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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 721 records · Page 40
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Computer program for calculating flow parameters and power requirements for cryogenic wind tunnels

A computer program has been written that performs the flow parameter calculations for cryogenic wind tunnels which use nitrogen as a test gas. The flow parameters calculated include static pressure, static temperature, compressibility factor, ratio of specific heats, dynamic viscosity, total and static density, velocity, dynamic pressure, mass-flow rate, and Reynolds number. Simplifying assumptions have been made so that the calculations of Reynolds number, as well as the other flow parameters can be made on relatively small desktop digital computers. The program, which also includes various power calculations, has been developed to the point where it has become a very useful tool for the users and possible future designers of fan-driven continuous-flow cryogenic wind tunnels.

Dress, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Concurrent processing simulation of the space station

The development of a new capability for the time-domain simulation of multibody dynamic systems and its application to the study of a large angle rotational maneuvers of the Space Station is described. The effort was divided into three sequential tasks, which required significant advancements of the state-of-the art to accomplish. These were: (1) the development of an explicit mathematical model via symbol manipulation of a flexible, multibody dynamic system; (2) the development of a methodology for balancing the computational load of an explicit mathematical model for concurrent processing; and (3) the implementation and successful simulation of the above on a prototype Custom Architectured Parallel Processing System (CAPPS) containing eight processors. The throughput rate achieved by the CAPPS operating at only 70 percent efficiency, was 3.9 times greater than that obtained sequentially by the IBM 3090 supercomputer simulating the same problem. More significantly, analysis of the results leads to the conclusion that the relative cost effectiveness of concurrent vs. sequential digital computation will grow substantially as the computational load is increased. This is a welcomed development in an era when very complex and cumbersome mathematical models of large space vehicles must be used as substitutes for full scale testing which has become impractical.

Gluck, R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Drag bias feedback for the analytic drag control entry guidance system

The Analytic Drag Control (ADC) entry guidance has been developed and baselined for the space shuttle orbiter entry. A method is presented which corrects the orbiter entry guidance commanded bank angle for biases between navigated drag and guidance computed reference drag. This is accomplished by an integral feedback technique, which uses the drag bias information to adjust the difference between navigated and reference altitude rate used by the ADC guidance. The method improves the capability of the ADC guidance system by compensating for any error source which causes a bias between the navigated drag and reference drag profile. These errors include navigated altitude rate errors, atmosphere dispersions, and roll attitude deadband effects. A discussion of the method and results of digital computer entry simulations is presented.

Kyle, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Implementation of an advanced table look-up classifier for large area land-use classification

Software employing Eppler's improved table look-up approach to pattern recognition has been developed, and results from this software are presented. The look-up table for each class is a computer representation of a hyperellipsoid in four dimensional space. During implementation of the software Eppler's look-up procedure was modified to include multiple ranges in order to accommodate hollow regions in the ellipsoids. In a typical ERTS classification run less than 6000 36-bit computer words were required to store tables for 24 classes. Classification results from the improved table look-up are identical with those produced by the conventional method, i.e., by calculation of the maximum likelihood decision rule at the moment of classification. With the new look-up approach an entire ERTS MSS frame can be classified into 24 classes in 1.3 hours, compared to 22.5 hours required by the conventional method. The new software is coded completely in FORTRAN to facilitate transfer to other digital computers.

Jones, C.↗
NASA NTRS1972

An integrated radiation physics computer code system.

An integrated computer code system for the semi-automatic and rapid analysis of experimental and analytic problems in gamma photon and fast neutron radiation physics is presented. Such problems as the design of optimum radiation shields and radioisotope power source configurations may be studied. The system codes allow for the unfolding of complex neutron and gamma photon experimental spectra. Monte Carlo and analytic techniques are used for the theoretical prediction of radiation transport. The system includes a multichannel pulse-height analyzer scintillation and semiconductor spectrometer coupled to an on-line digital computer with appropriate peripheral equipment. The system is geometry generalized as well as self-contained with respect to material nuclear cross sections and the determination of the spectrometer response functions. Input data may be either analytic or experimental.

Steyn, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Comparison of some approximations for isotropic turbulence.

Study of several related turbulence approximations with regard to dynamical properties and agreement of numerical predictions with laboratory and computer experiments. The approximations considered include the direct-interaction equations (Kraichnan, 1964), Herring's (1966) self-consistent-field theory, a generalization of Edwards' (1964) theory, the abridged Lagrangian-history, direct-interaction approximation (Kraichnan, 1966), the test-field model (Kraichnan, 1971), and an approximation, not previously described, in which one velocity field passively suffers convection by another. Most of the cited approximations are representable by stochastic model equations for the velocity amplitude. Explicit constructions are given for the stochastic models, in a form that can be approximated on a digital computer. These constructions are used to discuss the physical and mathematical differences between the model dynamics and actual Navier-Stokes dynamics.-

Herring, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

A computer program for Moessbauer data processing

A computer program to analyze Mossbauer data is presented in detail. The least-squares curve fitting techniques described apply to single line spectra, single hyperfine spectra, or when the constituent spectra are separated well enough to let the individual absorption peaks stand alone. The present program is not adapted for complex spectra resulting from the existence of several local environments in the absorber iron alloy. Sample problems are presented to aid the user in setting up and running the program. The program is written in FORTRAN 4 language for the Control Data 6000 series digital computer with the SCOPE 3.0 operating system and requires approximately 115,000 octal locations of core storage. A typical case with one absorption peak runs in 20 seconds, and a typical problem with six absorption peaks requires 50 seconds.

Howser, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Monte Carlo investigation of transient acoustic fields in partially or completely bounded medium

A simple repetitive calculation was used to investigate what happens to the field in terms of the signal paths of disturbances originating from the energy source. The computation allowed the field to be reconstructed as a function of space and time on a statistical basis. The suggested Monte Carlo method is in response to the need for a numerical method to supplement analytical methods of solution which are only valid when the boundaries have simple shapes, rather than for a medium that is bounded. For the analysis, a suitable model was created from which was developed an algorithm for the estimation of acoustic pressure variations in the region under investigation. The validity of the technique was demonstrated by analysis of simple physical models with the aid of a digital computer. The Monte Carlo method is applicable to a medium which is homogeneous and is enclosed by either rectangular or curved boundaries.

Thanedar, B. D.↗
DOE OSTI2025

FIRE: A Failure-Adaptive RL Framework for Edge Computing Migrations

In edge computing, users' service profiles are migrated between edge servers due to user mobility. Reinforcement Learning (RL) frameworks have been proposed to do so, often trained on simulated data. However, existing RL frameworks overlook occasional server failures, which although rare, impact latency-sensitive applications like AR/VR and real- time obstacle detection. These rare failures, being not adequately represented in historical training data, pose a challenge for data-driven RL algorithms. We introduce FIRE, a framework that adapts to rare events by training a RL policy in an edge computing digital twin environment. We propose FIRE-ImRE, an importance sampling-based Q-learning algorithm, which samples rare events proportionally to their impact on the value function. FIRE considers delay, migration, failure, and backup placement costs across individual and shared service profiles. We prove FIRE-ImRE's boundedness and convergence to optimality. Next, we introduce novel deep Q-learning (FIRE-ImDQL) and actor critic (FIRE-ImACRE) versions of our algorithm to enhance scalability. Here, we extend our framework to accommodate users with varying risk tolerances of rare failure events. Through trace-driven experiments, we show that FIRE reduces edge computing costs compared to vanilla RL and the greedy baseline in the event of failures.

Edge computing↗
NASA NTRS1975

Design and simulation of a descent controller for strategic four-dimensional aircraft navigation

A time-controlled navigation system applicable to the descent phase of flight for airline transport aircraft was developed and simulated. The design incorporates the linear discrete-time sampled-data version of the linearized continuous-time system describing the aircraft's aerodynamics. Using optimal linear quadratic control techniques, an optimal deterministic control regulator which is implementable on an airborne computer is designed. The navigation controller assists the pilot in complying with assigned times of arrival along a four-dimensional flight path in the presence of wind disturbances. The strategic air traffic control concept is also described, followed by the design of a strategic control descent path. A strategy for determining possible times of arrival at specified waypoints along the descent path and for generating the corresponding route-time profiles that are within the performance capabilities of the aircraft is presented. Using a mathematical model of the Boeing 707-320B aircraft along with a Boeing 707 cockpit simulator interfaced with an Adage AGT-30 digital computer, a real-time simulation of the complete aircraft aerodynamics was achieved. The strategic four-dimensional navigation controller for longitudinal dynamics was tested on the nonlinear aircraft model in the presence of 15, 30, and 45 knot head-winds. The results indicate that the controller preserved the desired accuracy and precision of a time-controlled aircraft navigation system.

Lax, F. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

In the soft-to-hard technical spectrum: Where is software engineering?

In the computer journals and tabloids, there have been a plethora of articles written about the software engineering field. But while advocates of the need for an engineering approach to software development, it is impressive how many authors have treated the subject of software engineering without adequately addressing the fundamentals of what engineering as a discipline consists of. A discussion is presented of the various related facets of this issue in a logical framework to advance the thesis that the software development process is necessarily an engineering process. The purpose is to examine more of the details of the issue of whether or not the design and development of software for digital computer processing systems should be both viewed and treated as a legitimate field of professional engineering. Also, the type of academic and professional level education programs that would be required to support a software engineering discipline is examined.

Leibfried, Theodore F.↗
NASA NTRS2007

My Rewarding Summer Research Experience at NASA

My summer research experience at the Kennedy Space Center has been a truly rewarding one. As an electrical engineering student at the University of South Florida, I was blessed with a beneficial opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in my career, and also apply it through working at NASA. One of my inspirations in becoming an engineer is to work at NASA someday, and I was very excited and honored to have this opportunity. My goal in this internship was to strengthen my preparation in becoming an engineer by learning new material, acquiring skills by practicing what I learned, and discovering the expectations of engineering work at NASA. Through this summer research, I was able to learn new computer programs and perform various tasks that gave me experience and skills as an engineer. My primary job was to conduct work on the Constellation Test article, which is a simulation model of the Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) tanking system. This is a prototype of a launch facility and an Ares I Vehicle, which God willing will transport astronauts to the moon. Construction of the CLV is in progress and a test launch is anticipated for 2010. Moreover, the Test Article serves as a demonstration too, training test bed, and may be expanded for new simulation of launch system elements, which could be applied to real life operations. The test article is operated and run by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), which is a digital computer that is used to control all forms of machinery such as those in manufacturing buildings and other industries. PLCs are different than other computers because of the physical protection they have against damaging environmental conditions that would destroy other computers. Also, PLCs are equipped with lots of input and output connections that allow extensive amounts of commands to be executed, which would normally require many computers to do. Therefore, PLCs are small, rugged, and extremely powerful tools that may continue to be employed at NASA. Furthermore, in order to conduct productive work on the Test Article, I needed to learn the computer program called RS Logics 5000.

Aviles, Andres↗
NASA NTRS1976

Stimulation of a turbofan engine for evaluation of multivariable optimal control concepts

The development of control systems for jet engines requires a real-time computer simulation. The simulation provides an effective tool for evaluating control concepts and problem areas prior to actual engine testing. The development and use of a real-time simulation of the Pratt and Whitney F100-PW100 turbofan engine is described. The simulation was used in a multi-variable optimal controls research program using linear quadratic regulator theory. The simulation is used to generate linear engine models at selected operating points and evaluate the control algorithm. To reduce the complexity of the design, it is desirable to reduce the order of the linear model. A technique to reduce the order of the model; is discussed. Selected results between high and low order models are compared. The LQR control algorithms can be programmed on digital computer. This computer will control the engine simulation over the desired flight envelope.

Seldner, K.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Computational fluid dynamics applied to flows in an internal combustion engine

The reported investigation is a continuation of studies conducted by Diwakar et al. (1976) and Griffin et al. (1976), who reported the first computational fluid dynamic results for the two-dimensional flowfield for all four strokes of a reciprocating internal combustion (IC) engine cycle. An analysis of rectangular and cylindrical three-dimensional engine models is performed. The working fluid is assumed to be inviscid air of constant specific heats. Calculations are carried out of a four-stroke IC engine flowfield wherein detailed finite-rate chemical combustion of a gasoline-air mixture is included. The calculations remain basically inviscid, except that in some instances thermal conduction is included to allow a more realistic model of the localized sparking of the mixture. All the results of the investigation are obtained by means of an explicity time-dependent finite-difference technique, using a high-speed digital computer.

Griffin, M. D.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Analog Systems for Edge Optimization

Over the past decade, analog computing has the subject of substantial research interest providing a path toward improved computational efficiency in the post-Dennard era. Analog matrix vector multiplication (MVM) accelerators provide a popular approach given the ubiquity of MVM operations in numerous applications. However, historically analog computing systems can struggle with applications requiring high precision due to the inherent susceptibility of these systems to analog non-idealities. Therefore, prior work on analog systems has focused either on applications known to be tolerant of limited precision (e.g., neural network inference), or using expensive techniques to emulate high-precision using many analog MVM operations. In this work, we propose an alternative approach. Motivated by recent advances in inexact nonlinear solvers and optimizers, we explore the potential of co-designing optimization algorithms which can take full advantage of the fundamentally inexact analog MVM operations. To enable these co-designed algorithms we also develop a general mathematical theory of the precision and energy efficiency of analog operations, and a new system architecture for tightly-coupled analog and digital computation. Finally, we examine the applicability of analog computing to a wider class of symmetric positive definite systems and find potential in using analog operations as a sparse approximate inverse preconditioner. With these core innovations, this project provides a path toward effectively implementing optimization algorithms on power-constrained autonomous and semi-autonomous systems.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS2016

Comparison of Quantum Mechanical and Empirical Potential Energy Surfaces and Computed Rate Coefficients for N2 Dissociation

Physics-based modeling of hypersonic flows is predicated on the availability of chemical reaction rate coefficients and cross sections for the collisional processes. This approach has been built around the use of quantum mechanical calculations to describe the interaction between the colliding particles. In this approach a potential energy surface (PES) is computed by solving the electronic Schrödinger equation and collision cross sections are determined for that PES using classical, semiclassical or quantum mechanical scattering methods. The rate coefficients are computed by integrating the thermally weighted cross sections. State-to-state rate coefficients are determined by only integrating over a thermal distribution of collisional energies. Finally, thermal rate coefficients are determined by summation of the state-to-state rate coefficients for reactions of molecules in all relevant ro-vibrational energy levels. If the flow is in thermal non-equilibrium, the translational, vibrational and rotational energy modes can be represented in different ways: three unique temperatures can be used to describe the distributions, the populations of individual ro-vibrational energy levels can be determined by solving the Master Equation, or through the use of direct simulation in particle-based Monte Carlo sampling. The PES-to-rate coefficient approach had been proposed and attempted in the early days of digital computing, but it is only in the last 15 years that computer hardware and software have been up to the task of calculating accurate interatomic and intermolecular potentials.

Jaffe, Richard L.↗
NASA NTRS1972

A computer program for the calculation of laminar and turbulent boundary layer flows

The results are presented of a study to produce a computer program to calculate laminar and turbulent boundary layer flows. The program is capable of calculating the following types of flow: (1) incompressible or compressible, (2) two dimensional or axisymmetric, and (3) flows with significant transverse curvature. Also, the program can handle a large variety of boundary conditions, such as blowing or suction, arbitrary temperature distributions and arbitrary wall heat fluxes. The program has been specialized to the calculation of equilibrium air flows and all of the thermodynamic and transport properties used are for air. For the turbulent transport properties, the eddy viscosity approach has been used. Although the eddy viscosity models are semi-empirical, the model employed in the program has corrections for pressure gradients, suction and blowing and compressibility. The basic method of approach is to put the equations of motion into a finite difference form and then solve them by use of a digital computer. The program is written in FORTRAN 4 and requires small amounts of computer time on most scientific machines. For example, most laminar flows can be calculated in less than one minute of machine time, while turbulent flows usually require three or four minutes.

Dwyer, H. A.↗
NASA NTRS1967

Computer program samples digital data for CRT display

High volume, multichannel data reduction computer program permits selection of the rates at which digital data is sampled. The program, written in FORTRAN 4 source language, also permits accessibility to the original mass of data.

Day, D. J.↗