Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “calibration methods”

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 703 records · Page 39

A precise in situ calibration of the RHIC H-Jet polarimeter

Two new methods of calibration of the hydrogen jet target polarimeter (H-Jet) at RHIC are discussed. First method is based on the measurement of low amplitude signal time of fast particles penetrating through detector. The second, geometry based, method employs correlation between z-coordinate of the recoil proton and its kinetic energy. Both methods can be used for in situ calibration of the H-Jet polarimeter. These two methods are compared with a traditional calibration of the H-Jet which uses α-sources.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

A portable and monoenergetic 24 keV neutron source based on 124Sb-9Be photoneutrons and an iron filter

A portable monoenergetic 24 keV neutron source based on the 124Sb-9Be photoneutron reaction and an iron filter has been constructed and characterized. The coincidence of the neutron energy from SbBe and the low interaction cross-section with iron (mean free path up to 29 cm) makes pure iron specially suited to shield against gamma rays from 124Sb decays while letting through the neutrons. To increase the 124Sb activity and thus the neutron flux, a >1 GBq 124Sb source was produced by irradiating a natural Sb metal pellet with a high flux of thermal neutrons in a nuclear reactor. The design of the source shielding structure makes for easy transportation and deployment. A hydrogen gas proportional counter is used to characterize the neutrons emitted by the source and a NaI detector is used for gamma background characterization. At the exit opening of the neutron beam, the characterization determined the neutron flux in the energy range 20–25 keV to be 6.00±0.30 neutrons per cm2 per second and the total gamma flux to be 245±8 gammas per cm2 per second (numbers scaled to 1 GBq activity of the 124Sb source). A liquid scintillator detector is demonstrated to be sensitive to neutrons with incident kinetic energies from 8 to 17 keV, so it can be paired with the source as a backing detector for neutron scattering calibration experiments. This photoneutron source provides a good tool for in-situ low energy nuclear recoil calibration for dark matter experiments and coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering experiments.

Dark Matter detectors (WIMPs, axions, etc.)↗

Method for the Absolute Calibration of the Location and Orientation of Large-Format Detectors Using Laser Radar

A method of mapping pixel locations of a detector array includes measuring a location on the detector array, initiating a frame readout of the detector array, measuring a location of one or more metrology targets on the detector array, analyzing the frame readout to identify a pixel at the location on the detector array, and defining a location of the identified pixel with respect to the location of the one or more metrology targets. Subsequent measurement of the metrology targets alone by another metrology system allows one to infer the six degree of freedom alignment of the detector array in space.

Coulter, Phillip↗

Calibration of the AVHRR visible and near-IR bands by atmospheric scattering, ocean glint and desert reflection

A method for calibrating satellite sensors (such as the AVHRR visible and NIR bands) is proposed by which the sensors are calibrated using well-known physical characteristics of the atmosphere, ocean, and deserts, as well as the digital satellite imagery. The approach, independent of ground support, used the following three phenomena: molecular scattering over the ocean for absolute visible band calibration; ocean glint, to transfer the calibration from the visible band to the NIR band; and desert reflectance to monitor, independently, the stability of the visible and NIR bands. The method was applied to NOAA-7, -9, and -11 sensors. The results of the ocean and the desert calibration methods were found to differ in the brightness range and the spectral response of the radiance source (molecular scattering over the ocean versus the desert reflectance).

Kaufman, Y. J.↗

Residual Gas Analyzer Calibration

A technique which employs known gas mixtures to calibrate the residual gas analyzer (RGA) is described. The mass spectra from the RGA are recorded for each gas mixture. This mass spectra data and the mixture composition data each form a matrix. From the two matrices the calibration matrix may be computed. The matrix mathematics requires the number of calibration gas mixtures be equal to or greater than the number of gases included in the calibration. This technique was evaluated using a mathematical model of an RGA to generate the mass spectra. This model included shot noise errors in the mass spectra. Errors in the gas concentrations were also included in the valuation. The effects of these errors was studied by varying their magnitudes and comparing the resulting calibrations. Several methods of evaluating an actual calibration are presented. The effects of the number of gases in then, the composition of the calibration mixture, and the number of mixtures used are discussed.

R H Lilienkamp↗

The Landsat-D/Global Positioning System experiment

The paper presents data requirements, tests, and operational procedures to validate the receiver/processor assembly (R/PA) data to the 150 meter level and to calibrate the full capability of the R/PA to the 10 meter level for the Landsat-D/Global Positioning System experiment. Current work includes designing the software for the validation and calibration processes, determining the best methods of calibration using the Ground Space Tracking Data Network (GSTDN), and determining the tracking schedule for GSTDN data to obtain best orbital accuracy.

Wooden, W. H., II↗

Advancing earth system model calibration: a diffusion-based method

Understanding of climate impact on ecosystems globally requires site-specific model calibration. Here we introduce a novel diffusion-based uncertainty quantification (DBUQ) method for efficient model calibration. DBUQ is a score-based diffusion model that leverages Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the score function and evaluates a simple neural network to quickly generate samples for approximating parameter posterior distributions. DBUQ is stable, efficient, and can effectively calibrate the model given diverse observations, thereby enabling rapid and site-specific model calibration on a global scale. This capability significantly advances Earth system modeling and our understanding of climate impacts on Earth systems. We demonstrate DBUQ's capability in E3SM land model calibration at the Missouri Ozark AmeriFlux forest site. Both synthetic and real-data applications indicate that DBUQ produces accurate parameter posterior distributions similar to those generated by Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling but with 30X less computing time. This efficiency marks a significant stride in model calibration, paving the way for more effective and timely climate impact analyses.

Liu, Yanfang↗

Hierarchical calibration and validation framework of bench-scale computational fluid dynamics simulations for solvent-based carbon capture. Part 2: Chemical absorption across a wetted wall column: Original Research Article: Hierarchical calibration and validation framework of bench-scale computational fluid dynamics simulations

Part 1 of this paper presents a numerical model for non-reactive physical mass transfer across a wetted wall column (WWC). In Part 2, we improved the existing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to simulate chemical absorption occurring in a WWC as a bench-scale study of solvent-based carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture. In this study, to generate data for WWC model validation, CO 2 mass transfer across a monoethanolamine (MEA) solvent was first measured on a WWC experimental apparatus. The numerical model developed in this work can account for both chemical absorption and desorption of CO 2 in MEA. In addition, the overall mass transfer coefficient predicted using traditional/empirical correlations is conducted and compared with CFD prediction results for both steady and wavy falling films. A Bayesian statistical calibration algorithm is adopted to calibrate the reaction rate constants in chemical absorption/desorption of CO 2 across a falling film of MEA. The posterior distributions of the two transport properties, i.e., Henry's constant and gas diffusivity in the non-reacting nitrous oxide (N 2 O)/MEA system obtained from Part 1 of this study, serves as priors for the calibration of CO 2 reaction rate constants after using the N 2 O/CO 2 analogy method. Finally, the calibrated model can be used to predict the CO 2 mass transfer in a WWC for a wider range of operating conditions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Effect of Thin-Film Adhesives on Mode I Interlaminar Fracture Toughness in Carbon Fiber Composites with Shape Memory Alloy Inserts

A single sheet of NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) was introduced within a unidirectional HexPly® 8552/IM7 (Hexcel®) polymer matrix composite (PMC) panel in conjunction with multiple thin-film adhesives to promote the interfacial bond strength between the SMA and PMC. A double cantilever beam (DCB) test was performed in accordance with the ASTM D5528 method for evaluation of Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of unidirectional fiber-reinforced PMCs. The modal acoustic emissions (MAEs) were monitored during testing with two acoustic sensors attached to the specimens. The composite panels were subjected to a C-scan before testing and examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques after part failure. The data were used in conjunction with modified beam theory (MBT), the compliance calibration (CC) method, and the modified compliance calibration (MCC) method. The Mode I interlaminar toughness (G(sub IC)) values for control specimens were higher than previously reported and are attributed to extensive fiber bridging during testing. The presence of adhesives with SMA inserts stabilized crack propagation during DCB testing. The results reveal a new phenomenon of SMA bridging, whereby crack propagation would switch from one side of the SMA insert to the other, thus increasing the load and G(sub IC) values of specimens containing SMA.

shape memory alloys↗

A new method for monitoring long term calibration of the SBUV and TOMS instruments

A new method has been developed to monitor the long-term calibration of the Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SBUV) and Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) instruments. It is based on the fact that the radiance in one channel can be expressed as a linear sum of the radiances in neighboring channels. Using simulated radiances for the SBUV and TOMS instruments, various scenarios of changes in instrument calibration are investigated. Results from sample processing of SBUV data are also presented.

Ahmad, Z.↗

Digital Calibration of TR Modules for Real-time Digital Beamforming SweepSAR Architectures

Real-time digital beamforming, combined with lightweight, large aperture reflectors, enable SweepSAR architectures such as that of the proposed DESDynI [Deformation, Ecosystem Structure, and Dynamics of Ice] SAR [Synthetic Aperture Radar] Instrument (or DSI). These new instrument concepts require new methods for calibrating the multiple channels, which must be combined on-board, in real-time. The calibration of current state-of-the-art Electronically Steered Arrays typically involves pre-flight TR (Transmit/Receive) module characterization over temperature, and in-flight correction based on temperature, which ignores the effects of element aging and drifts unrelated to temperature. We are developing new methods for digitally calibrating digital beamforming arrays to reduce development time, risk and cost of precision calibrated TR modules for array architectures by accurately tracking modules' characteristics through closed-loop Digital Calibration, thus tracking systematic changes regardless of temperature. The benefit of this effort is that it would enable a new class of lightweight radar architecture, Digital Beamforming with SweepSAR, providing significantly larger swath coverage than conventional SAR architectures for solid earth and biomass remote sensing, while reducing mission mass and cost. This new instrument concept requires new methods for calibrating the multiple channels, which must be combined on-board, in real-time.

Real-time digital beamforming↗

GOME wavelength calibration using solar and atmospheric spectra

Spectral information in the global ozone monitoring experiment (GOME) solar irradiance spectra and GOME earth radiance spectra are used in conjunction with the GOME solar reference spectrum to provide absolute vacuum internal wavelength calibration for GOME. Two methods for wavelength calibration of GOME data are investigated. The first employs chi-square minimization of a merit function involving wavelength and the GOME slit function. It is quite robust and requires little GOME data in the processing (calibration window regions from 15 to 40 pixels). The second employs cross correlation of GOME data and the solar reference spectrum in the Fourier transform domain, using a procedure in the image reduction and analysis facility (IRAF) software system developed for the determination of galaxy redshifts. It also requires small amounts of GOME data (calibration window regions with from 10 to 15 pixels). Both methods provide absolute wavelength calibration accurate to a small fraction of a GOME pixel across the entire GOME spectrum, and to 0.001 nm over much of the range.

Caspar, C.↗

Optics-Only Calibration of a Neural-Net Based Optical NDE Method for Structural Health Monitoring

A calibration process is presented that uses optical measurements alone to calibrate a neural-net based NDE method. The method itself detects small changes in the vibration mode shapes of structures. The optics-only calibration process confirms previous work that the sensitivity to vibration-amplitude changes can be as small as 10 nanometers. A more practical value in an NDE service laboratory is shown to be 50 nanometers. Both model-generated and experimental calibrations are demonstrated using two implementations of the calibration technique. The implementations are based on previously published demonstrations of the NDE method and an alternative calibration procedure that depends on comparing neural-net and point sensor measurements. The optics-only calibration method, unlike the alternative method, does not require modifications of the structure being tested or the creation of calibration objects. The calibration process can be used to test improvements in the NDE process and to develop a vibration-mode-independence of damagedetection sensitivity. The calibration effort was intended to support NASA s objective to promote safety in the operations of ground test facilities or aviation safety, in general, by allowing the detection of the gradual onset of structural changes and damage.

Decker, Arthur J.↗

Background rejection in NEXT using deep neural networks

Here, we investigate the potential of using deep learning techniques to reject background events in searches for neutrinoless double beta decay with high pressure xenon time projection chambers capable of detailed track reconstruction. The differences in the topological signatures of background and signal events can be learned by deep neural networks via training over many thousands of events. These networks can then be used to classify further events as signal or background, providing an additional background rejection factor at an acceptable loss of efficiency. The networks trained in this study performed better than previous methods developed based on the use of the same topological signatures by a factor of 1.2 to 1.6, and there is potential for further improvement.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

GEANT4 parameter tuning using Professor

The GEANT4 toolkit is used extensively in high energy physics to simulate the passage of particles through matter and to predict effects such as detector efficiencies and smearing. GEANT4 uses many underlying models to predict particle interaction kinematics, and uncertainty in these models leads to uncertainty in high energy physics measurements. The GEANT4 collaboration recently made free parameters in some models accessible through partnership with GEANT4 developers. We present a study of the impact of varying parameters in three GEANT4 hadronic physics models on agreement with thin target datasets and describe fits to these datasets using the Professor model tuning framework [1]. We find that varying parameters produces substantially better agreement with some datasets, but that more degrees of freedom are required for full agreement. This work is a first step towards a common framework for propagating uncertainties in GEANT4 models to high energy physics measurements, and we outline future work required to complete that goal.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Normalizing flows for domain adaptation when identifying Λ hyperon events

Here this study focuses on the application of a normalizing flow as a method of domain adaptation when classifying physics data. Normalizing flows offer a way to transform data points between two different distributions. The present study investigates a novel method of transforming latent representations of physics data to a normal distribution and then to a physics distribution again. The final distribution models a simulated distribution. After being transformed, the data can be classified by a neural network trained on labeled simulation data. The present study succeeds in training two normalizing flows that can transform between data (or simulation) and a Gaussian distribution.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Radiometer Calibration and Characterization (RCC) User's Manual: Windows Version 4.0

The Radiometer Calibration and Characterization (RCC) software is a data acquisition and data archival system for performing Broadband Outdoor Radiometer Calibrations (BORCAL). RCC provides a unique method of calibrating broadband atmospheric longwave and solar shortwave radiometers using techniques that reduce measurement uncertainty and better characterize a radiometer's response profile. The RCC software automatically monitors and controls many of the components that contribute to uncertainty in an instrument's responsivity. This is a user's manual and guide to the RCC software.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗