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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 181 records · Page 10

Multi-Temporal Predictive Modelling of Sorghum Biomass Using UAV-Based Hyperspectral and LiDAR Data

High-throughput phenotyping using high spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution remote sensing (RS) data has become a critical part of the plant breeding chain focused on reducing the time and cost of the selection process for the “best” genotypes with respect to the trait(s) of interest. In this paper, the potential of accurate and reliable sorghum biomass prediction using visible and near infrared (VNIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral data as well as light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data acquired by sensors mounted on UAV platforms is investigated. Predictive models are developed using classical regression-based machine learning methods for nine experiments conducted during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons at the Agronomy Center for Research and Education (ACRE) at Purdue University, Indiana, USA. The impact of the regression method, data source, timing of RS and field-based biomass reference data acquisition, and the number of samples on the prediction results are investigated. R2 values for end-of-season biomass ranged from 0.64 to 0.89 for different experiments when features from all the data sources were included. Geometry-based features derived from the LiDAR point cloud to characterize plant structure and chemistry-based features extracted from hyperspectral data provided the most accurate predictions. Evaluation of the impact of the time of data acquisition during the growing season on the prediction results indicated that although the most accurate and reliable predictions of final biomass were achieved using remotely sensed data from mid-season to end-of-season, predictions in mid-season provided adequate results to differentiate between promising varieties for selection. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the accuracies of the predictive models showed that both the data source and regression method are important factors for a reliable prediction; however, the data source was more important with 69% significance, versus 28% significance for the regression method.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Comparison of free-piston Stirling engine model predictions with RE1000 engine test data

Predictions of a free-piston Stirling engine model are compared with RE1000 engine test data taken at NASA-Lewis Research Center. The model validation and the engine testing are being done under a joint interagency agreement between the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory and NASA-Lewis. A kinematic code developed at Lewis was upgraded to permit simulation of free-piston engine performance; it was further upgraded and modified at Lewis and is currently being validated. The model predicts engine performance by numerical integration of equations for each control volume in the working space. Piston motions are determined by numerical integration of the force balance on each piston or can be specified as Fourier series. In addition, the model Fourier analyzes the various piston forces to permit the construction of phasor force diagrams. The paper compares predicted and experimental values of power and efficiency and shows phasor force diagrams for the RE1000 engine displacer and piston. Further development plans for the model are also discussed.

Tew, R. C., Jr.↗

Comparison of free-piston Stirling engine model predictions with RE1000 engine test data

Predictions of a free-piston Stirling engine model are compared with RE1000 engine test data taken at NASA-Lewis Research Center. The model validation and the engine testing are being done under a joint interagency agreement between the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory and NASA-Lewis. A kinematic code developed at Lewis was upgraded to permit simulation of free-piston engine performance; it was further upgraded and modified at Lewis and is currently being validated. The model predicts engine performance by numerical integration of equations for each control volume in the working space. Piston motions are determined by numerical integration of the force balance on each piston or can be specified as Fourier series. In addition, the model Fourier analyzes the various piston forces to permit the construction of phasor force diagrams. The paper compares predicted and experimental values of power and efficiency and shows phasor force diagrams for the RE1000 engine displacer and piston. Further development plans for the model are also discussed.

Tew, R. C.↗

Solar wind model predictions for the sources of streams observed at 1 AU - Coronal enhancements or coronal holes

The present paper discusses attempts which have been made to locate the solar sources of the solar wind streams observed at or near 1 AU. Solar-wind data collected by the Mariner 2, Mariner 5, and IMP-1 spacecraft are considered. It is concluded that the type of solar feature considered as the source of solar-wind velocity enhancements depends upon the solar-wind model used. All single-fluid models predict the source to have a significantly higher temperature and lower density than the surrounding region, while the two-fluid model predicts a change in temperature that is much smaller than the predicted change in density.

Jones, D. E.↗

Wind power prediction models

Investigations were performed to predict the power available from the wind at the Goldstone, California, antenna site complex. The background for power prediction was derived from a statistical evaluation of available wind speed data records at this location and at nearby locations similarly situated within the Mojave desert. In addition to a model for power prediction over relatively long periods of time, an interim simulation model that produces sample wind speeds is described. The interim model furnishes uncorrelated sample speeds at hourly intervals that reproduce the statistical wind distribution at Goldstone. A stochastic simulation model to provide speed samples representative of both the statistical speed distributions and correlations is also discussed.

Levy, R.↗

A Virtual Space Vector Model Predictive Control for a Seven-Level Hybrid Multilevel Converter

This paper proposes a virtual space vector (VSV) model predictive control (MPC) for a three-phase seven-level (7L) hybrid multilevel converter (HMC), where each phase consists of an active-neutral-point-clamped converter with a floating H-bridge. To achieve the best current tracking, which is the primary goal of the proposed algorithm, a novel geometrical positioning approach is proposed to select the optimal voltage vector among all the realspace vectors and VSVs. Then, all the possible switching sequences that belong to the optimal voltage vector are evaluated to realize the dc capacitor voltage balancing and common-mode voltage reduction. Through an external modulator, the optimal voltage vector can be synthesized by using either one-, three-, or seven-segment switching sequence. Compared with the conventional MPC, the proposed VSV-MPC can reduce not only the computational burden but also the current THD. Both simulation and experimental results obtained on silicon carbide based 7L-HMC prototype are presented to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed VSVMPC strategy.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Development of Predictive Model for Accurate Rupture Time from Multi-Axial Creep in Alloy 709 with Physics-Based Simulations

A physics-based model is developed to predict multiaxial creep behavior in Alloy 709 (A709), an advanced austenitic stainless steel intended for high-temperature applications such as Sodium Fast Reactors (SFRs). Compared to conventional stainless steels like 316H, A709 offers superior high-temperature performance; however, comprehensive data on its multiaxial creep response remain limited. To address this gap, a crystal plasticity finite element (CPFE) framework is used to simulate the deformation and failure mechanisms of A709 under multiaxial loading conditions. The model incorporates an extended Hu-Cocks dislocation creep formulation that accounts for precipitation effects, along with the Sham–Needleman model to capture grain boundary cavitation-driven failure. These advanced constitutive models enable a detailed understanding of the interplay between microstructural evolution and macroscopic creep response. Furthermore, the study evaluates the predictive accuracy of various effective stress measures in estimating creep rupture life, leveraging simulated multiaxial creep data. The findings provide critical insights into the applicability of different stress measures for engineering design and life prediction of A709 components operating under complex loading conditions. This work contributes to improving the reliability of high-temperature structural components by advancing predictive modeling capabilities for advanced austenitic steels.

Alloy 709↗

Sensitivity of thermodynamic profiles retrieved from ground-based microwave and infrared observations to additional input data from active remote sensing instruments and numerical weather prediction models

Accurate and continuous estimates of the thermodynamic structure of the lower atmosphere are highly beneficial to meteorological process understanding and its applications, such as weather forecasting. In this study, the Tropospheric Remotely Observed Profiling via Optimal Estimation (TROPoe) physical retrieval is used to retrieve temperature and humidity profiles from various combinations of input data collected by passive and active remote sensing instruments, in situ surface platforms, and numerical weather prediction models. Among the employed instruments are microwave radiometers (MWRs), infrared spectrometers (IRSs), radio acoustic sounding systems (RASSs), ceilometers, and surface sensors. TROPoe uses brightness temperatures and/or radiances from MWRs and IRSs, as well as other observational inputs (virtual temperature from the RASS, cloud-base height from the ceilometer, pressure, temperature, and humidity from the surface sensors) in a physical iterative retrieval approach. This starts from a climatologically reasonable profile of temperature and water vapor, with the radiative transfer model iteratively adjusting the assumed temperature and humidity profiles until the derived brightness temperatures and radiances match those observed by the MWR and/or IRS instruments within a specified uncertainty, as well as within the uncertainties of the other observations, if used as input. In this study, due to the uniqueness of the dataset that includes all the above-mentioned sensors, TROPoe is tested with different observational input combinations, some of which also include information higher than 4 km above ground level (a.g.l.) from the operational Rapid Refresh numerical weather prediction model. These temperature and humidity retrievals are assessed against independent collocated radiosonde profiles under non-cloudy conditions to assess the sensitivity of the TROPoe retrievals to different input combinations.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Aqua/Aura Updated Inclination Adjust Maneuver Performance Prediction Model

This presentation will discuss the updated Inclination Adjust Maneuver (IAM) performance prediction model that was developed for Aqua and Aura following the 2017 IAM series. This updated model uses statistical regression methods to identify potential long-term trends in maneuver parameters, yielding improved predictions when re-planning past maneuvers. The presentation has been reviewed and approved by Eric Moyer, ESMO Deputy Project Manager.

adjust↗

Instantaneous Photosynthetically Available Radiation (IPAR) prediction models based on Neural Network for ocean waters.

Instantaneous photosynthetically available radiation (IPAR) at the ocean surface and its vertical profile below the surface play a critical role in models to calculate net primary productivity of marine phytoplankton. In this work, we report two IPAR prediction models based on neural network (NN) approach, one for open ocean and the other for coastal waters. These models are trained, validated, and tested using a large volume of synthetic datasets for open ocean and coastal waters simulated by a radiative transfer model. Our NN models are designed to predict IPAR under a large range of atmospheric and oceanic conditions. The NN models can compute subsurface IPAR profile very accurately up to euphotic zone depth. The root mean square errors associated with the diffuse attenuation coefficient of IPAR are less than 0.011 𝑚−1 and 0.036 𝑚−1 for open ocean and coastal waters respectively. The performance of the NN models is better than presently available semi analytical models, with significant superiority in coastal waters.

PACE↗

Autonomous control for Heat-Pipe microreactor using Data-Driven model predictive control

To enable a self-regulating capability for heat pipe (HP) microreactors, an anticipatory control strategy achieved via model predictive control (MPC) could proactively respond to potential disturbances and deviations in operating setpoints. This paper demonstrates data-driven methods for predicting the distribution and transient of temperatures and heat fluxes at selected components and regions in a 37-HP system, based on which the optimal control actions in response to changes in user-defined setpoints can be found. We present the development and validation of linear state-space model, feedfoward, and recurrent neural networks. Here, we compare the performance of MPCs with different modeling approaches in terms of following setpoints for temperatures and averaged output heat fluxes. The accuracies of the three data-driven models are similar, but the control actions initiated by neural-network-based MPC can better adapt to drastic changes in setpoints yet generate the smallest errors.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

A prediction model for lift-fan simulator performance

The performance characteristics of a model VTOL lift-fan simulator installed in a two-dimensional wing are presented. The lift-fan simulator consisted of a 15-inch diameter fan driven by a turbine contained in the fan hub. The performance of the lift-fan simulator was measured in two ways: (1) the calculated momentum thrust of the fan and turbine (total thrust loading), and (2) the axial-force measured on a load cell force balance (axial-force loading). Tests were conducted over a wide range of crossflow velocities, corrected tip speeds, and wing angle of attack. A prediction modeling technique was developed to help in analyzing the performance characteristics of lift-fan simulators. A multiple linear regression analysis technique is presented which calculates prediction model equations for the dependent variables.

Yuska, J. A.↗

Koopman Model Predictive Control for Eco-Driving of Automated Vehicles

In this paper, we develop a data-driven process for building a model predictive control (MPC) for eco-driving of automated vehicles. The process involves performing system identification in which the non-linear vehicle dynamics model is approximated by the Koopman operator, a linear predictor of higher state-dimension, in a data-driven framework. This approach allows us to formulate the eco-driving problem in a constrained quadratic program that leads to a computationally fast MPC. The MPC is then implemented as a closed-loop control of an electric vehicle in numerical simulations for demonstration.

autonomous vehicle↗

Using machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve model-data integrated earth system model predictions of water and carbon cycle extremes

The research proposed here focuses on improving the predictive power of the land component of earth system models (ESMs) using (1) model-data fusion enabled by machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), (2) predictive modeling through the combination of ML, AI, and big-data (comprising both model output and observations), and (3) insight of ESM structure and process mechanisms gleaned from complex data using ML and AI.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Design of Efficient Molecular Electrocatalysts for Water and Carbon Dioxide Reduction Using Predictive Models of Thermodynamic Properties

Objectives: 1) To design and synthesize water soluble transition metal complexes that function as electrocatalysts for the reduction of water to hydrogen or carbon dioxide to formate 2) To experimentally measure thermochemical properties, such as hydride donor ability, and use these quantities to optimize catalyst performance in solutions of varying pH 3) To incorporate results from detailed mechanistic and kinetic studies to direct improvements in catalyst design 4) To use thermochemical data from objective 2 to generate predictive models for the properties of new complexes to apply to the development of catalysts for other reductive reactions, with an emphasis on carbon dioxide reduction to methanol Description: Wide-spread implementation of renewable but intermittent energy sources, such as solar, requires the development of efficient methods for energy storage. The high energy density of chemical bonds makes chemical fuels an ideal solution for energy storage. Hydrogen and reduced carbon compounds have been proposed as ideal candidates for chemical fuels. However, the generation of chemical fuels from electricity requires competent electrocatalysts. The proposed research focuses on developing electrocatalysts for the reduction of water to hydrogen, and carbon dioxide to formate. Both products can be used directly as an energy carrier in fuel cells, or as a reductant for more saturated chemical fuels. Hydrogen is the most common fuel used in current commercial fuel cells. Additionally, there is interest in formic acid as a liquid carrier for hydrogen because of its increased storage density and ease of dehydrogenation. Formate is also an intermediate in the sequential reduction of CO 2 to methanol, another potential chemical fuel with high energy storage density. Despite the utility of formate as a chemical fuel or precursor, there are very few examples of electrocatalysts for its production from CO 2 , and even fewer demonstrate high product selectivity. In heterogeneous catalysis, the Sabatier principle is used to generate volcano curves that describe optimal thermochemical properties for key intermediates that result in peak catalytic activity. In most cases, such as hydrogen production and oxidation, the most favorable metals (Pt, Re, Rh, and Ir) are rare and expensive. Molecular inorganic complexes provide an opportunity to use electronic and steric ligand effects to tune the critical thermodynamic parameters of abundant metals to values comparable to key surface intermediates on precious metals. This principle will be applied to the design of aqueous homogeneous catalysts for the reduction of H 2 O and CO 2 optimized to function at specific pH ranges. The critical intermediate in both of these reactions is a metal hydride. The strength of this bond, or hydricity (ΔGH - ) dictates the overall thermodynamics of the reduction of H + to H 2 and the sequential reduction of C1 substrates, such as CO 2 , CO, and H 2 CO (the latter to CH 3 OH). ΔGH - will be systematically measured for a series of first row metal complexes to form predictive models for metal and ligand electronic effects. Benefits and Outcomes: This approach addresses thermodynamic requirements essential for energy-efficient catalyst design and transition state barrier considerations for faster catalysis. The advancements made from this research will include the discovery of efficient, stable, and fast catalysts for hydrogen and formate generation from electricity. The ability to store energy efficiently is critical to the widespread use of renewable energy schemes. This provides a viable solution to produce high energy density fuels for stationary and mobile energy applications. The fundamental research conducted is also directly applicable to the design of catalysts for the generation of further reduced products such as methanol.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Predictive Model for Workload in Remote Operators During sUAS Contingency Scenarios

The increase in automated capabilities of small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS) has enabled the human operators to manage larger numbers of vehicles simultaneously. As this happens, the operational paradigm shifts to an m:N configuration where multiple operators (m) are managing multiple vehicles (N) together. However, many questions about how operators will interact with each other and share interaction across the vehicle pool are yet unanswered. Therefore, stakeholders from government and industry have partnered to develop ground control station concepts for such operations. The work presented in this paper aims to identify factors that contribute to operator workload. A supervised machine learning-based method built using Support Vector Machines and K-fold cross-validation was used to create workload prediction models for various NASA TLX subscales by leveraging features related to interactions and their relative timings during m:N operations. Results show that the models yielded fairly high predictive accuracies ranging from ~60-75%.

workload prediction↗