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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 37 records · Page 2

Uncertainty Modeling Via Frequency Domain Model Validation

Abstract The majority of literature on robust control assumes that a design model is available and that the uncertainty model bounds the actual variations about the nominal model. However, methods for generating accurate design models have not received as much attention in the literature. The influence of the level of accuracy of the uncertainty model on closed loop performance has received even less attention. The research reported herein is an initial step in applying and extending the concept of model validation to the problem of obtaining practical uncertainty models for robust control analysis and design applications. An extension of model validation called 'sequential validation' is presented and applied to a simple spring-mass-damper system to establish the feasibility of the approach and demonstrate the benefits of the new developments.

Waszak, Martin R.↗

Radiation-induced bowing of SiC/SiC composites under neutron flux gradients—integral experimental data for model validation

Here, the radiation-induced swelling of SiC and its composites, including strong dependencies on temperature and dose, can drive significant lateral bowing in the presence of temperature and/or dose gradients. In recent years, simulations have been performed to assess the extent of bowing in SiC composite light-water reactor (LWR) fuel cladding and boiling water reactor (BWR) channel boxes. However, to date, no integral experimental data exist to validate these models. This work provides the first experimental bowing evaluation of three ∼380 mm long SiC composite specimens irradiated under varying neutron dose gradients (∼50°C–60°C, 0.03–0.06 dpa): two tubes (∼9.8 mm diameter) and a miniature BWR channel box (∼30 mm square). The measured radiation-induced length swelling (∼0.3%–0.7% linear) was consistently 10%–21% higher than values obtained from 3D finite element structural analyses with inputs from 3D radiation transport calculations. This discrepancy could be at least partially explained by differences in dose rate (∼10 -8 dpa/s) compared to the literature data (∼10-6 dpa/s) used to establish the dose-to-swelling correlations in the model. Nevertheless, the modeled bowing magnitudes (<2 mm) obtained from finite element analyses and simple analytical equations were within the bounds of the experimental measurements for all specimens. With improved confidence in the ability to predict the structural response and measure the macroscopic deformations, future experiments will target transient bowing under neutron flux gradients at representative LWR temperatures and assess whether grid spacers can mitigate the tens of millimeters of bowing that would otherwise be expected in ∼4 m long LWR components.

bowing↗

Improved Products for Assimilation and Model Validation from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on Aqua

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on the EOS Aqua Spacecraft was launched on May 4, 2002. AIRS acquires hyperspectral infrared radiances in the 3.7-15.4 micrometer spectral region with spectral resolution of better than 1200. Key channels from the AIRS Level 1B calibrated radiance product are currently assimilated into operational weather forecasts at NCEP and other international agencies. Additional Level 2 products for assimilation include the AIRS cloud cleared radiances and the geophysical retrieved temperature and water vapor profiles. The AIRS products are also used to validate climate model vertical and horizontal biases and transport of water vapor and key trace gases including Carbon Dioxide and Ozone. The wide variety of products available from the AIRS make it well suited to study processes affecting the interaction of these products.

weather↗

SOSS ICN Model Validation

Under the NASA-KAIA-KARI ATM research collaboration agreement, SOSS ICN Model has been developed for Incheon International Airport. This presentation describes the model validation work in the project. The presentation will show the results and analysis of the validation.

model validation↗

Techniques for Down-Sampling a Measured Surface Height Map for Model Validation

This software allows one to down-sample a measured surface map for model validation, not only without introducing any re-sampling errors, but also eliminating the existing measurement noise and measurement errors. The software tool of the current two new techniques can be used in all optical model validation processes involving large space optical surfaces

Sidick, Erkin↗

An Overview of Thermal Distortion Modeling, Analysis, and Model Validation for the JWST ISIM Structure

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large, infrared-optimized space telescope consisting of the following elements: (1) Optical telescope element (OTE) (2) Integrated science instrument module (ISIM) (3) Spacecraft (4) Sunshield The Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) consists of the JWST science instruments (NIRCam, MIRI, NIRSpec), a fine guidance sensor (FGS), the ISIM Structure, and thermal and electrical subsystems. JWST's instruments are designed to work primarily in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum, and the instruments and telescope operate at cryogenic temperatures (approximately 35 K for the instruments). The development and validation of a thermal distortion modeling and analysis capability for the JWST ISIM Structure was successfully completed. The modeling and analysis approach was grounded in initial constituent materials testing and benchmarked to test results at the composite bonded joint, subassembly, and fullscale flight hardware levels. Comparison of analysis predictions and test results from this series of incremental cryogenic thermal distortion tests demonstrates that the model validation goals are achieved.

Johnston, John↗

Inverter Model Validation and Calibration Using Phasor Measurement Unit Data

As the penetration of inverter-based renewable energy resources increases in the power grid, especially at the distribution and microgrid levels, the need to accurately represent them in planning studies increases as well. However, due to the lack of well-established standard procedures, and vendor reluctance towards the detailed sharing of proprietary models, automated dynamic model validation and parameter calibration tools for inverter based resources (IBRs) remain scarce. This work presents a model validation and parameter calibration platform for representing IBRs with generic phasor-domain models. Phasor measurements of power system events are used for continuous validation using the data playback method, and model parameters are re-calibrated if a significant mismatch between measurements and model response is observed. Unique features of the proposed platform include- (a) an iterative Bayesian optimization approach towards parameter calibration to address a possible mismatch between the structures of generic models implemented in simulation softwares and actual commercial inverters, (b) error metrics designed to account for a possible mismatch between the time resolution of simulation and measurements, and (c) analysis of the measurement-simulation mismatch to provide guidance to engineering personnel regarding model shortcomings. The performance of the platform has been illustrated using both simulated data and field measurements to validate/calibrate inverter models in GridLAB-D.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

HYBRID Modeling Validation and Verification Status Matrix

The HYBRID modeling repository is a premier resource for integrated energy systems modeling. HYBRID models have been developed since 2015 to describe the physical operation of tightly coupled thermal systems including power generators, thermal transport systems, thermal storage, thermal-to-electric conversion systems, and other thermal applications. Due to the increased size of the repository, a concise summary matrix of available models is desired. This matrix will consolidate not only the list of available models but also indicate original information sources, publications that have model examples, and level of validation and verification that exists for the models. Validation and verification (V&V) levels begin from simplified algebraic relationship and advance to dynamic data validation. Moving forward, as new models are contributed to HYBRID, their V&V level will be included, updating this matrix.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Model Validation for Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) with Stowage

The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) was a collaboration between NASA and Bigelow Aerospace to develop an expandable habitat technology that could be used for future space exploration missions such as the Artemis program. On April 26, 2016, the BEAM was launched and berthed to the International Space Station (ISS) on the aft port of Node 3. After the originally planned two-year mission life, BEAM was approved for use as a stowage module for a 109-cargotransfer bag equivalent (CTBE) to alleviate stowage limitations onboard the ISS. The present work builds on the previous 2017 model validation to flight data that demonstrated that BEAM could generally accommodate cargo stowage without adversely affecting BEAM thermal control, primarily for condensation management. Once the stowage was configured in early 2019, model validation efforts resumed. The thermal model revisions included the CTBE stowage and updated CFD-derived heat transfer coefficients for various intra-module ventilation (IMV) flow rates. The coefficients were provided by the Crew and Thermal Systems Division (EC) at NASA JSC and Jacobs Technology. The model is now revalidated and able to predict minimum temperatures with good agreement to flight temperatures (within 1 °C) for both historic and recurring minimum values. Additionally, the model is partially validated for reduced flow rates. With this model, the team was able to provide new flight rule recommendations for condensation and IMV operations management.

Sydney Taylor↗

Flight Testing an Iced Business Jet for Flight Simulation Model Validation

A flight test of a business jet aircraft with various ice accretions was performed to obtain data to validate flight simulation models developed through wind tunnel tests. Three types of ice accretions were tested: pre-activation roughness, runback shapes that form downstream of the thermal wing ice protection system, and a wing ice protection system failure shape. The high fidelity flight simulation models of this business jet aircraft were validated using a software tool called "Overdrive." Through comparisons of flight-extracted aerodynamic forces and moments to simulation-predicted forces and moments, the simulation models were successfully validated. Only minor adjustments in the simulation database were required to obtain adequate match, signifying the process used to develop the simulation models was successful. The simulation models were implemented in the NASA Ice Contamination Effects Flight Training Device (ICEFTD) to enable company pilots to evaluate flight characteristics of the simulation models. By and large, the pilots confirmed good similarities in the flight characteristics when compared to the real airplane. However, pilots noted pitch up tendencies at stall with the flaps extended that were not representative of the airplane and identified some differences in pilot forces. The elevator hinge moment model and implementation of the control forces on the ICEFTD were identified as a driver in the pitch ups and control force issues, and will be an area for future work.

Ratvasky, Thomas P.↗

Model validation and selection in metabolic flux analysis and flux balance analysis

13C-Metabolic Flux Analysis (13C-MFA) and Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) are widely used to investigate the operation of biochemical networks in both biological and biotechnological research. Both methods use metabolic reaction network models of metabolism operating at steady state so that reaction rates (fluxes) and the levels of metabolic intermediates are constrained to be invariant. They provide estimated (MFA) or predicted (FBA) values of the fluxes through the network in vivo, which cannot be measured directly. These fluxes can shed light on basic biology and have been successfully used to inform metabolic engineering strategies. Several approaches have been taken to test the reliability of estimates and predictions from constraint-based methods and to compare alternative model architectures. Despite advances in other areas of the statistical evaluation of metabolic models, such as the quantification of flux estimate uncertainty, validation and model selection methods have been underappreciated and underexplored. We review the history and state-of-the-art in constraint-based metabolic model validation and model selection. Applications and limitations of the χ 2 -test of goodness-of-fit, the most widely used quantitative validation and selection approach in 13C-MFA, are discussed, and complementary and alternative forms of validation and selection are proposed. A combined model validation and selection framework for 13C-MFA incorporating metabolite pool size information that leverages new developments in the field is presented and advocated for. Finally, we discuss how adopting robust validation and selection procedures can enhance confidence in constraint-based modeling as a whole and ultimately facilitate more widespread use of FBA in biotechnology.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

V-SUIT Model Validation Using PLSS 1.0 Test Results

The dynamic portable life support system (PLSS) simulation software Virtual Space Suit (V-SUIT) has been under development at the Technische Universitat Munchen since 2011 as a spin-off from the Virtual Habitat (V-HAB) project. The MATLAB(trademark)-based V-SUIT simulates space suit portable life support systems and their interaction with a detailed and also dynamic human model, as well as the dynamic external environment of a space suit moving on a planetary surface. To demonstrate the feasibility of a large, system level simulation like V-SUIT, a model of NASA's PLSS 1.0 prototype was created. This prototype was run through an extensive series of tests in 2011. Since the test setup was heavily instrumented, it produced a wealth of data making it ideal for model validation. The implemented model includes all components of the PLSS in both the ventilation and thermal loops. The major components are modeled in greater detail, while smaller and ancillary components are low fidelity black box models. The major components include the Rapid Cycle Amine (RCA) CO2 removal system, the Primary and Secondary Oxygen Assembly (POS/SOA), the Pressure Garment System Volume Simulator (PGSVS), the Human Metabolic Simulator (HMS), the heat exchanger between the ventilation and thermal loops, the Space Suit Water Membrane Evaporator (SWME) and finally the Liquid Cooling Garment Simulator (LCGS). Using the created model, dynamic simulations were performed using same test points also used during PLSS 1.0 testing. The results of the simulation were then compared to the test data with special focus on absolute values during the steady state phases and dynamic behavior during the transition between test points. Quantified simulation results are presented that demonstrate which areas of the V-SUIT model are in need of further refinement and those that are sufficiently close to the test results. Finally, lessons learned from the modelling and validation process are given in combination with implications for the future development of other PLSS models in V-SUIT.

Olthoff, Claas↗

Estimation of Uncertainties for a Supersonic Retro-Propulsion Model Validation Experiment in a Wind Tunnel

A high-quality model validation experiment was performed in the NASA Langley Research Center Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel to assess the predictive accuracy of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for a blunt-body supersonic retro-propulsion configuration at Mach numbers from 2.4 to 4.6. Static and fluctuating surface pressure data were acquired on a 5-inch-diameter test article with a forebody composed of a spherically-blunted, 70-degree half-angle cone and a cylindrical aft body. One non-powered configuration with a smooth outer mold line was tested as well as three different powered, forward-firing nozzle configurations: a centerline nozzle, three nozzles equally spaced around the forebody, and a combination with all four nozzles. A key objective of the experiment was the determination of experimental uncertainties from a range of sources such as random measurement error, flowfield non-uniformity, and model/instrumentation asymmetries. This paper discusses the design of the experiment towards capturing these uncertainties for the baseline non-powered configuration, the methodology utilized in quantifying the various sources of uncertainty, and examples of the uncertainties applied to non-powered and powered experimental results. The analysis showed that flowfield nonuniformity was the dominant contributor to the overall uncertainty a finding in agreement with other experiments that have quantified various sources of uncertainty.

Rhode, Matthew N.↗

Loci/STREAM Sharp Interface Model Validation of Cryogenic Propellant Tank Self-Pressurization

This paper documents a model validation effort for the prediction of cryogenic propellant tank selfpressurization physics using the Loci/STREAM sharp interface CFD model developed at NASA MSFC. Cryogenic fluid management (CFM) applications for long duration spaceflight missions require accurate modeling of heat transfer and thermodynamics. Therefore, detailed validation of those physics is important to ensure simulation accuracy. In the past, the MSFC Propulsion Fluid Dynamics Branch has validated and used the Loci/STREAM Volume of Fluid (VOF) module extensively for propellant slosh applications, which are dominated by fluid motion. For cases where the interface gas/liquid interface is essentially static, the Loci/STREAM sharp interface was developed for more rapid and efficient CFM analysis. In the present study, Loci/STREAM sharp interface simulations were compared with the NASA K-site self-pressurization experiment of a flight weight, partially full, LH2 tank in normal gravity. This study investigated several parametric effects and made a number of important observations on the performance of the Loci/STREAM sharp interface method: - First, a homogeneous model was derived to verify the CFD model. The homogeneous model assumes both gas and liquid phases are uniform and are at saturation temperature. The predicted pressure rise rates at 3.5 W/m2 and 2.0 W/m2 with a 49% fill level are all lower than the experimental measurement. This is expected due to the observed temperature stratification near the gas-liquid interface during testing. - The k-w and k-e turbulence models predict comparable pressurization rates, which are much lower than the experiment measurement. On the other hand, the pressure values and pressurization rates from both models are almost the same as those of the homogeneous model. The current turbulence model is too diffusive and is not capable of capturing the thermal stratification in the liquid and ullage. - When using the laminar flow model, the pressurization rate is found to be very close to the experimental value when a quasi-steady flow field is allowed to develop by continuously venting the tank prior to pressurization as was done during testing. On the other hand, without initial venting, the rate is not constant. Additionally, the development time to reach a quasi-steady flow field differed from the experiment due to the lack of turbulent mixing away from the gas-liquid interface that is expected in reality. - Using the laminar flow model and appropriate initial conditioning, the pressurization rate is within 15% of the experimental value for 49% fill level at 3.5 W/m 2 and is within 18% for 2.0 W/m 2 heat loading. - Using the laminar flow model and appropriate initial conditioning, the pressurization rate is within 18% of the experimental value for a 29% fill level and within 15% for an 83% fill level.

H. Q. Yang↗

Model validation - A connection between robust control and identification

The gap between the models used in control synthesis and those obtained from identification experiments is considered by investigating the connection between uncertain models and data. The model validation problem addressed is: given experimental data and a model with both additive noise and norm-bounded perturbations, is it possible that the model could produce the observed input-output data? This problem is studied for the standard H-infinity/mu framework models. A necessary condition for such a model to describe an experimental datum is obtained. For a large class of models in the robust control framework, this condition is computable as the solution of a quadratic optimization problem.

Smith, Roy S.↗

Bennu Shape Model Validation Methods and Results

The OSIRIS-REx Independent Shape Modeling Team, staffed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), has used stereophotoclinometry (SPC) to produce a three-dimensional shape model of Bennu. The SPC process is informed by (but is separate from) orbit determination, so it is important to ensure that the resulting shape model is consistent with all available spacecraft tracking data. Specifically, checking the shape model’s consistency with LIDAR measurements can illuminate any discrepancies, because LIDAR measurements are highly correlated with the shape model. This study focuses on the JPL experience with these LIDAR measurements and the greater context of the shape model validation process.

Lauretta, Dante S.↗

Medium-Scale Methanol Pool Fire Model Validation

In this work, medium scale (30 cm diameter) methanol pool fires were simulated using the latest fire modeling suite implemented in Sierra/Fuego, a low Mach number multiphysics reacting flow code. The sensitivity of model outputs to various model parameters was studied with the objective of providing model validation. This work also assesses model performance relative to other recently published large eddy simulations (LES) of the same validation case. Two pool surface boundary conditions were simulated. The first was a prescribed fuel mass flux and the second used an algorithm to predict mass flux based on a mass and energy balance at the fuel surface. Gray gas radiation model parameters (absorption coefficients and gas radiation sources) were varied to assess radiant heat losses to the surroundings and pool surface. The radiation model was calibrated by comparing the simulated radiant fraction of the plume to experimental data. The effects of mesh resolution were also quantified starting with a grid resolution representative of engineering type fire calculations and then uniformly refining that mesh in the plume region. Simulation data were compared to experimental data collected at the University of Waterloo and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Validation data included plume temperature, radial and axial velocities, velocity temperature turbulent correlations, velocity velocity turbulent correlations, radiant and convective heat fluxes to the pool surface, and plume radiant fraction. Additional analyses were performed in the pool boundary layer to assess simulated flame anchoring and the effect on convective heat fluxes. This work assesses the capability of the latest Fuego physics and chemistry model suite and provides additional insight into pool fire modeling for nonluminous, non-sooting flames.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

ISS Stage 12A Post-Flight Modal Analysis, Model Validation and Correlation

This paper summarizes the on-orbit structural dynamic data and the related modal analysis, model validation and correlation performed for the ISS configurations spanning ISS Stage 12A. The objective of this analysis is to validate and correlate analytical models used to verify the ISS critical interface dynamic loads and improve its fatigue life prediction. On-Orbit dynamic responses were measured during the ISS configurations throughout ISS Stage 12A by the two main ISS instrumentation systems; Internal Wireless Instrumentation System (IWIS) and the Structural Dynamic Measurement System (SDMS). These nominal on-orbit events include Russian vehicle docking and undockings. Also, the ISS photogrammetric system recorded the movements of the 2A and 4A solar arrays during a modified ISS maneuver. Modal analyses were performed on the measured data to extract modal parameters including frequency, damping and mode shapes. Correlation and comparisons between the test and analytical frequencies and mode shapes were performed to assess the accuracy of the analytical models for the ISS configurations under consideration.

Fitzpatrick, Kristin↗