Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “custom software”

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 685 records · Page 38

TPSAS-NF1676L-32060-DND

All previous PSP testing done in the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT) have required a significant amount of manual operation of the system. This has resulted in decreased testing efficiency and precluded the ability to provide near real-time data analysis to the customer. The overall goal of this project is to integrate the PSP data acquisition system into the supersonic UPWT data acquisition system (DAS) and create an adaptive software platform from which PSP data acquisition can be triggered by the tunnel and critical testing conditions can be recorded in real time for rapid analysis of the PSP data. This analysis includes the mapping of up to eight camera views onto a surface grid for analysis and converting to pressure using parameters supplied by the DAS. To fully implement this solution, communication must first be established between the Unitary DAS and the PSP DAS. This will be done by employing multiple scripts written in Python and C++ and implemented on a Linux cluster. These will be demonstrated and refined on an upcoming test (December 2018), and the successful completion will result in the ability to have automatic collection of PSP images and near real-time analysis capabilities.

Juliette Eddins↗

GPS Multipath Emulation using Software Generated Signals

Depending on the environment, multipath can be one of the largest error sources contributing to degradation in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) (e.g., GPS) performance. Currently, open-source tools for simulating GPS signals are available and can be used in the testing and evaluation of GPS receiver equipment. These tools can generate GPS signals that, when used by a GPS receiver, result in computation of a position solution that was pre-determined at the time of signal generation. This work utilizes a custom version of the open-source GPS-SDR-SIM to produce emulated multipath GPS signals. A proof of concept was prototyped and demonstrated using this modified version of GPS-SDR-SIM to produce GPS as well as multipath signals. The generated data was processed using a software defined GPS receiver (GNSS-SDR) and it was found that the introduction of simulated multipath signals successfully produced the expected characteristics of a composite multipath signal in simulation.

GPS↗

GPS Multipath Emulation using Software Generated Signals

Depending on the environment, multipath can be one of the largest error sources contributing to degradation in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) (e.g., GPS) performance. Currently, open-source tools for simulating GPS signals are available and can be used in the testing and evaluation of GPS receiver equipment. These tools can generate GPS signals that, when used by a GPS receiver, result in computation of a position solution that was pre-determined at the time of signal generation. This work utilizes a custom version of the open-source GPS-SDR-SIM to produce emulated multipath GPS signals. A proof of concept was prototyped and demonstrated using this modified version of GPS-SDR-SIM to produce GPS as well as multipath signals. The generated data was processed using a software defined GPS receiver (GNSS-SDR) and it was found that the introduction of simulated multipath signals successfully produced the expected characteristics of a composite multipath signal in simulation.

GPS↗

External Data and Attribute Hyperlink Programs for Promis*e(Registered Trademark)

External Data and Attribute Hyperlink are computer programs that can be added to Promis*e(trademark) which is a commercial software system that automates routine tasks in the design (including drawing schematic diagrams) of electrical control systems. The programs were developed under the Stennis Space Center's (SSC) Dual Use Technology Development Program to provide capabilities for SSC's BMCS configuration management system which uses Promis*e(trademark). The External Data program enables the storage and management of information in an external database linked to a drawing. Changes can be made either in the database or on the drawing. Information that originates outside Promis*e(trademark) can be stored in custom fields that can be added to the database. Although this information is not available in Promis*e(trademark) printed drawings, it can be associated with symbols in the drawings, and can be retrieved through the drawings when the software is running. The Attribute Hyperlink program enables the addition of hyperlink information as attributes of symbols. This program enables the formation of a direct hyperlink between a schematic diagram and an Internet site or a file on a compact disk, on the user's hard drive, or on another computer on a network to which the user's computer is connected. The user can then obtain information directly related to the part (e.g., maintenance, or troubleshooting information) associated with the hyperlink.

Derengowski, Rich↗

Utilizing AI in Temporal, Spatial, and Resource Scheduling

Aurora is a software system enabling the rapid, easy solution of complex scheduling problems involving spatial and temporal constraints among operations and scarce resources (such as equipment, workspace, and human experts). Although developed for use in the International Space Station Processing Facility, Aurora is flexible enough that it can be easily customized for application to other scheduling domains and adapted as the requirements change or become more precisely known over time. Aurora s scheduling module utilizes artificial-intelligence (AI) techniques to make scheduling decisions on the basis of domain knowledge, including knowledge of constraints and their relative importance, interdependencies among operations, and possibly frequent changes in governing schedule requirements. Unlike many other scheduling software systems, Aurora focuses on resource requirements and temporal scheduling in combination. For example, Aurora can accommodate a domain requirement to schedule two subsequent operations to locations adjacent to a shared resource. The graphical interface allows the user to quickly visualize the schedule and perform changes reflecting additional knowledge or alterations in the situation. For example, the user might drag the activity corresponding to the start of operations to reflect a late delivery.

Stottler, Richard↗

DSO+T: Valuation Methodology and Economic Metrics (DSO+T Study: Volume 4)

This report summarizes a rigorous valuation analysis methodology used by the Distribution System Operator with Transactive (DSO+T) study to estimate the financial benefits and costs of adopting Transactive Energy coordination of distributed energy resources for key stakeholders (for example distribution system operators and customers). This was achieved by modeling the value exchanges between stakeholders and determining the annualized costs and revenues experienced by stakeholders, enabling the evaluation of overall impact on stakeholder’s annualized cash flow. Extensive work was conducted developing methods to estimate the operating costs of distribution system operators at a level of granularity that would allow the financial impact of implementing a transactive energy approach to be estimated. This work included developing parametric models for labor and software costs, distribution system capital and maintenance costs, growth rates, and factors to determine annualized costs of capital investments. Simulation results were used to calculate wholesale energy costs and revenues from retail sales. Valuation analysis methods were also developed for other stakeholders including customers, the transmission system operator, independent system operator, and generators. The resulting capability allows a complete mapping of the flow of financial value between stakeholders that can be directly integrated with the results of demand flexibility simulations. Example results are provided for a business-as-usual case and compared to a transactive energy case as well as to actual cost data.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Using CASE to Exploit Process Modeling in Technology Transfer

A successful business will be one that has processes in place to run that business. Creating processes, reengineering processes, and continually improving processes can be accomplished through extensive modeling. Casewise(R) Corporate Modeler(TM) CASE is a computer aided software engineering tool that will enable the Technology Transfer Department (TT) at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to capture these abilities. After successful implementation of CASE, it could then go on to be applied in other departments at MSFC and other centers at NASA. The success of a business process is dependent upon the players working as a team and continuously improving the process. A good process fosters customer satisfaction as well as internal satisfaction in the organizational infrastructure. CASE provides a method for business process success through functions consisting of systems and processes business models; specialized diagrams; matrix management; simulation; report generation and publishing; and, linking, importing, and exporting documents and files. The software has an underlying repository or database to support these functions. The Casewise. manual informs us that dynamics modeling is a technique used in business design and analysis. Feedback is used as a tool for the end users and generates different ways of dealing with the process. Feedback on this project resulted from collection of issues through a systems analyst interface approach of interviews with process coordinators and Technical Points of Contact (TPOCs).

Renz-Olar, Cheryl↗

Exascale-Enabled Models and Algorithms for Microelectronics Applications (MicroEleX) v1

The MicroEleX code package contains a variety of models and algorithms for physical modeling of microelectronic circuitry, including electrostatics, electrodynamics, superconducting physics, micromagnetics, multi-ferroic systems, and quantum transport. MicroEleX leverages the AMReX software framework to provide scalability on GPU-based supercomputing architectures. The code is open source and designed to be algorithmically flexible so developers can incorporate enhanced or customized physics.

Nonaka, Andy↗

Real-time Object Bounding in LiDAR Data With Computer Vision

The Multimodal Measurement System is a roadside radiation measurement testbed used to detect radiation sources in passing vehicles. It works by combining sensor signals from various modalities to produce a thorough scan of the source. A LiDAR sensor is used to measure the dimensions of the vehicle and provide a velocity estimate. However, the current LiDAR setup uses propriety software for which the source code is unavailable and cannot be updated to improve performance. Therefore, it is imperative to the accuracy of the analysis to create a custom vehicle detection that can return the dimensions and velocity of passing vehicles in real time. This new custom detection is written in C++ using the PointCloud Library, which keeps it lightweight. It also utilizes Docker and the Robot Operating System, which allows the versatility of running both on a small computer or the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory cluster while utilizing different models of LiDAR sensors. The custom detection outperforms the current detection model, which increases the accuracy of radiation source detection.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Alaska SAR processor implementation of E-ERS-1

The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data processing algorithm used by the Alaska SAR Facility (ASF) for the European Space Agency's first Remote-Sensing Satellite (E-ERS-1) SAR data are examined. Preprocessing highlights two features: signal measurement, which includes signal-to-noise ratio, replica measurement, and noise measurement; and Doppler measurement, which includes clutter lock and autofocus. The custom pipeline architecture performs the main processing with controls at the input interface, range correlator, corner-turn memory, azimuth correlator, and multi-look memory. The control software employs a flexible control scheme. The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) format encapsulates the ASF products. System performance for SAR image processing of E-ERS-1 data is reviewed.

Cuddy, David↗

A Software Platform for Post-Processing Waveform-Based NDE

Ultrasonic, microwave, and terahertz nondestructive evaluation imaging systems generally require the acquisition of waveforms at each scan point to form an image. For such systems, signal and image processing methods are commonly needed to extract information from the waves and improve resolution of, and highlight, defects in the image. Since some similarity exists for all waveform-based NDE methods, it would seem a common software platform containing multiple signal and image processing techniques to process the waveforms and images makes sense where multiple techniques, scientists, engineers, and organizations are involved. This presentation describes NASA Glenn Research Center's approach in developing a common software platform for processing waveform-based NDE signals and images. This platform is currently in use at NASA Glenn and at Lockheed Martin Michoud Assembly Facility for processing of pulsed terahertz and ultrasonic data. Highlights of the software operation will be given. A case study will be shown for use with terahertz data. The authors also request scientists and engineers who are interested in sharing customized signal and image processing algorithms to contribute to this effort by letting the authors code up and include these algorithms in future releases.

Roth, Donald J.↗

Pratt and Whitney Overview and Advanced Health Management Program

Hardware Development Activity: Design and Test Custom Multi-layer Circuit Boards for use in the Fault Emulation Unit; Logic design performed using VHDL; Layout power system for lab hardware; Work lab issues with software developers and software testers; Interface with Engine Systems personnel with performance of Engine hardware components; Perform off nominal testing with new engine hardware.

Inabinett, Calvin↗

Integrated Main Propulsion System Performance Reconstruction Process/Models

The Integrated Main Propulsion System (MPS) Performance Reconstruction process provides the MPS post-flight data files needed for postflight reporting to the project integration management and key customers to verify flight performance. This process/model was used as the baseline for the currently ongoing Space Launch System (SLS) work. The process utilizes several methodologies, including multiple software programs, to model integrated propulsion system performance through space shuttle ascent. It is used to evaluate integrated propulsion systems, including propellant tanks, feed systems, rocket engine, and pressurization systems performance throughout ascent based on flight pressure and temperature data. The latest revision incorporates new methods based on main engine power balance model updates to model higher mixture ratio operation at lower engine power levels.

Lopez, Eduardo↗

Creating a Prototype Web Application for Spacecraft Real-Time Data Visualization on Mobile Devices

Mobile devices (smart phones, tablets) have become commonplace among almost all sectors of the workforce, especially in the technical and scientific communities. These devices provide individuals the ability to be constantly connected to any area of interest they may have, whenever and wherever they are located. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) is attempting to take advantage of this constant connectivity to extend the data visualization component of the Payload Operations and Integration Center (POIC) to a person's mobile device. POIC users currently have a rather unique capability to create custom user interfaces in order to view International Space Station (ISS) payload health and status telemetry. These displays are used at various console positions within the POIC. The Software Engineering team has created a Mobile Display capability that will allow authenticated users to view the same displays created for the console positions on the mobile device of their choice. Utilizing modern technologies including ASP.net, JavaScript, and HTML5, we have created a web application that renders the user's displays in any modern desktop or mobile web browser, regardless of the operating system on the device. Additionally, the application is device aware which enables it to render its configuration and selection menus with themes that correspond to the particular device. The Mobile Display application uses a communication mechanism known as signalR to push updates to the web client. This communication mechanism automatically detects the best communication protocol between the client and server and also manages disconnections and reconnections of the client to the server. One benefit of this application is that the user can monitor important telemetry even while away from their console position. If expanded to the scientific community, this application would allow a scientist to view a snapshot of the state of their particular experiment at any time or place. Because the web application renders the displays that can currently be created with the POIC ground system, the user can tailor their displays for a particular device using tools that they are already trained to use.

Lang, Jeremy S.↗

RouteE: A Vehicle Energy Consumption Prediction Engine

The emergence of connected and automated vehicles and smart cities technologies create the opportunity for new mobility modes and routing decision tools, among many others. To achieve maximum mobility and minimum energy consumption, it is critical to understand the energy cost of decisions and optimize accordingly. The Route Energy prediction model (RouteE) enables accurate estimation of energy consumption for a variety of vehicle types over trips or sub-trips where detailed drive cycle data are unavailable. Applications include vehicle route selection, energy accounting and optimization in transportation simulation, and corridor energy analyses, among others. The software is a Python package that includes a variety of pre-trained models from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). However, RouteE also enables users to train custom models using their own data sets, making it a robust and valuable tool for both fast calculations and rigorous, data-rich research efforts. The pre-trained RouteE models are established using NREL's Future Automotive Systems Technology Simulator paired with approximately 1 million miles of drive cycle data from the Transportation Secure Data Center, resulting in energy consumption behavior estimates over a representative sample of driving conditions for the United States. Validations have been performed using on-road fuel consumption data for conventional and electrified vehicle powertrains. Transferring the results of the on-road validation to a larger set of real-world origin-destination pairs, it is estimated that implementing the present methodology in a green-routing application would accurately select the route that consumes the least fuel 90% of the time. The novel machine learning techniques used in RouteE make it a flexible and robust tool for a variety of transportation applications.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

CASIS Fact Sheet: Hardware and Facilities

Vencore is a proven information solutions, engineering, and analytics company that helps our customers solve their most complex challenges. For more than 40 years, we have designed, developed and delivered mission-critical solutions as our customers' trusted partner. The Engineering Services Contract, or ESC, provides engineering and design services to the NASA organizations engaged in development of new technologies at the Kennedy Space Center. Vencore is the ESC prime contractor, with teammates that include Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies, Sierra Lobo, Nelson Engineering, EASi, and Craig Technologies. The Vencore team designs and develops systems and equipment to be used for the processing of space launch vehicles, spacecraft, and payloads. We perform flight systems engineering for spaceflight hardware and software; develop technologies that serve NASA's mission requirements and operations needs for the future. Our Flight Payload Support (FPS) team at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) provides engineering, development, and certification services as well as payload integration and management services to NASA and commercial customers. Our main objective is to assist principal investigators (PIs) integrate their science experiments into payload hardware for research aboard the International Space Station (ISS), commercial spacecraft, suborbital vehicles, parabolic flight aircrafts, and ground-based studies. Vencore's FPS team is AS9100 certified and a recognized implementation partner for the Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS

Solomon, Michael R.↗

Field Programmable Gate Arrays for Enhancing the Speed and Energy Efficiency of Quantum Dynamics Simulations

We present the first application of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) as new, customizable hardware architectures for carrying out fast and energy-efficient quantum dynamics simulations of large chemical/material systems. Instead of tailoring the software to fixed hardware, which is the typical case for writing quantum chemistry code for central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs), FPGAs allow us to directly customize the underlying hardware (even at the level of specific electrical signals in the circuit) to give a truly optimized computational performance for quantum dynamics calculations. By offloading the most intensive and repetitive calculations onto an FPGA, we show that the computational performance of our real-time electron dynamics calculations can even exceed that of optimized commercial mathematical libraries running on high-performance GPUs. In addition to this impressive computational speedup, we show that FPGAs are immensely energy-efficient and consume 4 times less energy than modern GPU or CPU architectures. These energy savings are a practical and important metric for supercomputing centers (many of which exceed over $1 million in power costs alone), as exascale computing capabilities become more widespread and commonplace. Taken together, the implementation techniques and performance metrics of our study demonstrate that FPGAs could play a promising role in upcoming quantum chemistry and materials science applications, particularly for the acceleration and energy-efficient execution of quantum dynamics calculations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗