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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 883 records · Page 49

CHEMREASONER: Heuristic Search over a Large Language Model’s Knowledge Space using Quantum-Chemical Feedback

The discovery of new catalysts is essential for the design of new and more efficient chemical processes in order to transition to a sustainable future. We introduce an AI-guided computational screening framework unifying linguistic reasoning with quantum-chemistry based feedback from 3D atomistic representations. Our approach formulates catalyst discovery as an uncertain environment where an agent actively searches for highly effective catalysts via the iterative combination of large language model (LLM)-derived hypotheses and atomistic graph neural network (GNN)-derived feedback. Identified catalysts in intermediate search steps undergo structural evaluation based on spatial orientation, reaction pathways, and stability. Scoring functions based on adsorption energies and barriers steer the exploration in the LLM's knowledge space toward energetically favorable, high-efficiency catalysts. We introduce planning methods that automatically guide the exploration without human input, providing competitive performance against expert-enumerated chemical descriptor-based implementations. By integrating language-guided reasoning with computational chemistry feedback, our work pioneers AI-accelerated, trustworthy catalyst discovery.

artificial intelligence↗

Mentat/A: Medium grain parallel processing

The objective of this project is to support the Algorithm to Architecture Mapping Model (ATAMM) firing rules using the Mentat run-time system and the Mentat Programming Language (MPL). Specifically, this required changes to (1) modify the run-time system to control queue length and inhibit actor firing until required data tokens are available and space is available in the input queues of all of the direct descendent actors, (2) disallow the specification of persistent object classes in the MPL, and (3) permit only decision free graphs in the MPL. We have been successful in implementing the spirit of the plan, although some goals changed as we came to better understand the problem. Here, we report on what we accomplished and the lessons we learned. The Mentat/A runtime system, the compiler, results for three applications, and a summary and some observations are given. Appendix A contains a list of technical reports and published papers partially supported by the grant. Appendix B contains listings for the three applications.

Grimshaw, Andrew S.↗

Geometric GNNs for charged particle tracking at GlueX

Nuclear physics experiments are aimed at uncovering the fundamental building blocks of matter. The experiments involve high-energy collisions that produce complex events with many particle trajectories. Tracking charged particles resulting from collisions in the presence of a strong magnetic field is critical to enable the reconstruction of particle trajectories and precise determination of interactions. It is traditionally achieved through combinatorial approaches that scale worse than linearly as the number of hits grows. Since particle hit data naturally form a point cloud and can be structured as graphs, graph neural networks (GNNs) emerge as an intuitive and effective choice for this task. In this study, we evaluate the GNN model for track finding on the data from the GlueX experiment at Jefferson Lab. We use simulation data to train the model and test on both simulation and real GlueX measurements. We demonstrate that GNN-based track finding outperforms the currently used traditional method at GlueX in terms of segment-based efficiency at a fixed purity while providing faster inferences. We show that the GNN model can achieve significant speedup by processing multiple events in batches, which exploits the parallel computation capability of graphical processing units (GPUs). Finally, we compare the GNN implementation on GPU and field-programmable gate array and describe the trade-off.

batched GNN pipeline↗

A swarm intelligence-based approach to anomaly detection of dynamic systems

Here we propose a novel Swarm Intelligence-based approach for anomaly detection of dynamic systems. Specifically, we consider observation processes for dynamic systems from a foraging perspective, and ant foraging behavior-based search techniques are applied to the discovery of the ‘intrinsic communication topology’ of systems. The key idea exploited here is that systems can be viewed as ‘communication networks’ where interconnected elements communicate with one another through physical phenomena and the elements ‘process’ the communications through their dynamics; this defines the ‘intrinsic communication topology’ of the system. The behaviors of individual elements can be at least partially observed in the dynamics of other communicating system elements and, hence, condition changes will be reflected in changes in the intrinsic communications. Anomaly detection is then performed by observing the changes in the intrinsic communication topology by tracking graph similarity measures and using change point detection to determine when statistically significant changes have occurred. The performance of the proposed approach is investigated in simulation where we consider a system composed of multiple networks, each with different topologies and connection strengths, and where the individual networks comprising the system can be switched at arbitrary times. The proposed methodology is applied to this system to detect the switches between the networks and to discover the communication topologies associated with each of the network configurations.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Using Micro-Synchrophasor Data for Advanced Distribution Grid Planning and Operations Analysis

This report reviews the potential for distribution-grid phase-angle data that will be available from new micro-synchrophasors (µPMUs) to be utilized in existing distribution-grid planning and operations analysis. This data could augment the current diagnostic capabilities of grid analysis software, used in both planning and operations for applications such as fault location, and provide data for more accurate modeling of the distribution system. µPMUs are new distribution-grid sensors that will advance measurement and diagnostic capabilities and provide improved visibility of the distribution grid, enabling analysis of the grid’s increasingly complex loads that include features such as large volumes of distributed generation. Large volumes of DG leads to concerns on continued reliable operation of the grid, due to changing power flow characteristics and active generation, with its own protection and control capabilities. Using µPMU data on change in voltage phase angle between two points in conjunction with new and existing distribution-grid planning and operational tools is expected to enable model validation, state estimation, fault location, and renewable resource/load characterization. Our findings include: data measurement is outstripping the processing capabilities of planning and operational tools; not every tool can visualize a voltage phase-angle measurement to the degree of accuracy measured by advanced sensors, and the degree of accuracy in measurement required for the distribution grid is not defined; solving methods cannot handle the high volumes of data generated by modern sensors, so new models and solving methods (such as graph trace analysis) are needed; standardization of sensor-data communications platforms in planning and applications tools would allow integration of different vendors’ sensors and advanced measurement devices. In addition, data from advanced sources such as µPMUs could be used to validate models to improve/ensure accuracy, providing information on normally estimated values such as underground conductor impedance, and characterization of complex loads. Although the input of high-fidelity data to existing tools will be challenging, µPMU data on phase angle (as well as other data from advanced sensors) will be useful for basic operational decisions that are based on a trend of changing data.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

LLMs for Mfg.—On the State of Large Language Models and Applications to Manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing (AM), referred to as 3D printing, has emerged as a key pillar of Industry 4.0 enabling layer-by-layer fabrication of intricate geometries from CAD models. In parallel, Large Language Models (LLMs), deep learning models for natural language generation trained on vast text corpora, have demonstrated unprecedented capabilities in understanding and generating human-like text. The convergence of these trends opens new opportunities at the intersection of AM and AI/ML, where LLMs can assist engineers and researchers in design, manufacture planning, and knowledge discovery. Recent academic work has begun to explore LLM applications in AM and adjacent fields, such as material science, mechanical engineering, and design for additive manufacturing. This exploration ranges from intelligent process planning to domain-specific knowledge retrieval. This survey provides a comprehensive review of current developments, focusing on peer-reviewed literature contributions that apply, adapt, and advance LLMs in general and domain-specific domains. We analyze state-of-the-art (SOTA) techniques, such as fine-tuning foundational models for specific domains, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines, knowledge graph integration, and delve into the architectures and evaluation methods employed. The goal of this survey is to inform researchers and practitioners of the current capabilities and limitations of LLMs in general and in domain-specific applications, and to outline how these models are being tailored to meet the requirements of these applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

SEASAT-SAR data analysis in the US: An update

A graph is shown which compares SEASAT synthetic aperture radar (SAR) wave length measurements and Krasman's shallow water dispersion relationship for a swell system of deep water length 210 m and period 11.7 sec. The data were taken during the Duck experiment. The status of the production of optically correlated SAR data is given along with a tabulation of both digitally and optically processed SAR image data available to the user community as of Aug. 1979. Results from several SAR workshops are mentioned.

Dunne, J. A.↗

Computer Programs (Turbomachinery)

NASA computer programs are extensively used in design of industrial equipment. Available from the Computer Software Management and Information Center (COSMIC) at the University of Georgia, these programs are employed as analysis tools in design, test and development processes, providing savings in time and money. For example, two NASA computer programs are used daily in the design of turbomachinery by Delaval Turbine Division, Trenton, New Jersey. The company uses the NASA splint interpolation routine for analysis of turbine blade vibration and the performance of compressors and condensers. A second program, the NASA print plot routine, analyzes turbine rotor response and produces graphs for project reports. The photos show examples of Delaval test operations in which the computer programs play a part. In the large photo below, a 24-inch turbine blade is undergoing test; in the smaller photo, a steam turbine rotor is being prepared for stress measurements under actual operating conditions; the "spaghetti" is wiring for test instrumentation

Source record↗

Software Tools to Support the Assessment of System Health

This presentation provides an overview of three software tools that were developed by the NASA Glenn Research Center to support the assessment of system health: the Propulsion Diagnostic Method Evaluation Strategy (ProDIMES), the Systematic Sensor Selection Strategy (S4), and the Extended Testability Analysis (ETA) tool. Originally developed to support specific NASA projects in aeronautics and space, these software tools are currently available to U.S. citizens through the NASA Glenn Software Catalog. The ProDiMES software tool was developed to support a uniform comparison of propulsion gas path diagnostic methods. Methods published in the open literature are typically applied to dissimilar platforms with different levels of complexity. They often address different diagnostic problems and use inconsistent metrics for evaluating performance. As a result, it is difficult to perform a one ]to ]one comparison of the various diagnostic methods. ProDIMES solves this problem by serving as a theme problem to aid in propulsion gas path diagnostic technology development and evaluation. The overall goal is to provide a tool that will serve as an industry standard, and will truly facilitate the development and evaluation of significant Engine Health Management (EHM) capabilities. ProDiMES has been developed under a collaborative project of The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP) based on feedback provided by individuals within the aircraft engine health management community. The S4 software tool provides a framework that supports the optimal selection of sensors for health management assessments. S4 is structured to accommodate user ]defined applications, diagnostic systems, search techniques, and system requirements/constraints. One or more sensor suites that maximize this performance while meeting other user ]defined system requirements that are presumed to exist. S4 provides a systematic approach for evaluating combinations of sensors to determine the set or sets of sensors that optimally meet the performance goals and the constraints. It identifies optimal sensor suite solutions by utilizing a merit (i.e., cost) function with one of several available optimization approaches. As part of its analysis, S4 can expose fault conditions that are difficult to diagnose due to an incomplete diagnostic philosophy and/or a lack of sensors. S4 was originally developed and applied to liquid rocket engines. It was subsequently used to study the optimized selection of sensors for a simulation ]based aircraft engine diagnostic system. The ETA Tool is a software ]based analysis tool that augments the testability analysis and reporting capabilities of a commercial ]off ]the ]shelf (COTS) package. An initial diagnostic assessment is performed by the COTS software using a user ]developed, qualitative, directed ]graph model of the system being analyzed. The ETA Tool accesses system design information captured within the model and the associated testability analysis output to create a series of six reports for various system engineering needs. These reports are highlighted in the presentation. The ETA Tool was developed by NASA to support the verification of fault management requirements early in the Launch Vehicle process. Due to their early development during the design process, the TEAMS ]based diagnostic model and the ETA Tool were able to positively influence the system design by highlighting gaps in failure detection, fault isolation, and failure recovery.

Melcher, Kevin J.↗

Transmission Scheduling and Routing Algorithms for Delay Tolerant Networks

The challenges of data processing, transmission scheduling and routing within a space network present a multi-criteria optimization problem. Long delays, intermittent connectivity, asymmetric data rates and potentially high error rates make traditional networking approaches unsuitable. The delay tolerant networking architecture and protocols attempt to mitigate many of these issues, yet transmission scheduling is largely manually configured and routes are determined by a static contact routing graph. A high level of variability exists among the requirements and environmental characteristics of different missions, some of which may allow for the use of more opportunistic routing methods. In all cases, resource allocation and constraints must be balanced with the optimization of data throughput and quality of service. Much work has been done researching routing techniques for terrestrial-based challenged networks in an attempt to optimize contact opportunities and resource usage. This paper examines several popular methods to determine their potential applicability to space networks.

Space Networking↗

De Novo Sequencing of Peptides from Top-Down Tandem Mass Spectra

De novo sequencing of proteins and peptides is one of the most important problems in mass spectrometry-driven proteomics. A variety of methods have been developed to accomplish this task from a set of bottom-up tandem (MS/MS) mass spectra. However, a more recently emerged top-down technology, now gaining more and more popularity, opens new perspectives for protein analysis and characterization, implying a need in efficient algorithms for processing this kind of MS/MS data. Here we describe a method that allows to retrieve from a set of top-down MS/MS spectra long and accurate sequence fragments of the proteins contained in a sample. To this end, we outline a strategy for generating high-quality sequence tags from top-down spectra, and introduce the concept of a T-Bruijn graph by adapting to the case of tags the notion of an A-Bruijn graph widely used in genomics. The output of the proposed approach represents the set of amino acid strings spelled out by optimal paths in the connected components of a T-Bruijn graph. We illustrate its performance on top-down datasets acquired from carbonic anhydrase 2 (CAH2) and the Fab region of alemtuzumab.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗

Assessment of Dimensional Integrity and Spatial Defect Localization in Additive Manufacturing Using Spectral Graph Theory

The ability of additive manufacturing (AM) to produce components with virtually any ge-ometry presents a unique challenge in terms of quantifying the quality of the part. In this paper, a novel spectral graph theory (SGT) approach is proposed for resolving two critical quality assurance concerns in AM: (1) how to quantify the dimensional integrity of complex AM components; and (2) how to isolate specific spatial locations on a component that deviate significantly from their normal condition. Here, the SGT approach is demonstrated for classifying the dimensional integrity of standardized test components produced from three different AM processes. The SGT-based topological invariant Fiedler number ( λ 2 ) was calculated from 3D point cloud coordinate measurements and used to quantify the dimensional integrity of test components. The Fiedler number was found to differ significantly for parts originating from different AM processes (statistical significance p-val. < 1%). By comparison, traditional statistical quantifiers (such as mean and standard deviation) and examination of specific facets/landmarks failed to capture these variations and proved incapable of quantifying the quality of the component in a consistent manner. The SGT approach was verified to consistently rank the quality of the AM components with a high degree of statistical confidence independent of sampling technique used (pooled standard deviation ~ 3% 10% of mean). Finally, from a practical standpoint, the SGT approach can be a powerful tool for quantifying and monitoring the dimensional integrity and overall quality of AM components, and thus encourage wider adoption of AM capabilities.

42 ENGINEERING↗

A Comparison of Machine Learning Methods of Association Tested on Dense Nodal Arrays

The association of phase picks to form events is one of the fundamental components of seismology. Large and dense sensor networks, such as >1000 geophone arrays (and distributed acoustic sensing), offer unique challenges in association due to the vast numbers of observations and high likelihood of errant picks. In addition, the large number of stations can greatly increase the time it takes to perform the association. For this reason, machine learning (ML) methods might provide a more optimal method of association for such networks. In this work, we examine how well ML methods (e.g., Gaussian mixture model association, PhaseLink, and Graph Earthquake Neural Interpretation Engine) can incorporate dense seismic arrays into regional networks and how well they handle the increasing numbers of stations. Here, we test their capabilities on two dense seismic deployments, one within Rock Valley Nevada (52 nodes and a 9-station sparse local network), and the LArge-n Seismic Survey in Oklahoma dense nodal array (>1800 vertical-component geophones). Processing data from these two different styles of dense seismic deployments allows testing of how the ML algorithms can merge array data with a broader regional network, how they deal with poorly picked phases, and how they handle anthropogenic noise. We compare the ML-associated bulletins to those obtained using the Rapid Earthquake Association and Location algorithm, a more traditional method of association. We find that there are very small differences in results between the methods for small networks (<100 stations) with low pick rates. For large networks (>1000), there are enough errant picks that some of the ML methods start to create false events out of noise. We also find that the ML methods vary in computation time significantly but are all faster than the traditional method tested here.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Leveraging Natural Language Processing and Generative Models in Molecular Chemistry: Property Prediction and Novel Compound Generation

The accurate prediction of molecular properties is important for the rational design and the advancement of green chemistry and sustainable materials research. However, the predictive power of traditional computational chemistry methods is limited due to computational restrictions. Here, in this study, we examine an alternative approach to the accurate prediction of properties of organic compounds: natural language processing (NLP)-based molecular embedding. Using viscosity, partition coefficient (log P), and enthalpy of vaporization as test properties through a survey of comprehensive datasets comprising 5695 data points for viscosity, 25 870 data points for log P, and 2296 data points for enthalpy of vaporization. These are important properties for the design of greener, safer, and sustainable chemical processes. Models were trained using NLP methods such as Mol2vec and fine-tuned ChemBERTa, and results were compared with traditional input featurization techniques such as Morgan fingerprints and quantum chemistry derived sigma profiles and DFT features. Among the various machine learning models, Mol2vec demonstrated superior predictive capabilities, achieving the highest correlation coefficient (R 2 = 0.945) and lowest RMSE (0.106 mPa s) for viscosity, as well as high accuracy for log P and enthalpy of vaporization predictions. These findings establish the Mol2vec featurization technique, graph-convolutional neural networks (GCNN), and fine-tuned ChemBERTa model as powerful tools for predictive modeling of organic compounds properties, offering a significant improvement over previously used featurization techniques and opening up strategies for very-high-throughput computational screening. Finally, we integrated ML models with hybrid language-model-based generative adversarial networks (LM-GAN) to generate novel molecular sequences with desirable properties for different research applications. The ability to computationally design solvents with lower viscosity, lower log P, and lower enthalpy of vaporization offers a data-driven route to accelerating the discovery of sustainable alternatives to traditionally toxic solvents.

ChemBERTa↗

Long‐Range Electron Transport Rates Depend on Wire Dimensions in Cytochrome Nanowires

Abstract The ability to redirect electron transport to new reactions in living systems opens possibilities to store energy, generate new products, or probe physiological processes. Recent work by Huang et al. showed that 3D crystals of small tetraheme cytochromes (STC) can transport electrons over nanoscopic to mesoscopic distances by an electron hopping mechanism, making them promising materials for nanowires. However, fluctuations at room temperature may distort the nanostructure, hindering efficient electron transport. Classical molecular dynamics simulations of these fluctuations at the nano‐ and mesoscopic scales allowed us to develop a graph network representation to estimate maximum electron flow that can be driven through STC wires. In longer nanowires, transient structural fluctuations at protein‐protein interfaces tended to obstruct efficient electron transfer, but these blockages are ameliorated in thicker crystals where alternative electron transfer pathways become more efficient. The model implies that more flexible proteinprotein interfaces limit the required minimum diameter to carry currents commensurate with conventional electronics.

Chemistry↗

Automatic Halo Management for the Uintah GPU-Heterogeneous Asynchronous Many-Task Runtime

The Uintah computational framework is used for the parallel solution of partial differential equations on adaptive mesh refinement grids using modern supercomputers. Uintah is structured with an application layer and a separate runtime system. Uintah is based on a distributed directed acyclic graph of computational tasks, with a task scheduler that efficiently schedules and executes these tasks on both CPU cores and on-node accelerators. The runtime system identifies task dependencies, creates a task graph prior to the execution of these tasks, automatically generates MPI message tags, and automatically performs halo transfers for simulation variables. Automating halo transfers in a heterogeneous environment poses significant challenges when tasks compute within a few milliseconds, as runtime overhead affects wall time execution, or when simulation variables require large halos spanning most or all of the computational domain, as task dependencies become expensive to process. These challenges are magnified at production scale when application developers require each compute node perform thousands of different halo transfers among thousands simulation variables. The principal contribution of this work is to (1) identify and address inefficiencies that arise when mapping tasks onto the GPU in the presence of automated halo transfers, (2) implement new schemes to reduce runtime system overhead, (3) minimize application developer involvement with the runtime, and (4) show overhead reduction results from these improvements.

Concurrency↗

Dirac cones in the spectrum of bond-decorated graphenes

We present a two-band model based on periodic Hückel theory, which is capable of predicting the existence and position of Dirac cones in the first Brillouin zone of an infinite class of two-dimensional periodic carbon networks, obtained by systematic perturbation of the graphene connectivity by bond decoration, that is by inclusion of arbitrary π-electron Hückel networks into each of the three carbon–carbon π-bonds within the graphene unit cell. The bond decoration process can fundamentally modify the graphene unit cell and honeycomb connectivity, representing a simple and general way to describe many cases of graphene chemical functionalization of experimental interest, such as graphyne, janusgraphenes, and chlorographenes. Exact mathematical conditions for the presence of Dirac cones in the spectrum of the resulting two-dimensional π-networks are formulated in terms of the spectral properties of the decorating graphs. Our method predicts the existence of Dirac cones in experimentally characterized janusgraphenes and chlorographenes, recently speculated on the basis of density functional theory calculations. For these cases, our approach provides a proof of the existence of Dirac cones, and can be carried out at the cost of a back of the envelope calculation, bypassing any diagonalization step, even within Hückel theory.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

FAIR Data and Interpretable AI Framework for Architectured Metamaterials (Final Report)

This research program established a transformative framework for the discovery and design of mechanical metamaterials, which are architected structures engineered to control physical phenomena like sound and vibration in ways natural materials cannot. To overcome the traditional reliance on trial-and-error, the project developed an interpretable Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework that moves beyond "black box" models to reveal the specific geometric patterns—such as "unit-cell templates"—that govern a material’s performance. A major breakthrough was the development of a hierarchical design method, which allows a single material to block vibrations across multiple frequency ranges simultaneously by layering patterns at different scales without them interfering with one another. This was further expanded to include irregular, graph-based designs that use spanning tree algorithms to ensure structural connectivity while allowing for customized, direction-dependent properties like stiffness and acoustic impedance. Beyond design, the project addressed the practicalities of real-world production by developing uncertainty quantification techniques that account for manufacturing defects and material variability, reducing the need for expensive physical testing by orders of magnitude. To speed up the discovery process, the team implemented Gaussian Process Regression and other surrogate models that provide accurate performance predictions at a fraction of the traditional computational cost. The AI-generated designs were successfully validated through fabrication of physical samples and wave propagation experiments, confirming their ability to accurately guide or reflect waves as predicted. By contributing these tools and high-quality FAIR benchmark datasets to the wider scientific community, this work provides a scalable foundation for advancing technologies in aerospace vibration control, medical imaging, and noise reduction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗