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At least 235 records · Page 13

AdS 3 Einstein gravity and boundary description: pedagogical review

We review the various aspects of the 3D Einstein gravity theory with a negative cosmological constant and its boundary description. We also explore its connections to conformal field theories (CFTs), modular symmetry, and holography. It is worth noting that this particular theory is topological in nature, which means that all the physical degrees of freedom are located on the boundary. Additionally, we can derive the boundary description on a torus, which takes the form of a 2D Schwarzian theory. This observation suggests that the relevant degrees of freedom for the theory can be described using this 2D theory. Because of the renormalizability of the 3D gravity theory, one can probe the quantum regime. This suggests that it is possible to investigate quantum phenomena. Unlike the conventional CFTs, when considering the AdS 3 background, the boundary theory loses modular symmetry. This represents a departure from the usual behavior of CFT and is quite intriguing. The Weyl transformation induces anomaly in CFTs, and we indicate that applying this transformation to the 2D Schwarzian theory leads to similar results. Summing over all geometries with the asymptotic AdS 3 boundary condition is equivalent to summing over a modular group. The partition function is one-loop exact and therefore an analytical expression from the summation. This theory holds potential applications in Quantum Information and is a recurring theme in the study of holography, where gravitational theories are connected with CFTs.

2D Schwarzian theory↗

Equivalence between Fermion-to-Qubit Mappings in two Spatial Dimensions

We argue that all locality-preserving mappings between fermionic observables and Pauli matrices on a two-dimensional lattice can be generated from the exact bosonization in Chen et al., whose gauge constraints project onto the subspace of the toric code with emergent fermions. Starting from the exact bosonization and applying Clifford finite-depth generalized local unitary transformation, we can achieve all possible fermion-to-qubit mappings (up to the re-pairing of Majorana fermions). In particular, we discover a new supercompact encoding using 1.25 qubits per fermion on the square lattice. We prove the existence of finite-depth quantum circuits to obtain fermion-to-qubit mappings with qubit-fermion ratios r = 1 + 1/2k for positive integers k, utilizing the trivialness of quantum cellular automata in two spatial dimensions. Also, we provide direct constructions of fermion-to-qubit mappings with ratios arbitrarily close to 1. When the ratio reaches 1, the fermion-to-qubit mapping reduces to the one-dimensional Jordan-Wigner transformation along a certain path in the two-dimensional lattice. Finally, we explicitly demonstrate that the Bravyi-Kitaev superfast simulation, the Verstraete-Cirac auxiliary method, Kitaev’s exactly solved model, the Majorana loop stabilizer codes, and the compact fermion-to-qubit mapping can all be obtained from the exact bosonization.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Flux Balancing Control of Ungapped Nanocrystalline Core-Based Transformer in Dual Active Bridge Converters

Transformer flux dc bias is a critical issue, impacting the reliable operation of dual active bridge (DAB) converters especially when ungapped high permeability nanocrystalline core is used. Steady state current dc bias can easily saturate ungapped nanocrystalline transformers, and it is even more dangerous in transient conditions. A dc bias model is proposed to analyze steady state dc bias in different load conditions. The magnetizing current detection is necessary for closed-loop control of dc bias; conductors' position is shown to impact sensor noise, and it is analyzed in detail. To deal with both steady state and transient dc bias, a unified flux balancing control (UFBC) is proposed introducing a predictive bias suppression (PBS) method with closed-loop flux balancing control (CFBC). With the proposed PBS, both primary/secondary current balance and flux balance can be achieved within one switching cycle using UFBC. Power characteristics and interaction between power control and flux balancing control of DAB converters are analyzed, and the CFBC needs to work in a low bandwidth due to sensor bandwidth limitation and interaction between power control and flux balancing control. Lastly, the UFBC is verified on a 300-kW cascaded DAB converter prototype.

42 ENGINEERING↗

A method for linearizing a nonlinear system with six state variables and three control variables

A nonlinear system governed by x = f(x,u) with six state variables and three control variables is considered in this project. A set of transformations from (x,u) - space to (z,v) - space is defined such that the linear tangent model is independent of the operating point in the z-space. Therefore, it is possible to design a control law satisfying all operating points in the transformed space. An algorithm to construct the above transformations and to obtain the associated linearized system is described in this report. This method is applied to a rigid body using pole placement for the control law. Results are verified by numerical simulation. Closed loop poles in x-space using traditional local linearization are compared with those pole placements in the z-space.

Hsia, W. S.↗

Robonaut 2 - IVA Experiments On-Board ISS and Development Towards EVA Capability

Robonaut 2 (R2) has completed its fixed base activities on-board the ISS and is scheduled to receive its climbing legs in early 2014. In its continuing line of firsts, the R2 torso finished up its on-orbit activities on its stanchion with the manipulation of space blanket materials and performed multiple tasks under teleoperation control by IVA astronauts. The successful completion of these two IVA experiments is a key step in Robonaut's progression towards an EVA capability. Integration with the legs and climbing inside the ISS will provide another important part of the experience that R2 will need prior to performing tasks on the outside of ISS. In support of these on-orbit activities, R2 has been traversing across handrails in simulated zero-g environments and working with EVA tools and equipment on the ground to determine manipulation strategies for an EVA Robonaut. R2 made significant advances in robotic manipulation of deformable materials in space while working with its softgoods task panel. This panel features quarter turn latches that secure a space blanket to the task panel structure. The space blanket covers two cloth cubes that are attached with Velcro to the structure. R2 was able to open and close the latches, pull back the blanket, and remove the cube underneath. R2 simulated cleaning up an EVA worksite as well, by replacing the cube and reattaching the blanket. In order to interact with the softgoods panel, R2 has both autonomously and with a human in the loop identified and localized these deformable objects. Using stereo color cameras, R2 identified characteristic elements on the softgoods panel then extracted the location and orientation of the object in its field of view using stereo disparity and kinematic transforms. R2 used both vision processing and supervisory control to successfully accomplish this important task. Teleoperation is a key capability for Robonaut's effectiveness as an EVA system. To build proficiency, crewmembers have attempted increasingly difficult tasks using R2 inside the Station. After donning motion capture equipment and a virtual reality visor, Expedition 34/35 flight engineer Tom Marshburn began operations with simple hand movements. Having gained confidence, Marshburn guided R2's arms in a leader-follower exercise with crewmate Chris Cassidy. He was also able to use the hand to grab a tumbling roll of tape, a task only demonstrable in microgravity. Later efforts saw Cassidy handle softgoods through shared control with ground operators, mimicking an activity previously achieved using only autonomy. Robotic climbing through the ISS on handrails requires both precision motion and compliant grasps in order to both position grippers on handrails/seat track and prevent large internal forces. R2 climbs using actively controlled compliance and torque limiting to meet both the precision and softness requirements. During a step, the attached leg is controlled to be strong and stiff in order to maintain precision trajectory tracking. The swing leg is controlled to be stiff but weak to minimize unintentional impact forces while maintaining precision. During a simulated dual limb grasp (as shown in Figure 1), the R2 controller maintains one limb rigid and one limb soft to prevent large internal forces from building up. R2's grippers also use a form of force control to limit grip force while not fully closed on either a handrail or seat track thus limiting unintentional forces on cables/objects that may be present in R2's translational path. The on-board torso R2 safety system relies on a single end-effector velocity limit to prevent potential impact forces from exceeding Station maximum load requirements. R2's mobile configuration required modifications to the velocity limiting safety function due to its large, dynamic inertia. R2's legs maneuver the robot's mass creating configuration dependent, joint-relative inertias. A single all-encompassing velocity limit to cover worst case inertia is prohibitively low. The upgraded R2 control and safety systems solve this problem using momentum limiting, momentum control, and kinetic energy minimization. Momentum and kinetic energy take the robot mass into account relieving low velocity restrictions on low inertia end-effectors while ensuring that the overall mass of R2 is limited from hazardous velocities. The momentum of R2's five safety nodes (each of the four end-effectors and the body) is monitored and compared to a single momentum limit. If any of the five nodes exceeds the safety limit, the motor power is removed and the robot comes to a stop. Momentum control/limiting also provides a simple, reliable method to integrate hand held tools into the safety system by providing the tool mass to the control system thus automatically reducing the allowable velocity of the end-effector with the tool. Work on the ground continues to build the skill set for an EVA Robonaut. Recent experiments (Figure 2) demonstrate how a teleoperator can use R2 to manipulate a tether hook, an important safety precaution on spacewalks. Another task displayed Robonaut's ability to pull back a protective jacket over a hose and search for damage, as well as inspect a quick-disconnect fitting for debris. Demonstrations such as these are indicative of EVA work done on ISS, specifically seen during a series of spacewalks over 2012 and 2013 where astronauts searched for an ammonia leak in one of the external cooling loops. Through experiments both on ISS and on the ground, R2 is evolving and providing the information needed to plan out the upgrades that will make an EVA Robonaut an effective tool. With the addition of legs, R2 will start climbing inside the space station and supply invaluable information on how the climbing strategies and task stabilization techniques must be refined. Ground R2 systems will continue to work with additional EVA tools and equipment in preparation for onboard IVA testing and future EVA applications.

Diftler, Myron↗

Reverse martensitic transformation on the corrosion behavior of a 2304 lean duplex stainless steel

This study investigates the influence of the reverse martensitic transformation on the corrosion behavior of 2304 lean duplex stainless steel (LDSS) at low temperatures (400–600°C). The steel underwent cold rolling, followed by isochronal annealing for 0.5 h. Phase transformations and microstructures were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Corrosion resistance was evaluated using a syringe cell with cyclic potentiodynamic polarization in 0.6 M NaCl solution and double-loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 + 0.001 M KSCN solution. A bimodal breakdown potential behavior, associated with either pitting or transpassivity, was observed in the as-received (AR) and samples annealed at 400°C. Pitting in the AR sample was associated with Al–Mg–Si–Ca–O inclusions, while pitting on the samples annealed at 400°C was linked to local reduced passive film resistance. Severe cold rolling enhanced the pitting resistance of 2304 LDSS. Selective electrochemical etching revealed preferential corrosion at phase interfaces and within the austenite phase. Additionally, annealing at 500°C to 600°C led to a marked decrease in pitting resistance and increased sensitization. Electron backscatter diffraction analysis of the corroded pits in the annealed specimens indicated that pits tend to nucleate and grow in α'-martensite/austenite regions. Furthermore, the nanostructure formed during low-temperature reversion, characterized by dislocation-cell martensite with high dislocation density and stacking faults, may adversely affect corrosion resistance due to heterogeneities associated with alloying element redistribution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Tunable competing magnetic anisotropies and spin reconfigurations in ferrimagnetic Fe 100– x Gd x alloy films

Here, we report a comprehensive study of the temperature evolution of in-plane (IP) and out-of-plane (OOP) effective magnetic anisotropies in compensated ferrimagnetic Fe 100– x Gd x alloy films by employing direct current magnetometry and radiofrequency (RF) transverse susceptibility (TS) measurements. We suggest that our Fe 100– x Gd x system is chemically inhomogeneous and phase segregates into Fe- and Gd-enriched regions. Our IP and OOP magnetometry results indicate that the system undergoes a temperature-driven transformation from an IP-spin-configuration-dominated state to an OOP-spin-configuration-dominated state below a certain temperature (spin reorientation temperature). A two-step reversal behavior emerges in the OOP $\textit{M(H)}$ loop near compensation, which we attribute to the sequential magnetization reversals of Fe- and Gd-enriched domains. Field-induced spin-flop transitions were also observed near the compensation. Our RF TS measurements indicate that the effective magnetic anisotropy for the OOP configuration dominates over that for the IP configuration below a certain spin reorientation temperature. Both IP and OOP anisotropy fields determined from our TS measurement exhibit a minimum around the compensation temperature, which has been explained in the framework of the Stoner-Wohlfarth model.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Towards Generalizable and Efficient Circuit Topology Design: A Graph-Transformer-based Surrogate Model with Curriculum Learning

Unlike circuit parameter and sizing optimizations, the automated design of analog circuit topologies poses significant challenges for learning-based approaches. One challenge arises from the combinatorial growth of the topology space with circuit size, which limits the topology optimization efficiency. Moreover, traditional circuit evaluation methods are time-consuming, while the presence of data discontinuity in the topology space makes the accurate prediction of circuit performance exceptionally difficult for unseen topologies. To tackle these challenges, we design a novel Graph-Transformer-based Network (GTN) as the surrogate model for circuit evaluation, offering a substantial acceleration in the speed of circuit topology optimization without sacrificing performance. Our GTN model architecture is designed to embed voltage changes in circuit loops and current flows in connected devices, enabling accurate performance predictions for circuits with unseen topologies. To address the cold start problem when scaling GTN to large-scale circuits, we further introduce a curriculum learning strategy that progressively trains GTN from small-scale to large-scale circuits. This approach enables the model to first learn fundamental physical principles from simpler topologies and gradually adapt to complex configurations, effectively bridging the circuit complexity gap and improving prediction accuracy. Taking the power converter circuit design as an experimental task, our GTN model significantly outperforms an analytical approach and baseline methods directly utilizing graph neural networks. Furthermore, GTN achieves less than 5% relative error and 196× speed-up compared with high-fidelity simulation. Notably, our GTN surrogate model empowers an automatic circuit design framework to discover circuits of comparable quality to those identified through high-fidelity simulation while reducing the time required by up to 98.2%. With curriculum learning, the enhanced GTN achieves a 51% improvement for performance prediction of large-scale circuits compared to the GTN model without this strategy. These advancements establish GTN as a scalable framework for automated analog circuit design across varying circuit complexity levels.

Lu, Haoshu [New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJ↗

Modularized TGFbeta-Smad Signaling Pathway

The Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFbeta) signaling pathway is a prominent regulatory signaling pathway controlling various important cellular processes. It can be induced by several factors, including ionizing radiation. It is regulated by Smads in a negative feedback loop through promoting increases in the regulatory Smads in the cell nucleus, and subsequent expression of inhibitory Smad, Smad7 to form a ubiquitin ligase with Smurf targeting active TGF receptors for degradation. In this work, we proposed a mathematical model to study the radiation-induced Smad-regulated TGF signaling pathway. By modularization, we are able to analyze each module (subsystem) and recover the nonlinear dynamics of the entire network system. Meanwhile the excitability, a common feature observed in the biological systems, along the TGF signaling pathway is discussed by mathematical analysis and numerical simulation.

Li, Yongfeng↗

A note on the analytic structure of celestial amplitudes

Celestial amplitudes, obtained by applying Mellin transform and analytic continuation on “ordinary” amplitudes, have interesting properties which may provide useful insights on the underlying theory. Their analytic structures are thus of great interest and need to be better understood. In this paper, we critically examine the analytic structure of celestial amplitudes in a massless low-energy effective field theory. We find that, fixed-order loop contributions, which generate multipoles on the negative β-plane, in general do not provide an accurate description of the analytic structure of celestial amplitudes. By resumming over the leading logarithmic contributions using renormalization group equations (RGEs), we observe much richer analytic structures, which generally contain branch cuts. It is also possible to generate multipoles or shifted single poles if the RGEs satisfy certain relations. Including sub-leading logarithmic contributions is expected to introduce additional corrections to the picture. However, without a new approach, it is difficult to make a general statement since the analytic form of the Mellin transform is challenging to obtain.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Stereoscopic distance perception

Limited cue, open-loop tasks in which a human observer indicates distances or relations among distances are discussed. By open-loop tasks, it is meant tasks in which the observer gets no feedback as to the accuracy of the responses. What happens when cues are added and when the loop is closed are considered. The implications of this research for the effectiveness of visual displays is discussed. Errors in visual distance tasks do not necessarily mean that the percept is in error. The error could arise in transformations that intervene between the percept and the response. It is argued that the percept is in error. It is also argued that there exist post-perceptual transformations that may contribute to the error or be modified by feedback to correct for the error.

Foley, John M.↗

Research Opportunities Supporting the Vision for Space Exploration from the Transformation of the Former Microgravity Materials Science Program

The Microgravity Materials Science Program established a strong research capability through partnerships between NASA and the scientific research community. With the announcement of the vision for space exploration, additional emphasis in strategic materials science areas was necessary. The President's Commission recognized that achieving its exploration objectives would require significant technical innovation, research, and development in focal areas defined as "enabling technologies." Among the 17 enabling technologies identified for initial focus were: advanced structures, advanced power and propulsion; closed-loop life support and habitability; extravehicular activity systems; autonomous systems and robotics; scientific data collection and analysis, biomedical risk mitigation; and planetary in situ resource utilization. Mission success may depend upon use of local resources to fabricate a replacement part to repair a critical system. Future propulsion systems will require materials with a wide range of mechanical, thermophysical, and thermochemical properties, many of them well beyond capabilities of today's materials systems. Materials challenges have also been identified by experts working to develop advanced life support systems. In responding to the vision for space exploration, the Microgravity Materials Science Program aggressively transformed its research portfolio and focused materials science areas of emphasis to include space radiation shielding; in situ fabrication and repair for life support systems; in situ resource utilization for life support consumables; and advanced materials for exploration, including materials science for space propulsion systems and for life support systems. The purpose of this paper is to inform the scientific community of these new research directions and opportunities to utilize their materials science expertise and capabilities to support the vision for space exploration.

Clinton, R. G., Jr.↗

A Voltage Injection-Based Current Harmonics Suppression Strategy for Six-Phase PMSM With Nonsinusoidal Back EMF

This article presents a voltage injection-based current harmonic minimization method for wide bandgap device-based six-phase permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) drives. The presence of low-order harmonics is common in the back EMF of PMSMs with low slot and high pole numbers. The back EMF harmonics generate low-order harmonic currents that increase torque ripples. Furthermore, zero-sequence current (ZSC) is also observed if all six phases are connected to a common neutral point. ZSC does not affect the torque ripple but reduces the system efficiency. A special technique is required to reduce ZSC for variable speed drives as direct ac component to synchronous reference frame (SRF) dc transformation is not possible for ZSC. In this article, a voltage injection-based current harmonics reduction method is proposed. The injected harmonic voltage coefficients are calculated from the harmonic estimations of back EMF and updated using closed-loop harmonic compensators to improve steady-state performance. For ZSC reduction, third harmonics power controller, and for 6n ± 1 (n = 1, 2,...) order harmonic current reduction, SRF current controllers are presented in this article. Furthermore, the current harmonics minimization method is experimentally verified using a GaN-based three-level active neutral point clamped inverter-driven six-phase PMSM.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Interpretable Deep Learning for Advancing Field-Enhanced Catalysis

This DOE Early Career project developed a physics-informed, interpretable AI-and-modeling framework to understand and exploit electric-field effects in heterogeneous catalysis, with ammonia cracking and synthesis as a representative pathway. The team built and validated methods to map local electric fields on metal surfaces and nanoparticles, showing that low-coordination features (tips/edges/corners) can concentrate fields by several-fold relative to flat facets. Using DFT-generated datasets, the project created physics-guided machine learning models that rapidly predict local electric fields and field-dependent adsorption energetics with near-DFT accuracy while reducing computational cost by orders of magnitude. These predictions were integrated with microkinetic modeling to quantify how field-dipole interactions reshape reaction energetics and mechanisms, enabling large increases in predicted catalytic rates and substantial reductions in operating temperature under favorable field conditions. To accelerate discovery of earth-abundant catalysts, the project combined interpretable ML screening (with electronic-structure descriptors identified as key drivers) with a generative inverse-design workflow based on diffusion models and physics constraints. The resulting closed-loop approach, linking simulation, mechanistic modeling, and AI, provides reusable tools and datasets for designing catalysts and operating conditions in field-enhanced catalysis, with broad relevance to electrostatic catalysis, plasma catalysis, electrocatalysis, and other energy-related chemical transformations.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Load balancing and closed chain multiple arm control

The authors give the general dynamical equations for several rigid link manipulators rigidly grasping a commonly held rigid object. It is shown that the number of arm-configuration degrees of freedom lost due to imposing the closed-loop kinematic constraints is the same as the number of degrees of freedom gained for controlling the internal forces of the closed-chain system. This number is equal to the dimension of the kernel of the Jacobian operator which transforms contact forces to the net forces acting on the held object, and it is shown that this kernel can be identified with the subspace of controllable internal forces of the closed-chain system. Control of these forces makes it possible to regulate the grasping forces imparted to the held object or to control the load taken by each arm. It is shown that the internal forces can be influenced without affecting the control of the configuration degrees of freedom. Control laws of the feedback linearization type are shown to be useful for controlling the location and attitude of a frame fixed with respect to the held object, while simultaneously controlling the internal forces of the closed-chain system. Force feedback can be used to linearize and control the system even when the held object has unknown mass properties. If saturation effects are ignored, an unconstrained quadratic optimization can be performed to distribute the load optimally among the joint actuators.

Kreutz, Kenneth↗

Grid-Connected Modular Soft-Switching Solid State Transformers (M-S4T)

The objective of this project is to develop and verify the concept of a flexible and modular soft-switching solid-state transformer (M-S4T) for direct grid-connected applications. The ability to directly connect power electronics converters to the medium voltage grid (4 kV – 13 kV), and to potentially replace the passive and bulky, but ubiquitous 60 hertz service transformer in the 25 kVA to 100 kVA range, with a more flexible and controllable device, has been regarded as the ‘holy grail’ in grid control. However, this has proven to be extremely difficult. This project has developed the solutions to several key challenges of the direct grid-connected power electronics and realized a 7.2 kV M-S4T prototype. First, a protection method to protect the M-S4T from the high voltages (110 kV for the 13 kV system) that occur on the grid due to transients and lightning strikes have been developed and experimentally verified. Second, the realization and the operation of the M-S4T based on high-voltage SiC devices (>3.3 kV) and a medium-frequency medium-voltage low-leakage transformer in a single-stage solid-state transformer with zero-voltage switching, low dv/dt, and low electromagnetic interference has been successfully demonstrated up to 7.5 kV peak. Third, an oil-cooling system and stable communication and distributed control system for converter module voltage sharing have been developed and experimentally verified. The developed M-S4T has realized a modular universal high-performance power conversion system. This conversion system is scalable to different voltage and power levels and adaptable to four-quadrant bidirectional operation. Moreover, the use of passive cooling techniques meets the equipment life requirements, and the lightning protection scheme fulfills the basic insulation level specifications for direct grid connection. Such power conversion system opens up near-term opportunities, including energy storage, solar PV, or electric vehicle charging with significant cost and footprint savings. In the longer term, the possibility of replacing the utility distribution transformer with an M-S4T will be transformative for future distribution grids with a compact footprint and full controllability to enable high renewable energy and storage penetration. In addition to the main project, this report expands on the Plus-Up projected including as part of the main award. This project developed and demonstrated the technology for autonomous collaborative inverters that can be connected in an ad hoc manner to the grid. The aim of the project was to: (1) evaluate the existing techniques for grid-connected inverters and find their limitations; (2) develop detailed requirements for grid-connected inverters in the modern grid with millions of active nodes; (3) design a unified control strategy that brings more autonomy and intelligence to grid-connected inverters, and addresses parts of the issues with the existing techniques. The proposed technique, called UniCon, enables inverters to 1) connect/disconnect to/from the grid in an ad hoc manner; (2) work based on local sensing. Slow communication could be used for a more optimized behavior; (3) work automatically in both grid-forming/grid-following mode; (4) handle large disturbances, e.g., big load step and fault, in an oscillation-free manner; (5) work collaboratively with other inverters in steady-state and during transients. UniCon can be implemented in the middle-level control; hence it is agnostic to the vendor and to the implementation of the inner voltage/current and protection loops. Furthermore, a new synchronization scheme, based on deep learning, was developed that can extract the grid voltage phase and amplitude in a stable manner. The method is cheap to implement can improve the dynamic performance of the grid-connected inverters during fast transients, e.g., fault. The proposed control scheme was validated by (1) MATLAB/Simulink; (2) hardware-in-the-loop results, and; (3) experimental results using three inverters that form a microgrid in a down-scaled feeder. Lastly, both the M-S4T and UniCon have achieved promising tangible paths to markets. In the case of the M-S4T, the underlying technology — the Soft Switching Solid State Transformer (S4T) developed at the Georgia Tech Center for Distributed Energy (GT-CDE) has been licensed by GridBlock from the Georgia Tech Research Corporation, and GridBlock has been working with manufacturing partner Jabil (one of the largest US-based contract manufacturers) and system integrator Power Secure (largest deployer of microgrids in the US with 4.7 GW under management), to meet the strong initial demand. Similarly, GridBlock has an exclusive license to the UniCon technology, developed under this award by GT-CDE. The UniCon provides an intermediate control layer that enables the implementation of the higher-level ‘transactive’ control commands for the system. The architecture of the system - slow communications with the cloud for system optimization and setpoints, and the use of locally measured quantities for real-time control, provide a very robust and secure way of implementing a real-time must-run grid that is also secure and stable. This is a brand-new functionality that is critical for the future grid and key to GridBlock’s business model.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

An analysis of general chain systems

A general analysis of dynamic systems consisting of connected rigid bodies is presented. The number of bodies and their manner of connection is arbitrary so long as no closed loops are formed. The analysis represents a dynamic finite element method, which is computer-oriented and designed so that nonworking, interval constraint forces are automatically eliminated. The method is based upon Lagrange's form of d'Alembert's principle. Shifter matrix transformations are used with the geometrical aspects of the analysis. The method is illustrated with a space manipulator.

Passerello, C. E.↗

Changes on the ice plain of Ice Stream B and Ross Ice Shelf

During the 1970's and 1980's, nearly 200 stations from which accurate, three dimensional position fixes have been obtained from TRANSIT satellites were occupied throughout the Ross Ice Shelf. We have transformed the elevations obtained by satellite altimetry to the same geodetic datum, and then applied a second transformation to reduce the geodetic heights to elevations above mean sea level using the GEM-10C geoidal height. On the IGY Ross Ice Shelf traverse between Oct. 1957 and Feb. 1958, an accurate method of barometric altimetry was used on a loop around the ice shelf that was directly tied to the sea at both ends of the travel route, thus providing absolute elevations. Comparisons of the two sets of data at 32 station pairs on floating ice show a mean difference of 0 +/- 1 m. The elevation data were also compared with theoretical values of elevations for a hydrostatically floating ice shelf. The mean difference between theoretical and measured values of elevations is -2 +/- 1 m.

Shabtaie, Sion↗