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At least 739 records · Page 41

Time domain desensitized specific optimal system design

A digital computer algorithm for desensitized specific optimal system design for general time-invariant nonlinear systems is presented. The algorithm utilizes a technique of partitioning and uncoupling of the original specific closed-loop system state and sensitivity equations into linear, nonlinear, and control subsystems. Results of the application of the algorithm in the design of a Saturn V Launch Vehicle analog attitude control system and an LST image motion compensation digital controller are given.

Henson, T. F.↗

Methods and systems for providing reconfigurable and recoverable computing resources

A method for optimizing the use of digital computing resources to achieve reliability and availability of the computing resources is disclosed. The method comprises providing one or more processors with a recovery mechanism, the one or more processors executing one or more applications. A determination is made whether the one or more processors needs to be reconfigured. A rapid recovery is employed to reconfigure the one or more processors when needed. A computing system that provides reconfigurable and recoverable computing resources is also disclosed. The system comprises one or more processors with a recovery mechanism, with the one or more processors configured to execute a first application, and an additional processor configured to execute a second application different than the first application. The additional processor is reconfigurable with rapid recovery such that the additional processor can execute the first application when one of the one more processors fails.

Stange, Kent↗

A Linear Programming Approach to Backtracking for Single-Axis Trackers on Rolling Terrain

In this article, we present a computationally efficient method for determining optimal backtracking rotations for single-axis solar trackers on nonuniform terrain. The method allows for ganged tracking, mechanical rotation constraints, uneven row spacing, and arbitrary maximum allowable shaded fractions (to enable “fractional backtracking”). As with previous 2-D approaches, the method is suitable for terrain that varies in the transverse direction with respect to the rotation axis of the trackers. The novelty of the method lies in formulating the problem of shade avoidance as a linear problem, which is achieved by using the row interception width as the optimization variable instead of rotation angles. Formulating backtracking as a linear problem enables the use of extremely efficient linear programming algorithms, making the method highly scalable, requiring less than 1 min to compute optimal rotation schedules for hundreds of trackers. It also produces more effective backtracking rotations, reducing the frequency of shading by 4× and improving system energy output by 1%–2%.

Optimization↗

Validation of a computer code for analysis of subsonic aerodynamic performance of wings with flaps in combination with a canard or horizontal tail and an application to optimization

Extensive correlations of computer code results with experimental data are employed to illustrate the use of a linearized theory, attached flow method for the estimation and optimization of the longitudinal aerodynamic performance of wing-canard and wing-horizontal tail configurations which may employ simple hinged flap systems. Use of an attached flow method is based on the premise that high levels of aerodynamic efficiency require a flow that is as nearly attached as circumstances permit. The results indicate that linearized theory, attached flow, computer code methods (modified to include estimated attainable leading-edge thrust and an approximate representation of vortex forces) provide a rational basis for the estimation and optimization of aerodynamic performance at subsonic speeds below the drag rise Mach number. Generally, good prediction of aerodynamic performance, as measured by the suction parameter, can be expected for near optimum combinations of canard or horizontal tail incidence and leading- and trailing-edge flap deflections at a given lift coefficient (conditions which tend to produce a predominantly attached flow).

Carlson, Harry W.↗

Bayesian optimization for inverse calibration of expensive computer models: A case study for Johnson-Cook model in machining

Inverse model calibration for identifying the constitutive model parameters can be computationally demanding for expensive-to-evaluate simulation models. Here, this paper presents a modified Bayesian optimization (BO) method, denoted as BO-bound, that incorporates theoretical bounds on the quantity of interest. A case study for the inverse calibration of the Johnson Cook (J-C) flow stress model parameters is presented using machining (cutting) force data. The results show fast calibration of the five J-C parameters within 25 simulations. In general, the BO-bound method is applicable for inverse calibration of any expensive simulation models as well as optimization problems with known bounds.

Bayesian optimization↗

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) Methods: Their Synergy with Computer Technology in Design Process

The paper identifies speed, agility, human interface, generation of sensitivity information, task decomposition, and data transmission (including storage) as important attributes for a computer environment to have in order to support engineering design effectively. It is argued that when examined in terms of these attributes the presently available environment can be shown to be inadequate a radical improvement is needed, and it may be achieved by combining new methods that have recently emerged from multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) with massively parallel processing computer technology. The caveat is that, for successful use of that technology in engineering computing, new paradigms for computing will have to be developed - specifically, innovative algorithms that are intrinsically parallel so that their performance scales up linearly with the number of processors. It may be speculated that the idea of simulating a complex behavior by interaction of a large number of very simple models may be an inspiration for the above algorithms, the cellular automata are an example. Because of the long lead time needed to develop and mature new paradigms, development should be now, even though the widespread availability of massively parallel processing is still a few years away.

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, Jaroslaw↗

Time scale analysis of a closed-loop discrete optimal control system

A two-time scale discrete control system is considered. The closed-loop optimal linear quadratic (LQ) regulator for the system requires the solution of a full-order algebraic matrix Riccati equation. Alternatively, the original system is decomposed into reduced-order slow and fast subsystems. The closed-loop optimal control of the subsystems requires the solution of two algebraic matrix Riccati equations of order lower than that required for the full-order system. A composite, closed-loop suboptimal control is created from the sum of the slow and fast feedback optimal controls. Numerical results obtained for an aircraft model show a very close agreement between the exact (optimal) solutions and computationally simpler composite (suboptimal) solutions. The main advantage of the method is the considerable reduction in the overall computational requirements for the closed-loop optimal control of digital flight systems.

Naidu, D. S.↗

Eigensensitivity in integrated design

An application of eigensensitivity analysis to the control-structure integrated design process is presented with an emphasis placed on computational efficiency improvement of the overall design optimization process. The computational efficiency of eigenvalue/vector sensitivity analysis is demonstrated using the Earth Pointing Satellite in the context of a control-structure integrated design program. Results for a 2 percent design variable perturbation with and without the effects of the actuator mass show a 42 and 52 percent reduction in CPU time, respectively.

Kenny, Sean P.↗

Machine Learning-Assisted Distribution System Network Reconfiguration Problem

High penetration from volatile renewable energy resources in the grid and the varying nature of loads raise the need for frequent line switching to ensure the efficient operation of electrical distribution networks. Operators must ensure maximum load delivery, reduced losses, and the operation between voltage limits. However, computations to decide the optimal feeder configuration are often computationally expensive and intractable, making it unfavorable for real-time operations. This is mainly due to the existence of binary variables in the network reconfiguration optimization problem. To tackle this issue, we have devised an approach that leverages machine learning techniques to reshape distribution networks featuring multiple substations. This involves predicting the substation responsible for serving each part of the network. Hence, it leaves simple and more tractable Optimal Power Flow problems to be solved. This method can produce accurate results in a significantly faster time, as demonstrated using the IEEE 37-bus distribution feeder. Compared to the traditional optimization-based approaches, a feasible solution is achieved approximately ten times faster for all the tested scenarios.

deep neural networks↗

Perspective: Reproducible Coherence Characterization of Superconducting Quantum Devices

As the field of superconducting quantum computing approaches maturity, optimization of single-device performance is proving to be a promising avenue towards large-scale quantum computers. However, this optimization is possible only if performance metrics can be accurately compared among measurements, devices, and laboratories. Currently such comparisons are inaccurate or impossible due to understudied errors from a plethora of sources. In this Perspective, we outline the current state of error analysis for qubits and resonators in superconducting quantum circuits, and discuss what future investigations are required before superconducting quantum device optimization can be realized.

McRae, Corey H.↗

Evolutionary Optimization of a Geometrically Refined Truss

Structural optimization is a field of research that has experienced noteworthy growth for many years. Researchers in this area have developed optimization tools to successfully design and model structures, typically minimizing mass while maintaining certain deflection and stress constraints. Numerous optimization studies have been performed to minimize mass, deflection, and stress on a benchmark cantilever truss problem. Predominantly traditional optimization theory is applied to this problem. The cross-sectional area of each member is optimized to minimize the aforementioned objectives. This Technical Publication (TP) presents a structural optimization technique that has been previously applied to compliant mechanism design. This technique demonstrates a method that combines topology optimization, geometric refinement, finite element analysis, and two forms of evolutionary computation: genetic algorithms and differential evolution to successfully optimize a benchmark structural optimization problem. A nontraditional solution to the benchmark problem is presented in this TP, specifically a geometrically refined topological solution. The design process begins with an alternate control mesh formulation, multilevel geometric smoothing operation, and an elastostatic structural analysis. The design process is wrapped in an evolutionary computing optimization toolset.

Hull, P. V.↗

Evolutionary optimization of a Genetically Refined Truss

Structural optimization is a field of research that has experienced noteworthy growth for many years. Researchers in this area have developed optimization tools to successfully design and model structures, typically minimizing mass while maintaining certain deflection and stress constraints. Numerous optimization studies have been performed to minimize mass, deflection and stress on a benchmark cantilever truss problem. Predominantly traditional optimization theory is applied to this problem. The cross-sectional area of each member is optimized to minimize the aforementioned objectives. This paper will present a structural optimization technique that has been previously applied to compliant mechanism design. This technique demonstrates a method that combines topology optimization, geometric refinement, finite element analysis, and two forms of evolutionary computation: Genetic Algorithms and Differential Evolution to successfully optimize a benchmark structural optimization problem. An non-traditional solution to the benchmark problem is presented in this paper, specifically a geometrically refined topological solution. The design process begins with an alternate control mesh formulation, multilevel geometric smoothing operation, and an elastostatic structural analysis. The design process is wrapped in an evolutionary computing optimization toolset.

Hull, Patrick V.↗

Optimal Orbital Selection for Full Configuration Interaction (OptOrbFCI): Pursuing the Basis Set Limit under a Budget

Full configuration interaction (FCI) solvers are limited to small basis sets due to their expensive computational costs. An optimal orbital selection for FCI (OptOrbFCI) is proposed to boost the power of existing FCI solvers to pursue the basis set limit under a computational budget. The optimization problem coincides with that of the complete active space SCF method (CASSCF), while OptOrbFCI is algorithmically quite different. OptOrbFCI effectively finds an optimal rotation matrix via solving a constrained optimization problem directly to compress the orbitals of large basis sets to one with a manageable size, conducts FCI calculations only on rotated orbital sets, and produces a variational ground-state energy and its wave function. Coupled with coordinate descent full configuration interaction (CDFCI), we demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the method on the carbon dimer and nitrogen dimer under basis sets up to cc-pV5Z. We also benchmark the binding curve of the nitrogen dimer under the cc-pVQZ basis set with 28 selected orbitals, which provide consistently lower ground-state energies than the FCI results under the cc-pVDZ basis set. Furthermore, the dissociation energy in this case is found to be of higher accuracy.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Evolutionary Computational Methods for Identifying Emergent Behavior in Autonomous Systems

A technique based on Evolutionary Computational Methods (ECMs) was developed that allows for the automated optimization of complex computationally modeled systems, such as autonomous systems. The primary technology, which enables the ECM to find optimal solutions in complex search spaces, derives from evolutionary algorithms such as the genetic algorithm and differential evolution. These methods are based on biological processes, particularly genetics, and define an iterative process that evolves parameter sets into an optimum. Evolutionary computation is a method that operates on a population of existing computational-based engineering models (or simulators) and competes them using biologically inspired genetic operators on large parallel cluster computers. The result is the ability to automatically find design optimizations and trades, and thereby greatly amplify the role of the system engineer.

Terrile, Richard J.↗

QuComm: Optimizing Collective Communication for Distributed Quantum Computing

Distributed quantum computing (DQC) is a scalable way to build a large-scale quantum computing system while the error-prone nonlocal communication between DQC nodes may heavily degrade the fidelity of the distributed quantum program and thus demands specific compiler optimizations. Previous compilers on DQC communication optimization either assumes unlimited communication resource or a few communication qubits due to the hardware limitation. The former compilers may not be efficient when interfacing with communication-resource-constrained DQC hardware while the latter compilers lose the opportunities of optimizing collective communication and routing concurrent communication as they unnecessarily couple limited communication qubits with the implementation of expensive inter-node operations. In this paper, we invent the communication buffer, a communication facility consisting of idle qubits in each compute node, to decouple the execution of inter-node quantum operations from communication qubits: communication qubits are devoted to generating inter-node entanglement while internode operations are conducted in the communication buffer. The communication buffer provides an intermediate layer for inter-node communication and paves the way for collective communication optimization. We then propose QuComm, a buffer-based compiler framework that first performs smart buffer allocation according to communication characteristics of the distributed quantum program and then optimizes and collectively routes inter-node quantum operations. Experimental results on a hierarchical DQC system show that the proposed QuComm can reduce the most expensive inter-node communication request and the latency of various distributed quantum programs by 50.4% and 47.6% on average, respectively.

Wu, Anbang↗

Analysis and optimization of cyclic methods in orbit computation

The mathematical analysis and computation of the K=3, order 4; K=4, order 6; and K=5, order 7 cyclic methods and the K=5, order 6 Cowell method and some results of optimizing the 3 backpoint cyclic multistep methods for solving ordinary differential equations are presented. Cyclic methods have the advantage over traditional methods of having higher order for a given number of backpoints while at the same time having more free parameters. After considering several error sources the primary source for the cyclic methods has been isolated. The free parameters for three backpoint methods were used to minimize the effects of some of these error sources. They now yield more accuracy with the same computing time as Cowell's method on selected problems. This work is being extended to the five backpoint methods. The analysis and optimization are more difficult here since the matrices are larger and the dimension of the optimizing space is larger. Indications are that the primary error source can be reduced. This will still leave several parameters free to minimize other sources.

Pierce, S.↗

Alternative mixed integer linear programming optimization for joint job scheduling and data allocation in grid computing

This paper presents a novel approach to the joint optimization of job scheduling and data allocation in grid computing environments. We formulate this joint optimization problem as a mixed integer quadratically constrained program. To tackle the nonlinearity in the constraint, we alternatively fix a subset of decision variables and optimize the remaining ones via Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP). We solve the MILP problem at each iteration via an off-the-shelf MILP solver. Our experimental results show that our method significantly outperforms existing heuristic methods, employing either independent optimization or joint optimization strategies. We have also verified the generalization ability of our method over grid environments with various sizes and its high robustness to the algorithm setting.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗