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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 613 records · Page 34

RADARSAT program

Work on the RADARSAT system is progressing towards the currently scheduled launch date of early 1995. The spacecraft bus and the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload are at various stages of development. Requirements for the ground segment have been mostly established. The design of the ground elements such as the mission control facility and the SAR data processor is underway. The SAR applications development work is continuing and the chosen distributor, RADARSAT International Inc. (RSI) is making preparations to market RADARSAT data internationally. A plan for the follow-on to RADARSAT 1 is being finalized to ensure continuity of SAR data under the Radarsat program.

Mcnally, J.↗

Enabling Future Robotic Missions with Multicore Processors

Recent commercial developments in multicore processors (e.g. Tilera, Clearspeed, HyperX) have provided an option for high performance embedded computing that rivals the performance attainable with FPGA-based reconfigurable computing architectures. Furthermore, these processors offer more straightforward and streamlined application development by allowing the use of conventional programming languages and software tools in lieu of hardware design languages such as VHDL and Verilog. With these advantages, multicore processors can significantly enhance the capabilities of future robotic space missions. This paper will discuss these benefits, along with onboard processing applications where multicore processing can offer advantages over existing or competing approaches. This paper will also discuss the key artchitecural features of current commercial multicore processors. In comparison to the current art, the features and advancements necessary for spaceflight multicore processors will be identified. These include power reduction, radiation hardening, inherent fault tolerance, and support for common spacecraft bus interfaces. Lastly, this paper will explore how multicore processors might evolve with advances in electronics technology and how avionics architectures might evolve once multicore processors are inserted into NASA robotic spacecraft.

multi-core processor↗

TAMM: Tensor algebra for many-body methods

Tensor algebra operations such as contractions in computational chemistry consume a significant fraction of the computing time on large-scale computing platforms. The widespread use of tensor contractions between large multi-dimensional tensors in describing electronic structure theory has motivated the development of multiple tensor algebra frameworks targeting heterogeneous computing platforms. In this paper, we present Tensor Algebra for Many-body Methods (TAMM), a framework for productive and performance-portable development of scalable computational chemistry methods. TAMM decouples the specification of the computation from the execution of these operations on available high-performance computing systems. With this design choice, the scientific application developers (domain scientists) can focus on the algorithmic requirements using the tensor algebra interface provided by TAMM, whereas high-performance computing developers can direct their attention to various optimizations on the underlying constructs, such as efficient data distribution, optimized scheduling algorithms, and efficient use of intra-node resources (e.g., graphics processing units). The modular structure of TAMM allows it to support different hardware architectures and incorporate new algorithmic advances. We describe the TAMM framework and our approach to the sustainable development of scalable ground- and excited-state electronic structure methods. We present case studies highlighting the ease of use, including the performance and productivity gains compared to other frameworks.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

An Experimental Setup for Mechanical Vibration Analysis Using VLC

This study explores the potential applications across various domains, including earthquake detection and warning systems, where the system’s sensitivity to ground vibrations can contribute to early seismic event detection. Additionally, the study paves the way of developing applications of VLC/T in mechanical vibration and stability analysis of engines and platforms, offering insights into structural integrity and performance optimization. These multifaceted applications underscore the adaptability and potential of VLC/T systems in diverse fields, heralding advancements in sensing, communication, and security technologies. To achieve this, in this study, Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) is proposed to represent the impact of mechanical shocks and vibrations generated by several weights dropped onto the platform with which the receiver is fixed. Even though non-contact measurement methodology is preferred for various reasons, the proposed measurement campaign obtains the data in contact form; however, the system and signal model proposed in this study could easily be extended into non-contact form. Considering the fact that the proposed measurement campaign employs off-the-shelf products, it is cost-effective and very scalable.

Yilmaz, Ahmet Mucahit↗

Logic in Memory Emulator

Logic in Memory Emulator (LiME) is a hardware/software tool specially designed for memory system evaluation and experiment. Emerging memories display a wide range of bandwidths, latencies, and capacities, making it challenging for the computer architect to navigate the design space of potential memory configurations, and for the application developer to assess performance implications of using such memories. With the LiME framework, architectural ideas can be prototyped in great detail yet with sufficient performance to support realistic evaluation on long running applications. LiME consists of two fundamental components: 1) the hardware and OS infrastructure for the emulator, and 2) a suite of benchmark applications to assist in characterizing the performance of current and future computer architectures. Some of the applications have been collected from other open source projects. Uses: Logging, replay and analysis of an application's memory behavior Evaluate impact of emerging memory technology on application performance. Emulate complex memory interactions in whole applications orders of magnitude faster than software simulation. Emulate acceleration hardware co-located with the memory subsystem. Features: Capture and log external memory accesses to a separate off-chip memory device without affecting application execution. Memory traces include the address, length, timestamp, and optionally the data for each transaction. Captured trace data can be saved to an SD card for off-line analysis. Configure a wide range of memory latencies in sub-nanosecond increments that encompass highbandwidth and storage class memories. Specify regions of interest (ROI) in applications to reduce the amount of trace data captured for analysis. Currently supports execution on Xilinx Zynq SoC which integrates an ARM processor with FPGA logic on a single device. Applications can be run under Linux or in bare metal mode on the ARM cores.

Jain, AbhishekK↗

Open system environment procurement

Relationships between the request for procurement (RFP) process and open system environment (OSE) standards are described. A guide was prepared to help Federal agency personnel overcome problems in writing an adequate statement of work and developing realistic evaluation criteria when transitioning to an OSE. The guide contains appropriate decision points and transition strategies for developing applications that are affordable, scalable and interoperable across a broad range of computing environments. While useful, the guide does not eliminate the requirement that agencies posses in-depth expertise in software development, communications, and database technology in order to evaluate open systems.

Fisher, Gary↗

Sensor technology for advanced space missions

The capability and applications of two sensors, Spatial, High-Accuracy, Position-Encoding Sensor (SHAPES) and Fiber Optics Rotation Sensor (FORS), for advanced missions are discussed. The multiple target, 3-D position sensing capability of SHAPES meets a critical technology need for many developing applications. A major milestone of the SHAPES task was completed on schedule on May 30, 1986, by demonstrating simultaneous ranging to eight moving targets at a rate of 10 measurements per second. The range resolution to static target was shown to be 25 microns. SHAPES scheduled technology readiness will support the sensor needs of a number of early users. The next phase in the development of SHAPES is to incorporate an angular measurement CCD to provide the full 3-dimensional sensing. A flight unit design and fabrication can be complete by FY89. FORS, with its significant improvement over present technology in lifetime, performance, weight, power, and recurrent cost, will be an important technology for future space systems. Technology readiness will be demonstrated with a FORS brassboard with fully integrated IO chips by FY88. The unique capability of miniature remote sensing heads, connected to a central system, will open up new areas in control and stability of large space structures. This application requires additional study.

Nerheim, N. M.↗

An Investigation of using FleCSI for Monte Carlo Radiation Transport

This document details the attempt to use FleCSI to provide MPI parallelization and domain decomposition for a Monte Carlo radiation transport application. FleCSI is a framework designed to support multi-physics application development with a focus on task-based parallelism and domain decomposition [1]. FleCSI also supports performance portability via a wrapper around a back-end performance portability layer. The goal of this work is to use FleCSI for domain decomposition and MPI parallelization inside of a Monte Carlo radiation transport application and document any pain points and shortcomings. The following section introduce the nomenclature used in FleCSI and its potential benefit for physics code developers, detail the code used to explore using FleCSI in a Monte Carlo radiation transport solver, and list the issues and concerns discovered during the work.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Application Results on Early Exascale Hardware

This Exascale Computing Project (ECP) milestone report summarizes the status of 27 of the 31 ECP Applications Development (AD) subprojects at the end of FY21. In November and December of 2021, a comprehensive assessment of AD projects was conducted by the ECP leadership along with external subject matter experts (SMEs). (NNSA application projects are reviewed separately using the ASC milestone process.) The AD review committee—consisting of the AD lead, AD deputy, Level 3 (L3), and at least one external project SME—was tasked with evaluating each project’s progress relative to ECP project goals specified in the FY21 timeline. Key areas of focus were code maturity and performance on pre-exascale systems, an in-depth analysis of final key performance parameter (KPP) verification contracts, and future R&D priorities in the final year of ECP and beyond. As such, this report contains not only an accurate snapshot of each subproject’s current status but also represents a broad account of successes and challenges in porting large scientific applications to DOE’s next-generation high-performance computing architectures – the Frontier and Aurora systems.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Advanced Gas Turbine (AGT) Technology Development Project, ceramic component developments

The ceramic component technology development activity conducted by Standard Oil Engineered Materials Company while performing as a principal subcontractor to the Garrett Auxiliary Power Division for the Advanced Gas Turbine (AGT) Technology Development Project (NASA Contract DEN3-167) is summarized. The report covers the period October 1979 through July 1987, and includes information concerning ceramic technology work categorized as common and unique. The former pertains to ceramic development applicable to two parallel AGT projects established by NASA contracts DEN3-168 (AGT100) and DEN3-167 (AGT101), whereas the unique work solely pertains to Garrett directed activity under the latter contract. The AGT101 Technology Development Project is sponsored by DOE and administered by NASA-Lewis. Standard Oil directed its efforts toward the development of ceramic materials in the silicon-carbide family. Various shape forming and fabrication methods, and nondestructive evaluation techniques were explored to produce the static structural components for the ceramic engine. This permitted engine testing to proceed without program slippage.

Teneyck, M. O.↗

A Data Miner for the Information Power Grid

Grid Miner (GM) is one of the early data mining applications developed by NASA to help users obtain information from the Information Power Grid (IPG). Topics cover include: benefits of data mining, potential use of grids in data mining activities, an overview of the GM application, and a brief review of GM architecture and implementation issues. The current status of the GM system is also discussed.

Hinke, Thomas H.↗

Fiber Optic Wing Shape Sensing on NASA's Ikhana UAV

This document discusses the development of fiber optic wing shape sensing on NASA's Ikhana vehicle. The Dryden Flight Research Center's Aerostructures Branch initiated fiber-optic instrumentation development efforts in the mid-1990s. Motivated by a failure to control wing dihedral resulting in a mishap with the Helios aircraft, new wing displacement techniques were developed. Research objectives for Ikhana included validating fiber optic sensor measurements and real-time wing shape sensing predictions; the validation of fiber optic mathematical models and design tools; assessing technical viability and, if applicable, developing methodology and approaches to incorporate wing shape measurements within the vehicle flight control system; and, developing and flight validating approaches to perform active wing shape control using conventional control surfaces and active material concepts.

Richards, Lance↗

Large-Eddy Simulation Code Developed for Propulsion Applications

A large-eddy simulation (LES) code was developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center to provide more accurate and detailed computational analyses of propulsion flow fields. The accuracy of current computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods is limited primarily by their inability to properly account for the turbulent motion present in virtually all propulsion flows. Because the efficiency and performance of a propulsion system are highly dependent on the details of this turbulent motion, it is critical for CFD to accurately model it. The LES code promises to give new CFD simulations an advantage over older methods by directly computing the large turbulent eddies, to correctly predict their effect on a propulsion system. Turbulent motion is a random, unsteady process whose behavior is difficult to predict through computer simulations. Current methods are based on Reynolds-Averaged Navier- Stokes (RANS) analyses that rely on models to represent the effect of turbulence within a flow field. The quality of the results depends on the quality of the model and its applicability to the type of flow field being studied. LES promises to be more accurate because it drastically reduces the amount of modeling necessary. It is the logical step toward improving turbulent flow predictions. In LES, the large-scale dominant turbulent motion is computed directly, leaving only the less significant small turbulent scales to be modeled. As part of the prediction, the LES method generates detailed information on the turbulence itself, providing important information for other applications, such as aeroacoustics. The LES code developed at Glenn for propulsion flow fields is being used to both analyze propulsion system components and test improved LES algorithms (subgrid-scale models, filters, and numerical schemes). The code solves the compressible Favre-filtered Navier- Stokes equations using an explicit fourth-order accurate numerical scheme, it incorporates a compressible form of Smagorinsky s model for the subgrid-scale turbulence, and it uses generalized curvilinear coordinates to allow analysis of a wide range of geometries. The code runs in parallel on shared memory multiprocessor computers and is written in Fortran 90 with dynamic memory allocation. A sample result for a Mach-1.4 round jet is presented in the figure. Instantaneous Mach number contours in several cross-planes downstream of the nozzle exit are shown, illustrating how an LES captures the large unsteady three-dimensional turbulent structures present in the jet.

DeBonis, James R.↗

On Characterizing Particle Shape

It is well known that particle shape affects flow characteristics of granular materials, as well as a variety of other solids processing issues such as compaction, rheology, filtration and other two-phase flow problems. The impact of shape crosses many diverse and commercially important applications, including pharmaceuticals, civil engineering, metallurgy, health, and food processing. Two applications studied here include the dry solids flow of lunar simulants (e.g. JSC-1, NU-LHT-2M, OB-1), and the flow properties of wet concrete, including final compressive strength. A multi-dimensional generalized, engineering method to quantitatively characterize particle shapes has been developed, applicable to both single particle orientation and multi-particle assemblies. The two-dimension, three dimension inversion problem is also treated, and the application of these methods to DEM model particles will be discussed. In the case of lunar simulants, flow properties of six lunar simulants have been measured, and the impact of particle shape on flowability - as characterized by the shape method developed here -- is discussed, especially in the context of three simulants of similar size range. In the context of concrete processing, concrete construction is a major contributor to greenhouse gas production, of which the major contributor is cement binding loading. Any optimization in concrete rheology and packing that can reduce cement loading and improve strength loading can also reduce currently required construction safety factors. The characterization approach here is also demonstrated for the impact of rock aggregate shape on concrete slump rheology and dry compressive strength.

Ennis, Bryan J.↗

Advanced Tri-lab Software Environment (ATSE)

The Advanced Tri-lab Software Environment (ATSE) is an effort to build an open, modular, extensible, community-engaged, and vendor-adaptable software ecosystem that enables the prototyping of new technologies for improving the ASC computing environment. The initial target for ATSE is to accelerate the maturity of the Arm ecosystem for supporting ASC computing and the high-performance computing community more broadly. ATSE provides an integrated and optimized software stack that includes: 1) Application development environment and libraries including compilers, math libraries, tools, MPI, and OpenMP, 2) Low-level system software including optimized Linux, network stack, file systems, containers, and virtual machines, 3) Job scheduling and management including workload manager, application launcher, and user tools, and 4) System administration and management tools supporting booting, monitoring, and operating system image management. SAND2020-12377 M Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

Younge, Andrew J.↗

Earth resources data analysis program, phase 2

The efforts and findings of the Earth Resources Data Analysis Program are summarized. Results of a detailed study of the needs of EOD with respect to an applications development system (ADS) for the analysis of remotely sensed data, including an evaluation of four existing systems with respect to these needs are described. Recommendations as to possible courses for EOD to follow to obtain a viable ADS are presented. Algorithmic development comprised of several subtasks is discussed. These subtasks include the following: (1) two algorithms for multivariate density estimation; (2) a data smoothing algorithm; (3) a method for optimally estimating prior probabilities of unclassified data; and (4) further applications of the modified Cholesky decomposition in various calculations. Little effort was expended on task 3, however, two reports were reviewed.

Source record↗

SigmaCLIPSE = presentation management + NASA CLI PS + SQL

SigmaCLIPSE provides an expert systems and 'intelligent' data base development program for diverse systems integration environments that require support for automated reasoning and expert systems technology, presentation management, and access to 'intelligent' SQL data bases. The SigmaCLIPSE technology and and its integrated ability to access 4th generation application development and decision support tools through a portable SQL interface, comprises a sophisticated software development environment for solving knowledge engineering and expert systems development problems in information intensive commercial environments -- financial services, health care, and distributed process control -- where the expert system must be extendable -- a major architectural advantage of NASA CLIPS. SigmaCLIPSE is a research effort intended to test the viability of merging SQL data bases with expert systems technology.

Weiss, Bernard P., Jr.↗

Multidisciplinary Optimization Branch Experience Using iSIGHT Software

The Multidisciplinary Optimization (MDO) Branch at NASA Langley is investigating frameworks for supporting multidisciplinary analysis and optimization research. A framework provides software and system services to integrate computational tasks and allows the researcher to concentrate more on the application and less on the programming details. A framework also provides a common working environment and a full range of optimization tools, and so increases the productivity of multidisciplinary research teams. Finally, a framework enables staff members to develop applications for use by disciplinary experts in other organizations. This year, the MDO Branch has gained experience with the iSIGHT framework. This paper describes experiences with four aerospace applications, including: (1) reusable launch vehicle sizing, (2) aerospike nozzle design, (3) low-noise rotorcraft trajectories, and (4) acoustic liner design. Brief overviews of each problem are provided, including the number and type of disciplinary codes and computation time estimates. In addition, the optimization methods, objective functions, design variables, and constraints are described for each problem. For each case, discussions on the advantages and disadvantages of using the iSIGHT framework are provided as well as notes on the ease of use of various advanced features and suggestions for areas of improvement.

Padula, S. L.↗