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At least 739 records · Page 41

Automated Instrumentation, Monitoring and Visualization of PVM Programs Using AIMS

We present views and analysis of the execution of several PVM codes for Computational Fluid Dynamics on a network of Sparcstations, including (a) NAS Parallel benchmarks CG and MG (White, Alund and Sunderam 1993); (b) a multi-partitioning algorithm for NAS Parallel Benchmark SP (Wijngaart 1993); and (c) an overset grid flowsolver (Smith 1993). These views and analysis were obtained using our Automated Instrumentation and Monitoring System (AIMS) version 3.0, a toolkit for debugging the performance of PVM programs. We will describe the architecture, operation and application of AIMS. The AIMS toolkit contains (a) Xinstrument, which can automatically instrument various computational and communication constructs in message-passing parallel programs; (b) Monitor, a library of run-time trace-collection routines; (c) VK (Visual Kernel), an execution-animation tool with source-code clickback; and (d) Tally, a tool for statistical analysis of execution profiles. Currently, Xinstrument can handle C and Fortran77 programs using PVM 3.2.x; Monitor has been implemented and tested on Sun 4 systems running SunOS 4.1.2; and VK uses X11R5 and Motif 1.2. Data and views obtained using AIMS clearly illustrate several characteristic features of executing parallel programs on networked workstations: (a) the impact of long message latencies; (b) the impact of multiprogramming overheads and associated load imbalance; (c) cache and virtual-memory effects; and (4significant skews between workstation clocks. Interestingly, AIMS can compensate for constant skew (zero drift) by calibrating the skew between a parent and its spawned children. In addition, AIMS' skew-compensation algorithm can adjust timestamps in a way that eliminates physically impossible communications (e.g., messages going backwards in time). Our current efforts are directed toward creating new views to explain the observed performance of PVM programs. Some of the features planned for the near future include: (a) ConfigView, showing the physical topology of the virtual machine, inferred using specially formatted IP (Internet Protocol) packets; and (b) LoadView, synchronous animation of PVM-program execution and resource-utilization patterns.

Mehra, Pankaj↗

Feature isolation and quantification of evolving datasets

Identifying and isolating features is an important part of visualization and a crucial step for the analysis and understanding of large time-dependent data sets (either from observation or simulation). In this proposal, we address these concerns, namely the investigation and implementation of basic 2D and 3D feature based methods to enhance current visualization techniques and provide the building blocks for automatic feature recognition, tracking, and correlation. These methods incorporate ideas from scientific visualization, computer vision, image processing, and mathematical morphology. Our focus is in the area of fluid dynamics, and we show the applicability of these methods to the quantification and tracking of three-dimensional vortex and turbulence bursts.

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Using NASA's Giovanni Web Portal to Access and Visualize Satellite-based Earth Science Data in the Classroom

One of the biggest obstacles for the average Earth science student today is locating and obtaining satellite-based remote sensing data sets in a format that is accessible and optimal for their data analysis needs. At the Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES-DISC) alone, on the order of hundreds of Terabytes of data are available for distribution to scientists, students and the general public. The single biggest and time-consuming hurdle for most students when they begin their study of the various datasets is how to slog through this mountain of data to arrive at a properly sub-setted and manageable data set to answer their science question(s). The GES DISC provides a number of tools for data access and visualization, including the Google-like Mirador search engine and the powerful GES-DISC Interactive Online Visualization ANd aNalysis Infrastructure (Giovanni) web interface.

Lloyd, Steven↗

Modeling and Visualization of Geomagnetic Storms at the CCMC

The Community Coordinated Modeling Center is greatly expanding activities in geospace in recent years, including the addition of new models or outputs (including WACCM-X, SAMI3-TIEGCM, HYPERS, GAMERA test runs and WAM-IPE real time outputs) that expand the range of available views or analysis activities in geospace during the upcoming Solar Maximum and Heliophysics Big Year. We are now routinely adding to a library of geomagnetic storms using anew request interface for the Space Weather Modeling Framework(SWMF). We are placing continuous run model simulation outputs as run series onto the CCMC web site where look at quick-look graphics, perform online visualization and request outputs for any day covered by the results.We demonstrate examples and results of online visualization and analysis tools that are also placed onto the cloud to support Open Science and collaborative research.

Lutz Rastaetter↗

Space Operations Analysis Using the Synergistic Engineering Environment

The Synergistic Engineering Environment has been under development at the NASA Langley Research Center to aid in the understanding of the operations of spacecraft. This is accomplished through the integration of multiple data sets, analysis tools, spacecraft geometric models, and a visualization environment to create an interactive virtual simulation of the spacecraft. Initially designed to support the needs of the International Space Station, the SEE has broadened the scope to include spacecraft ranging from low-earth orbit to deep space missions. Analysis capabilities within the SEE include rigid body dynamics, kinematics, orbital mechanics, and payload operations. This provides the user the ability to perform real-time interactive engineering analyses in areas including flight attitudes and maneuvers, visiting vehicle docking scenarios, robotic operations, plume impingement, field of view obscuration, and alternative assembly configurations. The SEE has been used to aid in the understanding of several operational procedures related to the International Space Station. This paper will address the capabilities of the first build of the SEE, present several use cases of the SEE, and discuss the next build of the SEE.

Angster, Scott↗

Flow visualization in the Space Shuttle's main engine

The analysis and design of the Space Shuttle's main engine (SSME) power head involved extended finite difference computations conducted on a supercomputer. Certain problems arise, however, in connection with such a computer, and it is pointed out that the massive output from such analyses can actually inhibit insight into physical behavior. It is, therefore, also important to develop effective techniques for computer-user data transfer which match the computer's computational speed. In order to satisfy such requirements, powerful engineering workstations and three-dimensional color computer graphics codes were employed in the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses of the Shuttle's engine. Consequently, the complex physical characteristics of the SSME's hot-gas manifold could be quickly visualized, interpreted, and compared with alternative designs.

Belie, G.↗

Applicability of ERTS-1 imagery to the study of suspended sediment and aquatic fronts

Imagery from three successful ERTS-1 passes over the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Coastal Region have been evaluated to determine visibility of aquatic features. Data gathered from ground truth teams before and during the overflights, in conjunction with aerial photographs taken at various altitudes, were used to interpret the imagery. The overpasses took place on August 16, October 10, 1972, and January 26, 1973, with cloud cover ranging from about zero to twenty percent. (I.D. Nos. 1024-15073, 1079-15133, and 1187-15140). Visual inspection, density slicing and multispectral analysis of the imagery revealed strong suspended sediment patterns and several distinct types of aquatic interfaces or frontal systems.

Klemas, V.↗

The electrical performance of Ag Zn batteries for the Venus multi-probe mission

An evaluation of 5 Ah and 21 Ah Silver-Zinc batteries was made to determine their suitability to meet the energy storage requirements of the bus vehicle, 3 small probes and large probe for the Venus multi-probe mission. The evaluation included a 4 Ah battery for the small probe, a 21 Ah battery for the large probe, one battery of each size for the bus vehicle power, a periodic cycling test on each size battery and a wet stand test of charged and discharged cells of both cell designs. The study on the probe batteries and bus vehicle batteries included both electrical and thermal simulation for the entire mission. The effects on silver migration and zinc penetration of the cellophane separators caused by the various test parameters were determined by visual and X-ray fluorescence analysis. The 5 Ah batteries supported the power requirements for the bus vehicle and small probe. The 21 Ah large probe battery supplied the required mission power. Both probe batteries delivered in excess of 132 percent of rated capacity at the completion of the mission simulation.

Palandati, C.↗

Sensor performance evaluation of the Skylab multispectral photographic facility

Results of resolution tests for multispectral imagery from Skylabs 2, 3, and 4 are presented. Methods employed were visual edge matching and edge slope analysis, and resolution was evaluated as a function of spectral band, EREP pass, target orientation, field of view, exposure, and contrast. Preflight and postflight image quality data were compared. The multispectral image quality has equaled or slightly exceeded design predictions.

Corbett, F. J.↗

MITNYS-II - A digital program for on-line analysis of nystagmus

A digital computer program, MITNYS-II, has been developed for on-line analysis of nystagmus which results from visual, vestibular or caloric stimulation. The program accepts sampled records of eye position and yields cumulative slow phase position, slow phase velocity, instantaneous fast phase frequency and other parameters in 25 ms. In this paper the algorithms by which fast phases are detected, and by which slow phase cumulative eye position is extrapolated across the fast phase interval are described. Extensive tests with vestibular, optokinetic and caloric nystagmus yield reliability figures of the order of 2% for false identification of fast phases and missed fast phases. MITNYS-II has been successfully employed to interpret clinical EOG records, examples of which are presented.

Allum, J. H. J.↗

Search for correlated radio and optical events in long-term studies of extragalactic sources

For the first time, long-term records of radio and optical fluxes of a large sample of variable extragalactic sources have been assembled and compared, with linear cross-correlation analysis being used to reinforce the visual comparisons. Only in the case of the BL Lac object OJ 287 is the correlation between radio and optical records strong. In the majority of cases there is no evidence of significant correlation, although nine sources show limited or weak evidence of correlation. The results do not support naive extrapolation of the expanding source model. The general absence of strong correlation between the radio and optical regions has important implications for the energetics of events occurring in such sources.

Pomphrey, R. B.↗

TV requirements for manipulation in space

A video system for remote manipulation in space was studied. Analysis of basic manipulation tasks and visual requirements; simulation testing to determine the effects of task, scene parameter, and type of video system on manipulation performance; and video system selection and specification are described.

Freedman, L. A.↗

Experimental Evaluation of a Low Emissions High Performance Duct Burner for Variable Cycle Engines (VCE)

An evaluation was conducted with a three stage Vorbix duct burner to determine the performance and emissions characteristics of the concept and to refine the configuration to provide acceptable durability and operational characteristics for its use in the variable cycle engine (VCE) testbed program. The tests were conducted at representative takeoff, transonic climb, and supersonic cruise inlet conditions for the VSCE-502B study engine. The test stand, the emissions sampling and analysis equipment, and the supporting flow visualization rigs are described. The performance parameters including the fuel-air ratio, the combustion efficiency/exit temperature, thrust efficiency, and gaseous emissions calculations are defined. The test procedures are reviewed and the results are discussed.

Lohmann, R. P.↗

Gravity receptors in a microcrustacean water flea - Sensitivity of antennal-socket setae in Daphnia magna

Gravity receptors of Dephnia magna were discovered on the basal segment of the swimming antennae and were shown to respond to upward water currents that pass the animal as it sinks between swimming strokes. Sensitivity of the gravity perceiving mechanism was tested by subjecting daphnids to a series of five decreasingly dense aqueous solutions (neutral density to water) in darkness (to avoid visual cues). Three-dimensional, video analysis of body position (pitch, yaw and roll) and swimming path (hop and sink, vertical and horizontal patterns) revealed a gradual threshold that occurred near a density difference between the animal and its environment of less than 0.25%. Because daphnids do not sink but continue to slide after stroking in the increased density solutions, gravity perception appears to occur during a vertical swing of the longitudinal body axis to the vertical plane, about their center of gravity, and, thereby, implies a multidirectional sensitivity for the antennal-socket setae.

Meyers, D. G.↗

Remote sensing techniques used in hydrocarbon exploration - A state-of-the-art review

Lintz (1972) has defined remote sensing for petroleum exploration as the detection from a distance of variations of the earth's surface or properties. Possibilities foreseen by Lintz could be realized with the Lander satellite. When used in 'phase-one' exploration programs, Landsat data have been effective in 'zeroing-in' on potential hydrocarbon traps, and later, when supplemented by more conventional exploration procedures, have led to the discovery of these resources. The present investigation is concerned with an overview of the methods utilized in 'phase-one' hydrocarbon exploration programs. The considered methods are to serve as an initial tool to aid the more conventional exploration procedures. Attention is given to visual interpretations, digital image processing, lineament analysis, surface anomalies, and geomorphology and topography.

Gonzales, R. W.↗

A collection of flow visualization techniques used in the Aerodynamic Research Branch

Theoretical and experimental research on unsteady aerodynamic flows is discussed. Complex flow fields that involve separations, vortex interactions, and transonic flow effects were investigated. Flow visualization techniques are used to obtain a global picture of the flow phenomena before detailed quantitative studies are undertaken. A wide variety of methods are used to visualize fluid flow and a sampling of these methods is presented. It is emphasized that the visualization technique is a thorough quantitative analysis and subsequent physical understanding of these flow fields.

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The Comet Halley dust and gas environment

Quantitative descriptions of environments near the nucleus of comet P/Halley have been developed to support spacecraft and mission design for the flyby encounters in March, 1986. To summarize these models as they exist just before the encounters, the relevant data from prior Halley apparitions and from recent cometary research are reviewed. Orbital elements, visual magnitudes, and parameter values and analysis for the nucleus, gas and dust are combined to predict Halley's position, production rates, gas and dust distributions, and electromagnetic radiation field for the current perihelion passage. The predicted numerical results have been useful for estimating likely spacecraft effects, such as impact damage and attitude perturbations. Sample applications are cited, including design of a dust shield for spacecraft structure, and threshold and dynamic range selection for flight experiments. It is expected that the comet's activity may be more irregular than these smoothly varying models predict, and that comparison with the flyby data will be instructive.

Divine, N.↗

Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation

An overview of historical and current numerical aerodynamic simulation (NAS) is given. The capabilities and goals of the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Facility are outlined. Emphasis is given to numerical flow visualization and its applications to structural analysis of aircraft and spacecraft bodies. The uses of NAS in computational chemistry, engine design, and galactic evolution are mentioned.

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