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Micromechanics Analysis Code Post-Processing (MACPOST) User Guide

As advanced composite materials have gained wider usage. the need for analytical models and computer codes to predict the thermomechanical deformation response of these materials has increased significantly. Recently, a micromechanics technique called the generalized method of cells (GMC) has been developed, which has the capability to fulfill this -oal. Tc provide a framework for GMC, the Micromechanics Analysis Code with Generalized Method of Cells (MAC/GMC) has been developed. As MAC/GMC has been updated, significant improvements have been made to the post-processing capabilities of the code. Through the MACPOST program, which operates directly within the MSC/PATRAN graphical pre- and post-processing package, a direct link between the analysis capabilities of MAC/GMC and the post-processing capabilities of MSC/PATRAN has been established. MACPOST has simplified the production, printing. and exportation of results for unit cells analyzed by MAC/GMC. MACPOST allows different micro-level quantities to be plotted quickly and easily in contour plots. In addition, meaningful data for X-Y plots can be examined. MACPOST thus serves as an important analysis and visualization tool for the macro- and micro-level data generated by MAC/GMC. This report serves as the user's manual for the MACPOST program.

Goldberg, Robert K.

Pre- and post-processing for Cosmic/NASTRAN on personal computers and mainframes

An interface between Cosmic/NASTRAN and GIFTS has recently been released, combining the powerful pre- and post-processing capabilities of GIFTS with Cosmic/NASTRAN's analysis capabilities. The interface operates on a wide range of computers, even linking Cosmic/NASTRAN and GIFTS when the two are on different computers. GIFTS offers a wide range of elements for use in model construction, each translated by the interface into the nearest Cosmic/NASTRAN equivalent; and the options of automatic or interactive modelling and loading in GIFTS make pre-processing easy and effective. The interface itself includes the programs GFTCOS, which creates the Cosmic/NASTRAN input deck (and, if desired, control deck) from the GIFTS Unified Data Base, COSGFT, which translates the displacements from the Cosmic/NASTRAN analysis back into GIFTS; and HOSTR, which handles stress computations for a few higher-order elements available in the interface, but not supported by the GIFTS processor STRESS. Finally, the versatile display options in GIFTS post-processing allow the user to examine the analysis results through an especially wide range of capabilities, including such possibilities as creating composite loading cases, plotting in color and animating the analysis.

Kamel, H. A.

Error analysis of real time and post processed or bit determination of GFO using GPS tracking

The goal of the Navy's GEOSAT Follow-On (GFO) mission is to map the topography of the world's oceans in both real time (operational) and post processed modes. Currently, the best candidate for supplying the required orbit accuracy is the Global Positioning System (GPS). The purpose of this fellowship was to determine the expected orbit accuracy for GFO in both the real time and post-processed modes when using GPS tracking. This report presents the work completed through the ending date of the fellowship.

Schreiner, William S.

A post-processing system for automated rectification and registration of spaceborne SAR imagery

An automated post-processing system has been developed that interfaces with the raw image output of the operational digital SAR correlator. This system is designed for optimal efficiency by using advanced signal processing hardware and an algorithm that requires no operator interaction, such as the determination of ground control points. The standard output is a geocoded image product (i.e. resampled to a specified map projection). The system is capable of producing multiframe mosaics for large-scale mapping by combining images in both the along-track direction and adjacent cross-track swaths from ascending and descending passes over the same target area. The output products have absolute location uncertainty of less than 50 m and relative distortion (scale factor and skew) of less than 0.1 per cent relative to local variations from the assumed geoid.

Curlander, John C.

Additive manufacturing of high‐density silicon carbide ceramics through post‐processing spark plasma sintering

This research advances the field of additive manufacturing (AM) of silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics by integrating spark plasma sintering (SPS) to enhance material density, mechanical strength, and thermal properties. Traditional AM techniques struggle to achieve the high‐density SiC required for demanding applications, such as aerospace engineering, where high thermal conductivity and mechanical strength are paramount. Here, our study addresses these challenges by incorporating SPS as a post‐processing step, achieving near‐theoretical maximum densities and significantly reducing porosity, thereby resulting in outstanding thermal conductivity in SiC ceramics. We developed a specialized SiC ink optimized for 3D printing, ensuring structural integrity after deposition through tailored rheological properties. The application of SPS facilitates rapid, uniform sintering, essential for attaining superior density, mechanical properties, and thermal performance. Our experimental results, confirmed through scanning electron microscopy analysis, demonstrate significant microstructural properties, mechanical strength, and thermal conductivity, showcasing the effectiveness of integrating SPS in AM processes. This innovative approach not only expands the capabilities of AM in producing complex, high‐density ceramic structures but also broadens the potential applications of SiC in demanding environments.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE

Laboratory Testbed Verification of Data Post-Processing Strategies for the WFIRST Coronagraph Instrument

One of the objectives of the WFIRST Coronagraph Instrument is to demonstrate post-processing algorithms for space-based exoplanet imaging data in the regime of very high contrast ratios (< 1E-8). We analyzed two 15-hour time series of laboratory images acquired with prototype coronagraph designs on a vacuum chamber testbed at JPL. These data sets enabled us to test the performance of reference differential imaging (RDI) PSF subtraction as a function of time and Euclidean (L2) speckle pattern distance. Starting from an analytical relationship between speckle pattern stability and classical subtraction gain, we compared the classical subtraction result to those of the KLIP RDI algorithm. In both data sets, KLIP RDI contrast gains are typically 3-4× greater than those of classical subtraction. These results suggest that a diverse reference PSF library will enable a significant gain in sensitivity beyond that suggested by the raw, frame-to-frame speckle pattern stability.

Ygouf, Marie

Post-processed surface meteorological, air-sea flux, SST, wave, and ship navigation/position merged data from NOAA Ship Pisces

These are post-processed surface data from the NOAA Ship Pisces, merged from several instruments. They consist of meteorological, ocean, ship navigation/position, and surface air-sea flux quantities calculated at three different time frequencies. Because the averaging of directions can be complex, they are provided as a courtesy. R1 in the filename indicates "revision 1" or version 1. R2 will include surface waves (TBD).

17 WIND ENERGY

Post-processing of phase change material in a zero-change commercial silicon photonic process

Integration of phase change material (PCM) with photonic integrated circuits can transform large-scale photonic systems by providing non-volatile control over phase and amplitude. The next generation of commercial silicon photonic processes can benefit from the addition of PCM to enable ultra-low power, highly reconfigurable, and compact photonic integrated circuits for large-scale applications. Despite all the advantages of PCM-based photonics, today’s commercial foundries do not provide them in their silicon photonic processes yet. We demonstrate the first-ever electrically programmable PCM device that is monolithically post-processed in a commercial foundry silicon photonics process using a few fabrication steps and coarse-resolution photolithography. These devices achieved 1.4 dB/μm of amplitude switching contrast using a thin layer of 12.5 nm GeSbTe in this work. We have also characterized the reconfiguration speed as well as repeatability of these devices over 20,000 switching cycles. Our solution enables non-volatile photonic VLSI systems that can be fabricated at low cost and high reliability in a commercial foundry process, paving the way for the development of non-volatile programmable photonic integrated circuits for a variety of emerging applications.

Optics

Methane Post-Processing for Oxygen Loop Closure

State-of-the-art United States Atmospheric Revitalization carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction is based on the Sabatier reaction process, which recovers approximately 50% of the oxygen (O2) from crew metabolic CO2. Oxygen recovery from carbon dioxide is constrained by the limited availability of reactant hydrogen. Post-processing of methane to recover hydrogen with the Umpqua Research Company Plasma Pyrolysis Assembly (PPA) has the potential to further close the Atmospheric Revitalization oxygen loop. The PPA decomposes methane into hydrogen and hydrocarbons, predominantly acetylene, and a small amount of solid carbon. The hydrogen must then be purified before it can be recycled for additional oxygen recovery. Long duration testing and evaluation of a four crew-member sized PPA and a discussion of hydrogen recycling system architectures are presented.

Greenwood, Zachary W.

User alternatives in post-processing for raster-to-vector conversion

A number of Landsat-based coniferous forest stratum maps have been created of the Eldorado National Forest in California. These maps were produced in raster image format which is not directly usable by the U.S. Forest Service's vector-based Wildland Resource Information System (WRIS). As a solution, raster-to-vector conversion software has been developed for processing classified images into polygonal data structures. Before conversion, however, the digital classification images must be simplified to remove high spatial variance ('noise', 'speckle') and meet a USFS ten acre minimum requirement. A post-processing (simplification) strategy different from those commonly used in raster image processing may be desired for preparing maps for conversion to vector format, because simplification routines typically permit diagonal connections in the process of reclassifying pixels and forming new polygons. Diagonal connections are often undesirable when converting to vector format because they permit polygons to effectively cross over each other and occupy a common location. Three alternative methodologies are discussed for simplifying raster data for conversion to vector format.

Logan, T. L.

Dynamics and observational signatures of core-collapse supernovae with central engines: hydrodynamics simulations with Monte Carlo post-processing

A long-lived central engine embedded in expanding supernova ejecta can alter the dynamics and observational signatures of the event, producing an unusually luminous, energetic, and/or rapidly evolving transient. We use 2D hydrodynamics simulations to study the effect of a central energy source, varying the amount, rate, and isotropy of the energy deposition. We post-process the results with a time-dependent Monte Carlo radiation transport code to extract observational signatures. The engine excavates a bubble at the centre of the ejecta, which becomes Rayleigh–Taylor unstable. Sufficiently powerful engines are able to break through the edge of the bubble and accelerate, shred, and compositionally mix the entire ejecta. The breakout of the engine-driven wind occurs at distinct rupture points, and the outflowing high-velocity gas may eventually give rise to radio emission. The dynamical impact of the engine leads to faster rising optical light curves, with photon escape facilitated by the faster expansion of the ejecta and the opening of low-density channels. For models with strong engines, the spectra are initially hot and featureless, but later evolve to resemble those of broad-line Ic supernovae. Under certain conditions, line emission from ionized, low-velocity material near the centre of the ejecta may be able to escape and produce narrow emission similar to that seen in interacting supernovae. We discuss how variability in the engine energy reservoir and injection rate could give rise to a heterogeneous set of events spanning multiple observational classes, including the fast blue optical transients, broad-line Ic supernovae, and superluminous supernovae.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS

Error analysis of post-processed orbit determination for the Geosat Follow-On altimetric satellite using GPS tracking

A series of covariance analyses is presented for the Navy's Geosat Follow-On (GFO) altimetric satellite using selective availability/anti-spoof (SA/A-S) qualified (dual frequency) and non-SA/A-S qualified (single frequency) GPS receiver configurations. Data obtained indicate that a SA/A-S qualified GPS receiver is capable of meeting the 10 cm GFO post-processed radial orbit accuracy requirement when using reduced dynamic tracking. The non-SA/A-S qualified receiver is also capable of approaching this 10 cm radial uncertainty level if all systematic errors are removed from the C/A pseudorange and reduced dynamic tracking is used again.

Schreiner, William S.

A Post-Processing Receiver for the Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration Project

The Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration Project undertaken by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center will demonstrate high-rate laser communications from lunar orbit to the Earth. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing a backup ground station supporting a data rate of 39 Mbps that is based on a non-real-time software post-processing receiver architecture. This approach entails processing sample-rate-limited data without feedback in the presence high uncertainty in downlink clock characteristics under low signal flux conditions. In this paper we present a receiver concept that addresses these challenges with descriptions of the photodetector assembly, sample acquisition and recording platform, and signal processing approach. End-to-end coded simulation and laboratory data analysis results are presented that validate the receiver conceptual design.

optical communications

Methane Post-Processing and Hydrogen Separation for Spacecraft Oxygen Loop Closure

State-of-the-art life support oxygen recovery technology on the International Space Station is based on the Sabatier reaction where only about half of the oxygen required for the crew is recovered from metabolic carbon dioxide (CO2). The Sabatier reaction produces water as the primary product and methane as a byproduct. Oxygen recovery is constrained by both the limited availability of reactant hydrogen from water electrolysis and Sabatier methane (CH4) being vented as a waste product resulting in a continuous loss of reactant hydrogen. Post-processing methane with the Plasma Pyrolysis Assembly (PPA) to recover this hydrogen has the potential to substantially increase oxygen recovery and thus dramatically reduce the logistical challenges associated with oxygen resupply. The PPA decomposes methane into predominantly hydrogen and acetylene. A purification system is necessary to purify hydrogen before it is recycled back to the Sabatier reactor. Testing and evaluation of acetylene removal systems and PPA system architectures are presented and discussed.

Greenwood, Zachary W.

A Rotor Tip Vortex Tracing Algorithm for Image Post-Processing

A neurite tracing algorithm, originally developed for medical image processing, was used to trace the location of the rotor tip vortex in density gradient flow visualization images. The tracing algorithm was applied to several representative test images to form case studies. The accuracy of the tracing algorithm was compared to two current methods including a manual point and click method and a cross-correlation template method. It is shown that the neurite tracing algorithm can reduce the post-processing time to trace the vortex by a factor of 10 to 15 without compromising the accuracy of the tip vortex location compared to other methods presented in literature.

Overmeyer, Austin D.

WFIRST CGI Integral Field Spectrograph Performance and Post-Processing in the OS6 Observing Scenario

The WFIRST coronagraph instrument (CGI) will have an integral field spectrograph (IFS) backend to disperse the entire field of view at once and obtain spatially-resolved, low-resolution spectra of the speckles and science scene. The IFS will be key to understanding the spectral nature of the speckles, obtain science spectra of planets and disks, and will be used for broadband wavefront control. In order to characterize, predict, and optimize the performance of the instrument, we present a detailed model of the IFS in the context of the new OS6 observing scenario. The simulation includes spatial, spectral, and temporal variations of the speckle field on the IFS detector plane, which allows us to explore several post-processing methods and assess what gains can be expected. The simulator includes the latest models of the detector behavior when operating in photon-counting mode.

WFIRST coronagraph instrument (CGI)