Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “data digitization”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 487 records · Page 27

A machine-learning-aided data recovery approach for predicting multi-material thermal behaviors in advanced test reactor capsules

Instrumented experiments conducted at test reactors are essential to the deployment of new advanced reactor systems. Designing new experiments and generating data on specific reactor conditions require significant investments in terms of both time and cost. Finite element analysis software can be used to create high-fidelity models of experiment environments in order to support the actual experiments, but computation time remains a concern in terms of applying outcomes to real-time usage of data (e.g., a digital twin [DT]). Here, the present research proposes a machine-learning (ML) aided approach to making temperature and displacement predictions based on the thickness of the outer gas gap on the experimental capsule used for in-pile demonstration of a novel new thermal conductivity probe in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). This capsule consisted of U10Zr fuel, a rodlet, sodium, and inner and outer capsules. Gas gaps existed between the fuel and the rodlet, and between the inner and the outer capsule. The learning data pertained to an experimental capsule's radial distributions of temperature and displacement, as obtained based on Abaqus and the physical features. For the first step of ML sequence, the temperature was predicted using three positional parameters. Next, the displacement was predicted using seven additional parameters. Each physical feature was normalized in order to be both nondimensional and standardized. The temperature and displacement predictions showed good agreement with the simulation results in all cases involving interpolation and extrapolation. Furthermore, data similarity enhancement increased the similarity between the training and the target data, thereby increasing the predictive accuracy of the ML models. In certain extrapolation cases involving limited original ML model accuracy, data similarity enhancement and data recovery was able to somewhat improve this accuracy.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Stilbene Scintillator Detector Array and Data-Acquisition System for Active Interrogation

A large area Stilbene crystal detector array has been assembled and calibrated for use in active interrogation measurements. The array consists of 10 high-efficiency 4”x2” stilbene cells. The cells were grown by Inrad Optics using LLNL developed technology. The array can be used to detect multiple signatures of SNM items, both actively and passively. Prompt and delayed gamma rays as well as prompt and delay neutrons can be detected and counted separately. The array is coupled to the Mesytec MDPP-16 VME-based digitizer module for data acquisition. This module performs on-board pulse-shape discrimination of signals from the Stilbene crystal detectors. This data-acquisition module allows separation of neutron and gamma-ray events with a low demand on data transfer rates. In addition, the high-resolution timing (<100 ps) is suitable for correlated gamma-ray and neutron multiplicity counting. This report describes the construction and calibration of the system. We also discuss applications of the system as well as how the system is currently being utilized by end users.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

Crystal Plasticity Modeling and Experimental Validation with an Orientation Distribution Function for Ti-7Al Alloy

An orientation distribution function based model is used for micromechanical modeling of the titanium-aluminum alloys, Ti-0 wt % Al and Ti-7 wt % Al, which are in demand for many aerospace applications. This probability descriptor based modeling approach is different than crystal plasticity finite element techniques since it computes the averaged material properties using upper bound averaging. A rate-independent single-crystal plasticity model is implemented to compute the effect of macroscopic strain on the polycrystal. An optimization problem is defined for calibrating the basal, prismatic, pyramidal slip system and twin parameters using the available tension and compression experimental data. The crystal plasticity parameters of Ti-7 wt % Al are not studied extensively in literature, and therefore the optimization results for the crystal plasticity model realization produce unique data, which will be beneficial to future studies in the field. The sensitivities of the slip and twin parameters to the design objectives are also investigated to identify the most critical slip system parameters. Using the optimum design parameters, the microstructural textures, during the tension test, are predicted by the crystal plasticity finite element simulations, and compared to the available experimental texture and scanning electron microscope—digital image correlation data.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Infrared intrusion detection system (IRIDS)

A system and method for intrusion detection includes an imager directed towards an object in an interior space. The imager is in data communication with a computer. The computer is arranged to process digital three-dimensional image data received from the imager and programmed to execute a change detection algorithm in response to the processed three-dimensional data to determine movement of the object. The computer generates an alarm output in response to detecting movement of the object above a predetermined threshold. The method includes providing an imager directed towards an object in an interior space; receiving Time of Flight signals by the imager; processing digital three-dimensional image data received from the imager; and executing a change detection algorithm in response to the processed three-dimensional data to determine movement of the object.

Russell, John L.↗

SU-D-18A-04: Quantifying the Ability of Tumor Tracking to Spare Normal Tissue

Purpose: Tumor tracking allows for smaller tissue volumes to be treated, potentially reducing normal tissue damage. However, tumor tracking is a more complex treatment and has little benefit in some scenarios. Here we quantify the benefit of tumor tracking for a range of patients by estimating the dose of radiation to organs at risk and the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for both standard and tracking treatment plans. This comparison is performed using both patient 4DCT data and extended Cardiac-Torso (XCAT) digital phantoms. Methods: We use 4DCT data for 10 patients. Additionally, we generate digital phantoms with motion derived from measured patient long tumor trajectories to compare standard and tracking treatment plans. The standard treatment is based on the average intensity projection (AIP) of 4DCT images taken over a breath cycle. The tracking treatment is based on doses calculated on images representing the anatomy at each time point. It is assumed that there are no errors in tracking the target. The NTCP values are calculated based on RTOG guidelines. Results: The mean reduction in the mean dose delivered was 5.5% to the lungs (from 7.3 Gy to 6.9 Gy) and 4.0% to the heart (from 12.5 Gy to 12.0 Gy). The mean reduction in the max dose delivered was 13% to the spinal cord (from 27.6 Gy to 24.0 Gy), 2.5% to the carina (from 31.7 Gy to 30.9 Gy), and 15% to the esophagus (from 69.6 Gy to 58.9 Gy). The mean reduction in the probability of 2nd degree radiation pneumonitis (RP) was 8.7% (3.1% to 2.8%) and the mean reduction in the effective volume was 6.8% (10.8% to 10.2%). Conclusions: Tumor tracking has the potential to reduce irradiation of organs at risk, and consequentially reduce the normal tissue complication probability. The benefits vary based on the clinical scenario. This study is supported by Varian Medical Systems, Inc.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Constraining the initial conditions of the Universe using large scale structure

Primordial non-Gaussianity induces a scale-dependent bias in large scale structure (LSS) data, proportional to f{sub NL}/k{sup 2} for the exact local ansatz. Recent work has shown that models of inflation that predict a large squeezed limit bispectrum, such as multi-field models and single field inflation with a modified initial state, typically give rise to a generalized local ansatz, with the scale-dependent bias now proportional to A{sub NL}/k{sup α}. We use photometric measurements of the angular power spectrum of luminous red galaxies and quasars in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release Eight (SDSS DR8) with the above parameterization to constrain the amplitude A{sub NL} and scale-dependence α. We find that the marginalized upper limit on α is 2.0 at the 95% confidence level, consistent with the local ansatz. We also present Fisher forecasts for a survey of the same size as DR8 to assess the role of systematics in current photometric LSS data. Moreover, we present analytic results on the expected mass dependence of A{sub NL} for different inflationary models, which can be an important observable for future surveys, if primordial non-Gaussianity is non-zero.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Optical recognition of constructs using hyperspectral imaging and detection (ORCHID)

Abstract Challenges to deep sample imaging have necessitated the development of special techniques such as spatially offset optical spectroscopy to collect signals that have travelled through several layers of tissue. However, these techniques provide only spectral information in one dimension (i.e., depth). Here, we describe a general and practical method, referred to as Optical Recognition of Constructs Using Hyperspectral Imaging and Detection (ORCHID). The sensing strategy integrates (1) the spatial offset detection concept by computationally binning 2D optical data associated with digital offsets based on selected radial pixel distances from the excitation source; (2) hyperspectral imaging using tunable filter; and (3) digital image binding and collation. ORCHID is a versatile modality that is designed to collect optical signals deep inside samples across three spatial (X, Y, Z) as well as spectral dimensions. The ORCHID method is applicable to various optical techniques that exhibit narrow-band structures, from Raman scattering to quantum dot luminescence. Samples containing surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active gold nanostar probes and quantum dots embedded in gel were used to show a proof of principle for the ORCHID concept. The resulting hyperspectral data cube is shown to spatially locate target emitting nanoparticle volumes and provide spectral information for in-depth 3D imaging.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Simulations of Events for the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) Dark Matter Experiment

The LUX-ZEPLIN dark matter search aims to achieve a sensitivity to the WIMP-nucleon spin-independent cross-section down to (1–2) ×10−12 pb at a WIMP mass of 40 GeV/ c 2 . This paper describes the simulations framework that, along with radioactivity measurements, was used to support this projection, and also to provide mock data for validating reconstruction and analysis software. Of particular note are the event generators, which allow us to model the background radiation, and the detector response physics used in the production of raw signals, which can be converted into digitized waveforms similar to data from the operational detector. Inclusion of the detector response allows us to process simulated data using the same analysis routines as developed to process the experimental data.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A Business Case for Advanced Outage Management

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) Program develops and validates technologies that will make the U.S. operating nuclear fleet more efficient and competitive. The program has developed a standard methodology for determining the impact of new technologies in order to assist nuclear power plant (NPP) operators in building sound business cases. This paper presents a generic business case for implementation of technology that supports Advanced Outage Management (AOM). The analysis presented demonstrates that advanced communication and networking and analytical technologies will allow NPP to conduct outages with fewer people in management roles and the remaining people can be more effective and more productive. The benefits are quantified with a rough order of magnitude that provides directional guidance to NPPs that are interested in developing a similar business case. Advanced Outage Management is enabled by a suite of technologies, which are described in further detail in the body of this report. They include: • Mobile Work Packages (MWP) • Computer Based Procedures (CBP) • Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) also referred to as smart devices • Barcode readers • High bandwidth wireless networks • Collaboration software (i.e., OneNote) • Advanced digital displays • Advanced data analytics All the hardware necessary to implement AOM as envisioned in this report is readily available today. Configuration to perform within the plant systems and regulatory boundaries would need to be developed by the NPP. 1. The resulting business case demonstrates benefits in two major categories: 2. Reduction in resources required to manage the outage, a. Increased productivity in outage work that reduces the likelihood of schedule overruns: b. reduce likelihood of bulk work resulting in outage delays c. improved management of critical path single issues, d. improved management of emergent work (improve time to collect data and prepare response) It is important to note that in order to realize these benefits at the scale described in this report requires the plant to rethink how technologies can disrupt current processes; how data might be captured, processed, analyzed and presented with little or no human intervention. In many cases, technology be fully utilized in a way that not only aides productivity, but is utilized towards “work destruction” – elimination of work that is currently performed through a human interface.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Fast digital lossy compression for X-ray ptychographic data

Increases in X-ray brightness from synchrotron light sources lead to a requirement for higher frame rates from hybrid pixel array detectors (HPADs), while also favoring charge integration over photon counting. However, transfer of the full uncompressed data will begin to constrain detector design, as well as limit the achievable continuous frame rate. Here a data compression scheme that is easy to implement in a HPAD's application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is described, and how different degrees of compression affect image quality in ptychography, a commonly employed coherent imaging method, is examined. Using adaptive encoding quantization, it is shown in simulations that one can digitize signals up to 16383 photons per pixel (corresponding to 14 bits of information) using only 8 or 9 bits for data transfer, with negligible effect on the reconstructed image.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Supply Chain Cybersecurity Recommendations for Solar Photovoltaics

Solar photovoltaic (PV) cybersecurity is a growing field of research. As deployments of solar PV has increased, cyber risk has also increased. However, utility solar PV installations are not required to comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) unless they meet a minimum generation threshold of 75 Megawatts (MW). Individual residential scale solar PV deployments will not meet that generation threshold and are therefore excluded from NERC CIP requirements. With most solar installations below 75MW, solar PV has been deployed with minimal oversight and highly variable cybersecurity maturity. The resources that make up the digital supply chain can include software, code, data, as well as other digital components. However as clean energy technology advances, cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities continue to evolve and grow in sophistication. Solar PV faces a unique challenge in which it can be deployed in residential buildings and purchased by a consumer directly. This makes the supply chain of PV a unique challenge, where responsible parties for cybersecurity vary widely depending on the type of solar PV being deployed. Supply chain cybersecurity for solar PV represents a critical area for ensuring safe operations as the U.S. moves towards a clean energy future.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Daily Temperature and Precipitation Data for 518 Russian Meteorological Stations (1881 - 2010)

Over the past several decades, many climate datasets have been exchanged directly between the principal climate data centers of the United States (NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC)) and the former-USSR/Russia (All-Russian Research Institute for Hydrometeorological Information-World Data Center (RIHMI-WDC)). This data exchange has its roots in a bilateral initiative known as the Agreement on Protection of the Environment (Tatusko 1990). CDIAC has partnered with NCDC and RIHMI-WDC since the early 1990s to help make former-USSR climate datasets available to the public. The first former-USSR daily temperature and precipitation dataset released by CDIAC was initially created within the framework of the international cooperation between RIHMI-WDC and CDIAC and was published by CDIAC as NDP-040, consisting of data from 223 stations over the former USSR whose data were published in USSR Meteorological Monthly (Part 1: Daily Data). The database presented here consists of records from 518 Russian stations (excluding the former-USSR stations outside the Russian territory contained in NDP-040), for the most part extending through 2010. Records not extending through 2010 result from stations having closed or else their data were not published in Meteorological Monthly of CIS Stations (Part 1: Daily Data). The database was created from the digital media of the State Data Holding. The station inventory was arrived at using (a) the list of Roshydromet stations that are included in the Global Climate Observation Network (this list was approved by the Head of Roshydromet on 25 March 2004) and (b) the list of Roshydromet benchmark meteorological stations prepared by V.I. Kodratyuk, Head of the Department at Voeikov Main Geophysical Observatory.For access to the data files, click this link to the CDIAC data transition website: http://cdiac.ess-dive.lbl.gov/ndps/russia_daily518.html

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

A Semi-Automated Workflow Solution for Data Set Publication

In order to address the need for published data, considerable effort has gone into formalizing the process of data publication. From funding agencies to publishers, data publication has rapidly become a requirement. Digital Object Identifiers (DOI) and data citations have enhanced the integration and availability of data. The challenge facing data publishers now is to deal with the increased number of publishable data products and most importantly the difficulties of publishing diverse data products into an online archive. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory Distributed Active Archive Center (ORNL DAAC), a NASA-funded data center, faces these challenges as it deals with data products created by individual investigators. This paper summarizes the challenges of curating data and provides a summary of a workflow solution that ORNL DAAC researcher and technical staffs have created to deal with publication of the diverse data products. Finally, the workflow solution presented here is generic and can be applied to data from any scientific domain and data located at any data center.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗

AMTS update for STTR

Advanced nuclear reactor systems currently in development include designs that utilize higher energy neutron spectrums, higher temperatures, and corrosive environments that are quite different from the current fleet of nuclear power plants in use today. As a result, new structural materials must be developed and qualified for use to support these advanced systems. For example, research is currently being conducted on a new class of materials known as multi-principle-element-alloys. These alloys show some promise to be able to meet the structural needs of these challenging reactor systems. However, due to the vast available compositional space, and the limited amount of research conducted thus far, Idaho National Laboratory (INL)sought a way to advanced mechanical testing capability for highly irradiated structural materials to increase both throughput and higher fidelity data analysis through incorporation of digital image correlation. The Automated Mechanical Testing System accomplishes these tasks by automating the testing and incorporating digital image correlation to provide higher fidelity data. INL has now received this system and is currently performing functional testing and training. INL is also performing some modifications to the system to allow for installation into a remote shielded enclosure where testing of irradiated structural materials can be performed. After testing, training, and modifications of the system are complete, INL will install the system into a shielded enclosure and begin using the system to test irradiated structural materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Discovery of 16 New z ∼ 5.5 Quasars: Filling in the Redshift Gap of Quasar Color Selection

We present initial results from the first systematic survey of luminous z ∼ 5.5 quasars. Quasars at z ∼ 5.5, the post-reionization epoch, are crucial tools to explore the evolution of intergalactic medium, quasar evolution, and the early super-massive black hole growth. However, it has been very challenging to select quasars at redshifts 5.3 ≤ z ≤ 5.7 using conventional color selections, due to their similar optical colors to late-type stars, especially M dwarfs, resulting in a glaring redshift gap in quasar redshift distributions. We develop a new selection technique for z ∼ 5.5 quasars based on optical, near-IR, and mid-IR photometric data from Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), UKIRT InfraRed Deep Sky Surveys—Large Area Survey (ULAS), VISTA Hemisphere Survey (VHS), and Wide Field Infrared Survey Explorer . From our pilot observations in the SDSS-ULAS/VHS area, we have discovered 15 new quasars at 5.3 ≤ z ≤ 5.7 and 6 new lower redshift quasars, with SDSS z band magnitude brighter than 20.5. Including other two z ∼ 5.5 quasars already published in our previous work, we now construct a uniform quasar sample at 5.3 ≤ z ≤ 5.7, with 17 quasars in a ∼4800 square degree survey area. For further application in a larger survey area, we apply our selection pipeline to do a test selection by using the new wide field J-band photometric data from a preliminary version of the UKIRT Hemisphere Survey (UHS). We successfully discover the first UHS selected z ∼ 5.5 quasar.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Blunt Impact Brain Injury using Cellular Injury Criterion

The Advanced Combat Helmet (\ACH") military specification (\mil-spec") requires a helmeted magnesium (\Mg") Department of Transportation (\DOT") headform be dropped vertically, with an impact speed of 3.1 m/s (10 ft/s), onto a steel hemispherical target. The pass/fail criteria are based on translational acceleration (150 G) alone, absent of any rotational component. Without a rotational component, the specification's injury risk application is limited to skull fracture and peripheral hematomas (subdural, subarachnoid), since this translational acceleration injury risk assessment is based on the Wayne State Tolerance Curve (\WSTC"). To provide a more comprehensive view of injury for the entire brain, an alternative approach is needed. To meet this need, we worked with a larger group called PANTHER, a collaboration between national laboratories, industry, and academia. Collaborations specific to research and results presented here come from efforts led by Mr. Ron Szalkowski and Mr. Sushant Malave, Ms. Alice Fawzi, and Dr. Christian Franck. We have developed a prototypical injury risk criterion based on the neuronal response to abrupt changes in general motion (translation, rotation, or both). The cellular-based mild traumatic brain injury (\cbmTBI") criterion utilizes both the strain and strain rate of brain tissue to account for the stretch and rate of stretch that occurs throughout the brain as a result of blunt impact to the head. We conducted physical experiments of an ACH-fitted magnesium headform, which produced repeatable headform peak accelerations. Then, we developed a simulation of the experiment, and validated the simulation output with the experimental data. We then substituted the magnesium headform with a human headform, consisting of skin, muscle, bone, gray matter, white matter, cerebral-spinal fluid, membranes, vasculature, intravertebral discs, airway and sinus. We quantified brain injury risk using the cbmTBI criterion, using the current mil-spec test and a modified test. The modified mil-spec test used an inclined anvil target that was located posterior to the crown of the helmet in the axial plane. While the current mil-spec test produced brain deformation from head translation alone, the modified test produced brain deformation from head translation and rotation, which is closer to most real world and combat theater impacts (e.g., such as occur in tertiary blast exposure). Compared to the current mil-spec test, the modified test produced elevated strains in the human digital twin. These data, mapped to the cbmTBI criterion, suggest increased injury risk for blunt impacts that cause rotation and translation, rather than just translation alone. Moreover, these data may lead to a rotational performance metric, which is rooted in the biology and pathology of the brain's response to impact and blast, and which should be used to improve next-generation helmet designs.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DeepLynx Ecosystem 2025

Poor data integration and governance continue to plague complex engineering projects, resulting in missed cost, schedule, and performance targets. Departments operate in isolated systems with manual data exchange, creating fragmented information that compounds errors and leads to significant delays and cost overruns. The DeepLynx ecosystem addresses these challenges through an open-source, modular data management platform that transforms fragmented project data into an integrated digital thread. Built on a federated microservice architecture, the ecosystem comprises seven specialized tools centered around DeepLynx Nexus, a unified data catalog with hierarchical organization and graph-based navigation capabilities. The ecosystem includes: DeepLynx Stream for real-time timeseries data ingestion from industrial sources; DeepLynx Ingest for governed data uploads with formal review workflows; DeepLynx Lattice for ontology-based entity and relationship extraction; DeepLynx Run for workflow orchestration and secure AI/ML compute; DeepLynx Visualize for 3D digital twin visualization; and DeepLynx Insight for AI-assisted document analysis with traceable, grounded responses. Deployable in cloud, on-premise, or hybrid environments using containerized Docker applications and Helm charts, the DeepLynx ecosystem provides flexible infrastructure that adapts to organizational requirements. By consolidating project data into a unified data lake with role-based access controls and OAuth2 authentication, DeepLynx enables digital thread and digital twin capabilities that improve decision-making, reduce risk, and support complex engineering workflows throughout the project lifecycle.

42 - ENGINEERING↗

DeepMerge – II. Building robust deep learning algorithms for merging galaxy identification across domains

In astronomy, neural networks are often trained on simulation data with the prospect of being used on telescope observations. Unfortunately, training a model on simulation data and then applying it to instrument data leads to a substantial and potentially even detrimental decrease in model accuracy on the new target dataset. Simulated and instrument data represent different data domains, and for an algorithm to work in both, domain-invariant learning is necessary. Here we employ domain adaptation techniques— Maximum Mean Discrepancy (MMD) as an additional transfer loss and Domain Adversarial Neural Networks (DANNs)— and demonstrate their viability to extract domain-invariant features within the astronomical context of classifying merging and non-merging galaxies. Additionally, we explore the use of Fisher loss and entropy minimization to enforce better in-domain class discriminability. We show that the addition of each domain adaptation technique improves the performance of a classifier when compared to conventional deep learning algorithms. We demonstrate this on two examples: between two Illustris-1 simulated datasets of distant merging galaxies, and between Illustris-1 simulated data of nearby merging galaxies and observed data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. The use of domain adaptation techniques in our experiments leads to an increase of target domain classification accuracy of up to ~20%. With further development, these techniques will allow astronomers to successfully implement neural network models trained on simulation data to efficiently detect and study astrophysical objects in current and future large-scale astronomical surveys.

galaxies: interactions↗