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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 703 records · Page 39

Predicting Unreinforced Fabric Mechanical Behavior with Recurrent Neural Networks

Unreinforced woven fabrics are widely employed in various high-performance applications, including parachute deployment systems, airbags, and ballistic armor. The analysis of such materials is inherently complex due to the multiscale structure of these materials, and the dependence of macroscale behavior on changes that occur at lower scales. Previously, NASA’s Multiscale Analysis Tool (NASMAT) showed its capability in predicting unreinforced fabric behavior at the macroscale by capturing finite rotations that occur at the mesoscale. Though effective, the tool can face high computational cost for large, complex problems, motivating the need for the development of a surrogate model that can capture the same behavior. A recurrent neural network (RNN) was developed and trained on virtual NASMAT data to mimic the physics-based solutions while improving the computational runtime. The architecture of the RNN to best simulate the fabric behavior was carefully crafted based on heuristic knowledge of predicting physics-based temporal data, manual hyperparameter case studies, and Hyperband optimization.. The resultant model was able to predict a variety of stress-strain curves for fabrics with different mesoscale geometries, and was further validated by comparing to experimental data for the K706 style Kevlar plain-weave fabric, demonstrating the ability of the model to effectively capture the geometric changes in the fabric without explicitly calculating them, as is done in NASMAT. Furthermore, the tool showed its ability to improve on the runtime by a factor of 10 for fabric solutions compared to the multiscale tool, which would further enable the simulation of complex loading scenarios on unreinforced fabrics.

Fabric↗

Vectorized Monte Carlo methods for reactor lattice analysis

Some of the new computational methods and equivalent mathematical representations of physics models used in the MCV code, a vectorized continuous-enery Monte Carlo code for use on the CYBER-205 computer are discussed. While the principal application of MCV is the neutronics analysis of repeating reactor lattices, the new methods used in MCV should be generally useful for vectorizing Monte Carlo for other applications. For background, a brief overview of the vector processing features of the CYBER-205 is included, followed by a discussion of the fundamentals of Monte Carlo vectorization. The physics models used in the MCV vectorized Monte Carlo code are then summarized. The new methods used in scattering analysis are presented along with details of several key, highly specialized computational routines. Finally, speedups relative to CDC-7600 scalar Monte Carlo are discussed.

Brown, F. B.↗

Dynamic response and input identification of MDOF structures subjected to coupled random vector inputs

A method of random dynamic analysis is presented which is based on the classical approach applied to a discretized structure. The method assumes that the system identification is available in the form of natural modes and frequencies. These modes and frequencies can be found from either available solutions or approximately from finite element programs. A computer program has been developed to perform the computations required in the analysis. All computations are performed with transformed modal variables, which results in significant economy since the number of modal degrees of freedom is almost always less than the number of physical degrees of freedom. The program computes the response to force and base inputs which are statistically coupled. A method is also presented for predicting one of the inputs if the second input and the acceleration response at a point on the structure are known. Finally, results are presented for the random response of a rectangular plate subjected to a random pressure and a random base input. The inputs are considered individually and with various degrees of statistical coupling.

Ocallahan, J. C.↗

Putting the 'super' in supercomputers

Computers used for numerical simulations of physical phenomena, e.g., flowfields, meteorology, structural analysis, etc., replace physical experiments that are too expensive or impossible to perform. The problems considered continually become increasingly more complex and thus demand faster processing times to do all necessary computations. The effects components technologies have on computer speed are leveling off, leaving new architectures and programming as the only currently viable means to upgrade speed. Parallel computations, either in the form of array processors, assembly line processing or multiprocessors are being explored using existing microprocessor technologies. Slower hardware configurations can also be made equivalent to faster supercomputers by economic programming. The availability of rudimentary parallel architecture supercomputers for general industrial use is increasing. Scientific applications continue to drive the development of more sophisticated parallel machines.

Schulbach, C.↗

NAMER: A FORTRAN 4 program for use in optimizing designs of two-level factorial experiments given partial prior information

Under certain specified conditions, the Bayes procedure for designing two-level fractional factorial experiments is that which maximizes the expected utility over all possible choices of parameter-estimator matchings, physical-design variable matchings, defining parameter groups, and sequences of telescoping groups. NAMER computes the utility of all possible matchings of physical variables to design variables and parameters to estimators for a specified choice of defining parameter group or groups. The matching yielding the maximum expected utility is indicated, and detailed information is provided about the optimal matchings and utilities. Complete documentation is given; and an example illustrates input, output, and usage.

Sidik, S. M.↗

High-temperature properties of gases

Computational chemistry is being applied at NASA Ames Research Center to a variety of problems in chemistry, physics, and materials sciences. Supercomputers and modern computational chemistry techniques have provided a powerful new tool to help fill NASA's continuing need for information about the properties of gases and materials as well as their interaction. For example, radiative transition probabilities, spectroscopic constants, bond dissociation energies, transport properties, and chemical reaction rates for molecules can be determined computationally just as reliably as by experiment. Recent results on the radiative transition probabilities of the strongly radiating systems of air species, based on state-of-the-art computational chemistry calculations, are presented and compared with experimental data.

Cooper, David M.↗

Requirements for a marine geoid compatible with geoid deducible from satellite altimetry

Theory deficiencies, data, and potential computational procedures that make the physical determination of the ocean geoid with true scale, shape, and absolute orientation of an elusive target are outlined. Satellite altimetry potential, in combination with adequate ground support and sea truth to resolve accurate global marine geoid and other peripheral benefits associated with ocean physics, are stated. Results are given in tabular form.

Fubara, D. M. J.↗

The current status of super computers

In this paper, commercially available super computers are surveyed. Computer performance in general is limited by circuit speeds and physical size. Assuming the use of the fastest technology, super computers typically use parallelism in the form of either vector processing or array processing to obtain performance. The Burroughs Scientific Processor is an array computer with 16 separate processors, the Cray-1 and CDC STAR-100 are vector processors, the Goodyear Aerospace STARAN is an array processor with up to 8192 single bit processors, and the Systems Development Corporation PEPE is a collection of up to 288 separate processors.

Knight, J. C.↗

Numerical simulation of supersonic inlets using a three-dimensional viscous flow analysis

A three-dimensional fully viscous computer analysis, which retains the viscous nature of the Navier-Stokes equations, was evaluated to determine its usefulness in the design of supersonic inlets. This procedure takes advantage of physical approximations to limit the high computer time and storage associated with complete Navier-Stokes solutions. Computed results are presented for a Mach 3.0 supersonic inlet with bleed and a Mach 7.4 hypersonic inlet. Good agreement was obtained between theory and data for both inlets. Results of a mesh sensitivity study are also shown.

Anderson, B. H.↗

Sensor/actuator failure detection and isolation for airbreathing propulsion systems

In this paper, the Generalized Likelihood Ratio (GLR) test is used to detect and isolate sensor and/or actuator failures when a digital computer simulation model of the physical system is available. The input to the GLR detector is an innovation sequence formed by subtracting the model outputs from the sensed outputs. Application of the GLR detector to the General Electric QCSEE turbofan engine demonstrates the utility of the proposed procedure.

Leininger, G. G.↗

Calculations of turbulent mass transport in a bluff-body diffusion-flame combustor

Experimental measurements of turbulent mass transit in a bluff-body diffusion-flame combustor (using CO2 instead of fuel) are analyzed to evaluate the accuracy of physical models used in flow computations. The data of Lightman and Magill (1981), Lightman et al. (1983), and Roquemore et al. (1983) are used to calculate apparent turbulent Schmidt numbers (TSN) for a series of flow conditions by a modified TEACH viscous-flow code. The modeling principles, calculation grid, and boundary conditions are discussed, and the results are presented in graphs comparing calculated and measured values. It is shown that models such as the two-equation (K - epsilon) model which use a single value of the TSN are inappropriate for conditions typical of gas-turbine combustors: local TSN variations due to turbulence behavior must be taken into account in improved models.

Sturgess, G. J.↗

Solution of three-dimensional time-dependent viscous flows

A procedure for solving three-dimensional, time-dependent turbulent flows is presented. The consistently split Linearized Block Implicit (LBI) scheme is used in conjunction with the QR Operator scheme to solve an approximate form of the Navier-Stokes equations in generalized nonorthogonal coordinates employing physical velocity components. Results of computations for both second order finite differences and the fourth order generalized Operator Compact Implicit (OCI) schemes are presented.

Weinberg, B. C.↗

Spacelab data analysis using the space plasma computer analysis network (SCAN) system

The Space-plasma Computer Analysis Network (SCAN) currently connects a large number of U.S. Spacelab investigators into a common computer network. Used primarily by plasma physics researchers at present, SCAN provides access to Spacelab investigators in other areas of space science, to Spacelab and non-Spacelab correlative data bases, and to large Class VI computational facilities for modeling. SCAN links computers together at remote institutions used by space researchers, utilizing commercially available software for computer-to-computer communications. Started by the NASA's Office of Space Science in mid 1980, SCAN presently contains ten system nodes located at major universities and space research laboratories, with fourteen new nodes projected for the near future. The Stanford University computer gateways allow SCAN users to connect onto the ARPANET and TELENET overseas networks.

Green, J. L.↗

Three-dimensional grids as solutions of elliptic systems

An elliptic grid generation scheme is described which produces a curvilinear, boundary-fitted grid for highly swept wings with sharp leading edges. The three-dimensional integration domain is segmented in successive crossflow sections wherein the physical coordinates are transformed to computational coordinates by solving an elliptic set of two quasi-linear differential equations. Grid points are clustered in the vicinity of the wing surface, especially in the neighborhood of the leading edges. The formulation of the source terms in the equations governing the transformation contains adjustable parameters which are determined from limiting forms of the elliptic equations along the boundaries. The source terms are assigned to each grid point by interpolation of these parameters into the interior domain. The formulation does not depend on the boundary shape or on the distribution of the grid points along the boundaries. For the first time, the discretized governing equations have been solved using a fast AF1 iteration scheme.

Hartwich, P.-M.↗

Factors which influence the development of a low-level jet and coastal cyclogenesis

Mesoscale model simulations were run to examine the mechanisms which generate a low-level jet (LLJ) and the sea-level pressure decrease (SLPD) associated with secondary cyclogenesis along the East Coast of the U.S. Data collected during the Presidents' Day cyclone of February 18-19, 1979 are reviewed, including the behavior of the LLJ preceding cyclogenesis. The simulations covered adiabatic conditions, the absence and presence of latent heating, and the inclusion of all physical parameters with and without computations of boundary layer phenomena, 60-km grid-scale precipitation, and convective precipitation. The results indicate that synergistic reactions among the LLJ, latent heat release, jet-induced circulation, and boundary layer processes are necessary to account for secondary cyclogenesis and the accompanying rapidly evolving mass, momentum and moisture fields.

Uccellini, Louis W.↗

Investigations into the shape-preserving interpolants using symbolic computation

Shape representation is a central issue in computer graphics and computer-aided geometric design. Many physical phenomena involve curves and surfaces that are monotone (in some directions) or are convex. The corresponding representation problem is given some monotone or convex data, and a monotone or convex interpolant is found. Standard interpolants need not be monotone or convex even though they may match monotone or convex data. Most of the methods of investigation of this problem involve the utilization of quadratic splines or Hermite polynomials. In this investigation, a similar approach is adopted. These methods require derivative information at the given data points. The key to the problem is the selection of the derivative values to be assigned to the given data points. Schemes for choosing derivatives were examined. Along the way, fitting given data points by a conic section has also been investigated as part of the effort to study shape-preserving quadratic splines.

Lam, Maria↗

NASA's program on icing research and technology

NASA's program in aircraft icing research and technology is reviewed. The program relies heavily on computer codes and modern applied physics technology in seeking icing solutions on a finer scale than those offered in earlier programs. Three major goals of this program are to offer new approaches to ice protection, to improve our ability to model the response of an aircraft to an icing encounter, and to provide improved techniques and facilities for ground and flight testing. This paper reviews the following program elements: (1) new approaches to ice protection; (2) numerical codes for deicer analysis; (3) measurement and prediction of ice accretion and its effect on aircraft and aircraft components; (4) special wind tunnel test techniques for rotorcraft icing; (5) improvements of icing wind tunnels and research aircraft; (6) ground de-icing fluids used in winter operation; (7) fundamental studies in icing; and (8) droplet sizing instruments for icing clouds.

Reinmann, John J.↗

NASA's program on icing research and technology

NASA's program in aircraft icing research and technology is reviewed. The program relies heavily on computer codes and modern applied physics technology in seeking icing solutions on a finer scale than those offered in earlier programs. Three major goals of this program are to offer new approaches to ice protection, to improve the ability to model the response of an aircraft to an icing encounter, and to provide improved techniques and facilities for ground and flight testing. The following program elements are reviewed: (1) new approaches to ice protection; (2) numerical codes for deicer analysis; (3) measurement and prediction of ice accretion and its effect on aircraft and aircraft components; (4) special wind tunnel test techniques for rotorcraft icing; (5) improvements of icing wind tunnels and research aircraft; (6) ground de-icing fluids used in winter operation; (7) fundamental studies in icing; and (8) droplet sizing instruments for icing clouds.

Reinmann, John J.↗