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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 829 records · Page 46
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2017

Benefits of Using Pairwise Trajectory Management in the Central East Pacific

Pairwise Trajectory Management (PTM) is a concept that utilizes airborne and ground-based capabilities to enable airborne spacing operations in procedural airspace. This concept makes use of updated ground automation, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and on board avionics generating real time guidance. An experiment was conducted to examine the potential benefits of implementing PTM in the Central East Pacific oceanic region. An explanation of the experiment and some of the results are included in this paper. The PTM concept allowed for an increase in the average time an aircraft is able to spend at its desired flight level and a reduction in fuel burn.

Chartrand, Ryan↗
DOE OSTI2023

Off-policy deep reinforcement learning with automatic entropy adjustment for adaptive online grid emergency control

Electric overloading conditions and contingencies put modern power systems at risk of voltage collapse and blackouts. Load shedding is crucial to maintain voltage stability for grid emergency control. However, the rule- or model-based schemes rely on accurate dynamic system models and face considerable challenges in adapting to various operating conditions and uncertain event occurrences. Here, to address these issues, this paper proposes a novel deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based voltage stability control algorithm with automatic entropy adjustment (AEA) for grid emergency control. Various dynamic network components for complex system operations are modeled to construct the DRL environment. An off-policy soft actor-critic architecture is developed to maximize the expected reward and policy entropy simultaneously. The AEA mechanism is proposed to facilitate the policy maximum entropy procedure, and the proposed method can automatically provide effective discrete and continuous actions against various fault scenarios. Our approach accomplishes high sampling efficiency, scalability, and auto-adaptivity of the control policies under high uncertainties. Comparative studies with the existing DRL-based control methods in IEEE benchmarks indicate salient performance improvement of the proposed method for dynamic system emergency control.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2013

Needle segmentation using 3D Hough transform in 3D TRUS guided prostate transperineal therapy

Purpose: Prostate adenocarcinoma is the most common noncutaneous malignancy in American men with over 200 000 new cases diagnosed each year. Prostate interventional therapy, such as cryotherapy and brachytherapy, is an effective treatment for prostate cancer. Its success relies on the correct needle implant position. This paper proposes a robust and efficient needle segmentation method, which acts as an aid to localize the needle in three-dimensional (3D) transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate therapy. Methods: The procedure of locating the needle in a 3D TRUS image is a three-step process. First, the original 3D ultrasound image containing a needle is cropped; the cropped image is then converted to a binary format based on its histogram. Second, a 3D Hough transform based needle segmentation method is applied to the 3D binary image in order to locate the needle axis. The position of the needle endpoint is finally determined by an optimal threshold based analysis of the intensity probability distribution. The overall efficiency is improved through implementing a coarse-fine searching strategy. The proposed method was validated in tissue-mimicking agar phantoms, chicken breast phantoms, and 3D TRUS patient images from prostate brachytherapy and cryotherapy procedures by comparison to the manual segmentation. The robustness of the proposed approach was tested by means of varying parameters such as needle insertion angle, needle insertion length, binarization threshold level, and cropping size. Results: The validation results indicate that the proposed Hough transform based method is accurate and robust, with an achieved endpoint localization accuracy of 0.5 mm for agar phantom images, 0.7 mm for chicken breast phantom images, and 1 mm for in vivo patient cryotherapy and brachytherapy images. The mean execution time of needle segmentation algorithm was 2 s for a 3D TRUS image with size of 264 Multiplication-Sign 376 Multiplication-Sign 630 voxels. Conclusions: The proposed needle segmentation algorithm is accurate, robust, and suitable for 3D TRUS guided prostate transperineal therapy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

T staging esophageal tumors with x rays

With histopathology results typically taking several days, the ability to stage tumors during interventions could provide a step change in various cancer interventions. X-ray technology has advanced significantly in recent years with the introduction of phase-based imaging methods. These have been adapted for use in standard labs rather than specialized facilities such as synchrotrons, and approaches that enable fast 3D scans with conventional x-ray sources have been developed. This opens the possibility to produce 3D images with enhanced soft tissue contrast at a level of detail comparable to histopathology, in times sufficiently short to be compatible with use during surgical interventions. In this paper we discuss the application of one such approach to human esophagi obtained from esophagectomy interventions. We demonstrate that the image quality is sufficiently high to enable tumor T staging based on the x-ray datasets alone. Alongside detection of involved margins with potentially life-saving implications, staging tumors intra-operatively has the potential to change patient pathways, facilitating optimization of therapeutic interventions during the procedure itself. Besides a prospective intra-operative use, the availability of high-quality 3D images of entire esophageal tumors can support histopathological characterization, from enabling “right slice first time” approaches to understanding the histopathology in the full 3D context of the surrounding tumor environment.

Optics↗
NASA NTRS1989

Instability of jets of arbitrary geometry

This paper describes a calculation technique for determining the stability of jets of arbitrary cross section. In particular, elliptic and rectangular jets are considered. The numerical procedure involves both a conformal transformation between the computational domain and the physical plane and a solution of the transformed stability equation in the computational domain. Modern, efficient, conformal mappings are used for both simply and doubly connected domains. The numerical solution is based on a finite difference/pseudospectral discretization of the stability equation. The technique is verified by comparison with previous calculations for circular and elliptic jets. Calculations are performed for the stability of elliptic and rectangular jets of aspect ratio 2. Growth rates, phase velocities, and pressure eigenfunctions are calculated.

Baty, Roy S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

On the RNG theory of turbulence

The Yakhot and Orszag (1986) renormalization group (RNG) theory of turbulence has generated a number of scaling law constants in reasonable quantitative agreement with experiments. The theory itself is highly mathematical, and its assumptions and approximations are not easily appreciated. The present paper reviews the RNG theory and recasts it in more conventional terms using a distinctly different viewpoint. A new formulation based on an alternative interpretation of the origin of the random force is presented, showing that the artificially introduced epsilon in the original theory is an adjustable parameter, thus offering a plausible explanation for the remarkable record of quantitative success of the so-called epsilon-expansion procedure.

Lam, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Optimization of multiparameter radar estimates of rainfall

The estimates of rainfall rate derived from a multiparameter radar based on reflectivity factor (R sub ZH), differential reflectivity (R sub DR), and specific differential propagation phase (R sub DP) have widely varying accuracies over the dynamic range of the natural occurrence of rainfall. This paper presents a framework to optimally combine the three estimates, R sub zH, R sub DR, and R sub DP, to derive the best estimate of rainfall using coherent multiparameter radars. The optimization procedure is demonstrated for application to multiparameter radar measurements at C band.

Chandrasekar, V.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Reliability, Risk and Cost Trade-Offs for Composite Designs

Risk and cost trade-offs have been simulated using a probabilistic method. The probabilistic method accounts for all naturally-occurring uncertainties including those in constituent material properties, fabrication variables, structure geometry and loading conditions. The probability density function of first buckling load for a set of uncertain variables is computed. The probabilistic sensitivity factors of uncertain variables to the first buckling load is calculated. The reliability-based cost for a composite fuselage panel is defined and minimized with respect to requisite design parameters. The optimization is achieved by solving a system of nonlinear algebraic equations whose coefficients are functions of probabilistic sensitivity factors. With optimum design parameters such as the mean and coefficient of variation (representing range of scatter) of uncertain variables, the most efficient and economical manufacturing procedure can be selected. In this paper, optimum values of the requisite design parameters for a predetermined cost due to failure occurrence are computationally determined. The results for the fuselage panel analysis show that the higher the cost due to failure occurrence, the smaller the optimum coefficient of variation of fiber modulus (design parameter) in longitudinal direction.

Shiao, Michael C.↗
NASA NTRS2000

3D Higher Order Modeling in the BEM/FEM Hybrid Formulation

Higher order divergence- and curl-conforming bases have been shown to provide significant benefits, in both convergence rate and accuracy, in the 2D hybrid finite element/boundary element formulation (P. Fink and D. Wilton, National Radio Science Meeting, Boulder, CO, Jan. 2000). A critical issue in achieving the potential for accuracy of the approach is the accurate evaluation of all matrix elements. These involve products of high order polynomials and, in some instances, singular Green's functions. In the 2D formulation, the use of a generalized Gaussian quadrature method was found to greatly facilitate the computation and to improve the accuracy of the boundary integral equation self-terms. In this paper, a 3D, hybrid electric field formulation employing higher order bases and higher order elements is presented. The improvements in convergence rate and accuracy, compared to those resulting from lower order modeling, are established. Techniques developed to facilitate the computation of the boundary integral self-terms are also shown to improve the accuracy of these terms. Finally, simple preconditioning techniques are used in conjunction with iterative solution procedures to solve the resulting linear system efficiently. In order to handle the boundary integral singularities in the 3D formulation, the parent element- either a triangle or rectangle-is subdivided into a set of sub-triangles with a common vertex at the singularity. The contribution to the integral from each of the sub-triangles is computed using the Duffy transformation to remove the singularity. This method is shown to greatly facilitate t'pe self-term computation when the bases are of higher order. In addition, the sub-triangles can be further divided to achieve near arbitrary accuracy in the self-term computation. An efficient method for subdividing the parent element is presented. The accuracy obtained using higher order bases is compared to that obtained using lower order bases when the number of unknowns is approximately equal. Also, convergence rates obtained using higher order bases are compared to those obtained with lower order bases for selected sample

Fink, P. W.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Accounting for Proof Test Data in a Reliability Based Design Optimization Framework

This paper investigates the use of proof (or acceptance) test data during the reliability based design optimization of structural components. It is assumed that every component will be proof tested and that the component will only enter into service if it passes the proof test. The goal is to reduce the component weight, while maintaining high reliability, by exploiting the proof test results during the design process. The proposed procedure results in the simultaneous design of the structural component and the proof test itself and provides the designer with direct control over the probability of failing the proof test. The procedure is illustrated using two analytical example problems and the results indicate that significant weight savings are possible when exploiting the proof test results during the design process.

Ventor, Gerharad↗
NASA NTRS2012

An Efficient Analysis Methodology for Fluted-Core Composite Structures

The primary loading condition in launch-vehicle barrel sections is axial compression, and it is therefore important to understand the compression behavior of any structures, structural concepts, and materials considered in launch-vehicle designs. This understanding will necessarily come from a combination of test and analysis. However, certain potentially beneficial structures and structural concepts do not lend themselves to commonly used simplified analysis methods, and therefore innovative analysis methodologies must be developed if these structures and structural concepts are to be considered. This paper discusses such an analysis technique for the fluted-core sandwich composite structural concept. The presented technique is based on commercially available finite-element codes, and uses shell elements to capture behavior that would normally require solid elements to capture the detailed mechanical response of the structure. The shell thicknesses and offsets using this analysis technique are parameterized, and the parameters are adjusted through a heuristic procedure until this model matches the mechanical behavior of a more detailed shell-and-solid model. Additionally, the detailed shell-and-solid model can be strategically placed in a larger, global shell-only model to capture important local behavior. Comparisons between shell-only models, experiments, and more detailed shell-and-solid models show excellent agreement. The discussed analysis methodology, though only discussed in the context of fluted-core composites, is widely applicable to other concepts.

Oremont, Leonard↗
DOE OSTI2021

Transitioning to Dynamic Workflows at INL

We investigated the opportunity to transition from paper and PDF procedures to more interactive workflows. This transition has been considered because evidence shows that these more interactive digital workflows increase safety and efficiency, while making complex procedures easier for the user to follow and track. The culmination of the project is a report and presentation for the lab deputy director at the end of the fiscal year, in which our team will recommend a path forward based on the findings from literature, employee interviews, and other information gathering activities.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2017

The human factors verification at plant startup for the AP1000 Plant - 173

The Human Factors (HF) verification at plant startup is the final HF assessment for the AP1000{sup R} HF program and is performed using the as-built plant design. This HF verification has been implemented for the China AP1000 Standard Plant. The scope and objectives of the HF verification at plant startup met the requirements for Verification and Validation (V and V) as described in NUREG-0711, 'Human Factors Engineering Program Review Model'. The majority of the verifications have been completed. Overall, the results confirmed the adequacy of the China AP1000 Standard Plant operating procedures and operator training. A number of design issues were identified and were categorized as safety issues, operability and maintainability issues or minor issues. These issues are being addressed and tracked as site test deficiencies. Based on the current results, it can be concluded that the China AP1000 Standard Plant is safe, operable and maintainable, pending completion of the outstanding verifications and resolution of the identified issues. This paper will describe the overall strategy and discuss the lessons learned in respect to providing HF support to the startup activities for the AP1000 plant. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2016

A Bloch decomposition-based stochastic Galerkin method for quantum dynamics with a random external potential

In this paper, we consider the numerical solution of the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation with a periodic lattice potential and a random external potential. This is an important model in solid state physics where the randomness results from complicated phenomena that are not exactly known. Here we generalize the Bloch decomposition-based time-splitting pseudospectral method to the stochastic setting using the generalized polynomial chaos with a Galerkin procedure so that the main effects of dispersion and periodic potential are still computed together. We prove that our method is unconditionally stable and numerical examples show that it has other nice properties and is more efficient than the traditional method. Finally, we give some numerical evidence for the well-known phenomenon of Anderson localization.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2017

Predicting Total Dissolved Gas Travel Time in Hydropower Reservoirs

Large spills at hydropower facilities can produce environmentally unfavorable supersaturated total dissolved gas (TDG) conditions. Enhanced coordination between adjacent hydropower facilities is required when a large, brief spill creates a pulse of TDG that is transported into a downstream reservoir. A premium is placed on quick and simple methods and relationships that can support short-term decision making under dynamic conditions. This paper presents an empirically-based methodology to quantify and assess the relationship between mean hourly river flow and TDG travel time between an upstream hydropower spillway and a downstream dam. The analysis is conducted for reservoirs in the mid-Columbia River system and is limited to summer months when spill events that create high TDG are most common. A two-step filter and cross-correlation procedure is used to isolate high strength TDG events and characterize the time delay between when the TDG event is initiated upstream and when it is detected downstream. Spill flow, powerhouse flow, and TDG measurements are used to develop a bulk parameter estimation of mean TDG time delay as a function of mean river flow. The approach reveals an inverse power law relationship between mean river flow and mean TDG travel time. The relationship provides hydropower operators with a new, simplified decision support tool. In conclusion, the generalized methodology could be applied to other reservoir systems where TDG minimization is a critical management objective.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Extending the predictive power of perturbative QCD using the principle of maximum conformality and the Bayesian analysis

In addition to the evaluation of high-order loop contributions, the precision and predictive power of perturbative QCD (pQCD) predictions depends on two important issues: (1) how to achieve a reliable, convergent fixed-order series, and (2) how to reliably estimate the contributions of unknown higher-order terms. The recursive use of renormalization group equation, together with the Principle of Maximum Conformality (PMC), eliminates the renormalization scheme-and-scale ambiguities of the conventional pQCD series. The result is a conformal, scale-invariant series of finite order which also satisfies all of the principles of the renormalization group. In this paper we propose a novel Bayesian-based approach to estimate the size of the unknown higher order contributions based on an optimized analysis of probability distributions. We show that by using the PMC conformal series, in combination with the Bayesian analysis, one can consistently achieve high degree of reliability estimates for the unknown high order terms. Thus the predictive power of pQCD can be greatly improved. We illustrate this procedure for two pQCD observables: R e+e– and R τ , which are each known up to four loops in pQCD. Numerical analyses confirm that by using the scale-independent and more convergent PMC conformal series, one can achieve reliable Bayesian probability estimates for the unknown higher-order contributions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

The International Soil Moisture Network: serving Earth system science for over a decade

In 2009, the International Soil Moisture Network (ISMN) was initiated as a community effort, funded by the European Space Agency, to serve as a centralised data hosting facility for globally available in situ soil moisture measurements (Dorigo et al., 2011b, a). The ISMN brings together in situ soil moisture measurements collected and freely shared by a multitude of organisations, harmonises them in terms of units and sampling rates, applies advanced quality control, and stores them in a database. Users can freely retrieve the data from this database through an online web portal (https://ismn.earth/en/, last access: 28 October 2021). Meanwhile, the ISMN has evolved into the primary in situ soil moisture reference database worldwide, as evidenced by more than 3000 active users and over 1000 scientific publications referencing the data sets provided by the network. As of July 2021, the ISMN now contains the data of 71 networks and 2842 stations located all over the globe, with a time period spanning from 1952 to the present. The number of networks and stations covered by the ISMN is still growing, and approximately 70% of the data sets contained in the database continue to be updated on a regular or irregular basis. The main scope of this paper is to inform readers about the evolution of the ISMN over the past decade, including a description of network and data set updates and quality control procedures. A comprehensive review of the existing literature making use of ISMN data is also provided in order to identify current limitations in functionality and data usage and to shape priorities for the next decade of operations of this unique community-based data repository.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1977

Extending radiative transfer models by use of Bayes rule

This paper presents a procedure that extends some existing radiative transfer modeling techniques to problems in atmospheric science where curvature and layering of the medium and dynamic range and angular resolution of the signal are important. Example problems include twilight and limb scan simulations. Techniques that are extended include successive orders of scattering, matrix operator, doubling, Gauss-Seidel iteration, discrete ordinates and spherical harmonics. The procedure for extending them is based on Bayes' rule from probability theory.

Whitney, C.↗