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At least 307 records · Page 17

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1997

Using APEX to Model Anticipated Human Error: Analysis of a GPS Navigational Aid

The interface development process can be dramatically improved by predicting design facilitated human error at an early stage in the design process. The approach we advocate is to SIMULATE the behavior of a human agent carrying out tasks with a well-specified user interface, ANALYZE the simulation for instances of human error, and then REFINE the interface or protocol to minimize predicted error. This approach, incorporated into the APEX modeling architecture, differs from past approaches to human simulation in Its emphasis on error rather than e.g. learning rate or speed of response. The APEX model consists of two major components: (1) a powerful action selection component capable of simulating behavior in complex, multiple-task environments; and (2) a resource architecture which constrains cognitive, perceptual, and motor capabilities to within empirically demonstrated limits. The model mimics human errors arising from interactions between limited human resources and elements of the computer interface whose design falls to anticipate those limits. We analyze the design of a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) device used for radical and navigational decisions in small yacht recalls. The analysis demonstrates how human system modeling can be an effective design aid, helping to accelerate the process of refining a product (or procedure).

VanSelst, Mark↗

NASA NTRS2017

Multi-Layer RF Tissue Phantoms for Mimicking a Human Core

This work presents the design recipe, fabrication process and characterization of tissue-simulating materials, configured as a physical model to mimic the electrical and some physical properties of an abdominal cavity. The complete three layer design is called the human core model (HCM). To our knowledge, presented is the first hybrid skin-muscle phantom developed to mimic the electrical properties of the intervening tissue layers of an abdominal cavity within the frequency band of 1 GHz 2 GHz, a band of interest for human body sensing due to its deep detection depth. To complete the model, a liquid blood phantom was also developed and characterized in this frequency band. The phantoms were characterized with respect to complex dielectric constant using the Agilent 85070E dielectric probe kit, and the results compared to the Gabriel model, which is used as the standard for human tissue characterization. Since the tissue impedance is an important parameter for characterizing on-body sensors and near field antenna performance, the impedance of the phantoms were also calculated and presented in the analysis.

Bonds, Quenton↗

DOE OSTI2016

Assessment of desalination technologies for treatment of a highly saline brine from a potential CO 2 storage site

Brine extraction is a promising strategy for the management of increased reservoir pressure, resulting from carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) injection in deep saline reservoirs. The extracted brines usually have high concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) and various contaminants, and require proper disposal or treatment. In this article, first by conducting a critical review, we evaluate the applicability, limits, and advantages or challenges of various commercially available and emerging desalination technologies that can potentially be employed to treat the highly saline brine (with TDS values >70.000 ppm) and those that are applicable to a ~200,000 ppm TDS brine extracted from the Mt. Simon Sandstone, a potential CO 2 storage site in Illinois, USA. Based on the side-by-side comparison of technologies, evaporators are selected as the most suitable existing technology for treating Mt. Simon brine. Process simulations are then conducted for a conceptual design for desalination of 454 m 3 /h (2000 gpm) pretreated brine for near-zero liquid discharge by multi-effect evaporators. In conclusion, the thermal energy demand is estimated at 246kWh perm 3 of recoveredwater, ofwhich 212kWh/m 3 is required for multiple-effect evaporation and the remainder for salt drying. The process also requires additional electrical power of ~2 kWh/m 3 .

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2015

Draft Test Plan for Brine Migration Experimental Studies in Run-of-Mine Salt Backfill

The primary objective of the experimental effort described here is to aid in understanding the complex nature of liquid, vapor, and solid transport occurring around heated nuclear waste in bedded salt. In order to gain confidence in the predictive capability of numerical models, experimental validation must be performed to ensure that (a) hydrological and physiochemical parameters and (b) processes are correctly simulated. The experiments proposed here are designed to study aspects of the system that have not been satisfactorily quantified in prior work. In addition to exploring the complex coupled physical processes in support of numerical model validation, lessons learned from these experiments will facilitate preparations for larger-scale experiments that may utilize similar instrumentation techniques.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS2017

Multi-Layer RF Tissue Phantoms for Mimicking a Human Core

Biomedical Microwave Sensing↗

NASA NTRS2019

Generation of a Reduced-Order Model of an Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Using Indicial Response Functions

Within the NATO STO AVT-251 Task Group, a generic Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) planform was redesigned based on requirements derived from parts of the flight envelope of the defined mission. Because of the lambda-shape planform and associated flow phenomena including shocks and vortices, the aerodynamic design process relies heavily on high-fidelity predictions from computational fluid dynamics (CFD). These simulations enable accurate flight dynamics predictions, allowing for the identification of any potential performance issues early in the design process. Potentially, a complete flight dynamics model can be derived from CFD calculations provided that the underlying reduced order model (ROM) captures the underlying physics contained within the CFD results. This work investigates the creation of a nonlinear ROM using indicial response functions. The response functions are obtained using a grid motion approach that separates the effects of angle of attack and pitch rate. This approach is demonstrated using three different CFD codes from various organizations: ENSOLV at Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre, USM3D at NASA Langley Research Center, and Kestrel at the United States Air Force Academy. ROM predictions were generated for a manoeuver resembling a low-speed pull-up. The predictions are found to be sensitive to the quality of the steady-state solutions from which step-response calculations were started, as well as the convergence of the step responses themselves. Nevertheless, the indicial response method is shown to provide aerodynamic predictions with acceptable accuracy including transient effects, and as such is a promising method for computationally efficient flight dynamics predictions.

Michel P.C. van Rooij↗

DOE OSTI2025

Scan2Sim: Software to Convert Network Scans to Emulations

Within operational technology (OT) systems design, the construction of testing environments for simulation is often a tedious, manual process that slows down safety and security evaluations. This document details the design and functionality of Scan2Sim, a program designed to construct high-fidelity topological schematics for OT systems without significant manual human input. Scan2Sim may take as input a detailed network scan of a system, and produces an instruction set to re-create the original scanned network within a virtualized simulation network. This construction is achieved via heuristic methods of machine template selection, which allows for a fast, performant approach to automated environment construction. The current tool is designed to produce topology schematics compatible with the Minimega, a tool designed by Sandia National Laboratories for repeatable experimentation management.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2018

Electrically-Assisted Tubing Processes for Enhancing Manufacturability of Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Structural Materials for Nuclear Reactor Applications

The overall goal of this project is to enhance the formability of Nanostructured Ferritic Alloys (NFAs) such that high-strength thin-walled claddings can be successfully and economically manufactured for use in future nuclear reactors. Specifically, four objectives were identified: Objective #1 – to achieve a good understanding of the mechanical behavior and resulting microstructure of 14YWT made from the powder form subjected to various Electrically- Assisted (EA) loading conditions. Objective #2 – to conduct EA-flat rolling of 14YWT completed and the prioritization/selection of two alternative designs of EA tube rolling processes. Objective #3 – to design and assemble a new EA tube rolling machine. Objective #4 – to conduct rolling using the new EA rolling machine. The above objectives were achieved and the findings can be further applied to establish other innovative fabrication processes. Specifically, the major accomplishments are summarized as: The use of an EA forming process was investigated to reduce the forming force of ODS ferritic steels. The effect of a continuous electric current on 14YWT during plastic deformation was evaluated. EA uniaxial tension tests show that the electric current is able to reduce the flow stress of 14YWT. 14YWT exhibits a ductility minimum at a current density of 34.5 A/mm2 which is consistent with fractography results. Hardness measurements and TEM results indicate that oxide particles are stable during the EA process. By following the tests, microstructure analysis was performed on the sample in its as-received state and after current treatment. The microstructures are stable when subjected to high current density. The related thermal model was developed to predict the Joule heating temperatures. The temperatures were compared with the experimental results. At last, a temperature-dependent hardening model was used to explore the mechanisms acting during EA deformation. Since the model can accurately predict the yield strength of 14YWT under EA conditions without the incorporation of non-thermal effects, it can be concluded that the reduction in yield strength is due to the Joule heating generated under continuous current loading conditions. An oven-heated pure thermal tension test was conducted to confirm this conclusion. The new EA tube rolling machine has been completely developed. The related work includes: (1) forming process design; (2) analysis of the effect of roll-tube contact geometry on rolling force; (3) analysis of machine performance under mechanical loading; (4) design of machine electrical setting path and insulation; (5) multi-pass process analysis; (6) design of power transmission system (axial/radial/torque feeding mechanisms), roll bearing system, cooling system, workpiece feeding mechanism, and other related mechanical connection support components; (7) design and optimization of roll profiles/dimensions; (8) analysis and simulation of the rolling process; (9) development of engineering drawings and fabrication; (10) assembly and calibration of the EA tube rolling machine; (11) design and integration of the electrical control system; (12) hardware integration for high power supply electrically-assisted rolling process; (13) induction heating system integration; (14) experimental tests for the new rolling process. Through the process from conceptual design to final machine calibration and experimental tests, there are many technical and physical works that have been implemented and improved for the best performance of the innovative prototype.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Using Co-Optimized Machine Learned Manifolds for Modeling Chemically Reacting Flows

Chemically reacting flows play a key role in a wide range of engineered systems, from chemical and polymer processing to combustion-based energy conversion technologies. Simulations of these flows involve solving a coupled set of partial differential equations for mass, momentum, energy, and all relevant chemical species in the system. Chemical reaction pathways may be extremely complex and involve hundreds or more intermediate species, with reactions that occur over timescales varying by several orders of magnitude - presenting a significant numerical stiffness challenge. The combination of these factors makes simulation of chemically reacting flows vastly more expensive than nonreactive simulations, and often makes direct solution of the governing equations intractable. It is necessary to apply lower-fidelity models in place of the detailed governing equations in order to reduce computational cost to enable reacting flow simulation tools to be used in the engineering design process. Many of the models employed for this purpose are based on reducing the dimension of the thermochemical state, motivated by the observation that the observed thermochemical states in a system lie on a low-dimensional manifold in thermochemical state space. This behavior occurs due to the fast equilibration of certain reactive and transport processes, and physics-based manifold models rely on idealized assumptions about the balance of timescales and the way in which chemistry and transport are coupled. In this work, we apply a novel method for data-driven manifold-based modeling that can leverage data from high-fidelity reacting flow simulations to improve model accuracy in cases where the physics-based modeling assumptions break down. The approach is designed to be broadly applicable across chemically reacting flow systems but is applied here to turbulent combustion modeling.

machine learning↗

DOE OSTI2023

Dynamic modeling and simulation of pressure swing adsorption processes using toPSAil

Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) has attracted significant recent interest for chemical process intensification due to its potential for high energy efficiency and amenability to small, modular designs. However, the lack of simulation tools that are readily available, transparent, and trusted, has been identified as a serious impediment to widespread adoption of PSA, as well as to further research on PSA modeling, numerical solution, optimization, and control. This paper presents a complete framework for dynamic modeling and simulation of PSA processes and its implementation in an open-source simulator called toPSAil. Further, the presentation is tutorial and includes many modeling and implementation details often overlooked in existing literature. Novel methods are presented for handling flow reversals and implementing various pressure–flow relationships, along with controlled boundary conditions. Finally, the code contains several innovations designed to improve efficiency and reduce the extensive trial-and-error tuning often required to produce a working PSA cycle.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

NASA NTRS1997

Encounter Geometry and Science Data Gathering Simulation

Each space mission follows the process cycle of design, development, intergration and test, launch and operation, science analysis and archive. The desire for more frequent and cost effective missions has motivated various new research and development efforts to reduce the design to launch period and the operarion/analysis costs.

Cost↗

DOE OSTI2014

Bayesian Treed Multivariate Gaussian Process with Adaptive Design: Application to a Carbon Capture Unit

Computer experiments (numerical simulations) are widely used in scientific research to study and predict the behavior of complex systems, which usually have responses consisting of a set of distinct outputs. The computational cost of the simulations at high resolution are often expensive and become impractical for parametric studies at different input values. To overcome these difficulties we develop a Bayesian treed multivariate Gaussian process (BTMGP) as an extension of the Bayesian treed Gaussian process (BTGP) in order to model and evaluate a multivariate process. A suitable choice of covariance function and the prior distributions facilitates the different Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) movements. We utilize this model to sequentially sample the input space for the most informative values, taking into account model uncertainty and expertise gained. A simulation study demonstrates the use of the proposed method and compares it with alternative approaches. We apply the sequential sampling technique and BTMGP to model the multiphase flow in a full scale regenerator of a carbon capture unit. The application presented in this paper is an important tool for research into carbon dioxide emissions from thermal power plants.

Konomi, Bledar A.↗

NASA NTRS2023

Modeling and Simulation for Exercise Vibration Isolation and Stabilization System Design

The microgravity environment that crew members experience on orbit presents a well-known health challenge, particularly when it comes to loss of muscle and bone mass. To counteract these negative effects, exercise countermeasures play a critical role in the daily routine of the crew on the International Space Station (ISS). To help inform requirements for upcoming exploration missions such as the Gateway Program, a new device, called the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D), is being built by the European Space Agency through their contractor, the Danish Aerospace Company. The E4D is being demonstrated on the ISS and is unique from other current exercise devices in that it provides four separate modalities in a single device: resistive, cycle ergometry, seated aerobic rowing, and rope pulling. To support the integration of E4D on ISS, a passive Vibration Isolation and Stabilization (VIS) system was required by NASA, and this responsibility was given to the Johnson Space Center. This paper describes the end-to-end process of modeling, simulation, and analysis used to inform the mechanical design of the VIS system. The process begins with the collection of representative exerciser motion capture (MoCap) through ground-based testing with the developmental E4D in both the Prototype Immersive Technology (PIT) Laboratory and the Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) facility at the Johnson Space Center. These collected MoCap data are processed through human biomechanics modeling to create forcing functions as input to a multibody dynamics simulation of the combined E4D/VIS system, with numerous resulting outputs. These outputs include microgravity accelerations, overall system displacements, internal and transmitted loads, as well as collisions. Microgravity accelerations are compared for compliance against ISS requirements while displacements are used for sway space determinations on the design and volumetric constraints within the targeted module. Internal loads are supplied to the supporting stress analysis teams and external loads for structural loads and dynamics teams, both at NASA and ESA. Finally, contact and clearance analysis is performed using the simulation to eliminate potential design issues. To ensure that the elements of the multibody simulation were verified and validated, correlation against multiple VIS related ground hardware testbeds was performed and characterized. In addition to the isolation part of the VIS problem, stabilization is also key to the integrated performance and evaluation. Due to the difficulty in defining ISS requirements in this area, the stability of the exerciser was inspected via analysis. Loss of balance was defined analytically as occurring when the resultant force vector acting on the exerciser lies outside the base of support of the feet. Both the VIS and E4D teams have recently gone through their Critical Design Reviews (CDRs) and the iterative model-based approach has been integral to inform mechanical design, particularly in the case of the VIS. This same end-to-end approach is now being applied for the Gateway Program, where an Exploration Exercise Device (EED) derived from the E4D and notional VIS for the device are under concept development.

Countermeasures↗

NASA NTRS2019

A Design Methodology for Optimizing and Integrating Composite Materials in Gear Structures

The application of composite materials to gear structures is complex because of the gear shape, the need for precise dimensional tolerances, and the complex dynamic load condition. Methods are presented in this work to design and optimize an integrated composite hub-web structure that can be used as part of a hybrid composite-steel gear. The composite hub-web structure is a planar structure with a large decrease in thickness from the hub to the rim. Methods for design and optimization of this variable-thickness structure are presented along with a method for forming braided prepreg material to conform to the shape of this structure. A layered approach is presented that integrates cut plies or filler materials for thickness buildup with continuous-fiber layers for the primary load path. An additional gear design concept is presented that has an axially extended continuous-fiber composite structure that can be combined with the planar structure. A proposed optimization methodology is introduced where an optimized design is output for each type of optimization simulation. Through this process, composite knowledge can be incorporated in the optimization, and more control is given over the design during the process. The methods in this study provide a tool for designing and optimizing composite structures for gears and other high-power-density applications.

optimization↗

NASA NTRS2003

Probabilistic Evaluation of Advanced Ceramic Matrix Composite Structures

The objective of this report is to summarize the deterministic and probabilistic structural evaluation results of two structures made with advanced ceramic composites (CMC): internally pressurized tube and uniformly loaded flange. The deterministic structural evaluation includes stress, displacement, and buckling analyses. It is carried out using the finite element code MHOST, developed for the 3-D inelastic analysis of structures that are made with advanced materials. The probabilistic evaluation is performed using the integrated probabilistic assessment of composite structures computer code IPACS. The affects of uncertainties in primitive variables related to the material, fabrication process, and loadings on the material property and structural response behavior are quantified. The primitive variables considered are: thermo-mechanical properties of fiber and matrix, fiber and void volume ratios, use temperature, and pressure. The probabilistic structural analysis and probabilistic strength results are used by IPACS to perform reliability and risk evaluation of the two structures. The results will show that the sensitivity information obtained for the two composite structures from the computational simulation can be used to alter the design process to meet desired service requirements. In addition to detailed probabilistic analysis of the two structures, the following were performed specifically on the CMC tube: (1) predicted the failure load and the buckling load, (2) performed coupled non-deterministic multi-disciplinary structural analysis, and (3) demonstrated that probabilistic sensitivities can be used to select a reduced set of design variables for optimization.

Abumeri, Galib H.↗

DOE OSTI2016

Using high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics to help design a wind turbine wake measurement experiment

Here, we describe the process of using large-eddy simulations of wind turbine wake flow to help design a wake measurement campaign. The main goal of the experiment is to measure wakes and wake deflection that result from intentional yaw misalignment under a variety of atmospheric conditions at the Scaled Wind Farm Technology facility operated by Sandia National Laboratories in Lubbock, Texas. Prior simulation studies have shown that wake deflection may be used for wind-plant control that maximizes plant power output. In this study, simulations are performed to characterize wake deflection and general behavior before the experiment is performed to ensure better upfront planning. Beyond characterizing the expected wake behavior, we also use the large-eddy simulation to test a virtual version of the lidar we plan to use to measure the wake and better understand our lidar scan strategy options. This work is an excellent example of a 'simulation-in-the-loop' measurement campaign.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2015

Multi-physics Modeling for Improving Li-Ion Battery Safety; NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

Battery performance, cost, and safety must be further improved for larger market share of HEVs/PEVs and penetration into the grid. Significant investment is being made to develop new materials, fine tune existing ones, improve cell and pack designs, and enhance manufacturing processes to increase performance, reduce cost, and make batteries safer. Modeling, simulation, and design tools can play an important role by providing insight on how to address issues, reducing the number of build-test-break prototypes, and accelerating the development cycle of generating products.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2014

Interface design of VSOP'94 computer code for safety analysis

Today, most software applications, also in the nuclear field, come with a graphical user interface. VSOP'94 (Very Superior Old Program), was designed to simplify the process of performing reactor simulation. VSOP is a integrated code system to simulate the life history of a nuclear reactor that is devoted in education and research. One advantage of VSOP program is its ability to calculate the neutron spectrum estimation, fuel cycle, 2-D diffusion, resonance integral, estimation of reactors fuel costs, and integrated thermal hydraulics. VSOP also can be used to comparative studies and simulation of reactor safety. However, existing VSOP is a conventional program, which was developed using Fortran 65 and have several problems in using it, for example, it is only operated on Dec Alpha mainframe platforms and provide text-based output, difficult to use, especially in data preparation and interpretation of results. We develop a GUI-VSOP, which is an interface program to facilitate the preparation of data, run the VSOP code and read the results in a more user friendly way and useable on the Personal 'Computer (PC). Modifications include the development of interfaces on preprocessing, processing and postprocessing. GUI-based interface for preprocessing aims to provide a convenience way in preparing data. Processing interface is intended to provide convenience in configuring input files and libraries and do compiling VSOP code. Postprocessing interface designed to visualized the VSOP output in table and graphic forms. GUI-VSOP expected to be useful to simplify and speed up the process and analysis of safety aspects.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗