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At least 487 records · Page 27

Cross Inference of Throughput Profiles Using Micro Kernel Network Method

Dedicated network connections are being increasingly deployed in cloud, centralized and edge computing and data infrastructures, whose throughput profiles are critical indicators of the underlying data transfer performance. Due to the cost and disruptions to physical infrastructures, network emulators, such as Mininet, are often used to generate measurements needed to estimate throughput profiles, typically expressed as a function of the connection round trip time. The profiles estimated using measurements from such emulated networks are usually inaccurate for high bandwidth and high latency connections, since they do not accurately reflect the critical network transport dynamics mainly due to computing and memory constraints of the host. We present a machine learning (ML) method to estimate the throughput profiles using emulation measurements to closely match the testbed and production network profiles. In particular, we propose a micro Kernel Network (mKN) that provides baseline throughput measurements on the host running Mininet emulations, which are used to learn a regression map that converts them to the corresponding testbed measurement estimates. Once initially learned, this map is applied to measurements from subsequent network emulations on the same host. We present experimental measurements to illustrate this approach, and derive generalization equations for the proposed mKN-ML method. Using a four-site scenario emulation, we show the effectiveness of this method in providing accurate concave throughput profiles from inaccurate convex or non-smooth ones indicated by Mininet emulation.

Rao, Nageswara↗

Residual estimation for grid modification in wall-modeled large eddy simulation using unstructured high-order methods

Here, the accuracy and computational cost of a large eddy simulation are highly dependent on the computational grid. Building optimal grids manually from a priori knowledge is not feasible in most practical use cases; instead, solution-adaptive strategies can provide a robust and cost-efficient method to generate a grid with the desired accuracy. We adapt the residual estimation algorithm developed by Toosi and Larsson for Discontinuous Galerkin Spectral Elements Methods (DGSEM) to guide the grid-adaptation process. The core of the method is the computation of the estimated modeling residual using the polynomial basis functions used in DGSEM, and the averaging of the estimated residual over each element. The final method is assessed in multiple channel flow test cases and for the transonic flow over an airfoil, in both cases making use of mortar interfaces between elements with hanging nodes. The method is found to be robust and reliable, and to provide solutions on grids with significantly fewer elements at comparable accuracy compared to when using human-generated grids.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Sequential Bayesian Methods for Analyzing Computer Models

Efficient analysis of computer models is essential for the validation and uncertainty quantification of those models. Surrogate models, and Gaussian processes in particular, are a common and powerful approach to analyzing computer models that treat computer models as a black-box function. Gaussian processes form a Bayesian model over a space of functions that gives a measure of uncertainty about the computer model output at unobserved locations and a framework for sequential sampling. This tutorial will show how to fit Gaussian processes on a series of test functions and apply sequential design techniques to estimate extrema, level sets, and reliabilities of those test functions.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Adaptive Reweighted Variance Estimation for Monte Carlo Eigenvalue Simulations

Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is used to solve the eigenvalue form of the Boltzmann transport equation to estimate various parameters such as fuel pin flux distributions that are crucial for the safe and efficient operation of nuclear systems (e.g., a nuclear reactor). Monte Carlo eigenvalue simulation uses a sample mean over many stationary cycles (iterations) to estimate various parameters important to nuclear systems. A variance estimate of the sample mean is often used for calculating the confidence intervals. However, MC eigenvalue simulation variance estimators that ignore the intercycle correlation underestimate the true variance of the estimated quantity. This paper presents novel data-adaptive approaches based on a simple autoregressive (AR) model and sigmoid functions to improve MC variance estimation. The standard MC sample-based variance estimator (or naïve estimator) and the spectral density–based MC variance estimator are enhanced by adding data-adaptive components that reduce their bias and improve performance. By investigating the frequency pattern of the AR(1) (order 1) model, two adaptive spectral estimators and one adaptive naïve estimator are proposed. The proposed estimators manifest superior performance when applied to three test problems compared to the standard spectral density–based estimator previously introduced by the authors. In conclusion, these new estimators are straightforward, as they use online algorithms and do not require storage of tallies from all active cycles.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Distributed Dynamic State Estimator, Generator Parameter Estimation and Stability Monitoring Demonstration

This is the final report for this project that was performed in the period: October1, 2009 to June 30, 2013. In this project, a fully distributed high-fidelity dynamic state estimator (DSE) that continuously tracks the real time dynamic model of a wide area system with update rates better than 60 times per second is achieved. The proposed technology is based on GPS-synchronized measurements but also utilizes data from all available Intelligent Electronic Devices in the system (numerical relays, digital fault recorders, digital meters, etc.). The distributed state estimator provides the real time model of the system not only the voltage phasors. The proposed system provides the infrastructure for a variety of applications and two very important applications (a) a high fidelity generating unit parameters estimation and (b) an energy function based transient stability monitoring of a wide area electric power system with predictive capability. Also the dynamic distributed state estimation results are stored (the storage scheme includes data and coincidental model) enabling an automatic reconstruction and “play back” of a system wide disturbance. This approach enables complete play back capability with fidelity equal to that of real time with the advantage of “playing back” at a user selected speed. The proposed technologies were developed and tested in the lab during the first 18 months of the project and then demonstrated on two actual systems, the USVI Water and Power Administration system and the New York Power Authority’s Blenheim-Gilboa pumped hydro plant in the last 18 months of the project. The four main thrusts of this project, mentioned above, are extremely important to the industry. The DSE with the achieved update rates (more than 60 times per second) provides a superior solution to the “grid visibility” question. The generator parameter identification method fills an important and practical need of the industry. The “energy function” based transient stability monitoring opens up new ways to protect the power grid, better manage disturbances, confine their impact and in general improve the reliability and security of the system. Finally, as a by-product of the proposed research project, the developed system is able to “play back” disturbances by a click of a mouse. The importance of this by-product is evident by considering the tremendous effort exerted after the August 2003 blackout to piece together all the disturbance recordings, align them and recreate the sequence of events. This project has moved the state of art from fault recording by individual devices to system wide disturbance recording with “play back” capability.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Pragmatic Uncertainty Quantification and Propagation in Inverse Estimation of Structural Dynamics Parameters given Material Property Uncertainties and Limited Sensor Data

In this report we demonstrate some relatively simple and inexpensive methods to effectively account for various sources of epistemic lack-of-knowledge type uncertainty in inverse problems. The demonstration problem involves inverse estimation of six parameters of a bolted joint that attaches a kettlebell shaped object to a thick plate. The parameters are efficiently inverted in a modal-based model calibration using gradient-based optimization. Two material properties of the kettlebell are treated as uncertain to within given epistemic uncertainty bounds. We apply and test interval and sparse-sample probabilistic approaches to account for uncertainty in the estimated parameters (and various scalar functionals of the parameters as generic quantities of interest, QOIs) due to uncertainties in the material properties. We also investigate the error effects of limited numbers of vibration sensors (accelerometers) on the kettlebell and plate, and therefore abbreviated excitation/response information in the parameter inversions. We propose and demonstrate a Leave-K-Sensors-Out “cross-prediction” UQ approach to estimate related uncertainties on the parameters and QOI functionals. We indicate how uncertainties from material properties and limited sensors are treated in a combined manner. The economical combined UQ approach involves just three to five samples (i.e. three to five inverse simulations), with no added complication or error/uncertainty from use of surrogate models for affordability. Finally, we describe a related economical UQ approach for handling potential parameter solution non-uniqueness and numerical optimization related precision uncertainties in the estimated parameter values. Indicated further research is identified.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Correcting the z ∼ 8 galaxy luminosity function for gravitational lensing magnification bias

We present a Bayesian framework to account for the magnification bias from both strong and weak gravitational lensing in estimates of high-redshift galaxy luminosity functions (LFs). We illustrate our method by estimating the z ∼ 8 UV LF using a sample of 97 Y-band dropouts (Lyman break galaxies) found in the Brightest of Reionizing Galaxies (BoRG) survey and from the literature. We find the LF is well described by a Schechter function with characteristic magnitude of M{sup ⋆}=−19.85{sub −0.35}{sup +0.30}, faint-end slope of α=−1.72{sub −0.29}{sup +0.30}, and number density of log{sub 10}Ψ{sup ⋆}(Mpc{sup −3})=−3.00{sub −0.31}{sup +0.23}. These parameters are consistent within the uncertainties with those inferred from the same sample without accounting for the magnification bias, demonstrating that the effect is small for current surveys at z ∼ 8, and cannot account for the apparent overdensity of bright galaxies compared to a Schechter function found recently by Bowler et al. and Finkelstein et al. We estimate that the probability of finding a strongly lensed z ∼ 8 source in our sample is in the range ∼3–15% depending on limiting magnitude. We identify one strongly lensed candidate and three cases of intermediate lensing in BoRG (estimated magnification μ > 1.4) in addition to the previously known candidate group-scale strong lens. Using a range of theoretical LFs we conclude that magnification bias will dominate wide field surveys—such as those planned for the Euclid and WFIRST missions—especially at z > 10. Magnification bias will need to be accounted for in order to derive accurate estimates of high-redshift LFs in these surveys and to distinguish between galaxy formation models.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The Triple Catalytic Action of Tertiary Nitrogen Catalysts in Recyclable Epoxy-Anhydride Thermosets

The thermosetting polymer matrix in fiber reinforced composites is an important component for energy related applications, such as the lightweighting of vehicles or their use in wind and waterpower turbine blades, due to their ability to provide superior adhesion, stiffness, and applicability to a wide range of manufacturing processes. Despite these benefits, today's thermosets are widely considered to be unrecyclable; thus, there is a large interest in redesigning these materials to be inherently recyclable so that energy intensive production of fibers and monomers can be circumvented, bolstering composite manufacture supply chains. Polyester covalent adaptable networks (PECANs) are one such promising alternative to the incumbent, nonrecyclable epoxy-amine thermosets. PECANs can be formed from the ring-opening co-polymerization (ROCOP) of epoxy-anhydride monomer mixtures and subsequent curing at mild temperatures to exhibit similar performance to conventional epoxies while also possessing unique dynamic chemistries along the ester-hydroxyl backbone that are capable of transesterification and thus reprocessability. While significant advancements have been made in formulating these materials for improved mechanical properties or optimizing solvolysis and reprocessing strategies, less attention has been placed on the impact of the residing amine catalyst used to generate the polyester network. In this work, we evaluated the triple-catalytic efficacy of 12 tertiary amines that act as a curing (bulk ROCOP), a transesterification (internal bond exchange), and a deconstruction (methanolysis) catalyst for PECAN thermosets. Specifically, we first distinguish between chain-growth and step-growth polymerization mechanisms for epoxy-amine and epoxy-anhydride mechanisms. We also utilized density functional theory (DFT) to estimate the basicity (pKb) of each catalyst. Of the tested catalysts, the ROCOP of the studied PECAN network can be completed between 95 and 247 min (at 80 degrees C), with variable gelation phenomena. Additionally, the stress relaxation (transesterification metric) efficiency of the tested PECAN networks with alternative embedded catalysts ranged from 95% to 15% reduction in stress after 5 h at 200 degrees C, and the depolymerization efficacy ranged from 2.5% to 9.8% deconstruction after 36 h at 130 degrees C. Overall, the nitrogen-based moieties were demonstrated to influence polymerization kinetics, catalyze the dynamic transesterification exchange mechanism, and aid in the solvolysis of the thermosets at end-of-life.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Non-uniform active learning for Gaussian process models with applications to trajectory informed aerodynamic databases

The ability to non-uniformly weight the input space is desirable for many applications, and has been explored for space-filling approaches. Increased interests in linking models, such as in a digital twinning framework, increases the need for sampling emulators where they are most likely to be evaluated. In particular, here we apply non-uniform sampling methods for the construction of aerodynamic databases. This paper combines non-uniform weighting with active learning for Gaussian Processes (GPs) to develop a closed-form solution to a non-uniform active learning criterion. We accomplish this by utilizing a kernel density estimator as the weight function. We demonstrate the need and efficacy of this approach with an atmospheric entry example that accounts for both model uncertainty as well as the practical state space of the vehicle, as determined by forward modeling within the active learning loop.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Zeros of Riemann’s Zeta Functions in the Line z=1/2+it{sub 0}

It was found that, in addition to trivial zeros in points (z = − 2N, N = 1, 2…, natural numbers), the Riemann’s zeta function ζ(z) has zeros only on the line {z=(1/2)+it_0, t_0 is real}. All zeros are numerated, and for each number, N, the positions of the non-overlap intervals with one zero inside are found. The simple equation for the determination of centers of intervals is obtained. The analytical function η(z), leading to the possibility fix the zeros of the zeta function ζ(z), was estimated. To perform the analysis, the well-known phenomenon, phase-slip events, is used. This phenomenon is the key ingredient for the investigation of dynamical processes in solid-state physics, for example, if we are trying to solve the TDGLE (time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation).

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

An efficient approach for solving Klein–Gordon equation arising in quantum field theory using wavelets

A new approach for the solution of Klein–Gordon equation using Legendre wavelet-based approximation method is presented. The properties of Legendre wavelets are used to reduce the problem to the solution of system of algebraic equations. Usually 2{sup (k−1)}M{sup 2} connection coefficients are required to solve the Klein–Gordon equation by Legendre wavelets method as mentioned in the literature. But, our proposed method based on Legendre wavelets and algebraic polynomials require only 2{sup (k−1)}M connection coefficients instead of 2{sup (k−1)}M{sup 2} . Also the convergence analysis and error estimation for the proposed function approximation through the truncated series have been discussed and approved with the exact solution. Illustrative examples are discussed to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the technique with lesser computational effort.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Entanglement estimation in non-optimal qubit states

Highlights: • Quantum Fisher Information. • Entanglement Estimation. • Squeezed States. • Husimi Function. - Abstract: In the last years, a relationship has been established between the quantum Fisher information (QFI) and quantum entanglement. In the case of two-qubit systems, all pure entangled states can be made useful for sub-shot-noise interferometry while their QFI meets a necessary and sufficient condition (Hyllus et al., 2010). In M-qubit systems, the QFI provides just a sufficient condition in the task of detecting the degree of entanglement of a generic state (Pezzé and Smerzi, 2009). In our work, we show analytically that, for a large class of one-parameter non-optimal two-qubit states, the maximally entangled states are associated with stationary points of the QFI, as a function of such parameter. We show, via numerical simulations, that this scenario is maintained for the generalisation of this class of states to a generic M-qubit system. Furthermore, we suggest a scheme for an interferometer able to detect the entanglement in a large class of two-spin states.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Measured Neutron Spectra and Dose Equivalents From a Mevion Single-Room, Passively Scattered Proton System Used for Craniospinal Irradiation

Purpose: To measure, in the setting of typical passively scattered proton craniospinal irradiation (CSI) treatment, the secondary neutron spectra, and use these spectra to calculate dose equivalents for both internal and external neutrons delivered via a Mevion single-room compact proton system. Methods and Materials: Secondary neutron spectra were measured using extended-range Bonner spheres for whole brain, upper spine, and lower spine proton fields. The detector used can discriminate neutrons over the entire range of the energy spectrum encountered in proton therapy. To separately assess internally and externally generated neutrons, each of the fields was delivered with and without a phantom. Average neutron energy, total neutron fluence, and ambient dose equivalent [H* (10)] were calculated for each spectrum. Neutron dose equivalents as a function of depth were estimated by applying published neutron depth–dose data to in-air H* (10) values. Results: For CSI fields, neutron spectra were similar, with a high-energy direct neutron peak, an evaporation peak, a thermal peak, and an intermediate continuum between the evaporation and thermal peaks. Neutrons in the evaporation peak made the largest contribution to dose equivalent. Internal neutrons had a very low to negligible contribution to dose equivalent compared with external neutrons, largely attributed to the measurement location being far outside the primary proton beam. Average energies ranged from 8.6 to 14.5 MeV, whereas fluences ranged from 6.91 × 10{sup 6} to 1.04 × 10{sup 7} n/cm{sup 2}/Gy, and H* (10) ranged from 2.27 to 3.92 mSv/Gy. Conclusions: For CSI treatments delivered with a Mevion single-gantry proton therapy system, we found measured neutron dose was consistent with dose equivalents reported for CSI with other proton beamlines.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

A heterogeneous stochastic FEM framework for elliptic PDEs

We introduce a new concept of sparsity for the stochastic elliptic operator −div(a(x,ω)∇(⋅)), which reflects the compactness of its inverse operator in the stochastic direction and allows for spatially heterogeneous stochastic structure. This new concept of sparsity motivates a heterogeneous stochastic finite element method (HSFEM) framework for linear elliptic equations, which discretizes the equations using the heterogeneous coupling of spatial basis with local stochastic basis to exploit the local stochastic structure of the solution space. We also provide a sampling method to construct the local stochastic basis for this framework using the randomized range finding techniques. The resulting HSFEM involves two stages and suits the multi-query setting: in the offline stage, the local stochastic structure of the solution space is identified; in the online stage, the equation can be efficiently solved for multiple forcing functions. An online error estimation and correction procedure through Monte Carlo sampling is given. Numerical results for several problems with high dimensional stochastic input are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the HSFEM in the online stage.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Predictive Design of Hybrid Improper Ferroelectric Double Perovskite Oxides

The computational design of suitable multiferroic double perovskite oxides requires finding materials that exhibit sizable polarization, magnetization, and coupling between them. Oxides with the chemical formula of AA'BB'O 6 with building blocks of ABO 3 single perovskite oxides in centrosymmetric Pnma symmetry are strong candidates that have been reported to satisfy such criteria. The system lowers to noncentrosymmetric, polar P2 1 symmetry if A/A' layered and B/B' rocksalt cation orderings are imposed. A detailed compositional search over a variety of chemical spaces followed by evaluating their polarization may lead to the identification of more of these compounds with ferroelectric ordering. The standard density functional theory practices to estimate polarization within the Berry phase formalism require the systems to be perfectly insulating. The number of compounds that can be evaluated using this method is therefore limited. In this work, we introduce a predictive learning strategy based on importance sampling to build a series of machine learning models using results from first-principles simulations to predict polarization and the corresponding switching barrier. The geometry-driven features related to charge states and cationic radii play key roles in predicting the switching barrier with complementary contributions from the key structural mode-based order parameters. These modes become important to draw reasonable predictions of polarization components from machine learning models. In conclusion, our predictive models identify candidates with high polarizations and low switching barriers from a pool of double perovskite oxides, suitable for future investigation for their potential applications in spintronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Responses of Marginal and Intrinsic Water-Use Efficiency to Changing Aridity Using FLUXNET Observations

According to classic stomatal optimization theory, plant stomata are regulated to maximize carbon assimilation for a given water loss. A key component of stomatal optimization models is marginal water-use efficiency (mWUE), the ratio of the change of transpiration to the change in carbon assimilation. Although the mWUE is often assumed to be constant, variability of mWUE under changing hydrologic conditions has been reported. However, there has yet to be a consensus on the patterns of mWUE variabilities and their relations with atmospheric aridity. We investigate the dynamics of mWUE in response to vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and aridity index using carbon and water fluxes from 115 eddy covariance towers available from the global database FLUXNET. We demonstrate a non-linear mWUE-VPD relationship at a sub-daily scale in general; mWUE varies substantially at both low and high VPD levels. However, mWUE remains relatively constant within the mid-range of VPD. Despite the highly non-linear relationship between mWUE and VPD, the relationship can be informed by the strong linear relationship between ecosystem-level inherent water-use efficiency (IWUE) and mWUE using the slope, m *. We further identify site-specific m * and its variability with changing site-level aridity across six vegetation types. We suggest accurately representing the relationship between IWUE and VPD using Michaelis–Menten or quadratic functions to ensure precise estimation of mWUE variability for individual sites.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Searching for gluon number fluctuations effects in eA collisions

We propose to investigate the gluon number fluctuations effects in deep inelastic electron-ion scattering at high energies. We estimate the nuclear structure function F{sub 2}{sup A}(x,Q{sup 2}), as well the longitudinal and charm contributions, using a generalization for nuclear targets of the Golec-Biernat-Wusthoff (GBW) model which describes the electron proton HERA data. Here we consider that the nucleus at high energies acts as an amplifier of the physics of high parton densities. For a first investigation we study the scattering with Ca and Pb nuclei. Our preliminary results predict that the effects of gluon number fluctuations are small in the region of the future electron ion collider.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗