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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 595 records · Page 33

Development of a Prototype Simulation Executive with Zooming in the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation

A major difficulty in designing aeropropulsion systems is that of identifying and understanding the interactions between the separate engine components and disciplines (e.g., fluid mechanics, structural mechanics, heat transfer, material properties, etc.). The traditional analysis approach is to decompose the system into separate components with the interaction between components being evaluated by the application of each of the single disciplines in a sequential manner. Here, one discipline uses information from the calculation of another discipline to determine the effects of component coupling. This approach, however, may not properly identify the consequences of these effects during the design phase, leaving the interactions to be discovered and evaluated during engine testing. This contributes to the time and cost of developing new propulsion systems as, typically, several design-build-test cycles are needed to fully identify multidisciplinary effects and reach the desired system performance. The alternative to sequential isolated component analysis is to use multidisciplinary coupling at a more fundamental level. This approach has been made more plausible due to recent advancements in computation simulation along with application of concurrent engineering concepts. Computer simulation systems designed to provide an environment which is capable of integrating the various disciplines into a single simulation system have been proposed and are currently being developed. One such system is being developed by the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) project. The NPSS project, being developed at the Interdisciplinary Technology Office at the NASA Lewis Research Center is a 'numerical test cell' designed to provide for comprehensive computational design and analysis of aerospace propulsion systems. It will provide multi-disciplinary analyses on a variety of computational platforms, and a user-interface consisting of expert systems, data base management and visualization tools, to allow the designer to investigate the complex interactions inherent in these systems. An interactive programming software system, known as the Application Visualization System (AVS), was utilized for the development of the propulsion system simulation. The modularity of this system provides the ability to couple propulsion system components, as well as disciplines, and provides for the ability to integrate existing, well established analysis codes into the overall system simulation. This feature allows the user to customize the simulation model by inserting desired analysis codes. The prototypical simulation environment for multidisciplinary analysis, called Turbofan Engine System Simulation (TESS), which incorporates many of the characteristics of the simulation environment proposed herein, is detailed.

Reed, John A.↗

Experiments in teleoperator and autonomous control of space robotic vehicles

A research program and strategy are described which include fundamental teleoperation issues and autonomous-control issues of sensing and navigation for satellite robots. The program consists of developing interfaces for visual operation and studying the consequences of interface designs as well as developing navigation and control technologies based on visual interaction. A space-robot-vehicle simulator is under development for use in virtual-environment teleoperation experiments and neutral-buoyancy investigations. These technologies can be utilized in a study of visual interfaces to address tradeoffs between head-tracking and manual remote cameras, panel-mounted and helmet-mounted displays, and stereoscopic and monoscopic display systems. The present program can provide significant data for the development of control experiments for autonomously controlled satellite robots.

Alexander, Harold L.↗

Jas4pp — A data-analysis framework for physics and detector studies

This paper describes the Jas4pp framework for exploring physics cases and for detector-performance studies of future particle collision experiments. Jas4pp is a multi-platform Java program for numeric calculations, scientific visualization in 2D and 3D, storing data in various file formats and displaying collision events and detector geometries. It also includes complex data-analysis algorithms for function minimization, regression analysis, event reconstruction (such as jet reconstruction), limit settings and other libraries widely used in particle physics. The framework can be used with several scripting languages, such as Python/Jython, Groovy and JShell. Several benchmark tests discussed in the paper illustrate significant improvements in the performance of the Groovy and JShell scripting languages compared to the standard Python implementation in C. Furthermore, the improvements for numeric computations in Java are attributed to recent enhancements in the Java Virtual Machine.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Microbiome breeding: conceptual and practical issues

Microbiome breeding is a new artificial selection technique that seeks to change the genetic composition of microbiomes in order to benefit plant or animal hosts. Recent experimental and theoretical analyses have shown that microbiome breeding is possible whenever microbiome-encoded genetic factors affect host traits (e.g., health) and microbiomes are transmissible between hosts with sufficient fidelity, such as during natural microbiome transmission between individuals of social animals, or during experimental microbiome transplanting between plants. Further, to address misunderstandings that stymie microbiome-breeding programs, we (i) clarify and visualize the corresponding elements of microbiome selection and standard selection; (ii) elucidate the eco-evolutionary processes underlying microbiome selection within a quantitative genetic framework to summarize practical guidelines that optimize microbiome breeding; and (iii) characterize the kinds of host species most amenable to microbiome breeding.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Survey of Gravitationally lensed Objects in HSC Imaging (SuGOHI) – V. Group-to-cluster scale lens search from the HSC–SSP Survey

ABSTRACT We report the largest sample of candidate strong gravitational lenses belonging to the Survey of Gravitationally lensed Objects in HSC Imaging for group-to-cluster scale (SuGOHI-c) systems. These candidates are compiled from the S18A data release of the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (HSC–SSP) Survey. We visually inspect ∼39 500 galaxy clusters, selected from several catalogues, overlapping with the Wide, Deep, and UltraDeep fields, spanning the cluster redshift range of 0.05 < zcl < 1.38. We discover 641 candidate lens systems, of which 536 are new. From the full sample, 47 are almost certainly bona fide lenses, 181 of them are highly probable lenses, and 413 are possible lens systems. Additionally, we present 131 lens candidates at galaxy scale serendipitously discovered during the inspection. We obtained spectroscopic follow-up of 10 candidates using the X-shooter. With this follow-up, we confirm eight systems as strong gravitational lenses. Of the remaining two, one of the sources is too faint to detect any emission, and the other has a tentative redshift close to the lens redshift, but additional arcs in this system are yet to be observed spectroscopically. Since the HSC–SSP is an ongoing survey, we expect to find ∼600 definite or probable lenses using this procedure and even more if combined with other lens finding methods.

Jaelani, Anton T.↗

SU-E-T-255: Development of a Michigan Quality Assurance (MQA) Database for Clinical Machine Operations

Purpose: A unified database system was developed to allow accumulation, review and analysis of quality assurance (QA) data for measurement, treatment, imaging and simulation equipment in our department. Recording these data in a database allows a unified and structured approach to review and analysis of data gathered using commercial database tools. Methods: A clinical database was developed to track records of quality assurance operations on linear accelerators, a computed tomography (CT) scanner, high dose rate (HDR) afterloader and imaging systems such as on-board imaging (OBI) and Calypso in our department. The database was developed using Microsoft Access database and visual basic for applications (VBA) programming interface. Separate modules were written for accumulation, review and analysis of daily, monthly and annual QA data. All modules were designed to use structured query language (SQL) as the basis of data accumulation and review. The SQL strings are dynamically re-written at run time. The database also features embedded documentation, storage of documents produced during QA activities and the ability to annotate all data within the database. Tests are defined in a set of tables that define test type, specific value, and schedule. Results: Daily, Monthly and Annual QA data has been taken in parallel with established procedures to test MQA. The database has been used to aggregate data across machines to examine the consistency of machine parameters and operations within the clinic for several months. Conclusion: The MQA application has been developed as an interface to a commercially available SQL engine (JET 5.0) and a standard database back-end. The MQA system has been used for several months for routine data collection.. The system is robust, relatively simple to extend and can be migrated to a commercial SQL server.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

ASCENDS: Advanced Data SCiENce Toolkit for Non-Data Scientists

Data science capabilities are becoming important more and more. Even though there exist many data science and machine learning tools, they are not intuitive for many traditional scientists who are not familiar with programming. ASCENDS provides easy and intuitive interfaces (command-line interface, graphical user interface) to users so they can use data science capabilities without having to understand programming language. ASCENDS performs data visualization, machine learning model training, storing and prediction (regression problem), automatic hyperparameter tuning, and supports various machine learning models including random forest, kernel ridge, nearest neighbor, neural network, etc. Users can use standard CSV (comma separated values) format data set and investigate the feature columns that are highly correlated to a target column; further, they can learn ML models, then store and use them for predictions. The tool is supposed to be generically applicable so that it can be used for many different applications.

Sangkeun, MattLee↗

ISTI Overview

The Information Science & Technology Institute (ISTI) enables the execution of LANL’s institutional IS&T pillar through revitalization of technical IS&T areas, recruiting, and retention of IS&T staff. ISTI manages, organizes, and/or provides funding for (1) summer schools, (2) university collaborations, (3) workshops, (4) the IS&T seminar series, (5) program development, and (6) the visualization collaboratory at LARP all with a focus on IS&T.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Systems approach provides management control of complex programs

Integrated program management process provides management visual assistance through three interrelated charts - system model that identifies each function to be performed, matrix that identifies personnel responsibilities for these functions, process chart that breaks down the functions into discrete tasks.

Dudek, E. F., Jr.↗

Terminal configured vehicle program: Test facilities guide

The terminal configured vehicle (TCV) program was established to conduct research and to develop and evaluate aircraft and flight management system technology concepts that will benefit conventional take off and landing operations in the terminal area. Emphasis is placed on the development of operating methods for the highly automated environment anticipated in the future. The program involves analyses, simulation, and flight experiments. Flight experiments are conducted using a modified Boeing 737 airplane equipped with highly flexible display and control equipment and an aft flight deck for research purposes. The experimental systems of the Boeing 737 are described including the flight control computer systems, the navigation/guidance system, the control and command panel, and the electronic display system. The ground based facilities used in the program are described including the visual motion simulator, the fixed base simulator, the verification and validation laboratory, and the radio frequency anechoic facility.

Source record↗

Symposium on Aviation Psychology, 1st, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, April 21, 22, 1981, Proceedings

The impact of modern technology on the role, responsibility, authority, and performance of human operators in modern aircraft and ATC systems was examined in terms of principles defined by Paul Fitts. Research into human factors in aircraft operations and the use of human factors engineering for aircraft safety improvements were discussed, and features of the man-machine interface in computerized cockpit warning systems are examined. The design and operational features of computerized avionics displays and HUDs are described, along with results of investigations into pilot decision-making behavior, aircrew procedural compliance, and aircrew judgment training programs. Experiments in vision and visual perception are detailed, as are behavioral studies of crew workload, coordination, and complement. The effectiveness of pilot selection, screening, and training techniques are assessed, as are methods for evaluating pilot performance.

Source record↗

PAN AIR analysis of the NASA/MCAIR 279-3: An advanced supersonic V/STOL fighter/attack aircraft

PAN AIR is a computer program for predicting subsonic or supersonic linear potential flow about arbitrary configurations. The program was applied to a highly complex single-engine-cruise V/STOL fighter/attack aircraft. Complexities include a close-coupled canard/wing, large inlets, and four exhaust nozzles mounted directly under the wing and against the fuselage. Modeling uncertainties involving canard wake location and flow-through approximation through the inlet and the exhaust nozzles were investigated. The recently added streamline capability of the program was utilized to evaluate visually the predicted flow over the model. PAN AIR results for Mach numbers of 0.6, 0.9, and angles of attack of 0, 5, and 10 deg. were compared with data obtained in the Ames 11- by 11-Foot Transonic Wind tunnel, at a Reynolds number of 3.69 x 10 to the 6th power based on c bar.

Madson, Michael D.↗

Modeling 2-D jets impinging on Stirling regenerators

The extent to which flow leaving Stirling coolers or heaters in the form of high-velocity jets penetrate the regenerator matrix is visually modeled using a computer program. Two-dimensional laminar jets are shown impinging on regenerator samples of variable permeability ranging from no matrix at all to matrices dense enough to stop the jet dead on. The results lend credibility to a simple tension for flow uniformity as a function of penetration depth.

Gedeon, David↗

Simulation of cooperating robot manipulators on a mobile platform

The dynamic equations of motion for two manipulators holding a common object on a freely moving mobile platform are developed. The full dynamic interactions from arms to platform and arm-tip to arm-tip are included in the formulation. The development of the closed chain dynamics allows for the use of any solution for the open topological tree of base and manipulator links. In particular, because the system has 18 degrees of freedom, recursive solutions for the dynamic simulation become more promising for efficient calculations of the motion. Simulation of the system is accomplished through a MATLAB program, and the response is visualized graphically using the SILMA Cimstation.

Murphy, Steve H.↗

Aircraft stress sequence development: A complex engineering process made simple

Development of stress sequences for critical aircraft structure requires flight measured usage data, known aircraft loads, and established relationships between aircraft flight loads and structural stresses. Resulting cycle-by-cycle stress sequences can be directly usable for crack growth analysis and coupon spectra tests. Often, an expert in loads and spectra development manipulates the usage data into a typical sequence of representative flight conditions for which loads and stresses are calculated. For a fighter/trainer type aircraft, this effort is repeated many times for each of the fatigue critical locations (FCL) resulting in expenditure of numerous engineering hours. The Aircraft Stress Sequence Computer Program (ACSTRSEQ), developed by Southwest Research Institute under contract to San Antonio Air Logistics Center, presents a unique approach for making complex technical computations in a simple, easy to use method. The program is written in Microsoft Visual Basic for the Microsoft Windows environment.

Schrader, K. H.↗

Software Aids In Graphical Depiction Of Flow Data

Interactive Data Display System (IDDS) computer program is graphical-display program designed to assist in visualization of three-dimensional flow in turbomachinery. Grid and simulation data files in PLOT3D format required for input. Able to unwrap volumetric data cone associated with centrifugal compressor and display results in easy-to-understand two- or three-dimensional plots. IDDS provides majority of visualization and analysis capability for Integrated Computational Fluid Dynamics and Experiment (ICE) system. IDDS invoked from any subsystem, or used as stand-alone package of display software. Generates contour, vector, shaded, x-y, and carpet plots. Written in C language. Input file format used by IDDS is that of PLOT3D (COSMIC item ARC-12782).

Stegeman, J. D.↗

Realtime Three-Dimensional Simulation

Real-time three-dimensional simulations are dependent of three areas: databases and models (3D geometric polygon structure, multiple levels of detail, sound sample waveforms, optimized for interactive, real time use); software applications (software program that controls input devices, visual channels, scene objects, interaction, collision detection, special effects, time of day, weather, I/O, and communication); and hardware (computer, sound processor, monitors control sticks, position trackers, head-mounted displays, amplifiers, speakers, and communications.

Ramsdell, Craig↗

Shuttle Entry Imaging Using Infrared Thermography

During the Columbia Accident Investigation, imaging teams supporting debris shedding analysis were hampered by poor entry image quality and the general lack of information on optical signatures associated with a nominal Shuttle entry. After the accident, recommendations were made to NASA management to develop and maintain a state-of-the-art imagery database for Shuttle engineering performance assessments and to improve entry imaging capability to support anomaly and contingency analysis during a mission. As a result, the Space Shuttle Program sponsored an observation campaign to qualitatively characterize a nominal Shuttle entry over the widest possible Mach number range. The initial objectives focused on an assessment of capability to identify/resolve debris liberated from the Shuttle during entry, characterization of potential anomalous events associated with RCS jet firings and unusual phenomenon associated with the plasma trail. The aeroheating technical community viewed the Space Shuttle Program sponsored activity as an opportunity to influence the observation objectives and incrementally demonstrate key elements of a quantitative spatially resolved temperature measurement capability over a series of flights. One long-term desire of the Shuttle engineering community is to calibrate boundary layer transition prediction methodologies that are presently part of the Shuttle damage assessment process using flight data provided by a controlled Shuttle flight experiment. Quantitative global imaging may offer a complementary method of data collection to more traditional methods such as surface thermocouples. This paper reviews the process used by the engineering community to influence data collection methods and analysis of global infrared images of the Shuttle obtained during hypersonic entry. Emphasis is placed upon airborne imaging assets sponsored by the Shuttle program during Return to Flight. Visual and IR entry imagery were obtained with available airborne imaging platforms used within DoD along with agency assets developed and optimized for use during Shuttle ascent to demonstrate capability (i.e., tracking, acquisition of multispectral data, spatial resolution) and identify system limitations (i.e., radiance modeling, saturation) using state-of-the-art imaging instrumentation and communication systems. Global infrared intensity data have been transformed to temperature by comparison to Shuttle flight thermocouple data. Reasonable agreement is found between the flight thermography images and numerical prediction. A discussion of lessons learned and potential application to a potential Shuttle boundary layer transition flight test is presented.

Horvath, Thomas↗