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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 667 records · Page 37

Simulation of Internal Combustion Engines with High-Performance Computing Tools

Traditional Lagrangian spray modeling approaches for internal combustion engines are highly griddependent due to insufficient resolution in the near nozzle region. This is primarily because of inherent restrictions of volume fraction with the Lagrangian assumption together with high computational costs associated with small grid sizes. A state-of-the-art grid-convergent spray modeling approach was developed and implemented by Senecal et al. (ASME-ICEF2012-92043) in the CONVERGE software. The key features of the methodology include Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR), advanced liquid-gas momentum coupling, and improved distribution of the liquid phase, which enables use of cell sizes smaller than the nozzle diameter. This modeling approach was rigorously validated against nonevaporating, evaporating, and reacting data from the literature. The current numerical study focusses on further demonstration of the grid-convergent modeling approach for simulating a single-cylinder Cat® compression ignition engine. The simulated injector is characterized with a nominal nozzle exit diameter of 259 μm. Simulations using various minimum grid sizes (ranging from 125 μm to 1000 μm) are compared for engine performance and emissions parameters of interest such as pressure, heat release rate, ignition delay, NOx, HC, and soot emissions. The peak cell-count for the highest resolution simulation was on the order of 34 million. These computationally expensive simulations were facilitated at a high-performance computing facility at Argonne National Laboratory. METIS load-balancing algorithm was developed and implemented in Converge code for the simulations. Scaling studies were also performed. The validity of previously recommended grid settings (ASME-ICEF2012-92043) for accuracy/runtime trade-off is further assessed. Efficacy of a simplified combustion model is also compared against a detailed chemical kinetics based combustion model.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

A land-surface testbed for EOSDIS

We propose to develop an on-line data distribution and interactive display system for the collection, archival, distribution and analysis of operational weather satellite data for applications in land surface studies. A 1,000 sq km scene of the western U.S. (centered on the Colorado Rockies) will be extracted from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) imagery collected from morning and afternoon passes of the NOAA polar-orbiters at the direct readout stations operated by CU/CCAR. All five channels of these AVHRR data will be navigated and map registered at CU/CCAR and then be transferred to NCAR for storage in an on-line data system. Software will also be available at NCAR to process and navigate the raw AVHRR data as needed. A display workstation software, based on a Macintosh II computer, will be developed that will display and further process the AVHRR data for studies of vegetation monitoring and snowpack assessment. Various options of presently used techniques for both vegetation and snowpack monitoring will be implemented in the workstation software to provide the individual investigator with the freedom to interact with the satellite image data. The display software will be freely distributed online to interested investigators and the AVHRR data will be made available on-line to anyone interested. In addition, potential users will be sought out and connected to the on-line data archive. This experiment with an active on-line archive and interactive analysis systems will provide experience with a small scale EOSDIS.

Emery, William↗

MOLNs: A Cloud Platform for Interactive, Reproducible, and Scalable Spatial Stochastic Computational Experiments in Systems Biology Using PyURDME

Computational experiments using spatial stochastic simulations have led to important new biological insights, but they require specialized tools and a complex software stack, as well as large and scalable compute and data analysis resources due to the large computational cost associated with Monte Carlo computational workflows. The complexity of setting up and managing a large-scale distributed computation environment to support productive and reproducible modeling can be prohibitive for practitioners in systems biology. This results in a barrier to the adoption of spatial stochastic simulation tools, effectively limiting the type of biological questions addressed by quantitative modeling. In this paper, we present PyURDME, a new, user-friendly spatial modeling and simulation package, and MOLNs, a cloud computing appliance for distributed simulation of stochastic reaction-diffusion models. In conclusion, MOLNs is based on IPython and provides an interactive programming platform for development of sharable and reproducible distributed parallel computational experiments.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

An Advanced Network and distributed Storage Laboratory (ANDSL) for Data Intensive Science (Final Report)

The original intent of this project was to build and operate an Advanced Network and Distributed Storage Laboratory (ANDSL) for Data Intensive Science that will prepare the Open Science Grid (OSG) community for a new generation of wide area communication capabilities operating at a 100Gb rate. The plan was to engage a team of four dedicated scientists that will design, develop and operate a state of the art laboratory that will be fully integrated into the organizational and operational infrastructure of the OSG. The ANDSL was planned to include host-based hardware and software required to profile, emulate and study real-life distributed storage workloads at rates of 100 Gbps. The laboratory was designed to utilize the Department Of Energy’s Advanced Network Initiative (ANI) 100GbTestbed as connections to the fabric become available so that OSG stakeholders can use it to profile real-life data intensive science applications as well as experiment with advanced storage and data management technologies. The goal of the original program of work was to close the adoption gap, decreasing the time between availability of production 100Gbps links and the end-to-end use of such a network to enable scientific discovery.

100Gb networks↗

A differentiable simulation package for performing inference of synchrotron-radiation-based diagnostics

The direction of particle accelerator development is ever-increasing beam quality, currents and repetition rates. This poses a challenge to traditional diagnostics that directly intercept the beam due to the mutual destruction of both the beam and the diagnostic. An alternative approach is to infer beam parameters non-invasively from the synchrotron radiation emitted in bending magnets. However, inferring the beam distribution from a measured radiation pattern is a complex and computationally expensive task. To address this challenge we present SYRIPY ( SYnchrotron Radiation In PYthon ), a software package intended as a tool for performing inference of synchrotron-radiation-based diagnostics. SYRIPY has been developed using PyTorch , which makes it both differentiable and able to leverage the high performance of GPUs, two vital characteristics for performing statistical inference. The package consists of three modules: a particle tracker, Lienard–Wiechert solver and Fourier optics propagator, allowing start-to-end simulation of synchrotron radiation detection to be carried out. SYRIPY has been benchmarked against SRW , the prevalent numerical package in the field, showing good agreement and up to a 50× speed improvement. Finally, we have demonstrated how SYRIPY can be used to perform Bayesian inference of beam parameters using stochastic variational inference.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Transportability, distributability and rehosting experience with a kernel operating system interface set

For the past two years, PRC has been transporting and installing a software engineering environment framework, the Automated Product control Environment (APCE), at a number of PRC and government sites on a variety of different hardware. The APCE was designed using a layered architecture which is based on a standardized set of interfaces to host system services. This interface set called the APCE Interface Set (AIS), was designed to support many of the same goals as the Common Ada Programming Support Environment (APSE) Interface Set (CAIS). The APCE was developed to provide support for the full software lifecycle. Specific requirements of the APCE design included: automation of labor intensive administrative and logistical tasks: freedom for project team members to use existing tools: maximum transportability for APCE programs, interoperability of APCE database data, and distributability of both processes and data: and maximum performance on a wide variety of operating systems. A brief description is given of the APCE and AIS, a comparison of the AIS and CAIS both in terms of functionality and of philosophy and approach and a presentation of PRC's experience in rehosting AIS and transporting APCE programs and project data. Conclusions are drawn from this experience with respect to both the CAIS efforts and Space Station plans.

Blumberg, F. C.↗

Implementation of a High-Speed FPGA and DSP Based FFT Processor for Improving Strain Demodulation Performance in a Fiber-Optic-Based Sensing System

NASA's Aviation Safety and Security Program is pursuing research in on-board Structural Health Management (SHM) technologies for purposes of reducing or eliminating aircraft accidents due to system and component failures. Under this program, NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is developing a strain-based structural health-monitoring concept that incorporates a fiber optic-based measuring system for acquiring strain values. This fiber optic-based measuring system provides for the distribution of thousands of strain sensors embedded in a network of fiber optic cables. The resolution of strain value at each discrete sensor point requires a computationally demanding data reduction software process that, when hosted on a conventional processor, is not suitable for near real-time measurement. This report describes the development and integration of an alternative computing environment using dedicated computing hardware for performing the data reduction. Performance comparison between the existing and the hardware-based system is presented.

Farley, Douglas L.↗

IsoMatchMS : Open-Source Software for Automated Annotation and Visualization of High Resolution MALDI-MS Spectra

Due to its speed, accuracy, and adaptability to various sample types, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) has become a popular method to identify molecular isotope profiles from biological samples. Often MALDI-MS data do not include tandem MS fragmentation data, and thus the identification of compounds in samples requires external databases so that the accurate mass of detected signals can be matched to known molecular compounds. Most relevant MALDI-MS software tools developed to confirm compound identifications are focused on small molecules (e.g., metabolites, lipids) and cannot be easily adapted to protein data due to their more complex isotopic distributions. Here, we present an R package called IsoMatchMS for the automated annotation of MALDI-MS data for multiple datatypes: intact proteins, peptides, and glycans. This tool accepts already derived molecular formulas or, for proteomics applications, can derive molecular formulas from a list of input peptides or proteins including proteins with post-translational modifications. In conclusion, visualization of all matched isotopic profiles is provided in a highly accessible HTML format called a trelliscope display, which allows users to filter and sort by several parameters such as match scores and the number of peaks matched. IsoMatchMS simplifies the annotation and visualization of MALDI-MS data for downstream analyses.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Das ist der HAMMER: consistent new physics interpretations of semileptonic decays

Abstract Precise measurements of $$b\rightarrow c\tau \bar{\nu }$$ b → c τ ν ¯ decays require large resource-intensive Monte Carlo (MC) samples, which incorporate detailed simulations of detector responses and physics backgrounds. Extracted parameters may be highly sensitive to the underlying theoretical models used in the MC generation. Because new physics (NP) can alter decay distributions and acceptances, the standard practice of fitting NP Wilson coefficients to SM-based measurements of the $$R(D^{(*)})$$ R ( D ( ∗ ) ) ratios can be biased. The newly developed software tool enables efficient reweighting of MC samples to arbitrary NP scenarios or to any hadronic matrix elements. We demonstrate how allows avoidance of biases through self-consistent fits directly to the NP Wilson coefficients. We also present example analyses that demonstrate the sizeable biases that can otherwise occur from naive NP interpretations of SM-based measurements. The library is presently interfaced with several existing experimental analysis frameworks and we provide an overview of its structure.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

AGGREGATE: dAta-driven modelinG preservinG contRollable dEr for outaGe mAnagemenT and rEsiliency (Report for Task 14: Model Verification/Validation Test Plan (Deliverable D10))

This report summarizes the technical progress and validation plan for each of AGGREGATE project modules, and integrated modules. The overall validation plan can be divided into two major parts. Firstly, it provides offline validation results of each module using the IEEE-123 node distribution system with certain modifications to support individual module results verification. The offline validation plan tentatively validated the usability and practicability of developed AGGREGATE tools. Secondly, the realworld test system - Seattle City Light (SCL) test feeder for verifying each module and the integrated modules using GE advanced distribution management system (ADMS) software.

42 ENGINEERING↗

NASA space power system automation

Investigations were conducted with the objective to identify technology issues in automating space power systems, rank critical technology needs, and recommend technology objectives. It was found that automation can offer significant benefits to space power systems. Automation, or even autonomy, may become an absolute requirement for system implementation. Automation of large power systems will be achieved through evolution. It is pointed out that 'systems engineering' or more specifically, 'automation systems engineering' must be strongly emphasized and done early in the development process. System control can be centralized, distributed or a combination of the two. An important requirement for automation implementation is related to the availability of qualified hardware and software components.

Wagnon, F. W.↗

Computers in Aerospace Conference, 5th, Long Beach, CA, October 21-23, 1985, Technical Papers

Among the topics discussed are: access control models for a distributed CAIS-conforming system; a knowledge-based advisory system for casualty procedures; and automated interactive simulation modeling system. Consideration is also given to: reusable software concepts and software development methodologies; the electronic device aspects of neutral network memories; an expert system for automated satellite anomaly resolution; and the use of automatic programming techniques for fault-tolerant computing systems. Among additional topics discussed are: systems approaches to software fault tolerance; a Space Shuttle navigation validation system; and a vision-based road following system for an autonomous land vehicle.

Source record↗

Development of a graphical display on the DMS test bed

The DMS test bed is a model of a data network aboard space station. Users of the network share data relevant to the functional status of various systems aboard the station. Users may inquire the status of myriad sensors, obtaining reading of station subsystem status in real time via the Data Acquisition and Distribution Service. A graphical display of the status of a simulation of the Environmental Control and Life Support System was developed. Two broad issues were addressed: (1) flexible, extensible software design; and (2) the impact of utilizing standard processors, languages, and graphics packages implementing the software design concept. The experience gained with DEC hardware, the DEC implementation of the GKS graphics standard, and with Ada is summarized.

Donnelly, Robert A.↗

A support architecture for reliable distributed computing systems

The Clouds project is well underway to its goal of building a unified distributed operating system supporting the object model. The operating system design uses the object concept of structuring software at all levels of the system. The basic operating system was developed and work is under progress to build a usable system.

Dasgupta, Partha↗

So ware-Defined Network Solutions for Science Scenarios: Performance Testing Framework and Measurements

High-performance scientific work flows utilize supercomputers, scientific instruments, and large storage systems. Their executions require fast setup of a small number of dedicated network connections across the geographically distributed facility sites. We present Software-Defined Network (SDN) solutions consisting of site daemons that use dpctl, Floodlight, ONOS, or OpenDaylight controllers to set up these connections. The development of these SDN solutions could be quite disruptive to the infrastructure, while requiring a close coordination among multiple sites; in addition, the large number of possible controller and device combinations to investigate could make the infrastructure unavailable to regular users for extended periods of time. In response, we develop a Virtual Science Network Environment (VSNE) using virtual machines, Mininet, and custom scripts that support the development, testing, and evaluation of SDN solutions, without the constraints and expenses of multi-site physical infrastructures; furthermore, the chosen solutions can be directly transferred to production deployments. By complementing VSNE with a physical testbed, we conduct targeted performance tests of various SDN solutions to help choose the best candidates. In addition, we propose a switching response method to assess the setup times and throughput performances of different SDN solutions, and present experimental results that show their advantages and limitations.

Settlemyer, Bradley↗

Incorporation of Thermal Hydraulic Models for Thermal Power Dispatch into a PWR Power Plant Simulator

This report describes the development, modeling, and results of a generic pressurized water reactor power plant simulator that incorporates coupled electrical and thermal power dispatch to an industrial process located approximately one kilometer from the nuclear power plant. The simulator is a commercial PWR simulator that has been modified to include thermal power dispatch as described in past milestone reports [ , ]. The commercial PWR simulator is a generic simulator available from GSE SYSTEMS® (Sykesville, MD, USA) that is built using RELAP5-HDTM Real-Time Solution and in-house software developed by GSE Systems. This generic PWR (GPWR) simulator performs real-time simulation of the complete power plant from the reactor neutronics to the electricity generation and distribution. All primary, secondary, and auxiliary systems are modeled including all control logic in order to provide the most accurate representation of actual nuclear power plant (NPP) operation, and the simulator results have been rigorously verified by an actual NPP operating at approximately 1 GWe. This report is a continuation of worked performed in previous years, and supplemental information from previous reports is included in the appendix for reference.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Software Quality Metrics for Geant4: An Initial Assessment - Paper 122

In the context of critical applications, such as shielding and radiation protection, ensuring the quality of simulation software they depend on is of utmost importance. The assessment of simulation software quality is crucial both to determine its adoption in experimental applications and to guarantee reproducibility of outcome over time. Geant4 is a simulation system used in a wide range of experimental applications, some of which, such as radiation protection and biomedical studies, may involve critical use cases and would especially profit from an objective assessment of the software quality. In this study, we present the first results from an ongoing analysis of Geant4 code based on established software metrics from the perspective of software engineering. The analysis evaluates the current status of the code to quantify its characteristics with respect to documented quality standards; further appraisals concern evolutions over a series of release distributions. The quantitative assessment of the software is initially focused on a subset of Geant4 packages, which play a key role in scientific applications and are representative of different software development processes. We describe the chosen software metrics that map the entities of a software system to numeric values through mathematical definitions, quantifying software attributes ranging from functionality to maintainability. To measure such metrics, we exploited a set of software metrics tools, i.e. programs that implement a set of software metrics definitions. They allow software engineers to assess a software system by extracting the required attributes from the software and providing the corresponding metric values. To correlate software metrics values in a well-defined way, we used software quality standard models, such as the ISO/IEC 9126 standard, which aggregate numerical values to aid quality analysis and assessment. With this work we aim to create a baseline for evaluating correlations between software quality embedded in the Geant4 development process and simulation observables produced by Geant4-based applications. Furthermore, we intend to highlight what metrics are most effective at evaluating radiation transport software quality. We are confident that the result will provide constructive guidance both to improve key software tools, such as Geant4, and to estimate their contribution in risk analysis concerning sensitive applications. The remainder of this paper is structured as follows. We first discuss the approach adopted to fulfil our assessment. Then, we present the setup of our experiments and the way we collected data. We provide an initial interpretation of a subset of data resulting from measurements made on the selected Geant4 packages. As the analysis is still ongoing at the time of submitting this abstract, some results will be documented in the final paper and in the conference presentation. With this work we aim to create a proper Geant4 data set for evaluating its software characteristics and identifying both strengths and weaknesses. In this initial study, we considered the geometry and processes packages, which play a major role in most simulation applications. The data analysis is in progress at the time of writing; its complexity is related to the differences among software metrics tools, to the large amount of data to be evaluated and to the pioneering character of this project. We are confident that the results will provide valuable indications for the Geant4 user community and constructive guidance to improve key Geant4 packages. Other Monte Carlo codes could profit from the methodology developed in this pilot project for similar assessments of their software quality. At the end of this study, we intend to create a baseline for evaluating correlations between software quality embedded in the Geant4 development process and simulation observables produced by Geant4-based applications. (authors)

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗