Joshua Giegel

The wind blows in 3 dimensions. we mostly only care about 2... it's time to modernize. What opportunities exist when we close knowledge gaps and leverage this immense movement of mass? Some interesting topics NOAA has identified related to nested scales and knowledge gaps. the impact of waves and sea spray (small particles) on the formation and movement of hurricanes ( 500-1000km scale) cloud formation and transitions within the boundary layer. factors affecting the vertical transport of heat and matter during the boundary layer daily cycle. concentration and transport of pollutants in realistically variable boundary layer structures We live and exist in the planetary boundary layer by the way. Early 360 camera the Rylo, that is still my favorite camera. lost in the trees in St. Hilare. This is 120+ flying humans. About to spend 3-5 hours flying over 100km using sunlight and the resulting convective thermodynamic reality. this is already the future. weather matters. VR if you have it... or full resolution at least.

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https://lnkd.in/gBwt_e2r Physicists have been hoping for this moment for a long time: For many years, scientists all around the world have been searching for a very specific state of thorium atomic nuclei that promises revolutionary technological applications. It could be used, for example, to build a nuclear clock that could measure time more precisely than the best atomic clocks available today. It could also be used to answer completely new fundamental questions in physics—for example, the question of whether the constants of nature are actually constant or whether they change in space and time.

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Electrodynamic Dust Shield: Combating the Lunar Dust Hazard Dealing with dust may be a small concern for most people on Earth, but there is something very important that was learned from the Apollo moon landings: Lunar dust is a significant hazard for astronauts and spacecraft that must be mitigated. That is why researchers at NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Kennedy Space Center in Florida have been working for many years on an Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) technology. Lunar regolith dust is a significant concern for future missions because it is sharp, abrasive, and highly electrostatically charged. The Moon has no atmosphere and is constantly bombarded by radiation coming from the Sun. The radiation causes the lunar soil to become electrostatically charged. This charge can be so strong that the dust levitates above the lunar surface, making it even more likely to get inside equipment and people's lungs. It can easily penetrate gaskets, seals, and even habitats, posing a threat to both equipment and human health. Unlike dust particles on Earth, lunar dust hasn't been exposed to weathering and elements like water and oxygen, making it more hazardous as it is sharp and spiky. Using transparent electrodes and electric fields, EDS technology can electrically lift and remove dust from a variety of surfaces for space applications ranging from thermal radiators, solar panels, and camera lenses to spacesuits, boots, and helmet visors. Controlling and removing the statically-charged dust will be critical to the success of Moon missions. While some still do not believe that astronauts landed on the moon, the EDS technology has been in development at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida since 2004, based on the Electric Curtain concept developed by NASA in 1967. EDS has undergone testing in vacuum chambers, producing promising results in removing simulated lunar regolith and samples from NASA's Apollo missions within a second. In 2019, EDS technology was launched to the International Space Station as part of the NASA Materials International Space Station Experiment 11 mission for testing in the vacuum of space. Later this year, another EDS technology demonstration is slated to land on the Moon with commercial partner Firefly Aerospace. EDS technology could be a first line of defence for establishing an extended human presence on the Moon. The outcome of this mission will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the EDS technology in a real lunar environment and brings us one step closer to overcoming the challenges posed by lunar dust to long-term exploration and habitation of the Moon and beyond. #SpaceExploration #LunarDust #ElectrodynamicDustShield #ApolloMissions #HumanPerformanceinSpace

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What is similar between a spacecraft and a human? They both have systems they can't live (function) without. 😅 Just like the human body needs a circulatory system, a nervous system, a digestive system, and many more, so too does a spacecraft need systems to allow it to perform its intended functions and operations. These basic spacecraft systems are found in 99% of all spacecraft, so it's crucial for scientists and engineers alike to understand them. The key systems that make up a spacecraft are: 1. Command & Data Handling (C&DH) 🧠 2. Attitude Control System (ACS) ↖ 3. Electrical Power System (EPS) 🛰 4. Temperature Control System (TCS) 🌡 5. Propulsion System 🚀 6. Communications System 📡 7. Payload 📦 8. Structures & Mechanisms System ⚙ If you're interested in learning more about these systems and how to properly design, develop and manage them... I highly recommend the book I'll tag in the comment section below! ⬇ #spacesystems #spacecraft #systemsengineering

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Here’s some more cool info on physics-informed neural networks, or, 2020’s version of reduced order modeling. Most applications are in the CFD space, but now more research is looking at hypersonics, middle defense, and PNT in space systems. I’m stoked to see how far this type of work goes - I’ll always be a physicist at heart. https://lnkd.in/gEsKRaU4

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Dr. Jacob Rome, a visionary in the area of in-space assembly and manufacturing (ISAM), presented at the 2nd ASME SSDM and gave a passionate speech about the need to advance ISAM technologies. Manufacturing space vehicles in space will enable greater flexibility and could result in more efficient space vehicles than if they were launched from the ground, not to mention, these vehicles are not constrained by the fairing volume. Looking forward to seeing these technologies come to to fruition within the next decade. We are also accepting papers in the area of ISAM at the AIAA Scitech Conference: https://lnkd.in/g5tHyumN Title: An Architecture for Orbital Manufacturing in Support of the Future Space Enterprise Abstract: Research and development for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) is ongoing to support future national space enterprise efforts. Many government entities, non-profit organizations, and commercial companies are engaging actively in ISAM research while supporting and sharing knowledge through consortiums such as the Consortium for Space Mobility and ISAM Capabilities (COSMIC) and Consortium for Execution of Rendezvous and Servicing Operations (CONFERS). Research and advancements are being made in the area of manufacturing, assembly, servicing, life extension, refueling, repairing, on-orbit debris removal, orbital transfers, maneuvering, and more. The objective of this presentation is to provide an architecture for orbital manufacturing in support of the future space enterprise. Research on specific aspects of the roadmap, specifically, manufacturing of electrical components within a backbone structure, inspection of manufactured components, and autonomous assembly of snap-fit parts are being conducted. While the OSF (orbit satellite factory) has been a catalyst in spawning new research and making advancements that support ISAM, the current OSF concept needs to be expanded and to be re-evaluated in the context of the capabilities being sought by governent and industry (e.g., refueling, lunar manufacturing, etc.) As part of the OSF effort, existing & future capabilities were studied and evaluated. The roadmap has helped to identify high-value opportunities for orbital manufacturing that would complement the ISAM technological landscape. For example, rather than a stand-along factory building free-flying satellites, an orbital manufacturing outpost could produce replacement parts for satellite upgrades. Another opportunity would be to focus on building large structures that would be assembled at another location by robots or humans. In short, the manufacturing roadmap will be expanded to address many other use cases where orbital manufacturing can add value to space missions of all types.

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"Determination of critical ice shape configurations is not straightforward and may require engineering judgment." "Aircraft Ice Protection" AC 20-73A offers guidance on analysis for icing conditions. Much of the detail is on ice protection systems. However, it is also useful for analyzing ice shapes on unprotected surfaces... https://lnkd.in/gJMnVAau #IcingAnalysis #AircraftIcing #LEWICE #TheBasics

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The best part of working with Ansys is the vast suite to tools to solve different problems. I did a full 2 way FSI of stress on a boat due to waves close to 20 years ago and it was tough! This is the easy button... and the right approach.

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My new book is still a #1 New Release on Amazon. I think the chapters on "make your robot a digital assistant" and "Give your robot an artificial personality" are pretty interesting. (and then there are knock-knock jokes). There is only one equation in the book -- see if you can find it!

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With Eulerian & Lagrangian modeling; solved with explicit method, the Underwater Explosion (UNDEX) case coupled with structure can be solved effortlessly using MSC Dytran. - Learn more about MSC Dytran: https://lnkd.in/gXPjp26V - Some tutorials about MSC Dytran: https://lnkd.in/eTDWAPe3 PT Tensor Sinergi Indonesia empowers engineers to fully utilize advanced simulation software and boost your company's productivity through design certainty. #simulatingreality #deliveringcertainty

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NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications Demo Transmits Data Over 140 Million Miles NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) technology demonstration, housed aboard the Psyche spacecraft, has successfully transmitted data over a distance of 140 million miles (~225 million km). This achievement, which took place on April 8, 2024, represents a significant step forward in the development of advanced optical communication systems for future deep space missions. The Psyche mission, which carries the DSOC technology demonstration, is a journey to a unique metal-rich asteroid orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. What makes the asteroid Psyche unique is that it appears to be the exposed nickel-iron core of an early planet, one of the building blocks of our solar system. This mission aims to provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of planetary bodies. The DSOC experiment transmits data at rates 10 to 100 times faster than current Radio Frequency (RF) systems. During the test, the laser communications demo sent a copy of engineering data at a rate of 25 Megabits per second (Mbps), surpassing the project's goal of achieving at least 1 Mbps at this distance. This technology could be used from relay satellites on exploration missions, such as those on Mars, to enable the transmission of scientific information, high-definition imagery, and video at high speeds. Optical communications will play a vital role in ensuring reliable, high-bandwidth communication between Earth and distant spacecraft. The DSOC experiment has also demonstrated the ability to receive data from Earth-based laser facilities and relay test data, in a round trip spanning up to 280 million miles. By combining multiple ground stations to avoid cloud cover, the project team has showcased the potential of using laser communication from large distances at faster rates than possible with RF communication.   #NASAPsyche #OpticalCommunications #DeepSpaceCommunication  #LaserCommunications  #InnovativeTechnology #FutureOfSpaceComms    

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Several additional cool visuals (not shown below) while running and upon completion. If attempting to get this to run by copy and paste from X to MATLAB, you will likely need to modify the following: FROM: ncid = netcdf.create('http://turb2d6x8f.nc', 'CLOBBER'); TO: ncid = netcdf.create("turb2d6x8f.nc", 'CLOBBER');

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Boats and waves. This is a very easy way to simulate the effect to different waves on the durability of floating structures. https://lnkd.in/gE6x_2VM

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Sanctuary AI Announces 7th Generation Phoenix Robot with Improved Capabilities Sanctuary AI, a robotics company focused on creating general purpose robots, has released the seventh generation of its Phoenix robot. This latest version introduces several hardware and software improvements aimed at increasing the robot's capabilities and bringing it closer to human-level performance. The 7th generation Phoenix features enhancements in its range of motion, particularly in the wrists, hands, and elbows. The company claims to have optimized the robot's uptime, build speed, and material costs. Additionally, the robot's visual acuity and tactile sensing have been improved to provide higher-quality data for its AI control system, Carbon. According to Sanctuary AI, the new Phoenix can automate new tasks 50 times faster than previous generations, with the ability to master new skills in less than 24 hours. The robot also incorporates further miniaturized hydraulics and improved safety measures. The company states that the 7th generation Phoenix is designed to capture human behavioral data with high fidelity, which is then used to train its AI system. Sanctuary AI believes that this iteration brings them closer to their goal of creating autonomous robots capable of assisting in real-world environments.

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I was very annoyed to find that when the SI units came into force in 1960, we actually lost something really important... the original derivations of the units. The traditional definition of electric charge was in units of (Length^3/2*Mass^1/2)/(Time). Today's logic is somewhat circular. We define the charge in terms of current, and current in terms of the number of electron charges per time. And a Coulomb, while very useful, doesn't communicate as much truth, in my opinion. If we are going to get past the naysayers who quote Newton's Laws when saying propellantless propulsion violates physics, we have start to understand how EM units claim heritage from the original LMT "dimensions." Think about it: The recently changed SI definition of an ampere can't be "truly" achieved because there is no such thing as infinitely parallel wires....Especially if we want to at some point bring non-Euclidean geometry into play. So, while I don't take issue with SI units, I am perturbed that it was hidden from my generation, but grateful that it took an act of Providence (as opposed to any recent schoolbook references) to allow me to find that the charge of 1 electron was originally defined as 4.80325 E -10 cm^3/2 gm^1/2 s^-1. I once heard a parable that if an old scientist tells you something can't be done, he's probably wrong, but if he says it's possible, he's probably closer to the truth. How do we bridge the gap between so-called experts saying propellantless propulsion can't be done with explaining how it works at a level we can understand? This is especially difficult when several generations are losing the connections to the original derivations. I will start to try to explain how we get there as we get closer to the completion of our demonstration unit. This is the beginning of those explanations. I'm no PhD. Just an engineer trying to make some aspects of science fiction turn into reality. Challenging dearly held assumptions is necessarily required.

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WANDR: a model to generate realistic human motions for avatars In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and ETH Zurich have unveiled WANDR, a cutting-edge model capable of generating natural human motions for virtual avatars and 3D animated human-like characters. Introduced in a paper to be presented at the upcoming Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR 2024) in June, WANDR unifies different data sources under a single model, paving the way for more realistic motions in the digital realm.     As Markos Diomataris, the first author of the paper, explains, "At a high-level, our research aims at figuring out what it takes to create virtual humans able to behave like us. This essentially means learning to reason about the world, how to move in it, setting goals and trying to achieve them." The primary objective of this study was to create a model that could generate realistic motions for 3D avatars, allowing them to interact with their virtual environment seamlessly, such as reaching to grab objects. Diomataris emphasizes the complexity of human movements, stating, "Consider reaching for a coffee cup—it can be as straightforward as an arm extension or can involve the coordinated action of our entire body. Actions like bending down, extending our arm, and walking must come together to achieve the goal. At a granular level, we continuously make subtle adjustments to maintain balance and stay on course towards our objective." Traditionally, there have been two main approaches to teaching virtual agents new skills: reinforcement learning (RL) and compiling datasets of human demonstrations to train machine learning models. While RL allows agents to learn through trial and error, it can be computationally intensive and require careful reward design to prevent unnatural behaviors. On the other hand, using datasets provides richer information about a skill, but few datasets currently include reaching motions, which the researchers aimed to replicate. Prioritizing motion realism, the team chose to learn this skill from data. "WANDR is the first human motion generation model that is driven by an active feedback loop learned purely from data, without any extra steps of reinforcement learning (RL)," Diomataris explains. WANDR generates motion autoregressively, frame-by-frame, predicting actions that will progress the avatar to its next state. These predictions are conditioned by time and goal-dependent features, termed "intention," which are recomputed at every frame, acting as a feedback loop to guide the avatar in reaching a given goal using its wrist. This allows WANDR to approach and reach moving or sequential goals, even though it has never been explicitly trained for such tasks.

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Words cannot express how proud I am of everyone involved with the incredible, paradigm-shifting feat of engineering that is #Starship. Surviving to make a soft water landing after having large chunks of your control surfaces melt away from the forces of hypersonic re-entry is the kind of thing that only really happens in movies. If it weren't streamed live through the #Starlink satellite constellation, I'd have a hard time believing it. By some miracle, I was able to contribute to this effort. It has been a blessing to be one of the responsible engineers for the camera system that is now providing footage of spaceflight in a way that we've never seen before. It's surreal for me to think back to the early stages of development when getting that first off-color, improperly-exposed, unfocused image from the sensor was such a massive milestone. Now, we're able to capture the visible spectrum resulting from the unique scenario where a grain silo-sized spacecraft barrels through Earth's upper atmosphere at mach 20. When it comes to memorable flights, this is certainly one for the books. And we're just getting started. There are so many exciting missions and milestones right around the corner which will continue to push the boundaries of what we're capable of doing. I can't wait!

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