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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 865 records · Page 48
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

Climatic, eustatic, and tectnoic controls on Quarternary deposits and landforms, Red Sea coast, Egypt

The degree to which local climatic variations, eustatic sea level fluctuations, and tectonic uplift have influenced the development of Quaternary marine and fluvial landforms and deposits along the Red Sea coast, Eastern Desert, was investigated using a combination of remote sensing and field data, age determinations of corals, and numerical simulations. False color composites generated from Landsat Thematic Mapper and SPOT image data, digital elevation models derived from sterophotogrammetric analysis of SPOT data, and field observations document that a approximately 10-km wide swath inland from the coast is covered in many places with coalescing alluvial fans of Quaternary age. Wadis cutting through the fans exhibit several pairs of fluvial terraces, and wadi walls expose alluvium interbedded with corraline limestone deposits Further, three distinct coral terraces are evident along the coatline. Climatic, eustatic, and tectonic uplift controls on the overall system were simulated using a cellular automata algorithm with the following characteristics: (1) uplift as a function of position and time, as defined by the elevations and ages of corals; (2) climatic variations driven by insolation changes associated with Milankovitch cycles; (3) sea level fluctuations based on U/Th ages of coral terraces and eustatic data; and (4) parametrized fluvial erosion and deposition. Results imply that the fans and coralline limestones were generated in a setting in which the tectonic uplift rate decreased over the Quarternary to negligible values at present. Coralline limestones formed furing eustatic highstands when alluvium was trapped uspstream and wadis filled with debris. During lowstands, wadis cut into sedimentary deposits; coupled with continuing uplift, fans were dissected, leaving remnant surfaces, and wadi-related terraces were generated by down cutting. Only landforms from the past three to four eustatic sea level cycles (i.e., approximately 300 to 400 kyr) are likely to have survived erosion and deposition associated with fluvial processes.

Arvidson, Raymond↗
DOE OSTI2025

Iterative Reconstruction for Multimodal Neutron Tomography

Here, we describe a unified framework for model-based iterative 3-D reconstruction of multimodal neutron transmission, hydrogen-scatter, and induced-fission images from low resolution data recorded using 14.1-MeV neutrons and the associated-particle imaging (API) technique. The framework, which was developed to facilitate use in challenging field-deployment scenarios, is centered around physics-based system models and a total variation (TV) constrained implementation of the simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique (SIRT). Modified to solve a statistically weighted least squares (WLS) problem, the SIRT algorithm is accelerated using ordered subsets and Nesterov’s momentum for which we derive a near-optimal value of the governing Lipschitz constant. The approach enables the reconstruction of images that are high resolution compared to the acquired data and is robust to both limited statistics and a limited number of projection angles. Moreover, the framework is fast enough to be practical. Example images are provided that demonstrate both the ability to perform fast-neutron imaging of high-atomic-number materials with low radiation dose and the benefit of multimodal neutron imaging to identify key materials.

Hydrogen scatter↗
DOE OSTI2024

(Doublon) Benchmarking of Different Inverse Point Kinetics Implementations for an Autocorrected Reactimeter Algorithm

In November 2017, the Transient Reactor Test Facility returned to operation. Since that time, many transient test series have been completed, such as the Transient Heatsink Overpower Response capsule (THOR), the Transient Water Irradiation System for TREAT (TWIST), and Sirius. Each has provided valuable data for materials performance and reactor safety that can be applied in future designs. During each experimental series, detector count rates provided important information on the core behavior during transients. However, a limitation of these data is that variations in the neutron distribution during experiments can cause errors when attempting to infer reactivity evolution from detector signals. Neutron physics codes can be used to compute the flux shape variations. However, this is a poor solution when the experimental data is used for code verification, validation and uncertainty quantification. Indeed, if the output of the code is used both as a reference and to correct what the reference is compared to, the circular dependency limits the quality of the verification, validation and uncertainty quantification approach. To overcome this problem, the autocorrected reactimeter algorithm (ACRA) has been developed. This approach infers a time-dependent reactivity evolution by testing different spatial corrections and selecting the one that minimizes reactivity variations when the core is in a frozen configuration (i.e., when there is no variation in parameters affecting reactivity). However, the scope of this method was limited to transients where there were negligible thermal feedback. Indeed, the core is never in a frozen configuration when the fuel temperature varies during the whole transient. This is our motivation for developing an improved version of the ACRA that does not require frozen configurations. To develop this new algorithm, we need a precise and unbiased implementation of the inverse point kinetic equations (IPKEs) as any error in the reactivity evaluation will be propagated into the choice of the optimal spatial correction. Indeed, the previous reactimeter algorithm would use approximations, such as a negligible flux amplitude derivative, to focus on rapidity. For the numerical validation of ACRA, we aim at absolute error under for reactivity derived from signals similar to the one of this study. In this summary, we test eight different IPKE implementations. Each will process a mockup signal built for this study, similar to those that the future ACRA will process. Each reactivity output will be compared to the reference reactivity that has been used to generate the mockup signal. The implementation minimizing the difference with the reference reactivity will be used in the development of a new ACRA formulation.

73 - NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1994

Monitoring Mars with the Hubble Space Telescope: 1990-1991 observations

Images of Mars obtained using the Planetary Camera on the Hubble Space Telescope during 1990 and 1991 are described and analyzed. Multispectral images of Mars record the martian season between L(sub s) = 348 deg and 60 deg corresponding to late winter and spring in the northern hemisphere. The wavelengths of these observations varied between 230 nm in the ultraviolet and 890 nm in the near infrared. We use these images to discuss atmospheric and polar phenomena, to constrain the aerosols and ozone in the martian atmosphere, and to compare surface albedo features within this data set as well as with previous observations. Two methods are used to constrain the opacity of the martian atmosphere: comparisons of ultraviolet images with atmospheric scattering models and examination of contrast changes of surface features observed at visible wavelengths. Our observations are consistent with a Mars which was quite different from the planet when it was viewed by Viking; we estimate an upper limit of 0.1 for equatorial dust opacity near vernal equinox, compared to values of 0.4 to 0.5 measured in Chryse by Viking Lander 1. Later, at L(sub s) = 60 deg, and upper limit of 0.2 was found for dust in the southern hemisphere. Except for suggestions of local dust activity near the north polar cap in late spring, there was no visual evidence of dust storms on the planet. The Hartley band of ozone is within the F230W filter bandpass, and the 230W/336W ratio is therefore sensitive to ozone. High latitude ozone is observed at a concentration similar to that observed by Mariner 9; a seasonal dependence in ozone concentration was observed with concentration decreasing at northern arctic latitudes and increasing at southern midlatitudes as L(sub s) increases from 350 deg to 60 deg. Despite the difference in dust loading, the behavior of condensate clouds and the recession of the north polar cap are consistent with those observed during Viking years. Late winter images of the north polar region reveal an active north polar hood with a maximum (UV) opacity of about 0.25 near 50 deg latitude; the hood seems to have an annular form, with the central, polar regions having smaller opacity. Clouds observed in the northern hemisphere to the south of the hood boundary are suggestive of fronts similar to those observed during the Mariner 9 mission. A diurnal variation in the hood clouds which is (anti) correlated with the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere is noted. Images were deconvolved using the Richardson-Lucy iterative algorithm to remove the defocussing effects of the spherical aberration of the HST primary. Even when Mars subtended less than 5 arcsec, in May 1991, the images were scientifically useful and comparable to photographic images obtained at opposition. Although the data are subject to the solar pointing constraint for HST, the relatively slow movement of the allowed observation window, which is more than one half martian year, with respect to the martian seasons will permit us to address the question of major variations in the martian atmosphere.

James, Philip B.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Hybrid stress finite elements for large deformations of inelastic solids

A new hybrid stress finite element algorithm, based on a generalization of Fraeijs de Veubeke's complementary energy principle is presented. Analyses of large quasistatic deformation of inelastic solids (hypoelastic, plastic, viscoplastic) are within its capability. Principle variables in the formulation are the nominal stress rate and spin. A brief account is given of the boundary value problem in these variables, and the 'equivalent' variational principle. The finite element equation, along with initial positions and stresses, comprise an initial value problem. Factors affecting the choice of time integration schemes are discussed. Results found by application of the new algorithm are compared to those obtained by a velocity based finite element algorithm.

Reed, K. W.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Explainable and Differentiable Reinforcement Learning for Multi-objective Optimization in Particle Accelerators

Operating particle accelerators involves optimizing multiple goals simultaneously, which can be challenging due to trade-offs among objectives. While evolutionary algorithms like the genetic algorithm (GA) have been used for various Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) tasks, they are not inherently suited for complex control problems. This talk highlights two variations of Reinforcement Learning (RL) for concurrently optimizing heat load and trip rates at the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF). The problem involves strict constraints on individual states, actions, and overall energy requirements of the beam. First, this talk highlights how differentiability can be harnessed through a Deep Differentiable Reinforcement Learning (DDRL) approach to address MOO issues within particle accelerators. We examine the DDRL method alongside Model Free Reinforcement Learning (MFRL), GA, and Bayesian Optimization (BO). The performance of these methods is assessed by generating a Pareto-front for two objectives. Our findings indicate that DDRL excels in handling high-dimensional problems more effectively than MFRL, BO, and GA. Next, we will show integration of explainable physics-based constraints into RL algorithms to enhance trans- parency and trust in decision-making processes by enabling users to verify that agents adhere to established physical principles. This surrogate function can be modeled using neural networks or sparse dictionary mod- els. By examining the mathematical form of the learned constraint function, we are able to confirm the agent has learned to use the established physics of each environment provided but the surrogate model. In addi- tion, we find that the introduction of a mathematical functional dictionary based surrogate model enables our reinforcement learning algorithms to reliably converge for difficult high-dimensional accelerator controls environments.

Rajput, Kishansingh [Thomas Jefferson National Acc↗
DOE OSTI2022

VQE method: a short survey and recent developments

Abstract The variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) is a method that uses a hybrid quantum-classical computational approach to find eigenvalues of a Hamiltonian. VQE has been proposed as an alternative to fully quantum algorithms such as quantum phase estimation (QPE) because fully quantum algorithms require quantum hardware that will not be accessible in the near future. VQE has been successfully applied to solve the electronic Schrödinger equation for a variety of small molecules. However, the scalability of this method is limited by two factors: the complexity of the quantum circuits and the complexity of the classical optimization problem. Both of these factors are affected by the choice of the variational ansatz used to represent the trial wave function. Hence, the construction of an efficient ansatz is an active area of research. Put another way, modern quantum computers are not capable of executing deep quantum circuits produced by using currently available ansatzes for problems that map onto more than several qubits. In this review, we present recent developments in the field of designing efficient ansatzes that fall into two categories—chemistry–inspired and hardware–efficient—that produce quantum circuits that are easier to run on modern hardware. We discuss the shortfalls of ansatzes originally formulated for VQE simulations, how they are addressed in more sophisticated methods, and the potential ways for further improvements.

Fedorov, Dmitry A. (ORCID:0000000316598580)↗
NASA NTRS2013

Integration of the Total Lightning Jump Algorithm into Current Operational Warning Environment Conceptual Models

Key points this analysis will address: 1) What physically is going on in the cloud when there is a jump in lightning? -- Updraft variations, Ice fluxes 2) How do these processes fit in with severe storm conceptual models? 3) What would this information provide an end user? --Relate LJA to radar observations, like changes in reflectivity, MESH, VIL, etc. based multi -Doppler derived physical relationships

Schultz, Chris↗
NASA NTRS2019

DSCOVR-EPIC MAIAC AOD - A Proxy for Understanding Aerosol Diurnal Patterns from Space

The Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) spacecraft was launched on 11 February 2015 and in June 2015 achieved its orbit at the first Lagrange point (L1), 1.5 million km from Earth toward the sun. The Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) onboard DSCOVR views the entire sunlit Earth from sunrise to sunset, every 1-2 hours, at scattering angles between 168.5° and 175.5° with 10 narrowband filters in the range of 317-779 nm. NASA Multiangle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC) algorithm, originally developed for MODIS, has been applied to EPIC data with an Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) product at 440nm with a 10km spatial resolution. This high temporal resolution product is a unique dataset for investigating diurnal patterns in aerosols from space. Our work analyzed the capability of the satellite-borne data to capture the aerosol diurnal variation by associating it with AERONET AOD at 440nm data over the contiguous US. We validated the DSCOVR MAIAC AOD data over 100 AERONET stations during 2015-2018, and examined the contribution of the surface reflectance and relevant acquisition angles, derived by the MAIAC algorithm, to the predicted error. We used over 180,000 hourly DSCOVR-EPIC MAIAC AOD observations with collocated with AERONET AOD observations averaged over +-30 minutes from the satellite overpass time. The AERONET and DSCOVR AOD temporal patterns show that the diurnal variation is different across US AERONET sites, with higher diurnal variation in the DSCOVR dataset in general.

Sorek-Hamer, Meytar↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Variational Asymptotic Homogenization of Finitely Deformed Viscoelastic-Viscoplastic Composites

The objective of this paper is to develop a constitutive model for finitely deformed viscoelastic-viscoplastic materials and a micromechanics approach to homogenizing composites consisting of such materials. The development of the constitutive model involves establishing a thermodynamic framework based on finite strain theory, developing a viscoelasticity and a viscoplasticity model based on the thermodynamic framework, developing a radial return algorithm based on a classic framework, and deriving a closed-from incremental constitutive relation in the spatial configuration. The development of the micromechanics approach involves pulling-back the above constitutive relation to the material configuration, formulating a variational statement with the resulting constitutive relation, discretizing variational statement in a finite-dimensional space, and solving the discretized variational statement using an Euler–Newton predictor–corrector method. The constitutive model is calibrated via monotonic uniaxial compression tests on a polymer, and the calibrated model is validated by comparing its predictions with the cyclic test data. It is shown capable of characterizing viscoelasticity, viscoplasticity, and complex loading paths. The micromechanics approach’s capabilities are demonstrated through homogenizing a unidirectional fiber-reinforced composite, subjected to uniaxial, biaxial, and shear loading, at different strain rates. It is demonstrated to be capable of handling rate dependence and complex loading paths. The present framework can be further improved by implementing more sophisticated viscoelasticity and viscoplasticity models in future work.

Finite element analysis↗
DOE OSTI2023

Grid Services Load Shift Baseline Degradation Analysis Methodology v1

As demand flexibility becomes more common, the mix and frequency of a range of demand flexibility strategies will introduce potential biases into baselines, i.e., the time period immediately prior to a LS event may include other LS or DF events. Baseline degradation assessment provides an approach to quantify how these biases begin to compromise predictive accuracy. Heatmaps, based on each month of the year provides a granular view of a given model's predictive capability. However, for comparing multiple algorithms, separately for weekdays and weekends, aggregating results to seasons provides a simpler means of comparison while still allowing for review of variations by time of day and time of year

Fernandes, Samuel↗
DOE OSTI2025

Reliable and Efficient Machine Learning (Final Technical Report)

Modern scientific experiments generate massive amounts of data at a pace much faster than humans can manually analyze. While machine learning has revolutionized commercial data analysis (such as recommending movies or recognizing faces), applying these tools to complex scientific discovery is challenging because scientific answers must be precise, interpretable, and adhere to physical laws. The research under this project aims to develop new mathematical tools and computer algorithms specifically designed for scientific applications. Major progress has been made in automatically cleaning and deconstructing messy experimental data, analyzing the visual information of physical phenomena, determining the underlying physical variables, and providing rig orous mathematical analysis of interesting algorithms and concepts widely used in machine learning. This project addressed the critical gap between our ability to generate massive scientific data and our ability to extract interpretable information from it. We established mathematical foundations for Scientific Machine Learning (SciML) aimed at effective data analytics and automated discovery. Our work focused on three core objectives: (1) developing reliable feature extraction methods for dynamic high-dimensional data, (2) establishing mathematical foundations for discovering dynamics via neural networks, and (3) creating rigorous optimization techniques for these models. Key outcomes come from two fronts. On the practical side, they include the development of algorithms that significantly enhance the extraction of signals from field data, as well as the capability to handle situations that exhibit smooth variations or physical stretching due to temperature changes. They also include the creation of an automated framework for discovering fundamental state variables from raw experimental data, demonstrating the ability to identify intrinsic physical dimensions without prior knowledge of the governing laws. On the theoretical front, the research results in theoretical advances in Optimal Transport, a widely used notion in SciML, specifically regarding functions with fixed-size nodal sets, provide sharp bounds relevant to uncertainty quantification. Meanwhile, the outcomes also include the establishment of convergence theories for nonlocal gradient descent methods, enabling robust optimization with noisy data in high-dimensional settings commonly encountered in scientific modeling. The project also helps creating opportunities to train the next generation of researchers, equipping them with the necessary technical skills for today’s workplace and preparing them for future advances.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Recent Advances of PyROS: A Pyomo Solver for Nonconvex Two-Stage Robust Optimization in Process Systems Engineering

The document presents recent algorithmic and implementation advances of the two-stage robust optimization (RO) solver PyROS, and a benchmarking study which demonstrates the utility of PyROS for two-stage RO problems. The advances include extensions of the scope of PyROS to models with uncertain variable bounds, improvements to the initializations of the subproblems used by the underlying cutting set algorithm, and extensions of the uncertainty set interfaces. The benchmarking study is performed on a library of over 8,500 instances, with variations in the nonlinearities, degree-of-freedom partitioning, uncertainty sets, and polynomial decision rule approximations. An amine-based CO2 capture case study is presented to demonstrate the utility of PyROS for large-scale process models. Overall, the results highlight the effectiveness of PyROS for obtaining robust solutions to optimization problems with uncertain equality constraints.

Sherman, Jason↗
NASA NTRS1982

NOSS Altimeter Detailed Algorithm specifications

The details of the algorithms and data sets required for satellite radar altimeter data processing are documented in a form suitable for (1) development of the benchmark software and (2) coding the operational software. The algorithms reported in detail are those established for altimeter processing. The algorithms which required some additional development before documenting for production were only scoped. The algorithms are divided into two levels of processing. The first level converts the data to engineering units and applies corrections for instrument variations. The second level provides geophysical measurements derived from altimeter parameters for oceanographic users.

Hancock, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Application of digital image analysis techniques to antimisting fuel spray characterization

Pulsed ruby laser sheet illumination of the spray is used for the initial recording of data on very-high-resolution photographic film. The digitization of mosaic elements is effected with a vidicon and video digitizer whose output is stored in computer RAM memory for processing. Highly nonspherical elements and a broad range of drop diameters (8-2000 microns) resulting from the unusual rheological properties of the fuel-additive system are accommodated by the device configuration and algorithms. It is found that the generation of two-dimensional images by means of scattered light also eliminates errors resulting from variations in the index of refraction and from the submicron scattering sites that are often present within the modified fuel. No a priori information on the drop size distribution or on the system response to various drop sizes is required.

Fleeter, R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Estimation of the average exchanges in momentum and latent heat between the atmosphere and the oceans with Seasat observations

Ocean-surface momentum flux and latent heat flux are determined from Seasat-A data from 1978 and compared with ship observations. Momentum flux was measured using the Seasat-A scatterometer system (SASS) heat flux, with the scanning multichannel MW radiometer (SMMR). Ship measurements were quality selected and averaged to increase their reliability. The fluxes were computed using a bulk parameterization technique. It is found that although SASS effectively measures momentum flux, variations in atmospheric stability and sea-surface temperature cause deviations which are not accounted for by the present data-processing algorithm. The SMMR-latent-heat-flux algorithm, while needing refinement, is shown to given estimations to within 35 W/sq m in its present form, which removes systematic error and uses an empirically determined transfer coefficient.

Liu, W. T.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Remote assessment of ocean color for interpretation of satellite visible imagery: A review

An assessment is presented of the state-of-the-art of remote, (satellite-based) Coastal Zone Color (CZCS) Scanning of color variations in the ocean due to phytoplankton. Attention is given to physical problems associated with ocean color remote sensing, in-water algorithms for the correction of atmospheric effects, constituent retrieval algorithms and application of the algorithms to CZCS imagery. The applicability of CZCS to both near-coast and mid-ocean waters is considered, and it is concluded that while differences between the two environments are complex, universal algorithms can be used for the case of mid-ocean waters, and site-specific algorithms are adequate for CZCS imaging of the near-coast oceanic environment. A short description of CVCS and some sample photographs are provided in an appendix.

Gordon, H. R.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Aerosol Retrievals Using Channel 1 and 2 AVHRR Data

The effect of tropospheric aerosols on global climate via the direct and indirect radiative forcings is one of the largest remaining uncertainties in climate change studies. Current assessments of the direct aerosol radiative effect mainly focus on sulfate aerosols. It has become clear, however, that other aerosol types like soil dust and smoke from biomass burning are also likely to be important climate forcing factors. The magnitude and even the sign of the climate forcing caused by these aerosol types is still unknown. General circulation models (GCMs) can be used to estimate the climatic effect of the direct radiative forcing by tropospheric and stratospheric aerosols. Aerosol optical properties are already parameterized in the Goddard Institute for Space Studies GCM. Once the global distribution of aerosol properties (optical thickness, size distribution, and chemical composition) is available, the calculation of the direct aerosol forcing is rather straighfforward. However, estimates of the indirect aerosol effect require additional knowledge of the physics and chemistry of aerosol-cloud interactions which are still poorly understood. One of the main objectives of the Global Aerosol Climatology Project, established in 1998 as a joint initiative of NASA's Radiation Science Program and GEWEX, is to infer the global distribution of aerosols, their properties, and their seasonal and interannual variations for the full period of available satellite data. This will be accomplished primarily through a systematic application of multichannel aerosol retrieval algorithms to existing satellite data and advanced 3-dimensional aerosol chemistry/transport models. In this paper we outline the methodology of analyzing channel 1 and 2 AVHRR radiance data over the oceans and describe preliminary retrieval results.

Mishchenko, Michael I.↗