Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Shape constraints”

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 523 records · Page 29

Technical Report for SMART task 3.3.4

To implement the Fourier Neural Operator (FNO) (Li et al., 2021) as well as the U-Shaped Fourier Neural Operator (U-NO) (Rahman et al., 2022) to forecast the pressure distribution in the subsurface. Furthermore, to test out approaches to work on larger-scale as well as adding physics-based constraints.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Application of numerical optimization to the design of advanced supercritical airfoils

An application of numerical optimization to the design of advanced airfoils for transonic aircraft showed that low-drag sections can be developed for a given design Mach number without an accompanying drag increase at lower Mach numbers. This is achieved by imposing a constraint on the drag coefficient at an off-design Mach number while minimizing the drag coefficient at the design Mach number. This multiple design-point numerical optimization has been implemented with the use of airfoil shape functions which permit a wide range of attainable profiles during the optimization process. Analytical data for the starting airfoil shape, a single design-point optimized shape, and a double design-point optimized shape are presented. Experimental data obtained in the NASA Ames two-by two-foot wind tunnel are also presented and discussed.

Johnson, R. R.↗

Aerodynamic design and analysis of the AST-200 supersonic transport configuration concept

The design and analysis of a supersonic transport configuration was conducted using linear theory methods in conjunction with appropriate constraints. Wing optimization centered on the determination of the required twist and camber and proper integration of the wing and fuselage. Also included in the design are aerodynamic refinements to the baseline wing thickness distribution and nacelle shape. Analysis to the baseline and revised configurations indicated an improvement in lift-to-drag ratio of 0.36 at the Mach 2.7 cruise condition. Validation of the design is planned through supersonic wing tunnel tests.

Walkley, K. B.↗

Anomalous transport in discrete arcs and simulation of double layers in a model auroral circuit

The evolution and long-time stability of a double layer (DL) in a discrete auroral arc requires that the parallel current in the arc, which may be considered uniform at the source, be diverted within the arc to charge the flanks of the U-shaped double layer potential structure. A simple model is presented in which this current redistribution is effected by anomalous transport based on electrostatic lower hybrid waves driven by the flank structure itself. This process provides the limiting constraint on the double layer potential. The flank charging may be represented as that of a nonlinear transmission line. A simplified model circuit, in which the transmission line is represented by a nonlinear impedance in parallel with a variable resistor, is incorporated in a one-dimensional simulation model to give the current density at the DL boundaries. Results are presented for the scaling of the DL potential as a function of the width of the arc and the saturation efficiency of the lower hybrid instability mechanism.

Smith, Robert A.↗

Joint U.S./Japan Conference on Adaptive Structures, 1st, Maui, HI, Nov. 13-15, 1990, Proceedings

The present volume of adaptive structures discusses the development of control laws for an orbiting tethered antenna/reflector system test scale model, the sizing of active piezoelectric struts for vibration suppression on a space-based interferometer, the control design of a space station mobile transporter with multiple constraints, and optimum configuration control of an intelligent truss structure. Attention is given to the formulation of full state feedback for infinite order structural systems, robustness issues in the design of smart structures, passive piezoelectric vibration damping, shape control experiments with a functional model for large optical reflectors, and a mathematical basis for the design optimization of adaptive trusses in precision control. Topics addressed include approaches to the optimal adaptive geometries of intelligent truss structures, the design of an automated manufacturing system for tubular smart structures, the Sandia structural control experiments, and the zero-gravity dynamics of space structures in parabolic aircraft flight.

Wada, Ben K.↗

Analysis-Driven Design Optimization of a SMA-Based Slat-Cove Filler for Aeroacoustic Noise Reduction

Airframe noise is a significant component of environmental noise in the vicinity of airports. The noise associated with the leading-edge slat of typical transport aircraft is a prominent source of airframe noise. Previous work suggests that a slat-cove filler (SCF) may be an effective noise treatment. Hence, development and optimization of a practical slat-cove-filler structure is a priority. The objectives of this work are to optimize the design of a functioning SCF which incorporates superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) materials as flexures that permit the deformations involved in the configuration change. The goal of the optimization is to minimize the actuation force needed to retract the slat-SCF assembly while satisfying constraints on the maximum SMA stress and on the SCF deflection under static aerodynamic pressure loads, while also satisfying the condition that the SCF self-deploy during slat extension. A finite element analysis model based on a physical bench-top model is created in Abaqus such that automated iterative analysis of the design could be performed. In order to achieve an optimized design, several design variables associated with the current SCF configuration are considered, such as the thicknesses of SMA flexures and the dimensions of various components, SMA and conventional. Designs of experiment (DOE) are performed to investigate structural response to an aerodynamic pressure load and to slat retraction and deployment. DOE results are then used to inform the optimization process, which determines a design minimizing actuator forces while satisfying the required constraints.

Scholten, William↗

Solar Energetic Particle Events Observed by the PAMELA Mission

Despite the significant progress achieved in recent years, the physical mechanisms underlying the origin of solar energetic particles (SEPs) are still a matter of debate. The complex nature of both particle acceleration and transport poses challenges to developing a universal picture of SEP events that encompasses both the low-energy (from tens of keV to a few hundreds of MeV)observations made by space-based instruments and the GeV particles detected by the worldwide network of neutron monitors in ground-level enhancements (GLEs). The high-precision data collected by the Payload for Antimatter Matter Exploration and Light-nuclei Astrophysics (PAMELA) satellite experiment offer a unique opportunity to study the SEP fluxes between ∼80 MeV and a few GeV, significantly improving the characterization of the most energetic events. In particular, PAMELA can measure for the first time with good accuracy the spectral features at moderate and high energies, providing important constraints for current SEP models. In addition, the PAMELA observations allow the relationship between low and high-energy particles to be investigated, enabling a clearer view of the SEP origin. No qualitative distinction between the spectral shapes of GLE, sub-GLE and non-GLE events is observed, suggesting that GLEs are not a separate class, but are the subset of a continuous distribution of SEP events that are more intense at high energies. While the spectral forms found are to be consistent with diffusive shock acceleration theory, which predicts spectral rollovers at high energies that are attributed to particles escaping the shock region during acceleration, further work is required to explore the relative influences of acceleration and transport processes on SEP spectra.

Bruno, A.↗

150 Shades of Green: Using the Full Spectrum of Remote Sensing Reflectance to Elucidate Color Shifts in the Ocean

This article proposes a simple and intuitive classification system by which to define full spectral remote sensing reflectance (Rrs(λ)) data with a quantitative output that enables a more manageable handling of spectral information for aquatic science applications. The weighted harmonic mean of the Rrs(λ) wavelengths outputs an Apparent Visible Wavelength (in units of nanometers), representing a one-dimensional geophysical metric of color that is inherently correlated to spectral shape. This dimensionality reduction of spectral information combined with the output along a continuum of wavelength values offers a robust and user-friendly means to describe and analyze spectral Rrs(λ) in terms of spatial and temporal trends and variability. The uncertainty in the algorithm's estimation of spectral shape is demonstrated on a global scale, in addition to the utility of the algorithm to discern spectral-spatial-temporal trends in the ocean, on a per-pixel basis for the entire 22 year continuous ocean color (SeaWiFS and MODIS-Aqua) time-series. This technique can be applied to datasets of varying multi- and hyper-spectral resolutions, providing continuity between heritage and future satellite sensors, and further enabling an effective means of elucidating similarities or differences in complex spectral signatures within the constraints of two dimensions. This straightforward means of conceptualizing multi-dimensional variability can help maximize the potential of the spectral information embedded in remote sensing data.

ocean color↗

Proxemy Research Grant NAG5-10263 Closeout Report

Proxemy Research had a grant from NASA to perform science research of upwelling and volcanism on Venus. This was a 5 year Presidential Early Career Award to E. Stofan, entitled "Upwelling and volcanism: Constraints from regional studies and geologic mapping." Here we summarize the scientific progress and accomplishments of this grant. Scientific publications and abstracts of presentations are indicated in the final section. This was a very productive grant and the progress that was made is summarized. Attention is drawn to the publications, abstracts, and talks given in each year. Volcanism and tectonism are the dominant geological processes that have shaped the surface of Venus, as revealed by the Magellan data. However, the development of a global geologic history for Venus has caused considerable debate (e.g., Head and Basilevsky, 1996; Guest and Stofan, 1999). The lack of global time horizons on Venus, such as that provided by impact craters on most bodies and the fossil record on Earth, make developing global stratigraphies for Venus difficult, if not impossible, with current datasets. Before the geologic history of Venus can be determined and used as a constraint on potential lithospheric thickness variations through time, it is necessary to perform detailed stratigraphic studies on a local to regional scale. In addition, detailed studies of specific types of venusian features and terrains, such as coronae, volcanic rises, and large lava flow fields, may help to constrain the lithospheric thickness and its potential variations in time and space. This report describes progress made during the five year award under a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers which allows researchers freedom to explore new areas of research.

Stofan, Ellen R.↗

Extending empirical constraints on the SZ–mass scaling relation to higher redshifts via HST weak lensing measurements of nine clusters from the SPT-SZ survey at z ≳ 1

We present a Hubble Space Telescope (HST) weak gravitational lensing study of nine distant and massive galaxy clusters with redshifts 1.0 ≲ z ≲ 1.7 (z median = 1.4) and Sunyaev Zel’dovich (SZ) detection significance ξ > 6.0 from the South Pole Telescope Sunyaev Zel’dovich (SPT-SZ) survey. We measured weak lensing galaxy shapes in HST/ACS F606W and F814W images and used additional observations from HST/WFC3 in F110W and VLT/FORS2 in U HIGH to preferentially select background galaxies at z ≳ 1.8, achieving a high purity. We combined recent redshift estimates from the CANDELS/3D-HST and HUDF fields to infer an improved estimate of the source redshift distribution. We measured weak lensing masses by fitting the tangential reduced shear profiles with spherical Navarro-Frenk-White (NFW) models. We obtained the largest lensing mass in our sample for the cluster SPT-CL J2040—4451, thereby confirming earlier results that suggest a high lensing mass of this cluster compared to X-ray and SZ mass measurements. Combining our weak lensing mass constraints with results obtained by previous studies for lower redshift clusters, we extended the calibration of the scaling relation between the unbiased SZ detection significance ζ and the cluster mass for the SPT-SZ survey out to higher redshifts. We found that the mass scale inferred from our highest redshift bin (1.2 < z < 1.7) is consistent with an extrapolation of constraints derived from lower redshifts, albeit with large statistical uncertainties. Thus, our results show a similar tendency as found in previous studies, where the cluster mass scale derived from the weak lensing data is lower than the mass scale expected in a PlanckνΛCDM (i.e. νΛ cold dark matter) cosmology given the SPT-SZ cluster number counts.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Possible octupole deformation of 208 Pb and the ultracentral v 2 to v 3 puzzle

Recent measurements have established the sensitivity of ultracentral heavy-ion collisions to the deformation parameters of nonspherical nuclei. In the case of 129 Xe collisions, a quadrupole deformation of the nuclear profile led to an enhancement of elliptic flow in the most central collisions. In 208 Pb collisions a discrepancy exists in similar centralities, where either elliptic flow is overpredicted or triangular flow is underpredicted by hydrodynamic models; this is known as the v 2 -to-v 3 puzzle in ultracentral collisions. Motivated by low-energy nuclear structure calculations, we consider the possibility that 208Pb nuclei could have a pear-shape deformation (octupole), which has the effect of increasing triangular flow in central PbPb collisions. Using the recent data from ALICE and ATLAS, we reexamine the v 2 -to-v 3 puzzle in ultracentral collisions, including new constraints from recent measurements of the triangular cumulant ratio v 3 {4}/v 3 {2} and comparing two different hydrodynamic models. We find that while an octupole deformation would slightly improve the ratio between v 2 and v 3 , it is at the expense of a significantly worse triangular flow cumulant ratio. In fact, the latter observable prefers no octupole deformation, with β 3 ≲ 0.0375 for 208 Pb, and is therefore consistent with the expectation for a doubly-magic nucleus even at top collider energies. Furthermore, the v 2 -to-v 3 puzzle remains a challenge for hydrodynamic models.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Theories and Constraints for Massive Higher Spins (Final Technical Report)

The goal of this project was to develop methods for constraining the scattering amplitudes of interacting theories containing massive higher spin particles, and to apply these methods to search for, constrain, and apply theories containing massive high spins. During the 3 year term of the project, 15 papers containing results from the project were published in peer reviewed journals. Highlights of these results include: proofs of the best possible strong coupling scales for theories with massive spin 2 particles, causality constraints on couplings in such theories, the discovery of new effective field theories with extended shift symmetries on curved space, the discovery of a new symmetry of the decoupling limit of massive gravity, a study of the possible shapes of graviton non-gaussianities during inflation, classification results of supersymmetric partially massless fields, and the development of the geometric bootstrap, a novel method to generate new mathematical results about the spectrum of various Laplacian operators on closed Einstein manifolds.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Magnetic field distribution in polar cap models of gamma-ray bursters

The high-energy spectral cutoffs are discussed as a function of angle predicted by magnetized polar cap models of gamma-ray bursters, in the presence of magnetic pair production and general relativistic effects. The effect of the photon escape beam shape on the relative probability of detection as a function of energy is calculated for a range of model parameters. These predictions are compared to the burster cutoff upper limits observed with SMM and are used to derive constraints on the detectable magnetic field strength distribution among bursters from future observations. A method for determining the intrinsic magnetic field distribution among gamma-ray bursting neutron stars is discussed.

Bagoly, Z.↗

Unique Approaches to Analysis of Time-Variable Gravity from GRACE

We have developed an innovative analysis strategy for analysis of GRACE data. We have developed a capability to recover local/regional gravity changes using non-global functional representations (Le. surface anomalies vs. global spherical harmonics) h m the GRACE data. Our approach can take regularly or irregularly shaped regions, populate them with surface anomaly blocks of suitable area and solve for the resulting mass flux with respect to a mean field. The surface mass or gravity anomalies benefit from the application of spatial and temporal constraints to add stability to the solution. In this paper we discuss the analysis of four months of GRACE Level 1B data (accelerometry, intersatellite data, attitude information and precise orbits) from July to October 2003, recently released to the GRACE Science Team. We compare and contrast this local approach to gravity recovery, with the more conventional approach using global spherical harmonics. We review simulations of this technique which allow us to pinpoint optimum strategies for applications of this local gravity recovery approach.

Lemoine, Frank G.↗

System and method for improved rotor tip performance

Embodiments of systems and methods for enhancing the performance of rotary wing aircraft through reduced torque, noise and vibration are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes configuring the rotorcraft in a selected flight condition, communicating input signals to a control system operable to position sails coupled to tips of blades of a rotor assembly, processing the input signals according to a constraint condition to generate sail positional information, and transferring the sail positional information to the sail. Alternately, input signals may be communicated to a control system operable to position a plurality of sails, each sail having an aerodynamic shape and positioned proximate to a tip portion of the rotor blade. The input signals may be configured to rotate each sail about a longitudinal axis into a corresponding pitch angle independently of the other sails.

Bussom, Richard↗

Lyman-$α$ forest holography: 3D predictions from 1D measurements

Cosmological analyses of Lyman-$α$ forest clustering rely on either one-dimensional correlations along individual sightlines or three-dimensional correlations between different sightlines. Because these observables probe the matter distribution on very different scales, they have traditionally been analyzed independently. In this work, we bridge this gap using ForestFlow, an emulator trained on a suite of cosmological hydrodynamical simulations that provides a unified description of Lyman-$α$ forest clustering from linear to nonlinear scales. This framework enables us to determine the range of three-dimensional clustering models compatible with the DESI one-dimensional flux power spectrum ($P_{\rm 1D}$). The resulting predictions successfully reproduce the large-scale clustering measured by the DESI BAO analysis and provide physically motivated priors on nonlinear clustering that are used in a companion paper presenting the full-shape analysis of the DESI DR2 Lyman-$α$ forest. We validate our methodology using the large-volume, high-resolution hydrodynamical simulation ACCEL-2, demonstrating excellent agreement across the full range of scales considered. Finally, we combine constraints from the $P_{\rm 1D}$ and BAO analyses on the parameter combinations $b_δσ_8$ and $b_ηf σ_8$, finding that the two probes provide comparable constraining power while exhibiting complementary parameter degeneracies. Our results establish a direct connection between one- and three-dimensional Lyman-$α$ forest measurements through ForestFlow, an approach we term Lyman-$α$ holography by analogy with the reconstruction of higher-dimensional structure from lower-dimensional information.

Chaves-Montero, J. [Barcelona, IFAE] (ORCID:000000↗

Constraints on the rheological structure of the mantle

Rheological models of the mantle are at present limited to radial symmetry, usually with homogeneous linearly viscous or viscoelastic incompressible layers. While such models are probably overly simple, they readily allow calculation of geophysical effects, such as post glacial rebound and related changes in the Earth's shape. They are also directly applicable to problems of global mantle flow and plate motions.

Oconnell, R. J.↗

Λ Baryon Production in ν¯µ Interactions in the MicroBooNE Detector

The Cabibbo suppressed production of $\Lambda$ baryons in anti-neutrino interactions with nuclei is a rare process that is yet to be measured with a modern neutrino detector with automated reconstruction. The cross section for this process is sensitive to a number of unique nuclear effects, most notably the secondary interactions of the produced hyperon while attempting to escape from the nucleus. Other interactions within the nuclear remnant can impact the estimation of neutrino energy in oscillation measurements, and thus an accurate description of the nuclear environment is required. The strangeness violating hyperon production process is only available to anti-neutrinos. The model of this interaction is implemented into the NuWro neutrino interaction Monte Carlo simulation, and some predictions are presented, focusing on the role of nuclear effects. This model introduces a hyperon-nucleus potential, which calculations from hypernuclear theory permit to be strongly repulsive in th e case of $\Sigma$ baryons. The presence of this potential is found to sculpt the shape of the differential cross section in some variables. The MicroBooNE detector will be described, followed by a description of a measurement of the flux averaged, restricted phase space cross section of Cabibbo suppressed $\Lambda$ baryon production. A sophisticated event selection is employed, as a very large quantity of background neutrino interactions must be removed to perform the measurement with any sensitivity. This selection introduces some novel techniques such as the island finding method, and achieves a background reduction of $\sim 10^6$, with an efficiency of around 7\%. The calculation of the systematic uncertainties will be explained, including two procedures explored to handle sources of background with extremely poor simulation statistics: an in-situ constraint using data from sidebands, and a visual inspection of the data and simulation to remove the troublesome background events. The sensitivity to the $\Lambda$ baryon production cross section is calculated in the form of Bayesian posterior probability distributions, combining the systematic uncertainties with data and simulation statistical uncertainties. As a rare process, the statistical uncertainties are highly non-Gaussian, and the Bayesian approach is applied to include the full shapes of these uncertainties. Data corresponding to $2.2 \times 10^{20}$ protons on target of neutrino mode running and $4.9 \times 10^{20}$ protons on target of anti-neutrino running is analysed. When the data was unblinded, five $\Lambda$ production candidates were selected from the data, consistent with the MC simulation prediction of $5.3 \pm 1.1$ events. The final estimated cross section is $1.8^{+2.0}_{-1.6} \times 10^{-40}$cm$^2/$Ar when employing the sideband constraint procedure. A similar result of $2.0^{+2.2}_{-1.8} \times 10^{-40}$cm$^2/$Ar is obtained when performing the visual scan instead. The methods used in t his analysis are intended to be easily exported to other LArTPC detectors such as the Short Baseline Near Detector.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗