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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 361 records · Page 20
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2014

Combined Uncertainty and A-Posteriori Error Bound Estimates for CFD Calculations: Theory and Implementation

Simulation codes often utilize finite-dimensional approximation resulting in numerical error. Some examples include, numerical methods utilizing grids and finite-dimensional basis functions, particle methods using a finite number of particles. These same simulation codes also often contain sources of uncertainty, for example, uncertain parameters and fields associated with the imposition of initial and boundary data,uncertain physical model parameters such as chemical reaction rates, mixture model parameters, material property parameters, etc.

CFD↗
NASA NTRS2017

GPS Receiver On-Orbit Performance for the GOES-R Spacecraft

This paper evaluates the on-orbit performance of the first civilian operational use of a Global Positioning System Receiver (GPSR) at a geostationary orbit (GEO). The GPSR is on-board the newly launched Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R). GOES-R is the first of four next generation GEO weather satellites for NOAA, now in orbit GOES-R is formally identified as GOES-16. Among the pioneering technologies required to support its improved spatial, spectral and temporal resolution is a GPSR. The GOES-16 GPSR system is a new design that was mission critical and therefore received appropriate scrutiny. As ground testing of a GPSR for GEO can only be done by simulations with numerous assumptions and approximations regarding the current GPS constellation, this paper reveals what performance can be achieved in using on orbit data. Extremely accurate orbital position is achieved using GPS navigation at GEO. Performance results are shown demonstrating compliance with the1007575 meter and 6 cms radial/in-track/cross-track orbital position and velocity accuracy requirements of GOES-16. The aforementioned compliance includes station-keeping and momentum management maneuvers, contributing to no observational outages. This performance is achieved by a completely new system design consisting of a unique L1 GEOantenna, low-noise amplifier (LNA) assembly and a 12 channel GPSR capable of tracking the edge of the main beam and the side lobes of the GPS L1 signals. This paper presents the definitive answer that the GOES-16 GPSR solution exceeds all performance requirements tracking up to 12 satellites and achieving excellent carrier-to-noise density (C/N0). Additionally, these performance results show the practicality of this approach. This paper makes it clear that all future GEO Satellites should consider the addition of a GPSR in their spacecraft design, otherwise they may be sacrificing spacecraft capabilities and accuracy along with incurring increased and continual demand on ground support.

GEO GPS↗
NASA NTRS2022

Vicarious Calibration of the Long Near Infrared Band: Cross-Sensor Differences in Sensitivity

Numerous assumptions and approximations are employed when translating satellite-derived radiance to surface remote sensing reflectance (RRS) for ocean color applications. Among these is the vicarious calibration coefficient (g) of the “long” near infrared band (NIRL) used for atmospheric correction. For this band, the prelaunch calibration has always been deemed sufficient [thus g(NIRL) = 1.00] as long as other bands are vicariously calibrated. Recent research, however, suggests that Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)/Aqua RRS time series is quite sensitive to g(NIRL) (and associated vicarious gains in other bands). In this work, we assessed the sensitivity of Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite onboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite (VIIRS/SNPP) RRS to NIRL calibration and compared our results to previous MODIS/Aqua and Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor onboard OrbView2 (SeaWiFS)/OrbView2 analysis. In doing so, we note that g(NIRL) sensitivities of mission-averaged RRS time series are lower for VIIRS and Sea-WiFS, relative to MODIS. At the scale of monthly climatologies (MCs), however, all sensors show prominent g(NIRL) sensitivity with that of SeaWiFS being the most substantial. These findings informed simulation analyses, whereby we identified signal-tonoise ratio (SNR) and radiant path geometry, as well as their interaction, as having notable impacts on g(NIRL) sensitivity. As such, g(NIRL) sensitivity is a necessary consideration for reflectance uncertainty budgets, especially for sensors with higher NIR SNR or particular prevailing radiant path geometries. Given the geometry components embedded within g(NIRL) sensitivity, such studies should be coupled with cross-sensor intercalibrations [e.g., using simultaneous same view (SSV) measurements] toward minimizing NIRL errors between satellite instruments, but such efforts will not completely remediate remaining cross-sensor biases in RRS. Index Terms—Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)/Aqua, ocean color, ocean gyres, Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor onboard OrbView2 (SeaWiFS), system vicarious calibration (SVC), Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite onboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite (VIIRS/SNPP).

MODIS↗
NASA NTRS2022

Vicarious Calibration of the Long Near Infrared Band: Cross-Sensor Differences in Sensitivity

Numerous assumptions and approximations are employed when translating satellite-derived radiance to surface remote sensing reflectance (RRS) for ocean color applications. Among these is the vicarious calibration coefficient (g) of the ‘long’ near infrared band (NIRL) used for atmospheric correction. For this band, the pre-launch calibration has always been deemed sufficient [thus g(NIRL) = 1.00] as long as other bands are vicariously calibrated. Recent research, however, suggests that MODIS/Aqua RRS time series are quite sensitive to g(NIRL) (and associated vicarious gains in other bands). In this work, we assessed the sensitivity of VIIRS/SNPP RRS to NIRL calibration, and compared our results to previous MODIS/Aqua and SeaWiFS/OrbView2 analysis. In doing so, we note g(NIRL) sensitivities of mission-averaged RRS timeseries are lower for VIIRS and SeaWiFS, relative to MODIS. At the scale of monthly climatologies, however, all sensors show prominent g(NIRL) sensitivity, with that of SeaWiFS being the most substantial. These findings informed simulation analyses, whereby we identified signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and radiant path geometry, as well as their interaction, as having notable impacts on g(NIRL) sensitivity. As such, g(NIRL) sensitivity is a necessary consideration for reflectance uncertainty budgets, especially for sensors with higher NIR SNR or particular prevailing radiant path geometries. Given the geometry components embedded within g(NIRL) sensitivity, such studies should be coupled with cross-sensor intercalibrations (e.g., using simultaneous same view measurements) toward minimizing NIRL errors between satellite instruments, but such efforts will not completely remediate remaining cross-sensor biases in RRS.

Brian B Barnes↗
NASA NTRS1986

Comparison of exact and approximate formulas for the Mott correction to energy loss of relativistic heavy ions

A comparison is conducted between an exact numerical calculation and two approximate analytic expressions for the Mott correction to energy loss of heavy ions. A complete tabulation of the Mott correction is presented together with a comparison of some of the approximate expressions for the Mott correction due to Ahlen (1978) and Morgan and Eby (1973). Comparison is made with results of an experimental calibration of the HEAO-3 Heavy Cosmic Ray experimental chambers at the Bevalac.

Eby, P. B.↗
DOE OSTI2021

An optimization-based approach to parameter learning for fractional type nonlocal models

Nonlocal operators of fractional type are a popular modeling choice for applications that do not adhere to classical diffusive behavior; however, one major challenge in nonlocal simulations is the selection of model parameters. In this study we propose an optimization-based approach to parameter identification for fractional models with an optional truncation radius. We formulate the inference problem as an optimal control problem where the objective is to minimize the discrepancy between observed data and an approximate solution of the model, and the control variables are the fractional order and the truncation length. For the numerical solution of the minimization problem we propose a gradient-based approach, where we enhance the numerical performance by an approximation of the bilinear form of the state equation and its derivative with respect to the fractional order. Several numerical tests in one and two dimensions illustrate the theoretical results and show the robustness and applicability of our method.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2020

An optimization-based approach to parameter learning for fractional type nonlocal models

Nonlocal operators of fractional type are a popular modeling choice for applications that do not adhere to classical diffusive behavior; however, one major challenge in nonlocal simulations is the selection of model parameters. In this work we propose an optimization-based approach to parameter identification for fractional models with an optional truncation radius. We formulate the inference problem as an optimal control problem where the objective is to minimize the discrepancy between observed data and an approximate solution of the model, and the control variables are the fractional order and the truncation length. For the numerical solution of the minimization problem we propose a gradient-based approach, where we enhance the numerical performance by an approximation of the bilinear form of the state equation and its derivative with respect to the fractional order. Several numerical tests in one and two dimensions illustrate the theoretical results and show the robustness and applicability of our method.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1963

Application of Dorodnitsyn's Integral Method to Nonequilibrium Flows over Pointed Bodies

Dorodnitsyn's integral method is used to obtain an approximate solution to the supersonic nonequilibrium flow over pointed bodies with attached shock waves. The partial differential equations governing the flow are converted to an approximate set of ordinary equations, which are solved by numerical integration starting at the body tip. Detailed analytical and numerical results for the first approximation are presented, considering the vibrational relaxation of a diatomic gas over a wedge or cone. It is shown that the first approximation yields: (1) The exact flow-variable gradients at the wedge tip (2) Expressions for the flow-variable gradients at the cone tip which are in agreement with extrapolations of characteristics calculations (3) A good approximate algebraic solution for frozen or equilibrium conical flow (4) An approximate expression for the nonequilibrium-flow stream function which affords a means of obtaining variations across the shock layer of the temperature and vibrational energy. Numerical results for both the wedge and cone compare favorably with identical cases computed by the method of characteristics.

NONEQUILIBRIUM FLOW↗
NASA NTRS1987

Inverse problems in the modeling of vibrations of flexible beams

The formulation and solution of inverse problems for the estimation of parameters which describe damping and other dynamic properties in distributed models for the vibration of flexible structures is considered. Motivated by a slewing beam experiment, the identification of a nonlinear velocity dependent term which models air drag damping in the Euler-Bernoulli equation is investigated. Galerkin techniques are used to generate finite dimensional approximations. Convergence estimates and numerical results are given. The modeling of, and related inverse problems for the dynamics of a high pressure hose line feeding a gas thruster actuator at the tip of a cantilevered beam are then considered. Approximation and convergence are discussed and numerical results involving experimental data are presented.

Banks, H. T.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Circuit complexity near critical points

Here, we consider the Bose–Hubbard model in two and three spatial dimensions and numerically compute the quantum circuit complexity of the ground state in the Mott insulator and superfluid phases using a mean field approximation with additional quadratic fluctuations. After mapping to a qubit system, the result is given by the complexity associated with a Bogoliubov transformation applied to the reference state taken to be the mean field ground state. In particular, the complexity has peaks at the O(2) critical points where the system can be described by a relativistic quantum field theory. Given that we use a Gaussian approximation, near criticality the numerical results agree with a free field theory calculation. To go beyond the Gaussian approximation we use general scaling arguments that imply that, as we approach the critical point t → t c , there is a non-analytic behavior in the complexity c 2 (t) of the form |c 2 (t) – c 2 (t c )| ~ |t – t c | νd , up to possible logarithmic corrections. Here d is the number of spatial dimensions and ν is the usual critical exponent for the correlation length ξ ~ |t – t c | –ν . As a check, for d = 2 this agrees with the numerical computation if we use the Gaussian critical exponent $v=\frac{1}{2}$. Finally, using AdS/CFT methods, we study higher dimensional examples and confirm this scaling argument with non-Gaussian exponent ν for strongly interacting theories that have a gravity dual.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

RandONets: Shallow networks with random projections for learning linear and nonlinear operators

Deep neural networks have been extensively used for the solution of both the forward and the inverse problem for dynamical systems. However, their implementation necessitates optimizing a high-dimensional space of parameters and hyperparameters. This fact, along with the requirement of substantial computational resources, pose a barrier to achieving high numerical accuracy, but also interpretability. Here, to address the above challenges, we present Random Projection-based Operator Networks (RandONets): shallow networks with random projections and tailor-made numerical analysis methods that learn accurately and fast linear and nonlinear operators. Building on previous works, we prove that RandOnets are universal approximators of linear and nonlinear operators. Due to their simplicity, RandONets provide a one-step transformation of the input space, facilitating interpretability. For the evaluation of their performance, we focus on operators of PDEs. We show, that RandONets outperform by several orders of magnitude, both in terms of numerical approximation accuracy and computational cost, the “vanilla” DeepONets. Hence, we believe that our method will trigger further developments in the field of scientific machine learning, for the development of new ‘’light”schemes that will provide high accuracy while reducing dramatically the computational cost. A MATLAB toolbox for RandONets, including demos, is available on GitHub at https://github.com/GianlucaFabiani/RandONets.

Interpretable machine learning↗
DOE OSTI2025

Approximating the particle distribution in rotating and tandem mirror traps

Steady-state distribution functions can be used to calculate stability conditions for modes, radiation energy losses and particle loss rates. Heuristic analytic approximations to these distributions can capture key behaviors of the true distributions such as the relative speeds of different transport processes while possessing computational advantages over their numerical counterparts. In this paper, we motivate and present a closed-form analytic model for a distribution of particles in a centrifugal or tandem mirror. We find that our model outperforms other known models in approximating numerical steady-state simulations outside of a narrow range of low confining potentials. We demonstrate the model’s suitability in the high confining potential regime for applications such as loss-cone stability thresholds, fusion yields and available energy.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Approximating the particle distribution in rotating and tandem mirror traps

Steady-state distribution functions can be used to calculate stability conditions for modes, radiation energy losses and particle loss rates. Heuristic analytic approximations to these distributions can capture key behaviors of the true distributions such as the relative speeds of different transport processes while possessing computational advantages over their numerical counterparts. In this paper, we motivate and present a closed-form ana- lytic model for a distribution of particles in a centrifugal or tandem mirror. We find that our model outperforms other known models in approximating numerical steady- state simulations outside of a narrow range of low confining potentials. We demonstrate the model’s suitability in the high confining potential regime for applications such as loss-cone stability thresholds, fusion yields and available energy.

Li, G.X.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Stability and response of trapped solitary wave solutions of coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations in an external, $\mathcal{PT}$- and supersymmetric potential

In this work, we present trapped solitary wave solutions of a coupled nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) system in 1 + 1 dimensions in the presence of an external, supersymmetric and complex $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric potential. The Schrödinger system this work focuses on possesses exact solutions whose existence, stability, and spatio-temporal dynamics are investigated by means of analytical and numerical methods. Two different variational approximations are considered where the stability and dynamics of the solitary waves are explored in terms of eight and twelve time-dependent collective coordinates (CCs). We find regions of stability for specific potential choices as well as analytic expressions for the small oscillation frequencies in the CC approximation. Our findings are further supported by performing systematic numerical simulations of the NLS system.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1993

Computational analysis of methods for reduction of induced drag

The purpose of this effort was to perform a computational flow analysis of a design concept centered around induced drag reduction and tip-vortex energy recovery. The flow model solves the unsteady three-dimensional Euler equations, discretized as a finite-volume method, utilizing a high-resolution approximate Riemann solver for cell interface flux definitions. The numerical scheme is an approximately-factored block LU implicit Newton iterative-refinement method. Multiblock domain decomposition is used to partition the field into an ordered arrangement of blocks. Three configurations are analyzed: a baseline fuselage-wing, a fuselage-wing-nacelle, and a fuselage-wing-nacelle-propfan. Aerodynamic force coefficients, propfan performance coefficients, and flowfield maps are used to qualitatively access design efficacy. Where appropriate, comparisons are made with available experimental data.

Janus, J. M.↗
DOE OSTI2022

A unified framework of stabilized finite element method for solving the Boltzmann transport equation

This paper presents a unified framework of stabilized finite element method for solving the Boltzmann transport equation. Unlike the traditional Petrov-Galerkin finite element method which modifies the test function to construct the stabilization term, we derive the stabilization methods from the standard Galerkin weak form with Sub-grid scale model. The basic idea of this method is to decompose the unknowns into its numerical solution and residual, with an approximation for the residual and embeds it in the Galerkin weak form to yield a stabilized variational formula. Different approximations of the residual lead to different stabilization methods, all the frequently used stabilized methods, including the Streamline Upwinding Petrov-Galerkin (SUPG) method, Galerkin/Least-Square (GLS) method, and Algebraic Sub-Grid Scale (ASGS) method can be obtained from this framework. The similarities and differences of the different approximations are compared in this paper. The numerical results show that the behaviors of the different methods area similar with the same stabilization parameter, and all these stabilized techniques can obtain a correct and stable solution. (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS1994

Navier-Stokes, flight, and wind tunnel flow analysis for the F/A-18 aircraft

Computational analysis of flow over the F/A-18 aircraft is presented along with complementary data from both flight and wind tunnel experiments. The computational results are based on the three-dimensional thin-layer Navier-Stokes formulation and are obtained from an accurate surface representation of the fuselage, leading-edge extension (LEX), and the wing geometry. However, the constraints imposed by either the flow solver and/or the complexity associated with the flow-field grid generation required certain geometrical approximations to be implemented in the present numerical model. In particular, such constraints inspired the removal of the empennage and the blocking (fairing) of the inlet face. The results are computed for three different free-stream flow conditions and compared with flight test data of surface pressure coefficients, surface tuft flow, and off-surface vortical flow characteristics that included breakdown phenomena. Excellent surface pressure coefficient correlations, both in terms of magnitude and overall trend, are obtained on the forebody throughout the range of flow conditions. Reasonable pressure agreement was obtained over the LEX; the general correlation tends to improve at higher angles of attack. The surface tuft flow and the off-surface vortex flow structures compared qualitatively well with the flight test results. To evaluate the computational results, a wind tunnel investigation was conducted to determine the effects of existing configurational differences between the flight vehicle and the numerical model on aerodynamic characteristics. In most cases, the geometrical approximations made to the numerical model had very little effect on overall aerodynamic characteristics.

Ghaffari, Farhad↗