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At least 883 records · Page 49

Hybrid Wing Body Aircraft Acoustic Test Preparations and Facility Upgrades

NASA is investigating the potential of acoustic shielding as a means to reduce the noise footprint at airport communities. A subsonic transport aircraft and Langley's 14- by 22-foot Subsonic Wind Tunnel were chosen to test the proposed "low noise" technology. The present experiment studies the basic components of propulsion-airframe shielding in a representative flow regime. To this end, a 5.8-percent scale hybrid wing body model was built with dual state-of-the-art engine noise simulators. The results will provide benchmark shielding data and key hybrid wing body aircraft noise data. The test matrix for the experiment contains both aerodynamic and acoustic test configurations, broadband turbomachinery and hot jet engine noise simulators, and various airframe configurations which include landing gear, cruise and drooped wing leading edges, trailing edge elevons and vertical tail options. To aid in this study, two major facility upgrades have occurred. First, a propane delivery system has been installed to provide the acoustic characteristics with realistic temperature conditions for a hot gas engine; and second, a traversing microphone array and side towers have been added to gain full spectral and directivity noise characteristics.

Heath, Stephanie L.↗

Neuromorphic intermediate representation: A unified instruction set for interoperable brain-inspired computing

Abstract Spiking neural networks and neuromorphic hardware platforms that simulate neuronal dynamics are getting wide attention and are being applied to many relevant problems using Machine Learning. Despite a well-established mathematical foundation for neural dynamics, there exists numerous software and hardware solutions and stacks whose variability makes it difficult to reproduce findings. Here, we establish a common reference frame for computations in digital neuromorphic systems, titled Neuromorphic Intermediate Representation (NIR). NIR defines a set of computational and composable model primitives as hybrid systems combining continuous-time dynamics and discrete events. By abstracting away assumptions around discretization and hardware constraints, NIR faithfully captures the computational model, while bridging differences between the evaluated implementation and the underlying mathematical formalism. NIR supports an unprecedented number of neuromorphic systems, which we demonstrate by reproducing three spiking neural network models of different complexity across 7 neuromorphic simulators and 4 digital hardware platforms. NIR decouples the development of neuromorphic hardware and software, enabling interoperability between platforms and improving accessibility to multiple neuromorphic technologies. We believe that NIR is a key next step in brain-inspired hardware-software co-evolution, enabling research towards the implementation of energy efficient computational principles of nervous systems. NIR is available atneuroir.org

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Concerning the Perturbations Generated by Flux Transfer Events

The interaction of the solar wind with the Earth's magnetosphere is often highly unsteady. Bursts of magnetic reconnection at multiple locations on the dayside equatorial magnetopause generate flux transfer events or FTEs: twisted ropes of interconnected magnetosheath and magnetospheric magnetic field lines. Once formed, the events move antisunward, displacing and perturbing the ambient media. This talk explores the perturbations predicted by both global numerical simulations and analytical models. Results from global hybrid code simulation confirm the predictions of analytical models indicating that the events generate standing forward slow mode waves as their speeds relative to the magnetosheath flow approach the Alfven velocity. Geometric considerations lead to the conclusion that events generated by component reconnection on the dayside magnetopause move poleward and exhibit strong signatures during intervals of southward IMF orientation, but move towards the flanks and exhibit weak signatures during intervals of northward IMF orientation. Changing event orientations and magnetosheath/magnetospheric magnetic field orientation can enhance the amplitudes of events reaching the flanks. Although the orientations of events on the flanks inferred from multispacecraft timing techniques are consistent with the predictions of the component reconnection model, occurrence patterns versus latitude and IMF orientation require an explanation in terms of both the component and antiparallel reconnection models.

Sibeck, David G.↗

Annual simulation of photovoltaic retrofits within existing parabolic trough concentrating solar powerplants

Solar power for electricity production comes from either photovoltaics or concentrating solar power plants. The former has seen rapid growth and expansion due to the rapid fall in global prices, while the latter has seen moderate growth due to ability to cheaply store thermal energy for later use. Hybridization, or combining photovoltaics with concentrating solar power represents a potential way for lowering cost while enabling long term storage. Over 5 GW of capacity exist worldwide using parabolic trough style technology for concentrating solar power which presents a unique option for optimization in the form of a photovoltaic retrofit. While it is possible to analyze the performance with detailed physics models, it is necessary to create a model that can handle simulating the plant level performance to fully understand the potential performance. Here, the first utility scale plant level model of a hybrid photovoltaic-concentrating solar power plant is developed. The model is applied to existing concentrating solar power plants around the world utilizing RP-3 mirrors without thermal energy storage to understand the impact on electricity production. Model results indicate that the photovoltaic retrofit can increase yearly electricity production by up to 30% for plants with solar multiples exceeding 1.5, and that increasing the fraction of solar energy reflected further increases the yield. The increased electrical production declines as the plant solar multiple is decreased. The minimum LCOE observed was $0.07/kWh for plants with larger solar multiple and fraction of solar energy reflected to the PV is 50% of the total aperture.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

System Modeling and Diagnostics for Liquefying-Fuel Hybrid Rockets

A Hybrid Combustion Facility (HCF) was recently built at NASA Ames Research Center to study the combustion properties of a new fuel formulation that burns approximately three times faster than conventional hybrid fuels. Researchers at Ames working in the area of Integrated Vehicle Health Management recognized a good opportunity to apply IVHM techniques to a candidate technology for next generation launch systems. Five tools were selected to examine various IVHM techniques for the HCF. Three of the tools, TEAMS (Testability Engineering and Maintenance System), L2 (Livingstone2), and RODON, are model-based reasoning (or diagnostic) systems. Two other tools in this study, ICS (Interval Constraint Simulator) and IMS (Inductive Monitoring System) do not attempt to isolate the cause of the failure but may be used for fault detection. Models of varying scope and completeness were created, both qualitative and quantitative. In each of the models, the structure and behavior of the physical system are captured. In the qualitative models, the temporal aspects of the system behavior and the abstraction of sensor data are handled outside of the model and require the development of additional code. In the quantitative model, less extensive processing code is also necessary. Examples of fault diagnoses are given.

Poll, Scott↗

Hybrid Reynolds-Averaged/Large Eddy Simulation of a Cavity Flameholder; Assessment of Modeling Sensitivities

Steady-state and scale-resolving simulations have been performed for flow in and around a model scramjet combustor flameholder. The cases simulated corresponded to those used to examine this flowfield experimentally using particle image velocimetry. A variety of turbulence models were used for the steady-state Reynolds-averaged simulations which included both linear and non-linear eddy viscosity models. The scale-resolving simulations used a hybrid Reynolds-averaged / large eddy simulation strategy that is designed to be a large eddy simulation everywhere except in the inner portion (log layer and below) of the boundary layer. Hence, this formulation can be regarded as a wall-modeled large eddy simulation. This effort was undertaken to formally assess the performance of the hybrid Reynolds-averaged / large eddy simulation modeling approach in a flowfield of interest to the scramjet research community. The numerical errors were quantified for both the steady-state and scale-resolving simulations prior to making any claims of predictive accuracy relative to the measurements. The steady-state Reynolds-averaged results showed a high degree of variability when comparing the predictions obtained from each turbulence model, with the non-linear eddy viscosity model (an explicit algebraic stress model) providing the most accurate prediction of the measured values. The hybrid Reynolds-averaged/large eddy simulation results were carefully scrutinized to ensure that even the coarsest grid had an acceptable level of resolution for large eddy simulation, and that the time-averaged statistics were acceptably accurate. The autocorrelation and its Fourier transform were the primary tools used for this assessment. The statistics extracted from the hybrid simulation strategy proved to be more accurate than the Reynolds-averaged results obtained using the linear eddy viscosity models. However, there was no predictive improvement noted over the results obtained from the explicit Reynolds stress model. Fortunately, the numerical error assessment at most of the axial stations used to compare with measurements clearly indicated that the scale-resolving simulations were improving (i.e. approaching the measured values) as the grid was refined. Hence, unlike a Reynolds-averaged simulation, the hybrid approach provides a mechanism to the end-user for reducing model-form errors.

Baurle, R. A.↗

Analysis of controls for integrated energy storage system in energy arbitrage configuration with concrete thermal energy storage

Novel highly detailed NuScale reactor and turbo-generator models have been built in Modelica to analyze potential controls for an integrated energy system (IES) configuration combining a nuclear reactor and concrete thermal energy storage (CTES) operating in energy arbitrage. A shakedown test demonstrates the viability of the control schemes to operate across expected operating conditions while maintaining safety limits and buffers. A five-day data set from Idaho is used to show a load-following application of this system that increases the average reactor power level by 20% over the data set and matching demand at nearly all points. Here, by integrating these models, feedback mechanisms across the primary and secondary sides of the nuclear reactor are integrated, and realistic control evaluation is done. All models are consistent with the Hybrid repository, a suite of Modelica models, maintained at Idaho National Laboratory.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Finite Element Based HWB Centerbody Structural Optimization and Weight Prediction

This paper describes a scalable structural model suitable for Hybrid Wing Body (HWB) centerbody analysis and optimization. The geometry of the centerbody and primary wing structure is based on a Vehicle Sketch Pad (VSP) surface model of the aircraft and a FLOPS compatible parameterization of the centerbody. Structural analysis, optimization, and weight calculation are based on a Nastran finite element model of the primary HWB structural components, featuring centerbody, mid section, and outboard wing. Different centerbody designs like single bay or multi-bay options are analyzed and weight calculations are compared to current FLOPS results. For proper structural sizing and weight estimation, internal pressure and maneuver flight loads are applied. Results are presented for aerodynamic loads, deformations, and centerbody weight.

Gern, Frank H.↗

Problems and research issues associated with the hybrid control of force and displacement

The hybrid control of force and position is basic to the science of robotics but is only poorly understood. Before much progress can be made in robotics, this problem needs to be solved in a robust manner. However, the use of hybrid control implies the existence of a model of the environment, not an exact model (as the function of hybrid control is to accommodate these errors), but a model appropriate for planning and reasoning. The monitored forces in position control are interpreted in terms of a model of the task as are the monitored displacements in force control. The reaction forces of the task of writing are far different from those of hammering. The programming of actions in such a modeled world becomes more complicated and systems of task level programming need to be developed. Sensor based robotics, of which force sensing is the most basic, implies an entirely new level of technology. Indeed, robot force sensors, no matter how compliant they may be, must be protected from accidental collisions. This implies other sensors to monitor task execution and again the use of a world model. This new level of technology is the task level, in which task actions are specified, not the actions of individual sensors and manipulators.

Paul, R. P.↗

High-order Accurate Finite-Volume Formulations for the Pressure Gradient Force in Layered Ocean Models

Discretisation of the horizontal pressure gradient force in layered ocean models is a challenging task, with non-trivial interactions between the thermodynamics of the fluid and the geometry of the layers often leading to numerical difficulties. We present two new finite-volume schemes for the pressure gradient operator designed to address these issues. In each case, the horizontal acceleration is computed as an integration of the contact pressure force that acts along the perimeter of an associated momentum control-volume. A pair of new schemes are developed by exploring different control-volume geometries. Non-linearities in the underlying equation-of-state definitions and thermodynamic profiles are treated using a high-order accurate numerical integration framework, designed to preserve hydrostatic balance in a non-linear manner. Numerical experiments show that the new methods achieve high levels of consistency, maintaining hydrostatic and thermobaric equilibrium in the presence of strongly-sloping layer geometries, non-linear equations-of-state and non-uniform vertical stratification profiles. These results suggest that the new pressure gradient formulations may be appropriate for general circulation models that employ hybrid vertical coordinates andor terrain-following representations.

pressure gradient force↗

Multi-Frequency NMM3D Simulations of Wave Propagation in Vegetation for Remote Sensing of Soil Moisture

To investigate the feasibility of using multi-frequencies to fur- ther improve the soil moisture retrieval, the recently devel- oped hybrid method is used to perform full-wave scattering simulations of a wheat field at three different frequencies of L-, S- and C- bands. In the hybrid method, the multiple scattering within a single wheat plant is first captured using the T-matrix of vec- tor cylindrical waves calculated from the full-wave solutions of HFSS. In the second step, the scattering among different plants is considered using the Foldy-Lax equations of multiple scattering theory (MST) and the extracted T-matrix. The transmission of microwaves through wheat field at the L-, S- and C-bands are calculated using the hybrid method. Results show that: (1) the transmission obtained from the full-wave simulations is much larger than those computed from the radiative transfer equations (RTE) model, (2) the hybrid method transmission has a weaker frequency dependence than those of the RTE, and (3) the attenuation caused by the vegetation layer would saturate with an increase in frequency.

Yueh, Simon↗

Hybrid Reynolds-Averaged/Large Eddy Simulation of the Flow in a Model SCRamjet Cavity Flameholder

Steady-state and scale-resolving simulations have been performed for flow in and around a model scramjet combustor flameholder. Experimental data available for this configuration include velocity statistics obtained from particle image velocimetry. Several turbulence models were used for the steady-state Reynolds-averaged simulations which included both linear and non-linear eddy viscosity models. The scale-resolving simulations used a hybrid Reynolds-averaged/large eddy simulation strategy that is designed to be a large eddy simulation everywhere except in the inner portion (log layer and below) of the boundary layer. Hence, this formulation can be regarded as a wall-modeled large eddy simulation. This e ort was undertaken to not only assess the performance of the hybrid Reynolds-averaged / large eddy simulation modeling approach in a flowfield of interest to the scramjet research community, but to also begin to understand how this capability can best be used to augment standard Reynolds-averaged simulations. The numerical errors were quantified for the steady-state simulations, and at least qualitatively assessed for the scale-resolving simulations prior to making any claims of predictive accuracy relative to the measurements. The steady-state Reynolds-averaged results displayed a high degree of variability when comparing the flameholder fuel distributions obtained from each turbulence model. This prompted the consideration of applying the higher-fidelity scale-resolving simulations as a surrogate "truth" model to calibrate the Reynolds-averaged closures in a non-reacting setting prior to their use for the combusting simulations. In general, the Reynolds-averaged velocity profile predictions at the lowest fueling level matched the particle imaging measurements almost as well as was observed for the non-reacting condition. However, the velocity field predictions proved to be more sensitive to the flameholder fueling rate than was indicated in the measurements.

Baurle, R. A.↗

Multiband superconductivity in strongly hybridized 1 T ' - WTe 2 / NbSe 2 heterostructures

The interplay of topology and superconductivity has become a subject of intense research in condensed-matter physics for the pursuit of topologically nontrivial forms of superconducting pairing. An intrinsically normal-conducting material can inherit superconductivity via electrical contact to a parent superconductor via the proximity effect, usually understood as Andreev reflection at the interface between the distinct electronic structures of two separate conductors. However, at high interface transparency, strong coupling inevitably leads to changes in the band structure, locally, owing to hybridization of electronic states. Here, we investigate such strongly proximity-coupled heterostructures of monolayer $1T$' - $\mathrm{WTe_2}$ grown on NbSe 2 by van der Waals epitaxy. The superconducting local density of states, resolved in scanning tunneling spectroscopy down to 500 mK, reflects a hybrid electronic structure well described by a multiband framework based on the McMillan equations which captures the multiband superconductivity inherent to the NbSe 2 substrate and that is induced by proximity to $\mathrm{WTe_2}$ self-consistently. Our material-specific tight-binding model captures the hybridized heterostructure quantitatively and confirms that strong interlayer hopping gives rise to a semimetallic density of states in the two-dimensional $\mathrm{WTe_2}$ bulk, even for nominally band-insulating crystals. The model further accurately predicts the measured order parameter Δ ≅ 0.6 meV induced in the $\mathrm{WTe_2}$ monolayer bulk, stable beyond a 2 T magnetic field. So we believe that our detailed multiband analysis of the hybrid electronic structure provides a useful tool for sensitive spatial mapping of induced order parameters in proximitized atomically thin topological materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A final report on the extension of the MCSCF/CI method

For the period of July 1982 through January 1983, the research carried out focused on the nature of metal adsorbate bonding. Two main areas were investigated in detail: (1) the adsorption of CO on Al, Na, Mg and Ni; and (2) bonding in transition metal oxides, CuO, CrO and MoO. These theoretical studies have lead to a new understanding of CO-metal bonding as well as to a better understanding of the d involvement in the bonding in transition metal oxides. Four areas associated with cluster model studies are discussed in detail: hybridization and changing in cluster model studies, the adsorption of CO on metals (Al, Na, Mg), the adsorption of CO on Ni, and finally the use of effective core potentials (ECP) in cluster models.

Nelin, C. J.↗

Refinements in a viscoplastic model

A thermodynamically admissible theory of viscoplasticity with two internal variables (a back stress and a drag strength) is presented. Six material functions characterize a specific viscoplastic model. In the pursuit of compromise between accuracy and simplicity, a model is developed that is a hybrid of two existing viscoplastic models. A limited number of applications of the model to Al, Cu, and Ni are presented. A novel implicit integration method is also discussed. Applications are made to obtain solutions using this viscoplastic model.

Freed, A. D.↗

A Phase-Disposition PWM Enabled Model Predictive Control for a Nine-Level Inner-Interleaved Hybrid Multilevel Converter

This article brings forward a phase-disposition pulse width modulation enabled model predictive control (PDPWM-MPC) for a nine-level inner-interleaved hybrid multilevel converter (9L-IHMC). Firstly, three layers of virtual space vector diagrams (VSVD) are established based on the sign patterns of the original and virtual reference vectors in the abcframe, respectively, to achieve the phase-disposition pulse width modulation (PD-PWM) in a non-independent three-phase way. Then, three adjacent virtual vectors in the third-layer VSVD, together with their optimized duty cycles, are applied to guarantee the optimal current tracking. Finally, through the use of the duty cycle alternation approach, dc-link and floating capacitors voltages are balanced and circulating currents are mitigated as well. The proposed PDPWM-MPC can not only enable the decoupling of the low-and high-frequency stages in the 9L-IHMC, but also reduce both output current ripples and computational burden. In addition, it can achieve a constant equivalent switching frequency and address the disproportion of power losses associated with the PD-PWM. Here, both simulations and experiments on a silicon carbide device-based prototype substantiate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Fusion RF Modeling Machine Learning (FusionML_RF) v1.0

FusionML_RF consists of multiple codes and trained machine learning (ML) models that perform low-cost output modeling from the Genray-CQL3D. Three machine learning techniques (multilayer perceptron, random forest, and Gaussian process) provide fast surrogate models for lower hybrid current drive (LHCD) simulations. For example, completing a single GENRAY/CQL3D simulation without radial diffusion of fast electrons requires several minutes of wall-clock time. On the other hand, these ML models achieve ~ms of inference time with high accuracy across the input parameter space. This software collection consists of multiple components. (1) codes that use ML methods and precomputed Genray-CQL3D simulation output to build regression models that enable approximate computations of Genray-CLQ3D outputs from arbitrary but physically meaningful input parameters (surrogate modeling); (2) three trained models created by the team, using a database of 16,000+ GENRAY/CQL3D simulations, to study the performance of ML models for surrogate modeling; (3) codes that load the trained models and simulation data, and then compute mean squared error between the models' predictions and the ground truth of simulation output data. This collection is being made available in conjunction with a scientific publication about the work to promote reusability and provide an artifact of the scientific work.

Bai, Zhe↗

Control and Scaling Approach for the Emulation of Dynamic Subscale Torque Loads

Research and development of electrified aircraft propulsion powertrains are relying on the use of electromechanical systems to emulate turbomachinery/rotor loads. Replacing a physical turbomachinery/rotor with a model driving a subscale electromechanical system capable of emulating subscale torque loads and responses is a lower risk, lower cost alternative to using the full-scale turbomachinery/rotor for initial control system verification. This paper outlines a novel control and scaling approach for emulating dynamic subscale torque loads using electric machine (EM) hardware for electrified aircraft propulsion research and development purposes. The approach, known as the Sliding Mode Impedance Controller with Scaling (SMICS), drives a mechanically coupled, two-EM system to behave like a subscale hardware representation of a hybrid-electric turbomachinery shaft. One EM reflects the inertial dynamics and torque load of the subscale turbomachinery under steady-state and transient operation while the second EM represents a motor/generator connected to the shaft, which is intended to hybridize the turbomachinery. This closed loop control and scaling algorithm applies impedance and sliding mode control schemes, along with parameter scaling, to match subscale, desired dynamics in real-time and to allow this system to be driven by a full-scale hybrid-electric turbomachinery model and control. The paper elaborates on the concept of the closed loop control and scaling approach and explains the significance of using impedance and sliding mode control. It shows a derivation of the closed loop control and scaling algorithm, its implementation, and presents a comparison of theoretical and actual simulation results acquired during hardware-in-the-loop testing of a partial turboelectric propulsion concept aircraft at the NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT).The results show that the intended dynamic responses of the hardware and the aircraft model are achieved in both the time and frequency domain. Full scale propulsion control systems can be tested using this hardware and software approach.

Emulation↗