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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 415 records · Page 23

Suboptimal shape control for quasi-static distributed-parameter systems

An on-line control approach which will adjust the steady-state shape of a large antenna arbitrarily close to any achievable desired profile is approached. The method makes use of distributed-parameter system theory and allows refocusing using a limited number of control actuators and sensors. The controller gains are calculated by approximating the solution to an infinite-dimensional optimal quasi-static control problem. The controller gain calculation is computationally simpler than that previously proposed. The Galerkin (finite element) approximation method is used for model reduction. It is proved that both gain and state convergence can be achieved by using the proposed approximation scheme.

Balas, M. J.↗

Analysis of spin frustration in an Fe III 7 cluster using a combination of computational, experimental, and magnetostructural correlation methods

The synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties are reported for [Fe 7 O 3 (O 2 C t Bu) 9 (mda) 3 (H 2 O) 3 ] ( 1 ), where mdaH 2 is N -methyldiethanolamine. 1 was prepared from the reaction of [Fe 3 O(O 2 C t Bu) 6 (H 2 O) 3 ](NO 3 ) with mdaH 2 in a 1:~3 ratio in MeCN. The core of 1 consists of a central octahedral Fe III ion held within a non-planar Fe 6 loop by three μ 3 -O 2- and three μ 2 -RO - arms from the three mda 2- chelates. Variable-temperature dc and ac magnetic susceptibility studies revealed dominant antiferromagnetic coupling, leading to a ground state spin of S = 5 / 2 . The ground state was confirmed by a fit of magnetization data collected in the 0.1–7.0 T and 1.8–10.0 K ranges. The four Fe 2 pairwise exchange parameters ( J 1 - J 4 ) were estimated by independent methods: theoretical calculations using either broken symmetry energy differences (-46.3, -16.2, -3.9, and - 28.1 cm -1 , respectively) or Green’s function approximation methods (-41.4, -14.8, -13.2, and - 24.7 cm -1 ), and a magnetostructural correlation (MSC) previously developed for high nuclearity Fe III /O complexes (-39.5, -13.8, -6.7, and - 23.5 cm -1 ). Additionally, the J 1 - J 4 obtained from the MSC and theoretical methods were used with the program PHI to both simulate χ M T vs T as well as to serve as reasonable input values to fit the experimental data (-41.0, -11.4, -5.0, and - 27.3 cm -1 ). Analysis of the J ij led to identification of the spin frustration effects operative and the resultant spin vector alignments at each Fe III ion, thus allowing for the rationalization of the experimental ground state.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Parallel Algebraic Multigrid for Fusion and Higher-Order PDEs

Multigrid methods play a key role in large-scale scientific simulation because they are among the fastest and most scalable approaches for solving the underlying sparse linear systems of equations that arise from a wide array of Partial Differential Equation (PDE) discretizations. Algebraic multigrid (AMG) is a special type of multigrid method that depends only on the description of the linear system, giving it better portability and broader applicability than geometric multigrid, as it requires no explicit knowledge of the problem geometry. Even though these methods are widely used today, there are still applications where further development is needed. In this report, we focus on PDEs with higher-order terms (e.g., fourth order), concentrating on a PDE that arises in tokamak edge plasma simulations (a tokamak is a machine that confines a plasma using magnetic fields and is believed to be the leading plasma confinement concept for future fusion power plants). General multigrid relaxes a linear system on coarser grids and reverses this process with interpolation, but standard AMG methods struggle with the aforementioned higher-order PDEs. We investigate cyclic coarsening and interpolation heuristics, as well as new iterative approximation methods of refining the solution at each grid to improve the existing multigrid approach. To this end, we ensure that these techniques are transferable to a parallelized setting with LLNL’s supercomputers.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Deep Neural Networks are Adaptive to Function Regularity and Data Distribution in Approximation and Estimation

Deep learning has exhibited remarkable results across diverse areas. To understand its success, substantial research has been directed towards its theoretical foundations. Nev- ertheless, the majority of these studies examine how well deep neural networks can model functions with uniform regularities. In this paper, we explore a different angle: how deep neural networks can adapt to varying degrees of smoothness in functions and nonuni- form data distributions across different locations and scales. More precisely, we focus on a broad class of functions defined by nonlinear tree-based approximation methods. This class encompasses a range of function types, such as functions with uniform regularities and discontinuous functions. We develop nonparametric approximation and estimation theories for this class using deep ReLU networks. Our results show that deep neural networks are adaptive to the nonuniform smoothness of functions and nonuniform data distributions at different locations and scales. We apply our results to several function classes, and derive the corresponding approximation and generalization errors. The validity of our results is demonstrated through numerical experiments.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Applicability of the diffusion approximation

Several methods using an approximate form of the scattering indicatrix are discussed for simplifying the calculation of radiation transport in planetary atmospheres.

Biryukov, Y. L.↗

A new approach to the solution of large, full matrix equations: A two-dimensional potential flow feasibility study

An approach to the solution of matrix problems resulting from integral equations of mathematical physics is presented. Based on the inherent smoothness in such equations, the problem is reformulated using a set of orthogonal basis vectors, leading to an equivalent coefficient problem which can be of lower order without significantly impairing the accuracy of the solution. This approach was evaluated using a two-dimensional Neumann problem describing the inviscid, incompressible flow over an airfoil. Two different kinds of mode functions were investigated, namely eigenfunction series and Fourier series. The method using Fourier series was found preferable. It uses all of the coefficients from a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm in an approximate method which exploits the known structure of the transformed coefficient matrix and very promising results for the flow over a realistic airfoil are obtained. On the basis of the results presented here, an order of magnitude reduction in this computer time can be expected for such problems as compared with the time for a direct matrix solution.

James, R. M.↗

Unified Aeroacoustics Analysis for High Speed Turboprop Aerodynamics and Noise: Development of Theory for Blade Loading, Wakes, and Noise - Volume 1

A unified theory for the aerodynamics and noise of advanced turboprops are presented. Aerodynamic topics include calculation of performance, blade load distribution, and non-uniform wake flow fields. Blade loading can be steady or unsteady due to fixed distortion, counter-rotating wakes, or blade vibration. The aerodynamic theory is based on the pressure potential method and is therefore basically linear. However, nonlinear effects associated with finite axial induction and blade vortex flow are included via approximate methods. Acoustic topics include radiation of noise caused by blade thickness, steady loading (including vortex lift), and unsteady loading. Shielding of the fuselage by its boundary layer and the wing are treated in separate analyses that are compatible but not integrated with the aeroacoustic theory for rotating blades.

Hanson, D. B.↗

Computation of the two-dimensional flow in a laminar boundary layer

A comparison is made of the boundary-layer flow computed by the approximate method developed by K. Pohlhausen with the exact solutions which have been published for several special cases. A modification of Pohlhausen's method has been developed which extends the range of application at the expense of some decrease in the accuracy of the approximations.

Dryden, Hugh L↗

Comment on: “Solving many-body Schrödinger equations with kinetic energy partition method”, Ann. Phys. 388 (2018) 54–68 by Y-H. Chen and S.D. Chao

We discuss a recent test of the performance of the kinetic energy partition method (KEP) through its application to two separable quantum-mechanical models. We argue that one of the benchmark models is exceedingly simple for testing any realistic approximate method and that almost any reasonable approach yields better results. In the second example our exact benchmark eigenvalues disagree considerably with those chosen by the authors for comparison, which casts doubts on the accuracy of their KEP approach.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Runge–Kutta method for solving fuzzy differential equations under generalized differentiability

In this paper, we interpret a fuzzy differential equation by using the strongly generalized differentiability concept. Utilizing the Generalized Characterization Theorem, we investigate the problem of finding a numerical approximation of solutions. The Runge–Kutta approximation method is implemented and its error analysis, which guarantees pointwise convergence, is given. The method applicability is illustrated by solving a linear first-order fuzzy differential equation.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Methods for Estimating Payload/Vehicle Design Loads

Several methods compared with respect to accuracy, design conservatism, and cost. Objective of survey: reduce time and expense of load calculation by selecting approximate method having sufficient accuracy for problem at hand. Methods generally applicable to dynamic load analysis in other aerospace and other vehicle/payload systems.

Chen, J. C.↗

Full CI benchmark calculations on CH3

Full CI calculations have been performed on the CH3 radical. The full CI results are compared to those obtained using CASSCF/multireference CI and coupled-pair functional methods, both at the equilibrium CH distance and at geometries with the three CH bonds extended. In general, the performance of the approximate methods is similar to that observed in calculations on other molecules in which one or two bonds were stretched.

Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.↗

Spectral density method to Anderson-Holstein model

Two-parameter spectral density function of a magnetic impurity electron in a non-magnetic metal is calculated within the framework of the Anderson-Holstein model using the spectral density approximation method. The effect of electron-phonon interaction on the spectral function is investigated.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

On a Certain First-Order Differential Equation with Delay

We consider the Cauchy problem for a first-order quasilinear differential equation with delayed argument of neutral type, and obtain sufficient conditions of existence and uniqueness of its solutions. Proofs of the solvability of nonlinear problems, estimates of solutions, and constructions of approximate methods are based on Chaplygin-type theorems on differential inequalities.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Assessing an experimental approach for chemical explosive mode and heat release rate using DNS data

Obtaining information about burning characteristics and flame structures by analyzing experimental data is an important issue for understanding combustion processes and pursuing combustion modeling approaches. It has been shown that Raman/Rayleigh measurements of major species and temperature can be used to approximate the local heat release rate and the chemical explosive mode, and that these results are sufficiently accurate for a qualitative assessment of the relative importance of different heat release zones within the same overall flame structure in laminar and mildly turbulent partially premixed flames. The present study uses data from direct numerical simulation (DNS) to extend and quantify the understanding of the approximation method with respect to premixed and stratified-premixed flames with significant turbulence–chemistry interaction (high Karlovitz number). Here, the accuracy of the approximation procedure is assessed as previously applied, using just major species and temperature, as well as with the OH radical included as an additional experimentally accessible species. The accuracy of the local chemical explosive mode and the local heat release rate results from the approximation are significantly improved with OH included, yielding quantitative agreement with the DNS results. Further, a global sensitivity analysis is applied to identify the sensitivity of the heat release rate and chemical explosive mode to experimental uncertainties imprinted upon the DNS data prior to the approximation procedure.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Photonic-Doppler-Velocimetry, Paraxial-Scalar Diffraction Theory and Simulation

In this report I describe current progress on a paraxial, scalar-field theory suitable for simulating what is measured in Photonic Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) experiments in three dimensions. I have introduced a number of approximations in this work in order to bring the total computation time for one experiment down to around 20 hours. My goals were: to develop an approximate method of calculating the peak frequency in a spectral sideband at an instant of time based on an optical diffraction theory for a moving target, to compare the ‘measured’ velocity to the ‘input’ velocity to gain insights into how and to what precision PDV measures the component of the mass velocity along the optical axis, and to investigate the effects of small amounts of roughness on the measured velocity. This report illustrates the progress I have made in describing how to perform such calculations with a full three dimensional picture including tilted target, tilted mass velocity (not necessarily in the same direction), and small amounts of surface roughness. With the method established for a calculation at one instant of time, measured velocities can be simulated for a sequence of times, similar to the process of sampling velocities in experiments. Improvements in these methods are certainly possible at hugely increased computational cost. I am hopeful that readers appreciate the insights possible at the current level of approximation.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Spiral-bevel geometry and gear train precision

A new aproach to the solution of determination of surface principal curvatures and directions is proposed. Direct relationships between the principal curvatures and directions of the tool surface and those of the principal curvatures and directions of generated gear surface are obtained. The principal curvatures and directions of geartooth surface are obtained without using the complicated equations of these surfaces. A general theory of the train kinematical errors exerted by manufacturing and assembly errors is discussed. Two methods for the determination of the train kinematical errors can be worked out: (1) with aid of a computer, and (2) with a approximate method. Results from noise and vibration measurement conducted on a helicopter transmission are used to illustrate the principals contained in the theory of kinematic errors.

Litvin, F. L.↗