Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “computational modeling and simulations”

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 793 records · Page 44
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Loss of 'complexity' and aging. Potential applications of fractals and chaos theory to senescence

The concept of "complexity," derived from the field of nonlinear dynamics, can be adapted to measure the output of physiologic processes that generate highly variable fluctuations resembling "chaos." We review data suggesting that physiologic aging is associated with a generalized loss of such complexity in the dynamics of healthy organ system function and hypothesize that such loss of complexity leads to an impaired ability to adapt to physiologic stress. This hypothesis is supported by observations showing an age-related loss of complex variability in multiple physiologic processes including cardiovascular control, pulsatile hormone release, and electroencephalographic potentials. If further research supports this hypothesis, measures of complexity based on chaos theory and the related geometric concept of fractals may provide new ways to monitor senescence and test the efficacy of specific interventions to modify the age-related decline in adaptive capacity.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Full-Envelope Aero-Propulsive Model Identification for Lift+Cruise Aircraft Using Computational Experiments

This paper describes a process utilizing computational fluid dynamics experiments to develop a reduced-order, integrated propulsion-airframe aerodynamic model for a lift+cruise electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) reference aircraft concept. eVTOL configurations exhibit aerodynamic characteristics of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft as well as complex phenomena, such as propulsion-airframe interactions. Consequently, conventional aircraft aerodynamic modeling strategies require modification when applied to these unique aircraft. A novel aero-propulsive modeling approach using design of experiments techniques and computational fluid dynamics simulations is postulated for modeling a lift+cruise aircraft configuration. Aero-propulsive models are developed throughout the operational flight envelope to enable continuous flight dynamics simulations from hover through forward flight. The model adequacy is assessed using validation data acquired separately from data used to identify the model and indicates that the models have sufficient predictive capability. Research findings are presented with a discussion of unique lift+cruise aircraft aerodynamic characteristics and practical strategies to inform future aero-propulsive modeling and simulation efforts for eVTOL aircraft.

lift+cruise↗
NASA NTRS1984

Real-time hybrid computer simulation of a small turboshaft engine and control system

The development of an analytical model of a small turboshaft engine designed for helicopter propulsion systems is described. The model equations were implemented on a hybrid computer system to provide a real time nonlinear simulation of the engine performance over a wide operating range. The real time hybrid simulation of the engine was used to evaluate a microprocessor based digital control module. This digital control module was developed as part of an advanced rotorcraft control program. After tests with the hybrid engine simulation the digital control module was used to control a real engine in an experimental program. A hybrid simulation of the engine's electrical hydromechanical control system was developed. This allowed to vary the fuel flow and torque load inputs to the hybrid engine simulation for simulating transient operation. A steady-state data and the experimental tests are compared. Analytical model equations, analog computer diagrams, and a digital computer flow chart are included.

Hart, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Computer simulation of astrophysical plasmas

The role of sophisticated numerical models and simulations in the field of plasma astrophysics is discussed. The need for an iteration between microphysics and macrophysics in order for astrophysical plasma physics to produce quantitative results that can be related to astronomical data is stressed. A discussion on computational requirements for simulations of astrophysical plasmas contrasts microscopic plasma simulations with macroscopic system models. An overview of particle-in-cell simulations (PICS) is given and two examples of PICS of astrophysical plasma are discussed including particle acceleration by collisionless shocks in relativistic plasmas and magnetic field reconnection in astrophysical plasmas.

Max, Claire E.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Molecular modeling of calmodulin: a comparison with crystallographic data

Two methods of side-chain placement on a modeled protein have been examined. Two molecular models of calmodulin were constructed that differ in the treatment of side chains prior to optimization of the molecule. A virtual bond analysis program developed by Purisima and Scheraga was used to determine the backbone conformation based on 2.2 angstroms resolution C alpha coordinates for the molecules. In the first model, side chains were initially constructed in an extended conformation. In the second model, a conformational grid search technique was employed. Calcium ions were treated explicitly during energy optimization using CHARMM. The models are compared to a recently published refined crystal structure of calmodulin. The results indicate that the initial choices for side-chains, but also significant effects on the main-chain conformation and supersecondary structure. The conformational differences are discussed. Analysis of these and other methods makes possible the formulation of a methodology for more appropriate side-chain placement in modeled proteins.

NASA Discipline Exobiology↗
NASA NTRS1997

Implicit Kalman filtering

For an implicitly defined discrete system, a new algorithm for Kalman filtering is developed and an efficient numerical implementation scheme is proposed. Unlike the traditional explicit approach, the implicit filter can be readily applied to ill-conditioned systems and allows for generalization to descriptor systems. The implementation of the implicit filter depends on the solution of the congruence matrix equation (A1)(Px)(AT1) = Py. We develop a general iterative method for the solution of this equation, and prove necessary and sufficient conditions for convergence. It is shown that when the system matrices of an implicit system are sparse, the implicit Kalman filter requires significantly less computer time and storage to implement as compared to the traditional explicit Kalman filter. Simulation results are presented to illustrate and substantiate the theoretical developments.

Non-NASA Center↗
DOE OSTI2022

On the Correspondence Between Atmosphere-Only and Coupled Simulations for Radiative Feedbacks and Forcing From CO 2

Atmosphere-only experiments are widely used to investigate climate feedbacks simulated in more computationally expensive fully coupled global climate model simulations. We confirm that this remains a valid approach by comparing the radiative feedbacks and forcing between coupled and atmosphere-only simulations for the latest models taking part in the 6th phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). For global-mean cloud feedbacks, we find a better than previously known correspondence between these experiments, which applies even to the response of individual cloud properties (amount, altitude, and optical depth) and holds even when considering atmosphere-only simulations of only 1 yr duration. For regional cloud feedbacks, the correspondence between the two experiments is generally present at every geographic location except for the tropical Pacific but takes longer experiments to reveal. For the lapse rate and surface albedo feedbacks, the correspondence between the two experiments is weaker due to the non-uniform warming pattern and loss of sea ice in the coupled experiment. For the across-model relationship between 4xCO 2 effective radiative forcing and feedback, we find a different behavior across experiments in CMIP6 than in CMIP5, casting doubt on the physical significance of previous results that highlighted an anti-correlation between the two quantities. Overall, these results confirm the utility of atmosphere-only experiments particularly to study cloud feedbacks, which are the dominant source of inter-model spread in climate sensitivity.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Scientific machine learning benchmarks

Deep learning has transformed the use of machine learning technologies for the analysis of large experimental datasets. In science, such datasets are typically generated by large-scale experimental facilities, and machine learning focuses on the identification of patterns, trends and anomalies to extract meaningful scientific insights from the data. In upcoming experimental facilities, such as the Extreme Photonics Application Centre (EPAC) in the UK or the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA), the rate of data generation and the scale of data volumes will increasingly require the use of more automated data analysis. Furthermore, at present, identifying the most appropriate machine learning algorithm for the analysis of any given scientific dataset is a challenge due to the potential applicability of many different machine learning frameworks, computer architectures and machine learning models. Historically, for modelling and simulation on high-performance computing systems, these issues have been addressed through benchmarking computer applications, algorithms and architectures. Extending such a benchmarking approach and identifying metrics for the application of machine learning methods to open, curated scientific datasets is a new challenge for both scientists and computer scientists. Here, we introduce the concept of machine learning benchmarks for science and review existing approaches. As an example, we describe the SciMLBench suite of scientific machine learning benchmarks.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1998

Spiral waves are stable in discrete element models of two-dimensional homogeneous excitable media

The spontaneous breakup of a single spiral wave of excitation into a turbulent wave pattern has been observed in both discrete element models and continuous reaction-diffusion models of spatially homogeneous 2D excitable media. These results have attracted considerable interest, since spiral breakup is thought to be an important mechanism of transition from the heart rhythm disturbance ventricular tachycardia to the fatal arrhythmia ventricular fibrillation. It is not known whether this process can occur in the absence of disease-induced spatial heterogeneity of the electrical properties of the ventricular tissue. Candidate mechanisms for spiral breakup in uniform 2D media have emerged, but the physical validity of the mechanisms and their applicability to myocardium require further scrutiny. In this letter, we examine the computer simulation results obtained in two discrete element models and show that the instability of each spiral is an artifact resulting from an unphysical dependence of wave speed on wave front curvature in the medium. We conclude that spiral breakup does not occur in these two models at the specified parameter values and that great care must be exercised in the representation of a continuous excitable medium via discrete elements.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗
NASA NTRS1973

Thermal history and evolution of the moon.

In this work, theoretical lunar temperature models are computed taking into account different initial conditions to represent possible accretion models and various abundances of heat sources to correspond to different compositions. Differentiation and convection are simulated in the numerical computational scheme. Models of the thermal evolution of the moon that fit the chronology of igneous activity on the lunar surface, the stress history of the lunar lithosphere implied by the presence of mascons, and the surface concentrations of radioactive elements, involve extensive differentiation early in lunar history. This differentiation may be the result of rapid accretion and large-scale melting or of primary chemical layering during accretion. Differences in present-day temperatures for these two possibilities are significant only in the inner 1000 km of the moon and are not resolvable with presently available data.

Toksoz, M. N.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Wireless Channel Characterization in the Airport Surface Environment

Given the anticipated increase in air traffic in the coming years, modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) is a necessity. Part of this modernization effort will include updating current communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems to deal with the increased traffic as well as developing advanced CNS technologies for the systems. An example of such technology is the integrated CNS (ICNS) network being developed by the Advanced CNS Architecture and Systems Technology (ACAST) group for use in the airport surface environment. The ICNS network would be used to convey voice/data between users in a secure and reliable manner. The current surface system only supports voice and does so through an obsolete physical infrastructure. The old system is vulnerable to outages and costly to maintain. The proposed ICNS network will include a wireless radio link. To ensure optimal performance, a thorough and accurate characterization of the channel across which the link would operate is necessary. The channel is the path the signal takes from the transmitter to the receiver and is prone to various forms of interference. Channel characterization involves a combination of analysis, simulation, and measurement. My work this summer was divided into four tasks. The first task required compiling and reviewing reference material that dealt with the characterization and modeling of aeronautical channels. The second task involved developing a systematic approach that could be used to group airports into classes, e.g. small airfields, medium airports, large open airports, large cluttered airports, etc. The third task consisted of implementing computer simulations of existing channel models. The fourth task entailed measuring possible interference sources in the airport surface environment via a spectrum analyzer.

Neville, Joshua T.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Validation of Gas-Liquid Sharp Interface Model in Loci-Stream for Propellant Tank Self-pressurization under Normal Gravity

Deep space missions require advances in cryogenic fluid management (CFM) for long term storage of propellants. One of the important phenomena is self-pressurization due to heat leakages into the tank. Managing self-pressurization is one of the key technologies for deep space exploration and long-term space missions. The complex interactions involving natural convection, thermal gradients, turbulence, and phase change near the gas-liquid interface cannot be modeled using reduced order or nodal analysis models, and 3-D CFD analyses are necessary to fully characterize the dynamics. CFD analyses pose their own difficulties. The requisite CFD tool to tackle this problem need to be modular with the ability to incorporate various physics models, efficient, and computationally scalable for simulating flight size tanks. In this paper, we discuss modeling approach for self-pressurization in situations where the liquid interface is static and validate NASA MSFC’s Loci-Stream CFD solver for predicting self-pressurization in a test tank in normal gravity. This tank was designed to capture quantifiable and accurate data for understanding various two-phase fluid phenomena and to validate modeling tools. Specifically, we demonstrate the capability of the Loci-Stream solver with a two-phase sharp-interface treatment to predict self-pressurization of a tank with an unperturbed gas-liquid interface. This validation highlights the reliability of our modeling approach and our solver to serve as a design and analysis tool for NASA’s CFM application needs.

cryogenic fluid management↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Validation of Gas-Liquid Sharp Interface Model in Loci-Stream for Propellant Tank Self-pressurization under Normal Gravity

Deep space missions require advances in cryogenic fluid management (CFM) for long term storage of propellants. One of the important phenomena is self-pressurization due to heat leakages into the tank. Managing self-pressurization is one of the key technologies for deep space exploration and long-term space missions. The complex interactions involving natural convection, thermal gradients, turbulence, and phase change near the gas-liquid interface cannot be modeled using reduced order or nodal analysis models, and 3-D CFD analyses are necessary to fully characterize the dynamics. CFD analyses pose their own difficulties. The requisite CFD tool to tackle this problem need to be modular with the ability to incorporate various physics models, efficient, and computationally scalable for simulating flight size tanks. In this paper, we discuss modeling approach for self-pressurization in situations where the liquid interface is static and validate NASA MSFC's Loci-Stream CFD solver for predicting self-pressurization in a test tank in normal gravity. This tank was designed to capture quantifiable and accurate data for understanding various two-phase fluid phenomena and to validate modeling tools. Specifically, we demonstrate the capability of the Loci-Stream solver with a two-phase sharp-interface treatment to predict self-pressurization of a tank with an unperturbed gas-liquid interface. This validation highlights the reliability of our modeling approach and our solver to serve as a design and analysis tool for NASA's CFM application needs.

cryogenic fluid management↗
NASA NTRS2018

High Strain Rate Response of Adhesively Bonded Fiber-Reinforced Composite Joints – A Computational Study to Guide Experimental Design

Adhesively bonded carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composite laminates are widely used in aerospace applications. During a high energy impact event, these laminates are often subjected to high strain rate loading. However, the influence of high strain rate loading on the response of these composite joints is not well understood. Computational finite element (FE) modeling and simulations are conducted to guide the design of high strain rate experiments. Two different experimental designs based on split Hopkinson bar were numerically modeled to simulate Mode I and Mode II types loading in the composite. In addition, the computational approach adopted in this study helps in understanding the high strain rate response of adhesively bonded composite joints subjected to nominally Mode I and Mode II loading. The modeling approach consists of a ply-level 3D FE model, a progressive damage constitutive model for the composite material behavior and a cohesive tie-break contact element for interlaminar delamination.

Ravindran, Suraj↗
DOE OSTI2021

Cathode to Target Simulations for Scorpius: I. Simulation Codes and Models

The new Scorpius linear induction electron accelerator is under development for multi-pulse flash radiography of large, explosively-driven hydrodynamic experiments. Beam physics from the cathode to the target was examined with computer simulations, including envelope, ray-trace, and particle-in cell (PIC) codes. Beam instabilities investigated included beam breakup (BBU), image displacement, diocotron, parametric envelope, ion hose, and the resistive wall instability. Beam corkscrew motion and emittance growth from beam mismatch were also studied. The results of these simulations is documented in a series of reports. In this report the computer codes and physical models used for these simulations are described. The conclusion of this study is that Scorpius will produce and accelerate a beam with radiographic quality equivalent to the present accelerators at Los Alamos National Laboratory if the same engineering standards and construction details are upheld.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1986

Multistep modeling (MSM) of biomolecular structure application to the A-G mispair in the B-DNA environment

A multistep modeling procedure has been evolved to study the structural changes introduced by lesions in DNA. We report here the change in the structure of regular B-DNA geometry due to the incorporation of Ganti-Aanti mispair in place of a regular G-C pair, preserving the helix continuity. The energetics of the structure so obtained is compared with the Ganti-Asyn configuration under similar constrained conditions. We present the methodology adopted and discuss the results.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS1987

Cellular automaton supercomputing

Many of the models now used in science and engineering are over a century old. And most of them can be implemented on modern digital computers only with considerable difficulty. Some new basic models are discussed which are much more directly suitable for digital computer simulation. The fundamental principle is that the models considered herein are as suitable as possible for implementation on digital computers. It is then a matter of scientific analysis to determine whether such models can reproduce the behavior seen in physical and other systems. Such analysis was carried out in several cases, and the results are very encouraging.

Wolfram, Stephen↗
NASA NTRS2003

Cellerator: extending a computer algebra system to include biochemical arrows for signal transduction simulations

Cellerator describes single and multi-cellular signal transduction networks (STN) with a compact, optionally palette-driven, arrow-based notation to represent biochemical reactions and transcriptional activation. Multi-compartment systems are represented as graphs with STNs embedded in each node. Interactions include mass-action, enzymatic, allosteric and connectionist models. Reactions are translated into differential equations and can be solved numerically to generate predictive time courses or output as systems of equations that can be read by other programs. Cellerator simulations are fully extensible and portable to any operating system that supports Mathematica, and can be indefinitely nested within larger data structures to produce highly scaleable models.

Non-NASA Center↗