Digital Commons Network^™

Mock Flow Loop (Mfl) For Self-Powered Fontan Circulation, Shanice Jones, Kristin Sverrisdottir, Arka Das, Gabriela Espinoza

ASEE EDGD Midyear Conference

The Fontan procedure is the current treatment for babies born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). The surgery entails multiple severe complications and a survival rate of less than 50% by adulthood. Modification to the Fontan surgery is proposed to lower mortality rate in patients. A bifurcating graft (IJS) has been designed and validated via computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to increase velocity and reduce pressure within the pulmonary arteries. A dynamically scaled mock flow loop (MFL) will be configured to validate the optimized IJS results obtained from the CFD design. The MFL will be based on a reduced Fontan lumped-parameter …

The Re-Designed Lego, Connor Powers, Renee Spear, Derek Wood, Abhimanyu Harish

ASEE EDGD Midyear Conference

Our team's goal is to redesign and improve upon the Lego brick. We believe that Legos are an incredible outlet for creativity for all ages, but as builders grow older and more experienced with Lego construction the complexity that stimulates the creative mind begins to dwindle. To remedy this issue, we re-designed traditional Lego bricks to have stronger links between pieces as well as greater constructive maneuverability. Our improved Lego aims to benefit the community of Lego enthusiasts that create grand complex structures. The new Lego allows for more defined features in large builds and greater structural integrity in all …

Safe Operations Above Fl600, Lt. Col. Stephen Hunter

Space Traffic Management Conference

Safe Operations Above FL600

Abstract

With the increase in likelihood of near-term development of revenue-generating point-to-point suborbital flights and the increase in high-altitude-long-endurance commercial operations above FL600, the criticality of addressing operations above class A airspace has never been more pressing. While the Federal Aviation Administration describes the National Airspace System, it doesn’t offer a description that includes a top. Technological, physiological, physical and administrative limitations have relegated most air operations to FL600 and below. As that changes, previous work on Space Traffic Management (STM) concepts begin to take on new life and add to sincere considerations for adaptation or …

White Paper On Pcbs In The Built Environment, Andre Barton Ashley Jr., Cheryl Marcham, Et Al.

Publications

Dr. Marcham was part of the 9-member team that wrote this paper. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of man-made chemicals associated with a potential risk to human health and the environment. They were used in many building materials, particularly caulking, grout, expansion joint material and paint, from approximately 1950 to 1978. Both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have published extensive material evaluating human health impacts from exposure to PCBs. The apparent public health risks, including developmental effects in children, reproductive effects and long-term risks for cancer development, have …

The Identification And Classification Of Flow Disruptions In The Operating Room During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy And Open Hernia Repair Procedures, Sacha N. Duff

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The operating room is one of the most complex work environments in healthcare; it is estimated that at least 7% of adverse events due to medical error occur in the operating room. Flow disruptions are events that cause a "break" in the primary surgical task, or the loss of any team member's situational awareness. An empirical link between flow disruptions and surgical errors in the OR has been established; therefore, identifying and classifying the specific flow disruptions present during different types of procedures should facilitate the development of evidence-based interventions. The goal of this study was to identify and classify …

Incorporating Industry Needs Into The Development Of An Undergraduate Degree In Commercial Space Operations, Yash Bipinchandra Mehta

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The rapid expansion of the commercial space industry, not unlike the aviation industry in the early 20^th century, has left the industry facing unique challenges. As companies continue to expand, the need for a well-trained workforce becomes critical. The needed workforce must be specifically educated to enter the commercial space industry at graduation. To have a successful industry, a workforce must be trained in skills that meet the industry's needs. In that regard, this study consisted of a survey of leaders in the commercial space industry to identify the different skill-sets sought by the industry. The results of the …

The Effects Of Energy Beverages In Counteracting The Symptoms Of Mild Hypoxia At Legal General Aviation Altitudes, Daniel Mark Bull

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to conduct preliminary research, in the form of a pilot study, concerning the natural effects of hypoxia compared to the effects of hypoxia experienced after the consumption of an energy beverage. The study evaluated the effects of hypoxia on FAA certificated pilots at a simulated legal general aviation altitude, utilizing the normobaric High Altitude Lab (HAL) located at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida. The researcher tested 11 subjects, who completed three simulated flight tasks within the HAL using the Frasca International Mentor Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD). The flight tasks were …

Effects Of Oxygen Deprivation On Pilot Performance And Cognitive Processing Skills: A Pilot Study, David Francis Shideler

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, pilots flying above 14,000 ft. are required to use supplemental oxygen. The purpose of this study was to examine how oxygen deprivation below 14,000 ft. affects pilot performance using the Frasca Mentor Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD), and cognitive processing skills using the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM(TM)) cognitive test. The study was conducted in a Normobaric High Altitude Laboratory at simulated altitudes of 5,000 ft. and 14,000 ft. In this pilot study, only five participants were tested; non-significant results of the analysis were anticipated; however, as oxygen levels decreased and time of …

Quality And Quantity Of Sleep Study And Its Relationship To The Performance Of Lpga Tour Players, Maria Elena Lopez

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The relationship between sleep efficiency and elite level athletic performance that has a definitive and individual measure of performance (like golf, track, & swimming) has never been systematically studied. The extreme and rigorous travel schedules of professional golfers prevent consistent and necessary sleep schedules. The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) permitted Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) to ask for volunteers at two tournaments during October of 2010 to complete subjective sleep fatigue logs. Analysis of the sleep fatigue logs revealed a relationship between sleep quality and performance (golf score). Subsequent relationships were also found between subjective fatigue and sleep quality, and …

Assessing Color Discrimination, Joshua R. Maxwell

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate human color vision discriminability within individuals that have color normal vision and those that have color deficient vision. Combinations of 15 colors were used from a list of colors recommended for computer displays in Air Traffic Control settings, a population with some mildly color vision deficient individuals. After a match to sample test was designed to assess the limits of human color vision discrimination based on color saturation and hue, standard color diagnostic tests were used to categorize college students as having normal or deficient color vision. The results argue that color …

Space Suit Concepts And Vehicle Interfaces For The Constellation Program, D. M. Klaus, J. Metts, R. Kobrick, M. Mesloh, T. Monk, Et Al.

Publications

In carrying out NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration, a number of different environments will be encountered that will require the crew to wear a protective space suit. Specifically, four suited mission phases are identified as Launch, Entry & Abort profiles, Contingency 0g (orbital) Extravehicular Activity (EVA), Lunar Surface EVA and Martian Surface EVA. This study presents conceptual design solutions based on a previous architecture assessment that defined space suit operational requirements for four proposed space suit configuration options. In addition, a subset of vehicle interface requirements are defined for enabling umbilical and physical connections between the suits and the various …

Paper Session Ii-B - Strategies For Conducting Life Science Experiments Beyond Low Earth Orbit, Ronald L. Schaefer, Ingrid Rudolph-Angelich, Richard Mains, Darren Hughes, Lynn D. Harper, Gregory Leonard, Gregory K. Schmidt

Space Congress® Proceedings

Human exploration beyond low Earth orbit will require terrestrial life to survive and ultimately flourish in environments fundamentally different to those in which it has evolved. The effects of deep space and conditions on the surface of other planets must be studied to understand and reduce the risks to explorers, provide bioregenerative life support, and make full use of the broad research opportunities and scientific benefits offered by such unique environments. Though much is already known about biological adaptations to the space environment, key changes in terrestrial life may only be revealed over complete life cycles and across multiple generations …

Paper Session I-A - Learning About Life On Space Station, John J. Uri, Cynthia P. Haven, Gary C. Jahns

Space Congress® Proceedings

The International Space Station as humanity’s outpost in low Earth orbit, is an ideal platform for studying how to live in space, as well as to conduct research to learn more about life. A long-duration microgravity platform such as ISS allows the study of biological and physiological processes free of the one constant force to which they have been subjected since the origin of life on Earth: gravity. Although construction of ISS is still under way, the US Laboratory Module Destiny has been outfitted with its full complement of 10 research facilities, two of them dedicated to life sciences research. …

Fatigue: Investigation Of A Human Factor For Regional Airline Pilots, Doug Mikkelsen

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

This study analyzed the causes of regional airline pilot fatigue and the impact on pilot performance. An instrument was developed and refined through a field study validation by a panel of experts. The final instrument was distributed to three groups of regional airline pilots. The data supported the literature review, which revealed many causes of pilot fatigue, including flight crew schedules that are not compatible with human limitations; Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) that have not evolved with the advancement of aircraft performance and the public demand for 24 hour availability of flights; and poor personal habits. An analysis of the …

Paper Session Ii-B - U.S./ Russian Eva Interoperability Status, Richard K. Fullerton, L. Dale Thomas

Space Congress® Proceedings

Guidance for the goals of U.S. and Russian cooperation in the International Space Station (ISS) was provided in an addendum to the Program Implementation Plan, dated November 1, 1993, which was jointly signed by the NASA Administrator and the RSA General Director. Subsequent working level agreements for Extravehicular Activity (EVA) have resulted in joint projects which are building confidence and capabilities for commonality of hardware and operations. Parallel EVA planning and implementation of the Shuttle missions to Mir and the assembly of ISS are proving beneficial to both programs. Experience in each program is being fed back into the other …

Paper Session Ii-B - Research Plans For The International Space Station, William P. Gilbreath

Space Congress® Proceedings

The International Space Station, now under construction by all of the leading space-faring countries around the world, will provide a tremendous asset to the international research community. It will not only enhance and broaden present research objectives, but also enable new research initiatives only achievable on such a well-equipped platform. NASA is working with the international research community to develop a coordinated plan for on-board research. The International Space Station research platform will provide an excellent sustained low gravity environment for laboratory research, as well as a robust long-term platform for observational research. Studies in fundamental physical, chemical, and biological …

Comparative Analysis Of Distance Learning And Traditional Instructional Delivery Methodologies In Selected Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Graduate Courses, James T. Gallogly

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

A causal-comparative study that evaluated the qualitative and quantitative data for selected Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University graduate courses in both the distance learning and traditional classroom delivery methods. The population for this study was made up of two segments. The first segment consisted of all students that completed a particular Master of Aeronautical Science course through distance learning, with the instructor that developed the course. The second segment consisted of all students that completed a particular Master of Aeronautical Science course in the classroom environment with the instructor that developed the course for distance learning presentation. The primary instrument for this …

Dynamic Simulation Of General Aviation Cabin Environments And Occupant Restraint Systems, Mark A. Shilladay

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

After a five year study of General Aviation (GA) accidents, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded that aircraft cabin environments place the occupant at high risk of suffering severe injuries in an emergency crash situation. Studies of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) seat tests were used to form the basis of a computer analysis to address dynamic cabin environments. In this effort a simplified system of masses, springs, and dampers are used to simulate the more complex configuration of cabin structure, seat, pilot, and restraints on a personal computer. The primary objective of this study is to accurately simulate …

Paper Session Iii-B - Adaption To Space And The Development Of Human Behavior, Harold S. Issen

Space Congress® Proceedings

Space exploration offers an unprecedented opportunity to study the evolution of bipedalism, the use of two feet as the primary method of locomotion. Among mammals, this adaptation is uniquely human (Wilson:52). Bipedalism is impossible in the weightlessness of space, and astronauts have had to adapt other means of locomotion. A better understanding of human adaptation to weightlessness may offer insight to the human evolution of bipedalism.

Bipedalism and weightlessness have resulted in physical as well as behavioral changes. In bipedalism, the weight of the body shifted from four to two legs and feet, transmitting the load vertically through the spinal …

Paper Session Iii-C - Development Of A Limited Undergraduate And Graduate Space Studies Curricula, Lance K. Erickson

Space Congress® Proceedings

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) began developing a non-technical space studies curricula by introducing an undergraduate minor in 1990. Careful planning of the curriculum and favorable student interest in the space subjects assisted in the success of the nine-course program. The success of the minor has allowed the University to study the creation of broader undergraduate and graduate degree programs in space studies subjects. Developing a graduate program is more difficult than undergraduate programs because of the necessary ties to a strong undergraduate curriculum and because of the need for supporting courses and experienced faculty members. The structure and delivery of …

Paper Session Ii-C - Policy Considerations For Lunar Development, Charles D. O'Dale

Space Congress® Proceedings

A Lunar Base project will not begin until early next century. However, the legal and strategic framework around which it will be planned are under construction today. Important questions such as the base's long-term purpose are being left unanswered while we plan its technical implementation, but if we are to see a lunar base become part of an effective and permanent space infrastructure of use to future projects, the goals towards which it will reach and the conflicts it will face must be addressed. This paper discusses some of the factors which will play a role in forming a lunar …

Human Circadian Rhythms And The Shift Work Practices Of Air Traffic Controllers, Raymon M. Mcadaragh

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

This research investigates human circadian rhythms and describes how they are affected by different types of shift work rotation patterns. Past studies have indicated that air traffic controllers prefer to work the type of rotation patterns that induce the negative result of circadian dysrhythmia. It has been established that workers experience decrements in performance from this condition. Recently, an alternate work schedule has allowed controllers to work new various rotation patterns, some of which disrupt circadian processes even more than previously preferred schedules. A descriptive analysis of controller work schedules from randomly selected facilities indicates that 16% of controllers are …

Paper Session I-C - Sub-Optimal Performance Regimes, Scott R. Johnson

Space Congress® Proceedings

Human performance is the essential element of manned space flight. Manned space flight need not exist were robots or other devices sufficient to accomplish our specific goals in space. However, we know that humans are required for certain tasks, and we also know that the costs associated with humans in space are high. Therefore, anything which can be done to lower costs and improve human performance without jeopardizing safety are in the best interests of manned space flight. We advocate the use of simulations, not only to prepare and train for mission operations, but to analyze and improve the Human …

Paper Session I-B - The Nasa Space Life Sciences Training Program: Ten Years Of Accomplishment, Ronald Biro, Bill Munsey, Linda Chamberlin

Space Congress® Proceedings

The NASA Space Life Sciences Training Program (SLSTP) is now in its tenth year of training future scientists and engineers to meet the needs of space life sciences research and operations. The SLSTP provides six weeks of intensive study at the Kennedy Space Center for top undergraduate students with an interest in life sciences. The program consists of lectures, demonstrations, hands-on research, discussions, and other activities designed to provide an understanding of teamwork, flight experiment development, payload processing, and the unique requirements and opportunities imposed by the space environment. Over 330 undergraduates have completed the program. Since its inception, the …

Paper Session I-B - Interdisciplinary Space Systems Education At The Florida Tech Spaceport Graduate Center, John F. Clark

Space Congress® Proceedings

In 1959 Brevard Engineering College offered the first master of science degree program in space technology. Today that school is Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech), which offers master's degrees in Space Systems (MS/SPC) and Space Systems Management (MS/SSM) at its off-campus Spaceport facilities at NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Patrick Air Force Base (PAFB), and Titusville, Florida.

Some sixty students, almost all full-time employees of KSC, PAFB, or their contractors, are taking one or two three-credit evening SPC courses each semester. Admission requires either a B.S. from an accredited engineering or physics curriculum with a 3.0 average, or achievement …

Paper Session Ii-B - Past And Future Payloads For The National Aeronautics And Space Administration's Microgravity Science And Applications Program, Mary E. Kicza

Space Congress® Proceedings

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Microgravity Science and Applications Program sponsors basic and applied scientific investigations requiring reduced or near-zero gravity conditions. The absence of gravity-induced phenomena such as buoyancy-driven convection, sedimentation, and hydrostatic pressure in experiments conducted in space provides a unique opportunity to obtain valuable insights into a wide variety of physical processes and materials. Knowledge gained from experiments conducted in space improves our understanding of scientific principles and phenomena, which can, in turn, provide important contributions to Earth-based technology and manufacturing processes. This paper provides an overview of NASA's Microgravity Science and Applications Program, with …

Paper Session Ii-B - Life Sciences Shuttle Flights- 15 Years, B. P. Dalton, R. P. Hogan, G. Jahns

Space Congress® Proceedings

Fifteen years ago, the first Life Sciences Announcement of Opportunity offered the promises of "man-tended" microgravity flights. For the experiments involving "nonhuman" elements, i.e., plants, animals, tissues and cells, the Shuttle Transportation System (STS) flights posed both challenges and rewards. The transition from the 1-G laboratory bench to O-G environment has resulted in new information with each succeeding flight. These rewards are measured both in better understanding in methods and materials to conduct research within the microgravity milieu and interpretation of the data obtained.

The engineering systems developed, operational knowledge gained over the past 15 years, and data base of …

Paper Session Ii-C - Horizon Missions Technology Study, John L. Anderson

Space Congress® Proceedings

The purpose of the HMT Study was to develop and demonstrate a systematic methodology for identifying and evaluating innovative technology concepts offering revolutionary, breakthrough-type capabilities for advanced space missions and for assessing their potential mission impact. The methodology is based on identifying the new functional, operational and technology capabilities needed by hypothetical "Horizon" space missions that have performance requirements that cannot be met, even by extrapolating known space technologies. Nineteen Horizon Missions were selected to represent a collective vision of advanced space missions of the mid-21st century. The missions typically would occur beyond the lifetime of current or planned space …

Paper Session I-B - Maximization Of Benefits From The Space Exploration Initiative, W. H. Siegfried, J. W. Alred

Space Congress® Proceedings

On the 20th anniversary, in 1989, of our country's triumphant first landing on the surface of our moon, the President of the United States once again challenged the nation to excel in space. Since that time, a series of outreach efforts was initiated by NASA to the aerospace industry, federal agencies, and the public. In addition, the Vice President of the United States chartered an Advisory Committee on the Future of the U.S. Space Program. At this writing, the AIAA has submitted a report on their canvass of the aerospace community, and the Advisory Committee report has been published. The …

Design, Development And Verification Of Life Sciences Experiments, Clay W. Fulcher

Space Congress® Proceedings

A prime objective of the Life Sciences Flight Experiments Program is to conduct a continuing and coordinated program of biomedical research in space which supports the goals of NASA's Life Sciences. To accomplish this objective NASA has developed an effective NASA-industry- academic team to design, develop, test, and operate Life Sciences payloads for Space Shuttle flights. Ames Research Center, the prime NASA center responsible for development of nonhuman life sciences experiments, works closely with Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center and NASA Headquarters' Life Sciences Division in the development of scientifically balanced payloads. Johnson Space Center has responsibility for human experiment …