Briefs: Materials
Multi-Functional Yarns and Fabrics with Anti-Microbial, Anti-Static, and Anti-Odor Characteristics
Prior art fabrics used to manufacture military combat uniforms typically are made from yarns comprised of a blend of cotton and nylon fibers. This blend supports dyeing and printing techniques that use a combination of acid and vat dyes to impart a...
Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
Detecting Low-Level Harmful Substances in a Large Volume of Fluid
There are many applications requiring the detection and concentration of harmful substances in a fluid; for example, detecting the presence and concentration of a microbial pathogen in a source of drinking water such as a lake, reservoir, river, stream, storage tank, water main,...
Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
Flood Impact Analysis Tool
NASA Langley resides in an area prone to tidal flooding. During events that were expected to lead to flooding, there were requests for maps showing the predicted flood level and what infrastructure may be impacted,...
Briefs: Imaging
Image-Based User Authentication
In other user authentication systems, a user authenticates identity by selecting a particular image that is then matched to a previous choice. This invention enables greater security for access control systems by combining facial recognition technology with a user authentication question.
Briefs: Communications
Paper-Thin Device Acts as a Loudspeaker and Microphone
A paper-thin, flexible device was created that can generate energy from human motion, and can act as a loudspeaker and microphone. The transducer is ultrathin, flexible, scalable, and...
Application Briefs: Aerospace
Sensor Assists NASA with Wearable CO2 Monitor
UK
www.sstsensing.com
Studies show that heightened carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations can have an adverse effect on the human metabolism,...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Modular Fixturing for Assembly and Welding Applications
Researchers at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center have developed new modular fixtures for holding metal in place during the assembly and welding of cylindrical and conical sections...
Briefs: Aerospace
Portable Runway Intersection Display and Monitoring System
Developed at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the subject technology is a portable airport runway/taxiway intersection lighting system and signage designed to prevent incursions. This proposed runway incursion prevention solution aids in the management and prevention of airport...
Modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) will involve future air traffic management (ATM) concepts of operation and technology frameworks that rely on...
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Handheld Spectral Analyzer for Point-of-Care Diagnostics
A spectral transmission-reflectance-intensity (TRI) analyzer was developed that attaches to a smartphone and analyzes patient blood, urine, or saliva samples as reliably as...
Briefs: Test & Measurement
On-line Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) System for Friction Stir Welding (FSW)
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a relatively new solid-state welding process, and many industries are now relying on this technique to produce advanced structures. Industries employing this technique include, but are not limited to, aeronautical, motor vehicle,...
Briefs: Materials
Sequential/Simultaneous Multi-Metallized Nanocomposites (S2M2N)
NASA Langley Research Center has developed a method to create Sequential/Simultaneous Multi-Metallized Nanocomposites (S2M2N) via supercritical fluid (SCF) sequential or...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Low-Cost, Long-Lasting Valve Seal
This technology is designed to protect against leaks in solenoid, check, manual, and relief valves, as well as disconnects and regulators.
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a new,...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Non-Collinear Valve Actuation System
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center scientists have invented a novel valve actuator where the primary actuating system and return spring system are arranged non-collinearly. In the past, valve actuators...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Novel Vent Design Features Variable Flow Control and Rain Protection
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center scientists have designed a vent that can be useful for purging closed compartments, while preventing backflow and foreign object entry. The technology uses a system of configurable devices to provide variable flow control and prevent water,...
Briefs: Aerospace
Three-Dimensional Radiation Ray-Tracing for Hypersonic Entry Vehicles
Shock layer radiation is a form of aerodynamic heating that becomes significant at some entry velocities, depending on the vehicle trajectory and the planet’s atmosphere. Radiation heating is commonly computed with an appropriate method known as the tangent slab approximate...
Articles: RF & Microwave Electronics
Vote for Tech Briefs 23rd Annual Readers' Choice Awards
Briefs: Aerospace
Flap Edge Noise Reduction Fins
NASA’s Langley Research Center has developed aircraft flap tip modifications that reduce noise produced during approach and landing. The modifications are rigid open lattice (honeycomblike) and fin structures...
Briefs: Aerospace
Separation Assurance Framework for ACES Simulation
National Airspace (NAS)-wide simulations provide modeling to emulate tens of thousands of flights for full days of traffic in the U.S. They allow system-level research to be conducted for the simulated airspace, and are currently being used by NASA, FAA, and industry to study interactions,...
Articles: Green Design & Manufacturing
Innovators Recognized for "Creating the Future" 2017
The Create the Future Design Contest has helped stimulate and reward engineering innovation over the past 16 years, drawing more than 14,000 product designs from engineers, students, and...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Novel Design of an Orifice Control Element
An orifice element is commonly used in liquid rocket engine test facilities either as a flow metering device, a damper for acoustic resonance, or to provide a large reduction in pressure over a very...
Articles: Defense
Products of Tomorrow: December 2017
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that...
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Forward Voltage Short-Pulse Technique for Measuring High-Power Laser Diode Array Junction Temperature
NASA’s Langley Research Center has developed a new technology for measuring the junction temperature of laser diode arrays (LDAs) that...
Articles: Software
How Multiphysics Simulation and App Deployment Boost Product Design
As new concepts need to be investigated, and a wide range of operating conditions has to be considered, the design of new products and processes must push the limits of...
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Apparatus and Method to Test Abrasion Resistance of Material Using Airborne Particulate
Prior art techniques for testing abrasion resistance, such as the Taber test and the Bayer test, typically use a rubbing or scratching mechanism to test materials for abrasion resistance; specifically, either an abrasive material is rubbed across the test...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Electrochemically Enhanced Mechanical Polishing of Optics
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center astrophysicists are developing better instruments to measure high-energy X-rays zipping about space when viewed from above the Earth’s atmosphere. Scientists at MSFC adapted a novel method for material removal and super-polishing to the mandrel...
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Miniature Airborne Particle Mass Monitor
Particulate matter (PM) exposure and health effects have become top U.S. environmental research agenda items over the past decade. Environmental epidemiological studies rely on information from both...
Briefs: Aerospace
Autonomous Slat-Cove Filler Device
NASA’s Langley Research Center has developed a deployable and stowable mechanical design for filling the cavity behind the leading-edge slat (i.e., slat cove) when it is extended upon landing an aircraft....
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Lower-Chatter Friction Pull Plug Welding (FPPW)
Friction Pull Plug Welding (FPPW) is the process necessary to plug the hole that is left behind as a friction stir weld (FSW) joint is completed and the pin tool of the welder retracts from the...
Top Stories
Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Nano Diamond Battery Provides Universal Applicability
Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
A Former NASA Mission Manager Reflects on a 'Flawless' Mars Landing
Videos: Sensors/Data Acquisition
'LaserFactory' Manufactures Fully Functional Devices & Drones
Podcasts: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Here's an Idea: Hospital Robots
Articles: Transportation
Modeling & Simulation for Battery Development
Blog: Materials
How Smashing Nanoparticles Together Led to Super-Strength Metal 'Coins'
Question of the Week
Would You Use the 'LaserFactory?'
Webcasts
On-Demand Webinars: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Developing Standards for Odor Sensors and Data
Upcoming Webinars: Automotive
Transforming Automotive Engineering by Tackling Complexity
Upcoming Webinars: Electronics & Computers
Contactless Position, Torque, and Force Sensing for Today’s and...
Upcoming Webinars: Automotive
How to Achieve Multidisciplinary, Collaborative, Concurrent...
Upcoming Webinars: Materials
Ultra-High Purity Silicone in Aerospace and Defense Product Design
Upcoming Webinars: Automotive
A Four-Pillar Approach to Driving Greater Efficiency ePowertrain...
Trending Stories
Application Briefs: Software
Using the IoT for Predictive Maintenance
Articles: Transportation
Modeling & Simulation for Battery Development
Podcasts: Robotics, Automation & Control
Here's an Idea: Hospital Robots
Application Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
System for Continuous Deaeration of Hydraulic Oil
