridlandhalophytes(salttolerantplants)andseawater algae.ThroughaLifeCycleAssessment(LCA)oftheGreenLab,we investigatedthebenefitsandcontributionstomotivatingthenext generationinSTEMrelatedfieldsthatthefacilityanditsresearchoffer outweighsthecostofrunningtheprogrameveryyear.Wealsolookedinto theoptimizationofChaetomorpha sp.macroalgaebystudyingitsgrowth underfourdifferentconditions.Resultsshowedthatadirectlightsource andsomedirtaccumulationleadtomoresuccessfulgrowthof Chaetomorpha sp.macroalgae

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Evaluate Techniques for Penetrating a RadioShielded Enclosure

Christopher St. Julian


Prairie View A&M University, Texas Major: Electrical Engineering Degree Level: Bachelor of Science Intern Site: NASA Johnson Space Center Mentor: Chatwin Lansdowne and Brandon Sherman

Abstract:
Theaimofthisprojectistodemonstratetechniquesforeffectivelypenetrating aradioshieldedenclosureusingEthernetcable(CAT6).Thisprocessrequires thatwemeasuretheshieldingperformancebymeansoftestinganddata orchestrationtocollectandanalyzeourdata,andthenpresentobservations withdifferenttestcases.Eachtestcasewouldrepresentadifferentpenetration strategythatutilizesdistinctivewirecouplingandcharacteristics(i.e.,thetype ofbulkheadlink,thetwistofeachCAT6cable,theshieldingtypeofeachCAT6 cable,andthelengthofthecable).Asthedifferentcablesetupsarefabricated, aprototypeevaluationofsetupisconductedtomeasurethesignalintegrityof thetestingconfiguration.Oursignalintegrityismeasuredthroughtheanalysis ofdifferentparametersfoundintheprototypeevaluationsuchasRFleakage, impedancemismatch,anddecayrate.Asdatavaluesareeffectivelycollected andanalyzed,themosteffectivecablesetupisselectedbaseduponitsabilityto penetratetheshieldedenclosure.Thetestingdataarecomparedinconjunction withthecostofthemanufacturingoftheprototypewirepenetration.

Radiation Testing on Biased Commercial AMD Microprocessor

Eric Thomas
Prairie View A&M University, Texas Major: Mechanical Engineering Degree Level: Bachelor of Science Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Jonathan Pellish

EricThomas,isa mechanicalengineering majoratPrairieView A&MUniversity.Image Credit:URC

Abstract:
WhenirradiatinganAdvancedMicroDevice (AMD)Processorthatisconnectedtothe motherboardwithinachamber,itis importanttoshieldthemotherboardfrom thegammarays.IndoingsoIconstructeda collimatorwithlead(Pb)brickssothatonly theAMDprocessorisopentothegamma rays.Whilethemotherboardwaspowered, theAMDprocessorexperiencedradiation. Theresultsexaminedtheeffectsthat radiationhadonanAMDprocessorand whetherornottheprocessorcouldsurvive intheharmfulspaceradiationenvironment.

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Global Precipitation Measurement Mission Project LifeTest Support/Life Test Battery Characterization

Loraine TorresCastro
University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Major: Physical Chemistry Degree Level: Ph.D. Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Amri HernndezPellerano

Abstract:
Lithiumionbatteriesareamongthemostenergeticrechargeablebatteriesavailable, makingthemverypopularforvariousapplications.Alithiumionrechargeable batteryprovideshighenergydensity,requiringlessweightandsmallersize comparedtootherrechargeablesystems.ThebatterymanufacturerABSLselected theSonyLithium18650HCcellinthelate1990stomakeitsspacequalifiedcells. NASAGoddardSpaceFlightCenterhasflownABSLbatteriesbuiltfromSony18650 HCcellsonST5,SDOandLROmissions.Recently,Sonymademodificationstothese cellsduetofailuresinterrestrialapplications.Theadditionofamandreltubeis supposedto"improvetheventpathwithincelltothesafetyvent"(Troutman,Joe, 2011)withoutcausinganychangesintheperformanceofthecellandthebuiltin safetyfeatures.Theaimofmyprojectwastoestablishthebaselinecharacterization ofthelifetestbatteries,whichthecontractorsattheNavalSurfaceWarfareCenter atCrane,Indiana,willusetocomparelaterperformancetestsoftheSony18650HC andSony18650HCmandrelcells.Thestudyconsistedinthecreationofatestplan thatallowsresearcherstoknowthecapacityofthebatteryanditsbehaviorin differentenvironments.ThetestplanwasconductedintheBatteryLaboratoryat NASAGoddardSpaceFlightCenter.TheprojectexposedmetoIntegrationand Testing(I&T)inaClass10,000cleanroom,visitstocontractorsandvendors(SAFT, ABSL),andtheopportunitytotraveltotheNavalSurfaceWarfareCenteratCrane, Indiana.(ThisprojectwascoauthoredbyLoraineTorresCastro,LeonineS.Lee, ThomasY.YiandRamS.Katiyar).
Ph.D.candidateLoraineTorresCastroteststhebatteriesfortheGlobalPrecipitation Measurementmission.ImageCredit:URC.

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Assessment of ICESat Altimetry and Tidal Gage Water Elevations with Hydrodynamic Model Predictions for the Chesapeake Bay

Viviana Villamizar
Florida International University Major: Environmental Engineering Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Dr. Michael F. Jasinski
FloridaInternational University Environmental Engineeringmajor Viviana Villamizar. ImageCredit:URC

Abstract:
TheoverallobjectiveistoassessthepotentialofsatelliteLidar toretrievethe surfaceofthecoastaltidesduringnormal(nonsurge)conditions.Specific objectivesaretoassessthecapabilityoftheGLASsensoronboardtheICESat satelliteplatformtoretrievethespatialwatersurfaceprofileduringaMarch2006 transectovertheChesapeakeBay,usingthe1064wavelength;validatethe retrievedwaterlevelsusingacalibrated,highresolution2Dhydrodynamicmodel; andprovideinsightonfuturealtimetryobservationsofcoastalregionsusingLidar. Thepresentstudyfocusesspecificallyonthecapabilitytoretrievewatersurface elevationsoftheChesapeakeBayduringasingleICESat transectinMarch2006. Validationisachievedusingwatersurfaceelevationswithacalibrated2D,high resolutionhydrodynamicmodel.ThisisbecauseICESat observationsdonotfall exactlyoveravailableinsitutidalgages.Thus,itisnecessarytofirstcalibratethe modelusingtidegages.Then,onecancomparetheICESatelevationstothosegrid elementsoverwhichthesatelliteobservationsoccur.FutureLidar altimeters,that willprovidehigherverticalprecisionandspatialcoverage,shouldbeofsignificant benefitnotonlytohydrodynamicmodelers,butalsotoawiderangeof applicationsincludingwaterresourcesplanning,weatherforecasting,ecosystem monitoring,anddisasterpreventionandmanagement.

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Geiger Mode APD 1Kilopixel Camera for 3D Topographic Mapping

Michael Joseph Williams


Delaware State University Major: Optics Degree Level: Ph.D. Intern Site: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mentor: Dr. Anthony Yu
MichaelJosephWilliams receivedtheAwardof Excellenceforhis researchposteratthe 2012NASASummer InternSymposium. ImageCredit:URC.

Abstract:
Geigermodeavalanchephotodiodes(APDs)can convertthearrivalofasinglephotonintoa digitallogicpulse.ArraysofAPDscanbedirectly interfacedtoarraysofperpixeldigital electronicsfabricatedinsiliconCMOS,providing thecapabilitytotimethearrivalofphotonsin eachpixel.Thesearraysareofinterestfor "flash"LADARsystems,wheremultipletarget pixelsaresimultaneouslyilluminatedbythe laserduringasinglelaserpulse,andthe imagingarrayisusedtomeasurerangetoeach oftheilluminatedpixels.ThissummerIplanned tointegratetheGMAPDcamerawithaYb:YAG laserforexperimentaltestofLIDARand distanceimaging.

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Measured Response to UAS Pilot Commands

Jason Ziccardi
California State University, Long Beach, California Major: Human Factors Psychology Degree Level: Master of Science Intern Site: NASA Ames Research Center Mentor: Dr. Walter Johnson

CaliforniaState Universitystudent JasonZiccardi. ImageCredit:URC.

Abstract:
Usingasimulatedairtrafficenvironment,thisstudy measuredtheresponsetime,executiontime,and generalbehaviorofunmannedaerialvehicle(UAV) pilotsinresponsetodirectcommandsfromair trafficcontrollers.Datawascollectedfromeight participantUAVpilotswhowereaskedtorespondto andexecuteATCcommandsasquicklyaspossible. QuickresponsestoATCcommandsareonefactor essentialforUAVstooperatesafelywithmanned aircraftandthismeasuredresponsedata contributestotheknowledgebasenecessarytofully integrateunmannedaerialsystemsintothenational airspaceinthenearfuture.(JasonZiccardi and ZacharyRoberts,coauthors)

ARMD

With sincere appreciation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration acknowledges the talent, hard work and dedication to excellence of those whose contributions have resulted in the success of the NASA University Research Centers Virtual Poster Session and Symposium. NASA Summer Mentors
Dr.Assaf Anyamba,Dr.JohnBaker,Dr.William Bluethmann Dr.BilalBomani,Dr.Lahouari Bounoua,Dr.Chau Buu,Dr. LuzCalle,ShirleyChung,Dr.AmberEmory,Dr.Ramona Gaza Dr.KeithGendreau,JeffreyGeorge,Amri Hernndez Pellerano RobertHirsh,Dr.GaryHunter,EricHurlbert,Michael Jasinksi Dr.WalterJohnson,Dr.AliciaJoseph,JonahKanner Dr.MichaelKrainak,DarrylLakins,Chatwin Lansdowne Dr.Marisabel LebrnColn,LeonineLee,Dr.JeffreyLivas EduardLuzhanskiy,Dr.PaulMahaffy,Dr.Avi Mandell Dr.RonaldOliversen,KevinPedersen,Dr.JonathanPellish MarkPestana,Dr.DanielRamirez,JohnRedmon,Dr.Lance Richards,CarolynRussell,EliasSayfi,HarryShaw,Jon Street,Dr.AliTokay Dr.EugenioUrquiza,Dr.WilliamWest,AnthonyYu

NASA Education Staff


Dr.Penny(Madonna)Adams(JSC),Dr.Lenell Allen(JPL) BerniceBeznoska (GRC),Candance Clements(DFRC) BenitaDesuza (KSC),Dr.DavidKankam (GRC) DarlaKimbro (Headquarters),MariaLopez(ARC) KathleenPowell(LRC),DiegoRodriguez(JSC) Dr.NathanSovik (SSC),JennyTieu (JPL),VanessaWebbs (GRC)

NASA Center Technical Officers


BrendaCollins(ARC),Dr.MarilynLewis(MSFC),Misti Moore(JSFC),JanieNall (GSFC),Joeletta Patrick (Headquarters) Dr.ThomasPinelli (LRC),Dr.LanceRichards(DFRC) DarleneWalker(GRC)

Acknowledgements(Continued)
University Research Center Faculty and Staff
CaliforniaStateUniversity,LongBeach Dr.ThomasStrybel,ProjectDirector Dr.KimPhuongVu Diandra Porter CaliforniaStateUniversity,LosAngeles Dr.HelenRyaciotakiBoussalis,ProjectDirector Dr.DarrellGuillaume Dr.CharlesLiu DaisyLui DelawareStateUniversity Dr.Noureddine Melikechi,ProjectDirector TeresaCurto JacquelynJones Dr.Renu Tripathi FloridaInternationalUniversity Dr.FernandoMirallesWilhelm,ProjectDirector JuanRodriguez HowardUniversity Dr.Everette Joseph,ProjectDirector KatherineCookeMundle Teria Powell Dr.DemetriusVenable PrairieViewA&MUniversity Dr.RichardWilkins,ProjectDirector Frank(Pat)Craddock Dr.KirbyKelvin CarolynWedeking UniversityofTexasatBrownsville Dr.MarioDiaz,ProjectDirector LeslieGomez MaribelGonzalez RobertStone TexasSouthernUniversity Dr.AdebayoOyekan,ProjectDirector BrandiButler UniversityofPuertoRico,RioPiedras Dr.CarlosCabrera,ProjectDirector Dr.AnaRitaMayol Omayra Rivera UniversityofTexasatElPaso Dr.Ahsan Choudhuri LauraBarnum NathanielRobinson

MorganStateUniversity Dr.CarlWhite,ProjectDirector AlbertSweets

NorthCarolinaA&TStateUniversity Dr.Kunigal Shivakumar,ProjectDirector LatoyaBest Dr.Vinayak Kabadi

NorthCarolinaCentralUniversity Dr.Branislav Vlahovic,ProjectDirector SergeiShendrick Dr.MarvinWu

Acknowledgements(Continued)
URC Project Management Team
KatrinaY.Emery
Chief,OfficeofEducation NASADrydenFlightResearchCenter UniversityResearchCentersNationalProject
Manager

Judges
StephenAlter Vernol Battiste Sayak Biswas DamonBradley HeidiBrewer Dr.CarlosCabrera TerenceDoiron ElenaFermin DarrylGaines Dr.Hashima Hasan Dr.Daryush Ila Dr.Kiranmayee Kilaru KurtKossel Dr.RayLadbury DarrylLakins Dr.MarilynLewis JefferyLivas JaniceMakinen Dr.Prabhakar Misra JosephMuniz Dr.OscarMurillo RonaldOliversen JonathanPellish Dr.LanceRichards NateRobinson ReneSanchez JenniferScottWilliams HeatherSmith Dr.KimVu

Event Planning Committee and Support Staff


SarahBrown Frank(Pat)Craddock NoelleColey KatrinaEmery Dr.KelvinKirby JaneNall Joeletta Patrick Daesha Roberts NateRobinson DiegoRodriguez Dr.ThomasStrybel DebraWeathers TyraWheelerZubia

DebraWeathers
UniversityResearchCentersProject Administrator

TyraWheelerZubia
UniversityResearchCentersProject AssociateforEvaluations/Communications

Daesha Roberts
UniversityResearchCentersProjectAssistant

KaitlinWright
UniversityResearchCentersSummerIntern

FormoreinformationregardingtheUniversityResearchCenters,pleasevisitourwebsiteat http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/programs/national/urc/home/index.html andfollowusonFacebookat: http://facebook.com/NASAURC

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