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At least 505 records · Page 28

Considerations in the design and development of a space station scale model

Preliminary work at Langley Research Center (LaRC) related to the design, analysis and testing of a space station scale model is reviewed. Included are some rationale for focusing the scale model program on space station and the utilization of the model to achieve the program objectives. In addition, some considerations involved in designing a dynamics scale model, such as ground test facilities, sub-scale component fabrication and model replication vs. simulation are presented. Finally, some related research areas currently ongoing at LaRC in support of scale model development are discussed.

Mcgowan, Paul E.↗

COMPOSE-HPC: A Transformational Approach to Exascale

The goal of the COMPOSE-HPC project is to 'democratize' tools for automatic transformation of program source code so that it becomes tractable for the developers of scientific applications to create and use their own transformations reliably and safely. This paper describes our approach to this challenge, the creation of the KNOT tool chain, which includes tools for the creation of annotation languages to control the transformations (PAUL), to perform the transformations (ROTE), and optimization and code generation (BRAID), which can be used individually and in combination. We also provide examples of current and future uses of the KNOT tools, which include transforming code to use different programming models and environments, providing tests that can be used to detect errors in software or its execution, as well as composition of software written in different programming languages, or with different threading patterns.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Progress on HL-LHC Nb 3 Sn Magnets

The high-luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) project aims at allowing to increase the collisions in the LHC by a factor of ten in the decade 2025-2035. One essential element is the superconducting magnet around the interaction region points, where the large aperture magnets will be installed to allow to further reduce the beam size in the interaction point. The core of this upgrade is the Nb 3 Sn triplet, made up of 150-mm aperture quadrupoles in the range of 7-8 m. The project is being shared between the European Organization for Nuclear Research and the US Accelerator Upgrade Program, based on the same design, and on the two strand technologies. The project is ending the short model phase, and entering the prototype construction. We will report on the main results of the short model program, including the quench performance and field quality. A second important element is the 11 T dipole that replaces a standard dipole making space for additional collimators. The magnet is also ending the model development and entering the prototype phase. A critical point in the design of this magnet is the large current density, allowing increase of the field from 8 to 11 T with the same coil cross section as in the LHC dipoles. This is also the first two-in-one Nb 3 Sn magnet developed so far. We will report the main results on the test and the critical aspects.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

A determination of the external forces required to move the benchmark active controls testing model in pure plunge and pure pitch

In view of the strong need for a well-documented set of experimental data which is suitable for the validation and/or calibration of modern Computational Fluid Dynamics codes, the Benchmark Models Program was initiated by the Structural Dynamics Division of the NASA Langley Research Center. One of the models in the program, the Benchmark Active Controls Testing Model, consists of a rigid wing of rectangular planform with a NACA 0012 profile and three control surfaces (a trailing-edge control surface, a lower-surface spoiler, and an upper-surface spoiler). The model is affixed to a flexible mount system which allows only plunging and/or pitching motion. An approximate analytical determination of the forces required to move this model, with its control surfaces fixed, in pure plunge and pure pitch at a number of test conditions is included. This provides a good indication of the type of actuator system required to generate the aerodynamic data resulting from pure plunging and pure pitching motion, in which much interest was expressed. The analysis makes use of previously obtained numerical results.

Dcruz, Jonathan↗

Solar Field Layout and Aimpoint Strategy Optimization

The existing methods that determine heliostat aiming strategies for concentrating solar power (CSP) central receiver plants typically use heuristics and/or are computationally expensive, and they lack flexibility for different desired flux profiles and receiver geometries. Because of the interaction between layout and aimpoint strategy, considering the former without accounting for the latter may yield solutions with superfluous heliostats that cannot be used efficiently without compromising receiver flux constraints. To that end, we develop a software decision tool that uses innovative optimization methods to both optimize aimpoint strategies and improve candidate layouts for the solar collection field of a CSP central receiver plant. A CSP plant’s effectiveness relies on the optical efficiency of the solar field, which may be limited by losses due to (i) the cosine effect, (ii) atmospheric attenuation, (iii) interference (i.e., shading and blocking) between heliostats, (iv) spillage as a result of heliostat positioning and geometry, and (iv) some heliostats’ inability to direct irradiance to the receiver without damage due to excessive thermal flux. The goal of this work is to obtain optimized aiming strategies and improved solar field layouts that reduce capital cost and increase field optical efficiency and utilization, while meeting the power requirements of a given CSP receiver design. We formulate the aimpoint optimization problem as a mixed-integer linear programming model, which we then decompose into submodels that we solve in parallel. The decomposition subdivides the solar field into sections, and aimpoint strategies for each section are obtained independently of the others. To improve existing layouts, we develop a utilization-weighted efficiency metric that we use to relocate heliostats to sections of the solar field with similar efficiency and higher utilization. Finally, to connect our software to high-fidelity flux models, we develop a Python application programming interface for SolarPILOT, a mature software package that characterizes solar field performance and generates the heliostat layouts and flux maps that serve as input to our models.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Direct numerical simulations of reacting flows with detailed chemistry using many-core/GPU acceleration

A new direct numerical simulation (DNS) code for multi-component gaseous reacting flows has been developed at KAUST, with the state-of-the-art programming model for next generation high performance computing platforms. The code, named KAUST Adaptive Reacting Flows Solver (KARFS), employs the MPI+X programming, and relies on Kokkos for “X” for performance portability to multi-core, many-core and GPUs, providing innovative software development while maintaining backward compatibility with established parallel models and legacy code. The capability and potential of KARFS to perform DNS of reacting flows with large, detailed reaction mechanisms is demonstrated with various model problems involving ignition and turbulent flame propagations with varying degrees of chemical complexities.

Computer Science↗

Decomposing a renewable energy design and dispatch model

We address a mixed-integer linear programming model which selects a cost-minimizing set of available technologies with which to design a renewable energy system and prescribe their associated dispatch decisions. Realistically sized instances of such models pose computational challenges. To this end, we develop a Lagrangian heuristic based on a decomposition methodology which partitions the model into blocks and optimizes these more manageable, smaller subproblems. It also provides a lower bound to assess solution quality. In conclusion, we apply this methodology to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Renewable Energy Integration and Optimization (REopt TM ) model to generate near-optimal solutions to realistic instances containing, on average, approximately 300,000 variables and at least as many constraints, with a mean 30% optimality gap improvement using a five-minute solution time limit, compared to directly solving the original monolith.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Theoretical studies of solar lasers and converters

The research described consisted of developing and refining the continuous flow laser model program including the creation of a working model. The mathematical development of a two pass amplifier for an iodine laser is summarized. A computer program for the amplifier's simulation is included with output from the simulation model.

Heinbockel, John H.↗

Hyper-X Model Testing with Animation

Live footage shows the Hyper-X program modeling at NASA Langley Research Center. The Hyper-X craft is shown on top of a Pegasus booster in a 20" Mach 6 Wind Tunnel. Visualization data runs are performed in the wind tunnel. Also seen is a brief interview with Vincent Rausch the Hyper-X Program Manager. Animation includes the flight model of the Hyper-X vehicle.

Source record↗

Subscale Beryllium Mirrors Demonstrator (SBMD) Program Summary and Ball Modeling

The SBMD Program was to design, fabricate, and test a 0.5-m beryllium lightweighted mirror applicable to space deployable systems with demanding optical and areal density requirements. This presentation summarizes the program's objectives and the mirror's tested technical performance along with lessons learned. In addition, test results are compared to modeling predictions. The SBMD Program was funded by NASA MSFC.

Kendrick, Stephen↗

Isoparametric 3-D Finite Element Mesh Generation Using Interactive Computer Graphics

An isoparametric 3-D finite element mesh generator was developed with direct interface to an interactive geometric modeler program called POLYGON. POLYGON defines the model geometry in terms of boundaries and mesh regions for the mesh generator. The mesh generator controls the mesh flow through the 2-dimensional spans of regions by using the topological data and defines the connectivity between regions. The program is menu driven and the user has a control of element density and biasing through the spans and can also apply boundary conditions, loads interactively.

Kayrak, C.↗

Hard Real-Time: C++ Versus RTSJ

In the domain of hard real-time systems, which language is better: C++ or the Real-Time Specification for Java (RTSJ)? Although ordinary Java provides a more productive programming environment than C++ due to its automatic memory management, that benefit does not apply to RTSJ when using NoHeapRealtimeThread and non-heap memory areas. As a result, RTSJ programmers must manage non-heap memory explicitly. While that's not a deterrent for veteran real-time programmers-where explicit memory management is common-the lack of certain language features in RTSJ (and Java) makes that manual memory management harder to accomplish safely than in C++. This paper illustrates the problem for practitioners in the context of moving data and managing memory in a real-time producer/consumer pattern. The relative ease of implementation and safety of the C++ programming model suggests that RTSJ has a struggle ahead in the domain of hard real-time applications, despite its other attractive features.

programming model↗

A NASTRAN/TREETOPS solution to a flexible, multi-body dynamics and controls problem on a UNIX workstation

Demands for nonlinear time history simulations of large, flexible multibody dynamic systems has created a need for efficient interfaces between finite-element modeling programs and time-history simulations. One such interface, TREEFLX, an interface between NASTRAN and TREETOPS, a nonlinear dynamics and controls time history simulation for multibody structures, is presented and demonstrated via example using the proposed Space Station Mobile Remote Manipulator System (MRMS). The ability to run all three programs (NASTRAN, TREEFLX and TREETOPS), in addition to other programs used for controller design and model reduction (such as DMATLAB and TREESEL, both described), under a UNIX Workstation environment demonstrates the flexibility engineers now have in designing, developing and testing control systems for dynamically complex systems.

Benavente, Javier E.↗

A status report on a model for Benchmark active controls testing

This 'work-in-progress' paper presents a status report on an active controls flutter model which is currently in the design and fabrication phase. This model is a part of the Benchmark Models Program (BMP). The BMP is a NASA LaRC program that includes a series of models which will be used to study different aeroelastic phenomena and to validate aeroelastic methods. The objective of Benchmark Active Controls testing is to validate active control design tools. Flutter testing will be conducted with a pressure-instrumented rigid model attached to a flexible pitch and plunge mount system. Unsteady pressure distributions and transonic flutter boundaries will be measured with and without active control system engaged.

Durham, Michael H.↗

Nanotechnology Infrared Optics for Astronomy Missions

The program "Nanotechnology Infrared Optics for Astronomy Missions" will design and develop new, nanotechnology techniques for infrared optical devices suitable for use in NASA space missions. The proposal combines expertise from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the Naval Research Laboratory, the Goddard Space Flight Center, and the Physics Department at the Queen Mary and Westfield College in London, now relocated to the University of Cardiff, Cardiff, Wales. The method uses individually tailored metal grids, and layered stacks of metal mesh grids, both inductive (free-standing) and capacitive (substrate-mounted), to produce various kinds of filters. The program has the following goals: (1) Model FIR filter properties using electric-circuit analogs, and near-field, EM diffraction calculations; (2) Prototype fabrication of meshes on various substrates, with various materials, and of various dimensions; (3) Test of filter prototypes, and iterate with the modeling programs; (4) Travel to related sites, including trips to Washington, D.C. (location of NRL and GSFC), London (location of QMW), Cardiff, Wales, and Rome (location of ISO PMS project headquarters); (5) Produce ancillary science, including publication of both testing on mesh performance and infrared astronomical science.

Smith, Howard A.↗

Nanotechnology Infrared Optics for Astronomy Missions

The program "Nanotechnology Infrared Optics for Astronomy Missions" will design and develop new, nanotechnology techniques for infrared optical devices suitable for use in NASA space missions. The proposal combines expertise from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the Naval Research Laboratory, the Goddard Space Flight Center, and the Physics Department at the Queen Mary and Westfield College in London, now relocated to the University of Cardiff, Cardiff, Wales. The method uses individually tailored metal grids and layered stacks of metal mesh grids, both inductive (freestanding) and capacitive (substrate-mounted), to produce various kinds of filters. The program has the following goals: 1) Model FIR filter properties using electric-circuit analogs and near-field, EM diffraction calculations. 2) Prototype fabrication of meshes on various substrates, with various materials, and of various dimensions. 3) Test filter prototypes and iterate with the modeling programs. 4) Travel to related sites, including trips to Washington, D.C. (location of NRL and GSFC), London (location of QMW), Cardiff, Wales, and Rome (location of ISO PMS project headquarters). 5) Produce ancillary science, including both publication of testing on mesh performance and infrared astronomical science.

Smith, Howard A.↗

The Benchmark Active Controls Technology Model Aerodynamic Data

The Benchmark Active Controls Technology (BACT) model is a part of the Benchmark Models Program (BMP). The BMP is a NASA Langley Research Center program that includes a series of models which were used to study different aeroelastic phenomena and to validate computational fluid dynamics codes. The primary objective of BACT testing was to obtain steady and unsteady loads, accelerations, and aerodynamic pressures due to control surface activity in order to calibrate unsteady CFD codes and active control design tools. Three wind-tunnel tests in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT) have been completed. The first and parts of the second and third tests focused on collecting open-loop data to define the model's aeroservoelastic characteristics, including the flutter boundary across the Mach range. It is this data that is being presented in this paper. An extensive database of over 3000 data sets was obtained. This database includes steady and unsteady control surface effectiveness data, including pressure distributions, control surface hinge moments, and overall model loads due to deflections of a trailing edge control surface and upper and lower surface

Scott, Robert C.↗

A Perfect View of Vesta: Creating Pointing Observations for the Dawn Spacecraft on Asteroid 4 Vesta

The Dawn spacecraft has a timely and clever assignment in store. It will take a close look at two intact survivors from the dawn of the solar system (asteroids 4 Vesta and 1 Ceres) to understand more about solar system origin and evolution. To optimize science return, Dawn must make carefully designed observations on approach and in survey orbit, high altitude mapping orbit, and low altitude mapping orbit at each body. In this report, observations outlined in the science plan are modeled using the science opportunity analyzer program for the Vesta encounter. Specifically, I encoded Dawn's flight rules into the program, modeled pointing profiles of the optical instruments (framing camera, visible infrared spectrometer) and mapped their fields of view onto Vesta's surface. Visualization of coverage will provide the science team with information necessary to assess feasibility of alternative observation plans. Dawn launches in summer 2006 and ends its journey in 2016. Instrument observations on Vesta in 2011 will supply detailed information about Vesta's surface and internal structure. These data will be used to analyze the formation and history of the protoplanet and, therefore, complete an important step in understanding the development of our solar system.

Hay, Katrina M.↗