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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 487 records · Page 27

Jason-1 and Jason-2 POD Using GPS

The Jason-2 satellite, launched in June 2008, is the latest follow-on to the successful Jason-1 altimetry satellite mission launched in December 7, 2001. Both, Jason-2 and Jason-1 are equipped with a GPS dual-frequency receiver, a laser retroreflector array, and a DORIS receiver for precise orbit determination (POD). A series of dynamic and reduced-dynamic Jason-2 orbits computed at NASA GSFC, based on GPS-only data and the std0905 standards, have been completed till cy74through cycle 74 using the IGS05 framework. These orbits, now publicly available, have been shown to agree radially at 1 cm RMS with the GSFC std0905 SLR/DORIS orbits and in comparison with orbits produced by JPL, ESA and CNES. In this paper, we describe the implementation of the IGS08 and repro1 framework for the Jason-2 and Jason-1 GPS POD processing with the NASA GSFC GEODYN software. . In our updated GPS POD, ambiguity fixing and updated time variable and static gravity fields. We also evaluate the implementation of non-tidal and degree-1 loading displacement as forward modeling to the tracking stations. Reduced-dynamic versus dynamic orbit differences are used to characterize the remaining force model errors and TRF instability. In particular, we assess their consistency radially and the stability of the altimeter satellite reference frame in the North/South direction as a proxy to assess the consistency of the reference frame.

Melachroinos, Stavros↗

Dshell++: A Component Based, Reusable Space System Simulation Framework

This paper describes the multi-mission Dshell++ simulation framework for high fidelity, physics-based simulation of spacecraft, robotic manipulation and mobility systems. Dshell++ is a C++/Python library which uses modern script driven object-oriented techniques to allow component reuse and a dynamic run-time interface for complex, high-fidelity simulation of spacecraft and robotic systems. The goal of the Dshell++ architecture is to manage the inherent complexity of physicsbased simulations while supporting component model reuse across missions. The framework provides several features that support a large degree of simulation configurability and usability.

Software↗

A conceptual framework for evaluating variable speed generator options for wind energy applications

Interest in variable speed generating technology has accelerated as greater emphasis on overall efficiency and superior dynamic and control properties in wind-electric generating systems are sought. This paper reviews variable speed technology options providing advantages and disadvantages of each. Furthermore, the dynamic properties of variable speed systems are contrasted with synchronous operation. Finally, control properties of variable speed systems are examined.

Reddoch, T. W.↗

Statistical Analysis of CFD Solutions from the Fourth AIAA Drag Prediction Workshop

A graphical framework is used for statistical analysis of the results from an extensive N-version test of a collection of Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics codes. The solutions were obtained by code developers and users from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Russia using a variety of grid systems and turbulence models for the June 2009 4th Drag Prediction Workshop sponsored by the AIAA Applied Aerodynamics Technical Committee. The aerodynamic configuration for this workshop was a new subsonic transport model, the Common Research Model, designed using a modern approach for the wing and included a horizontal tail. The fourth workshop focused on the prediction of both absolute and incremental drag levels for wing-body and wing-body-horizontal tail configurations. This work continues the statistical analysis begun in the earlier workshops and compares the results from the grid convergence study of the most recent workshop with earlier workshops using the statistical framework.

Statistical analysis↗

Computational aspects of maximum likelihood estimation and reduction in sensitivity function calculations

This paper discusses numerical aspects of computing maximum likelihood estimates for linear dynamical systems in state-vector form. Different gradient-based nonlinear programming methods are discussed in a unified framework and their applicability to maximum likelihood estimation is examined. The problems due to singular Hessian or singular information matrix that are common in practice are discussed in detail and methods for their solution are proposed. New results on the calculation of state sensitivity functions via reduced order models are given. Several methods for speeding convergence and reducing computation time are also discussed.

Gupta, N. K.↗

Star-gas density waves in spiral galaxies

The steady state dynamics of spiral galaxies is analyzed as a two-component system consisting of stars and gas within the framework of the WKB density wave theory. The gravitational influence of the gas is included for the first time in a steady state calculation. The full set of equations for a star-gas galaxy is presented, and the equations are analyzed for small-amplitude forcing. Wave properties near the solar circle are examined, and it is found that the large-scale gas shock disappears for gas content above 8 percent. Instead, gas density profiles change to highly symmetric shapes as a result of the action of the gas self-gravity. The stellar wave is damped by the torque exerted by the gas.

Lubow, Stephen H.↗

Experimental study of adaptive pointing and tracking for large flexible space structures

This paper describes an experimental study of adaptive pointing and tracking control for flexible spacecraft conducted on a complex ground experiment facility. The algorithm used in this study is based on a multivariable direct model reference adaptive control law. Several experimental validation studies were performed earlier using this algorithm for vibration damping and robust regulation, with excellent results. The current work extends previous studies by addressing the pointing and tracking problem. As is consistent with an adaptive control framework, the plant is assumed to be poorly known to the extent that only system level knowledge of its dynamics is available. Explicit bounds on the steady-state pointing error are derived as functions of the adaptive controller design parameters. It is shown that good tracking performance can be achieved in an experimental setting by adjusting adaptive controller design weightings according to the guidelines indicated by the analytical expressions for the error.

Boussalis, D.↗

Plans for Assimilating AQUA data at NASA's DAO

NASA's Data Assimilation Office (DAO) is expanding its work with TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) to assimilate data from the advanced instruments which will fly on NASA's AQUA satellite in early 2002. The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), which has over 2000 channels, together with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) and the Humidity Sounder Brazil (HSB) will provide many technical challenges for data assimilation centers. One of the primary concerns is how best to subset the data in order to efficiently extract information about the Earth's atmosphere and surface. This includes static and dynamic channel selection as well as pixel thinning. The DAO is currently experimenting with simulated AIRS/AMSU/HSB radiances within the framework of our finite volume data assimilation system (NDAS) using the OPTRAN radiative transfer code developed as part of the NOAA/NASA Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation. The short-term goals include the assessment of the cost of processing various data subsets and preparation for near-real-time assimilation within a few months of launch. We will also discuss plans and tools for evaluating the quality of AIRS data including radiances and level 2 products from the AIRS science team.

Frank, Donald↗

RTC: a distributed realtime control system toolkit

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has built several optical interferometers using a common software framework developed for this purpose. The heart of this framework is the Realtime Control (RTC) software product. RTC has evolved from its initial implementation to include a powerful dynamic configuration capability and to use Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) technology for commanding and telemetry. This paper describes the current implementation of this toolkit.

RTC↗

Aerodynamic Conceptual Design of Boundary Layer Ingestion Propulsor Systems: A Quasi-2D Through Flow Analysis Method and Multi-Fidelity Propulsor Design Framework

A propulsor design framework for maximizing the benefits of boundary layer ingestion is presented. The performance of BLI is strongly affected by all propulsor components, including the boundary layer characteristics (displacement thickness and form factor) of the ingested boundary layer at the inlet, the radical loading characteristics if the fan and exit guide vane (EGV), the area contraction from inlet to nozzle, and flow expansion at the exhaust cone. A strategy and it's associated multi-fidelity design framework are proposed for an efficient conceptual design of the BLI proplusor which inherently differs from the conventional engine. In the frame work, a quasi-2D through flow model served as the underlying fidelity model is introduced to incorporate the radial effect of the boundary layer entering the propulsor. Multi-fidelity design work is conducted to maximize the predefined performance metrics. On top of this efficient quasi-2D model. computational fluid dynamics based 3-D propulsor models are implemented to refine and validate the design. A BLI propulsion system integrated with fuselage is designed to showcase the framework. The performance of the resulting BLI propulsor system is evaluated via body-force model in unstructured Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stoke (RANS) CFD and improvement is presented.

Lee, B. J.↗

Validation of a High-Fidelity Supersonic Parachute Inflation Dynamics Model and Best Practice

The parachute inflation dynamics (PID) of a Disk-Gap-Band (DGB) parachute system travelling at supersonic velocities in the high-altitude Earth atmosphere is simulated using a high-fidelity, multiphysics, massively-parallel computational framework. The sensitivity of the simulation results with respect to critical modelling and simulation parameters, including the fluid mechanical governing equations (Euler vs Navier-Stokes with RANS turbulence closure vs Navier-Stokes with LES turbulence closer), the interaction between the flow and the suspension lines (accounted for vs not accounted for), the dynamics of the payload (restrained vs free), and the material model of the heterogeneous fabric canopy (Saint-Venant Kirchoff vs mechanics-informed multiscale neural network), is extensively investigated. The parameter investigation is enabled by advancements to the state-of-the-art in the modelling and simulation of the supersonic parachute inflation process, which are presented as part of the computational framework. The predictive quality of the computational framework in the context of supersonic PID is validated by comparison of the simulation results with the experimental results from NASA’s Advanced Supersonic Parachute Research (ASPIRE) project. Through the validation, best practices for the modelling and simulation of supersonic PID are developed and proposed.

Rabinovitch, Jason↗

Efficient hemodynamic event detection utilizing relational databases and wavelet analysis

Development of a temporal query framework for time-oriented medical databases has hitherto been a challenging problem. We describe a novel method for the detection of hemodynamic events in multiparameter trends utilizing wavelet coefficients in a MySQL relational database. Storage of the wavelet coefficients allowed for a compact representation of the trends, and provided robust descriptors for the dynamics of the parameter time series. A data model was developed to allow for simplified queries along several dimensions and time scales. Of particular importance, the data model and wavelet framework allowed for queries to be processed with minimal table-join operations. A web-based search engine was developed to allow for user-defined queries. Typical queries required between 0.01 and 0.02 seconds, with at least two orders of magnitude improvement in speed over conventional queries. This powerful and innovative structure will facilitate research on large-scale time-oriented medical databases.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

Visualization of stratospheric ozone depletion and the polar vortex

Direct analysis of spacecraft observations of stratospheric ozone yields information about the morphology of annual austral depletion. Visual correlation of ozone with other atmospheric data illustrates the diurnal dynamics of the polar vortex and contributions from the upper troposphere, including the formation and breakup of the depletion region each spring. These data require care in their presentation to minimize the introduction of visualization artifacts that are erroneously interpreted as data features. Non geographically registered data of differing mesh structures can be visually correlated via cartographic warping of base geometries without interpolation. Because this approach is independent of the realization technique, it provides a framework for experimenting with many visualization strategies. This methodology preserves the fidelity of the original data sets in a coordinate system suitable for three-dimensional, dynamic examination of atmospheric phenomena.

Treinish, Lloyd A.↗

Parallel Adjective High-Order CFD Simulations Characterizing SOFIA Cavity Acoustics

This paper presents large-scale MPI-parallel computational uid dynamics simulations for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). SOFIA is an airborne, 2.5-meter infrared telescope mounted in an open cavity in the aft fuselage of a Boeing 747SP. These simulations focus on how the unsteady ow eld inside and over the cavity interferes with the optical path and mounting structure of the telescope. A temporally fourth-order accurate Runge-Kutta, and spatially fth-order accurate WENO- 5Z scheme was used to perform implicit large eddy simulations. An immersed boundary method provides automated gridding for complex geometries and natural coupling to a block-structured Cartesian adaptive mesh re nement framework. Strong scaling studies using NASA's Pleiades supercomputer with up to 32k CPU cores and 4 billion compu- tational cells shows excellent scaling. Dynamic load balancing based on execution time on individual AMR blocks addresses irregular numerical cost associated with blocks con- taining boundaries. Limits to scaling beyond 32k cores are identi ed, and targeted code optimizations are discussed.

CFD↗

Parallel Adaptive High-Order CFD Simulations Characterizing SOFIA Cavitiy Acoustics

This paper presents large-scale MPI-parallel computational uid dynamics simulations for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). SOFIA is an airborne, 2.5-meter infrared telescope mounted in an open cavity in the aft fuselage of a Boeing 747SP. These simulations focus on how the unsteady ow eld inside and over the cavity interferes with the optical path and mounting structure of the telescope. A tempo- rally fourth-order accurate Runge-Kutta, and a spatially fth-order accurate WENO-5Z scheme were used to perform implicit large eddy simulations. An immersed boundary method provides automated gridding for complex geometries and natural coupling to a block-structured Cartesian adaptive mesh re nement framework. Strong scaling studies using NASA's Pleiades supercomputer with up to 32k CPU cores and 4 billion compu- tational cells shows excellent scaling. Dynamic load balancing based on execution time on individual AMR blocks addresses irregular numerical cost associated with blocks con- taining boundaries. Limits to scaling beyond 32k cores are identi ed, and targeted code optimizations are discussed.

Parallell↗

Efficient Load Balancing and Data Remapping for Adaptive Grid Calculations

Mesh adaption is a powerful tool for efficient unstructured- grid computations but causes load imbalance among processors on a parallel machine. We present a novel method to dynamically balance the processor workloads with a global view. This paper presents, for the first time, the implementation and integration of all major components within our dynamic load balancing strategy for adaptive grid calculations. Mesh adaption, repartitioning, processor assignment, and remapping are critical components of the framework that must be accomplished rapidly and efficiently so as not to cause a significant overhead to the numerical simulation. Previous results indicated that mesh repartitioning and data remapping are potential bottlenecks for performing large-scale scientific calculations. We resolve these issues and demonstrate that our framework remains viable on a large number of processors.

Oliker, Leonid↗

Thermal Remote Sensing: A Powerful Tool in the Characterization of Landscapes on a Functional Basis

Thermal remote sensing instruments can function as environmental measuring tools, with capabilities leading toward new directions in functional landscape ecology. Theoretical deduction and phenomenological observation leads us to believe that the second law of thermodynamics requires that all dynamically systems develop in a manner which dissipates gradients as rapidly as possible within the constraints of the system at hand. The ramification of this requirement is that dynamical systems will evolve dissipative structures which grow and complexify over time. This perspective has allowed us to develop a framework for discussing ecosystem development and integrity. In the context of this framework we have developed measures of development and integrity for ecosystems. One set of these measures is based on destruction of the exergy content of incoming solar energy. More developed ecosystems will be more effective at dissipating the solar gradient (destroying its exergy content). This can be measured by the effective surface temperature of the ecosystem on a landscape scale. These surface temperatures are measured using airborne thermal scanners such as the Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) and the Airborne Thermal/Visible Land Application Sensor(ATLAS) sensors. An analysis of agriculture and forest ecosystems will be used to illustrate the concept of ecological thermodynamics and the development of ecosystems.

Jeffrey, Luvall C.↗

Approach for Autonomous Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Using Intelligent Agents for Knowledge Creation

This paper describes the development of a planned approach for Autonomous operation of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). A Hybrid approach will seek to provide Knowledge Generation thru the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Intelligent Agents (IA) for UAV control. The application of many different types of AI techniques for flight will be explored during this research effort. The research concentration will be directed to the application of different AI methods within the UAV arena. By evaluating AI approaches, which will include Expert Systems, Neural Networks, Intelligent Agents, Fuzzy Logic, and Complex Adaptive Systems, a new insight may be gained into the benefits of AI techniques applied to achieving true autonomous operation of these systems thus providing new intellectual merit to this research field. The major area of discussion will be limited to the UAV. The systems of interest include small aircraft, insects, and miniature aircraft. Although flight systems will be explored, the benefits should apply to many Unmanned Vehicles such as: Rovers, Ocean Explorers, Robots, and autonomous operation systems. The flight system will be broken down into control agents that will represent the intelligent agent approach used in AI. After the completion of a successful approach, a framework of applying a Security Overseer will be added in an attempt to address errors, emergencies, failures, damage, or over dynamic environment. The chosen control problem was the landing phase of UAV operation. The initial results from simulation in FlightGear are presented.

Dufrene, Warren R., Jr.↗