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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 91 records · Page 5

Transonic Lift and Drag Predictions using Wall Modelled Large Eddy Simulations

Wall-modelled Large Eddy Simulations (WMLES) of the NASA Common Research Model (CRM) at transonic conditions and various angles of attacks leading up to and including shock-induced flow separation are performed using the LAVA computational framework. The simulations are shown to accurately predict the lift curve slope and the onset of separation characterized by the break in the pitching moment. Furthermore, careful assessment of skin-friction drag at cruise condition and its subsequent decrease with increasing angles of attack are shown to be in agreement with viscous sublayer resolving Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes(RANS) simulations. The small differences between WMLES and RANS appear to be of the same order as differences seen between two RANS models at the cruise-point. Some sensitivity is observed to the coefficient used in the subgrid scale model, although this can be reconciled by noting the low chord- and shock-incidence Reynolds numbers (Rex≈106) seen in the outboard regions of the wing, along with the uncertainties associated with tripping and the numerical transition that occurs near the leading edge. Among the primary drawbacks seen in the WMLES predictions is the subdued increase in wave-drag with increasing angle-of-attack and the shock intensity when compared with experimental data. Preliminary assessment suggests that additional span- and stream-wise grid resolution is likely needed in mid- and out-board portions of the wing to better resolve the shock-induced separated flow and to further investigate prediction accuracy of unsteady temporal characteristics of the problem.

ARMD↗

The Land Surface Data Toolkit (LDT v7.2) - A Data Fusion Environment for Land Data Assimilation Systems

The effective applications of land surface models (LSMs) and hydrologic models pose a varied set of data input and processing needs, ranging from ensuring consistency checks to more derived data processing and analytics. This article describes the development of the Land surface Data Toolkit (LDT), which is an integrated framework designed specifically for processing input data to execute LSMs and hydrological models. LDT not only serves as a preprocessor to the NASA Land Information System (LIS), which is an integrated framework designed for multi-model LSM simulations and data assimilation (DA) integrations, but also as a land-surface-based observation and DA input processor. It offers a variety of user options and inputs to processing datasets for use within LIS and stand-alone models. The LDT design facilitates the use of common data formats and conventions. LDT is also capable of processing LSM initial conditions and meteorological boundary conditions and ensuring data quality for inputs to LSMs and DA routines. The machine learning layer in LDT facilitates the use of modern data science algorithms for developing data-driven predictive models. Through the use of an object-oriented framework design, LDT provides extensible features for the continued development of support for different types of observational datasets and data analytics algorithms to aid land surface modeling and data assimilation.

droughts and floods↗

Mesh Effects on Flow Solutions for a 2-D Multi-Element Airfoil Using Structured Overset Methods

Current best-practices for mesh generation in a structured overset framework are evaluated to determine their effects on the accuracy and convergence of the flow solution on a two-dimensional sectional cut of the High-Lift Common Research Model (HLCRM) wing. Mesh parameters are varied independently and correlated with force and moment coefficients from the flow solutions to identify the trends and sensitivities of the parameter variations, and the characteristics of a best practice mesh. Grid convergence and mesh adaption studies are also performed to determine the minimum mesh quality needed in order for solution-based adaption to reach an accurate flow solution.

T^3↗

A New Concurrent Multiscale Methodology for Coupling Molecular Dynamics and Finite Element Analyses

The coupling of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with finite element methods (FEM) yields computationally efficient models that link fundamental material processes at the atomistic level with continuum field responses at higher length scales. The theoretical challenge involves developing a seamless connection along an interface between two inherently different simulation frameworks. Various specialized methods have been developed to solve particular classes of problems. Many of these methods link the kinematics of individual MD atoms with FEM nodes at their common interface, necessarily requiring that the finite element mesh be refined to atomic resolution. Some of these coupling approaches also require simulations to be carried out at 0 K and restrict modeling to two-dimensional material domains due to difficulties in simulating full three-dimensional material processes. In the present work, a new approach to MD-FEM coupling is developed based on a restatement of the standard boundary value problem used to define a coupled domain. The method replaces a direct linkage of individual MD atoms and finite element (FE) nodes with a statistical averaging of atomistic displacements in local atomic volumes associated with each FE node in an interface region. The FEM and MD computational systems are effectively independent and communicate only through an iterative update of their boundary conditions. With the use of statistical averages of the atomistic quantities to couple the two computational schemes, the developed approach is referred to as an embedded statistical coupling method (ESCM). ESCM provides an enhanced coupling methodology that is inherently applicable to three-dimensional domains, avoids discretization of the continuum model to atomic scale resolution, and permits finite temperature states to be applied.

Yamakov, Vesselin↗

An Embedded Statistical Method for Coupling Molecular Dynamics and Finite Element Analyses

The coupling of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with finite element methods (FEM) yields computationally efficient models that link fundamental material processes at the atomistic level with continuum field responses at higher length scales. The theoretical challenge involves developing a seamless connection along an interface between two inherently different simulation frameworks. Various specialized methods have been developed to solve particular classes of problems. Many of these methods link the kinematics of individual MD atoms with FEM nodes at their common interface, necessarily requiring that the finite element mesh be refined to atomic resolution. Some of these coupling approaches also require simulations to be carried out at 0 K and restrict modeling to two-dimensional material domains due to difficulties in simulating full three-dimensional material processes. In the present work, a new approach to MD-FEM coupling is developed based on a restatement of the standard boundary value problem used to define a coupled domain. The method replaces a direct linkage of individual MD atoms and finite element (FE) nodes with a statistical averaging of atomistic displacements in local atomic volumes associated with each FE node in an interface region. The FEM and MD computational systems are effectively independent and communicate only through an iterative update of their boundary conditions. With the use of statistical averages of the atomistic quantities to couple the two computational schemes, the developed approach is referred to as an embedded statistical coupling method (ESCM). ESCM provides an enhanced coupling methodology that is inherently applicable to three-dimensional domains, avoids discretization of the continuum model to atomic scale resolution, and permits finite temperature states to be applied.

Saether, E.↗

A Systems Approach to Developing an Affordable Space Ground Transportation Architecture using a Commonality Approach

This paper presents a structured approach for achieving a compatible Ground System (GS) and Flight System (FS) architecture that is affordable, productive and sustainable. This paper is an extension of the paper titled "Approach to an Affordable and Productive Space Transportation System" by McCleskey et al. This paper integrates systems engineering concepts and operationally efficient propulsion system concepts into a structured framework for achieving GS and FS compatibility in the mid-term and long-term time frames. It also presents a functional and quantitative relationship for assessing system compatibility called the Architecture Complexity Index (ACI). This paper: (1) focuses on systems engineering fundamentals as it applies to improving GS and FS compatibility; (2) establishes mid-term and long-term spaceport goals; (3) presents an overview of transitioning a spaceport to an airport model; (4) establishes a framework for defining a ground system architecture; (5) presents the ACI concept; (6) demonstrates the approach by presenting a comparison of different GS architectures; and (7) presents a discussion on the benefits of using this approach with a focus on commonality.

Garcia, Jerry L.↗

Common Analysis Tool Being Developed for Aeropropulsion: The National Cycle Program Within the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation Environment

The NASA Lewis Research Center is developing an environment for analyzing and designing aircraft engines-the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS). NPSS will integrate multiple disciplines, such as aerodynamics, structure, and heat transfer, and will make use of numerical "zooming" on component codes. Zooming is the coupling of analyses at various levels of detail. NPSS uses the latest computing and communication technologies to capture complex physical processes in a timely, cost-effective manner. The vision of NPSS is to create a "numerical test cell" enabling full engine simulations overnight on cost-effective computing platforms. Through the NASA/Industry Cooperative Effort agreement, NASA Lewis and industry partners are developing a new engine simulation called the National Cycle Program (NCP). NCP, which is the first step toward NPSS and is its initial framework, supports the aerothermodynamic system simulation process for the full life cycle of an engine. U.S. aircraft and airframe companies recognize NCP as the future industry standard common analysis tool for aeropropulsion system modeling. The estimated potential payoff for NCP is a $50 million/yr savings to industry through improved engineering productivity.

Follen, Gregory J.↗

The Moon's Deep Interior: A Hotbed for Seismicity and the Question of Partial Melt

Terrestrial planets all share a common structural framework (crust, mantle, core) which is developed very shortly after formation and which determines subsequent evolution. The Moon formed under very unique circumstances. Interior properties provide constraints on formation and evolution models, and possible indicators of an early dynamo for magnetic field generation: Layering, Composition, Seismic velocity & density, Presence of partial melt, Core state. Constraints on these properties arise from geophysical observations: Geodetic parameters, Lunar laser ranging, Gravity field, Magnetic induction, Heat flow, Seismology.

Weber, Renee↗

Development Roadmap of an Evolvable and Extensible Multi-Mission Telecom Planning and Analysis Framework

In this paper, we describe the development roadmap and discuss the various challenges of an evolvable and extensible multi-mission telecom planning and analysis framework. Our long-term goal is to develop a set of powerful flexible telecommunications analysis tools that can be easily adapted to different missions while maintain the common Deep Space Communication requirements. The ability of re-using the DSN ground models and the common software utilities in our adaptations has contributed significantly to our development efforts measured in terms of consistency, accuracy, and minimal effort redundancy, which can translate into shorter development time and major cost savings for the individual missions. In our roadmap, we will address the design principles, technical achievements and the associated challenges for following telecom analysis tools (i) Telecom Forecaster Predictor - TFP (ii) Unified Telecom Predictor - UTP (iii) Generalized Telecom Predictor - GTP (iv) Generic TFP (v) Web-based TFP (vi) Application Program Interface - API (vii) Mars Relay Network Planning Tool - MRNPT.

telecommunications↗

The Identification and Modeling of Visual Cue Usage in Manual Control Task Experiments

Many fields of endeavor require humans to conduct manual control tasks while viewing a perspective scene. Manual control refers to tasks in which continuous, or nearly continuous, control adjustments are required. Examples include flying an aircraft, driving a car, and riding a bicycle. Perspective scenes can arise through natural viewing of the world, simulation of a scene (as in flight simulators), or through imaging devices (such as the cameras on an unmanned aerospace vehicle). Designers frequently have some degree of control over the content and characteristics of a perspective scene; airport designers can choose runway markings, vehicle designers can influence the size and shape of windows, as well as the location of the pilot, and simulator database designers can choose scene complexity and content. Little theoretical framework exists to help designers determine the answers to questions related to perspective scene content. An empirical approach is most commonly used to determine optimum perspective scene configurations. The goal of the research effort described in this dissertation has been to provide a tool for modeling the characteristics of human operators conducting manual control tasks with perspective-scene viewing. This is done for the purpose of providing an algorithmic, as opposed to empirical, method for analyzing the effects of changing perspective scene content for closed-loop manual control tasks.

Sweet, Barbara Townsend↗

Numerical studies of frontal dynamics

Efforts concentrated on the development of a two dimensional primitive equation (PE) model of frontogenesis that simultaneously incorporates the frontagenetical mechanisms of confluence and horizontal shear. Applying this model to study the effects of upper level frontogenesis, it appeared to be dominated by tilting effects associated with cross front variation of vertical motion, in which subsidence is maximized within and to the warm side of the frontal zone. Results suggest that aspects characteristic of three-dimensional baroclinic waves may be abstracted to a significant extent in a two dimensional framework. They also show that upper-level frontogenesis and tropopause folding can occur in the absence of three-dimensional curvature effects, commonly believed to be necessary for realistic upper-level frontogenesis. An implication of the dominant tilting effects is that they may have to be adequately resolved by numerical weather prediction models, thus requiring better horizontal and vertical resolution.

Keyser, Daniel↗

A Framework for Simulation of Aircraft Flyover Noise Through a Non-Standard Atmosphere

This paper describes a new framework for the simulation of aircraft flyover noise through a non-standard atmosphere. Central to the framework is a ray-tracing algorithm which defines multiple curved propagation paths, if the atmosphere allows, between the moving source and listener. Because each path has a different emission angle, synthesis of the sound at the source must be performed independently for each path. The time delay, spreading loss and absorption (ground and atmosphere) are integrated along each path, and applied to each synthesized aircraft noise source to simulate a flyover. A final step assigns each resulting signal to its corresponding receiver angle for the simulation of a flyover in a virtual reality environment. Spectrograms of the results from a straight path and a curved path modeling assumption are shown. When the aircraft is at close range, the straight path results are valid. Differences appear especially when the source is relatively far away at shallow elevation angles. These differences, however, are not significant in common sound metrics. While the framework used in this work performs off-line processing, it is conducive to real-time implementation.

Arntzen, Michael↗

On the estimation of climatological Z-R relationships

A statistical framework for climatological Z-R parameter estimation is developed and simulation experiments are conducted to examine sampling properties of the estimators. Both parametric and nonparametric models are considered. For parametric models, it is shown that Z-R parameters can be estimated by maximum likelihood, a procedure with optimal large sample properties. A general nonparametric framework for climatological Z-R estimation is also developed. Nonparametric procedures are attractive because of their flexibility in dealing with certain types of measurement errors common to radar data. Simulation experiments show that even under favorable assumptions on error characteristics of radar and raingages, large datasets are required to obtain accurate Z-R parameter estimates. Another important conclusion is that estimation results are generally quite sensitive to radar and raingage measurement thresholds. For fixed sample size, the simulation results can be used to provide quantitative assessments of the accuracy of Z-R model parameter estimates. These results are particularly useful for error analysis of precipitation products that are derived using climatological Z-R relations. One example is the large-area rainfall estimates derived using the height-area rainfall threshold (HART) technique.

Krajewski, Witold F.↗

Examining Reuse in LaSRS++-Based Projects

NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) developed the Langley Standard Real-Time Simulation in C++ (LaSRS++) to consolidate all software development for its simulation facilities under one common framework. A common framework promised a decrease in the total development effort for a new simulation by encouraging software reuse. To judge the success of LaSRS++ in this regard, reuse metrics were extracted from 11 aircraft models. Three methods that employ static analysis of the code were used to identify the reusable components. For the method that provides the best estimate, reuse levels fall between 66% and 95% indicating a high degree of reuse. Additional metrics provide insight into the extent of the foundation that LaSRS++ provides to new simulation projects. When creating variants of an aircraft, LaRC developers use object-oriented design to manage the aircraft as a reusable resource. Variants modify the aircraft for a research project or embody an alternate configuration of the aircraft. The variants inherit from the aircraft model. The variants use polymorphism to extend or redefine aircraft behaviors to meet the research requirements or to match the alternate configuration. Reuse level metrics were extracted from 10 variants. Reuse levels of aircraft by variants were 60% - 99%.

Madden, Michael M.↗

First International Diagnosis Competition - DXC'09

A framework to compare and evaluate diagnosis algorithms (DAs) has been created jointly by NASA Ames Research Center and PARC. In this paper, we present the first concrete implementation of this framework as a competition called DXC 09. The goal of this competition was to evaluate and compare DAs in a common platform and to determine a winner based on diagnosis results. 12 DAs (model-based and otherwise) competed in this first year of the competition in 3 tracks that included industrial and synthetic systems. Specifically, the participants provided algorithms that communicated with the run-time architecture to receive scenario data and return diagnostic results. These algorithms were run on extended scenario data sets (different from sample set) to compute a set of pre-defined metrics. A ranking scheme based on weighted metrics was used to declare winners. This paper presents the systems used in DXC 09, description of faults and data sets, a listing of participating DAs, the metrics and results computed from running the DAs, and a superficial analysis of the results.

Kurtoglu, tolga↗

Controlling Distributed Planning

A system of software implements an extended version of an approach, denoted shared activity coordination (SHAC), to the interleaving of planning and the exchange of plan information among organizations devoted to different missions that normally communicate infrequently except that they need to collaborate on joint activities and/or the use of shared resources. SHAC enables the planning and scheduling systems of the organizations to coordinate by resolving conflicts while optimizing local planning solutions. The present software provides a framework for modeling and executing communication protocols for SHAC. Shared activities are represented in each interacting planning system to establish consensus on joint activities or to inform the other systems of consumption of a common resource or a change in a shared state. The representations of shared activities are extended to include information on (1) the role(s) of each participant, (2) permissions (defined as specifications of which participant controls what aspects of shared activities and scheduling thereof), and (3) constraints on the parameters of shared activities. Also defined in the software are protocols for changing roles, permissions, and constraints during the course of coordination and execution.

Clement, Bradley↗

NASA Life Sciences Portal (NLSP): Supporting Scientific Transparency and Reproducibility

NASA’s Life Sciences Ports (NLSP) serves the scientific community by providing curated data from space life science experiment. The Human Research Program (HRP) with the help of NLSP is currently transforming their life sciences data archive systems and processes to improve compliance with the FAIR principles [1]. Some of these improvements will at the same time support the twin pillars of Open Science [2]: transparency of methods and reproducibility of results. Scientific transparency is marked by the easily intelligible communication of what has been investigated: what were the procedures for collecting sample and the characteristics of samples collected? what kinds of measurements were made, what were the environmental conditions of the measurements? What were the analysis techniques of the collected data? Reproducibility of the results and findings from the investigation requires a high level of transparency for all but the simplest investigations; the slightest deviation in communicating and replicating complex experimental procedures or data analyses can often yield quite different data and even findings, thwarting their validation. One of the ways the NLSP is aiming to improve the communication of scientific information is through the use of ontology-driven metadata. Ontologies are powerful, graph-based knowledge representation structures, which can be leveraged to increase data interoperability, the area of the FAIR principles in which many data systems most lack compliance. Over the past decade, there has been a concerted effort in the biomedical community to develop modular and narrowly focused domain and application-specific ontologies in a common, open-source framework, the Open Biological and Biomedical Ontology (OBO) Foundry [3]. The open sharing and modular nature of this effort promises huge increases in harmonized data sharing for systems that leverage these models. Which is in line with the FAIR Data Principles of Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reuse for scientific data management and stewardship. 1. Wilkinson, M.D., et al., The FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship. Sci Data, 2016. 3: p. 160018. 2. National Academies of Sciences, E. and Medicine, Open Science by Design: Realizing a Vision for 21st Century Research. 2018, Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. 232. 3. Smith, B., et al., The OBO Foundry: coordinated evolution of ontologies to support biomedical data integration. Nat Biotechnol, 2007. 25(11): p. 1251-5.

Life Sciences data↗

NASA Life Sciences Portal (NLSP): Supporting Scientific Transparency and Reproducibility

NASA’s Life Sciences Ports (NLSP) serves the scientific community by providing curated data from space life science experiment. The Human Research Program (HRP) with the help of NLSP is currently transforming their life sciences data archive systems and processes to improve compliance with the FAIR principles [1]. Some of these improvements will at the same time support the twin pillars of Open Science [2]: transparency of methods and reproducibility of results. Scientific transparency is marked by the easily intelligible communication of what has been investigated: what were the procedures for collecting sample and the characteristics of samples collected? what kinds of measurements were made, what were the environmental conditions of the measurements? What were the analysis techniques of the collected data? Reproducibility of the results and findings from the investigation requires a high level of transparency for all but the simplest investigations; the slightest deviation in communicating and replicating complex experimental procedures or data analyses can often yield quite different data and even findings, thwarting their validation. One of the ways the NLSP is aiming to improve the communication of scientific information is through the use of ontology-driven metadata. Ontologies are powerful, graph-based knowledge representation structures, which can be leveraged to increase data interoperability, the area of the FAIR principles in which many data systems most lack compliance. Over the past decade, there has been a concerted effort in the biomedical community to develop modular and narrowly focused domain and application-specific ontologies in a common, open-source framework, the Open Biological and Biomedical Ontology (OBO) Foundry [3]. The open sharing and modular nature of this effort promises huge increases in harmonized data sharing for systems that leverage these models. Which is in line with the FAIR Data Principles of Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reuse for scientific data management and stewardship.

Life Sciences data↗