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Recent Advances in Soft Matter Characterization Capabilities Developed at NASA GRC for Lunar Exploration: Differential Dynamic Microscopy to Spectroscopy to Computer VisionIn 1991, famous French scientist Pierre-Gilles de Genes was awarded Nobel prize for his impactful research in soft matter, more specifically polymers. He is defined as the founding father of soft matter. In his Nobel lecture (https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2018/06/gennes-lecture.pdf ) he described soft matter aka complex fluids as materials with two primary features – (a) complexity and (b) flexibility. The sub-categories of soft matter (e.g.- granular materials, polymers, foams, colloids etc.) are defined on the basis of Pierre-Gilles de Gennes’ definition. At NASA GRC, we are pushing the boundaries for fundamental study of soft matter on Lunar Surface. With regard to Lunar surface science, we are focusing on developing capabilities pertaining to granular materials and bio-soft/active matter to facilitate future efforts in ISRU and bio-ISRU capabilities. In order to achieve fundamental goals of soft matter research within the limitations of Lunar environment, the scientific capabilities need to be small, flexible, modular, off the shelf and the focus needs to be more on developing an interdisciplinary capability that leverages the recent growth in AI/ML and Computer Vision to augment our understanding of fundamental science. This strategy would allow us to reduce our resource requirement during launch, installation, and occupied real estate footprint on Lunar surface

In this talk, we will go over 3 different capabilities that we have developed in house and in close collaboration – (a) Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM), (b) Portable In-situ Chemical Spectroscopy (PICS) and (c) Computer Vision Enabled Observation. At very high level, Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM) allows us to study the structure-property-process relation (microrheology) of bio-soft/active matter using optical microscope and improved image analysis capabilities. PICS uses AI/ML-based advanced signal deconvolution and analysis technique that can work with existing portable spectroscopy tools to perform materials analysis (e.g.- granular materials and bio-soft/active matter) inspection on the go. Finally, computer vision enabled analysis allows us to use simple camera images for 3D reconstruction of experimental process and tracking of objects of interest in an experiment.

We expect that this detailed process will allow us reach a thorough understanding of soft matter in Lunar environment. The capabilities developed by us will help to validate and establish fundamental understanding in Lunar environment. This will, in turn, allow us to guide future space exploration missions and expand the knowledge base of the scientific and engineering communities.
Document ID
20240010760
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Suman Sinha Ray
(Universities Space Research Association Columbia, United States)
Amine Missaoui
(Universities Space Research Association Columbia, United States)
Ian Madden
(Universities Space Research Association Columbia, United States)
Sathyashri Muruganandam
(The University of Texas at Austin Austin, United States)
Jack Qiao
(The University of Texas at Austin Austin, United States)
Emily Johnson
(Glenn Research Center Cleveland, United States)
Prakash Chaudhary
(University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, United States)
Iksha Gurung
(University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, United States)
Muthukumaran Ramasubramanian
(University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, United States)
Manil Maskey
(Marshall Space Flight Center Redstone Arsenal, United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2024
Subject Category
Instrumentation and Photography
Meeting Information
Meeting: 28th European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA) Biennial Symposium and General Assembly
Location: Liverpool
Country: GB
Start Date: September 3, 2024
End Date: September 6, 2024
Sponsors: European Low Gravity Research Association
Funding Number(s)
WBS: 766291.08.10.03.01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Use by or on behalf of the US Gov. Permitted.
Technical Review
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