Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “active state model”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5

Active Sensing of CO2 Emissions over Nights, Days, and Seasons (ASCENDS): Final Report of the ASCENDS Ad Hoc Science Definition Team

Improved remote sensing observations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) are critically needed to quantify, monitor, and understand the Earth's carbon cycle and its evolution in a changing climate. The processes governing ocean and terrestrial carbon uptake remain poorly understood,especially in dynamic regions with large carbon stocks and strong vulnerability to climate change,for example, the tropical land biosphere, the northern hemisphere high latitudes, and the Southern Ocean. Because the passive spectrometers used by GOSAT (Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite) and OCO-2 (Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2) require sunlit and cloud-free conditions,current observations over these regions remain infrequent and are subject to biases. These short comings limit our ability to understand and predict the processes controlling the carbon cycle on regional to global scales.In contrast, active CO2 remote-sensing techniques allow accurate measurements to be taken day and night, over ocean and land surfaces, in the presence of thin or scattered clouds, and at all times of year. Because of these benefits, the National Research Council recommended the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Active Sensing of CO2 Emissions over Nights,Days, and Seasons (ASCENDS) mission in the 2007 report Earth Science and Applications from Space: National Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond. The ability of ASCENDS to collect low-bias observations in these key regions is expected to address important gaps in our knowledge of the contemporary carbon cycle.The ASCENDS ad hoc Science Definition Team (SDT), comprised of carbon cycle modeling and active remote sensing instrument teams throughout the United States (US), worked to develop the mission's requirements and advance its readiness from 2008 through 2018. Numerous scientific investigations were carried out to identify the benefit and feasibility of active CO2 remote sensing measurements for improving our understanding of CO2 sources and sinks. This report summarizes their findings and recommendations based on mission modeling studies, analysis of ancillary meteorological data products, development and demonstration of candidate technologies, anddesign studies of the ASCENDS mission concept.

Kawa, S. Randolph↗

Stratigraphy‐Induced Localization of Microseismicity During CO 2 Injection in Illinois Basin

Abstract Subsurface fluid injection stimulates complex hydromechanical interaction, necessitating the integration of geomechanical data across spatial and temporal scales to consider the sophisticated behavior. Induced seismic response is usually associated with the complex reservoir architecture and pre‐existing features that are three‐dimensional, such as local stratigraphy, fractures, faults, and other discontinuities. This study encompasses laboratory characterization of the coupled hydromechanical response of cores extracted from rock formations in Illinois Basin: reservoir ‐ Mt. Simon sandstone, basal seal ‐ Argenta sandstone, and crystalline basement ‐ Precambrian rhyolite. High‐resolution numerical modeling allows considering the three‐dimensional complexity of the Illinois Basin Decatur Project with spatial resolution comparable to one of the active seismic surveys. A detailed reconstruction of the evolving state of stress in formations lacking direct stress measurements is achieved by numerical modeling that integrated laboratory‐derived hydromechanical properties, a porosity‐permeability relationship, active seismic data, and an inverted three‐dimensional porosity distribution. It appears that the microseismic clusters, mainly observed in the crystalline basement during the injection, are linked to zones experiencing more critically stressed conditions prior to injection. These zones have a potential for reactivation during the injection and are attributed to the specific local stratigraphy of the injection site, as well as transfer of triggering perturbations during the injection.

Bondarenko, N. [University of Illinois Urbana‐Cham↗

Predictive Contaminant Transport Simulation with the P2R Model for the Composite Analysis Inventory Sensitivity Case

The Plateau to River (P2R) Model is a groundwater flow and contaminant fate and transport (F&T) simulation model used to support remedial activities conducted by the Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo) at the Hanford Site in Washington State. The model simulates contaminants of concern within the saturated zone of the uppermost aquifer beneath the Central Plateau and downgradient to the Columbia River. The overall objective of the saturated zone modeling effort is to provide a basis for making informed remedial action decisions based on descriptions of current and expected future contaminant concentrations in groundwater at decision points within and downgradient of the Central Plateau of the Hanford Site. Specifically, the purpose of this environmental calculation file (ECF) is to describe an inventory sensitivity case of the CA base case. The inventory sensitivity case implements a change in the activity contribution from the vadose zone in the A Trenches Area model (for tritium (H-3) and iodine-129 (I-129)), BC Cribs and Trenches model (for I-129 and technetium-99 (Tc-99)), and the PUREX Area model (for H-3 and I-129). All other simulated inventories are identical to the CA base case. The simulation of F&T of contaminants reported in this case will support dose predictions as part of the Hanford Site CA.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Behavioral and Population Data-Driven Distribution System Load Modeling

Distribution system residential load modeling and analysis for different geographic areas within a utility or an independent system operator territory are critical for enabling small-scale, aggregated distributed energy resources to participate in grid services under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order No. 2222 [1]. In this study, we develop a methodology of modeling residential load profiles in different geographic areas with a focus on human behavior impact. First, we construct a behavior-based load profile model leveraging state-of-the-art appliance models. We simulate human activity and occupancy using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods calibrated with the American Time Use Survey data set. Second, we link our model with cleaned Current Population Survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Finally, we populate two sets of 500 households using California and Texas census data, respectively, to perform an initial analysis of the load in different geographic areas with various group features (e.g., different income levels). To distinguish the effect of population behavior differences on aggregated load, we simulate load profiles for both sets assuming fixed physical household parameters and weather data. Analysis shows that average daily load profiles vary significantly by income and income dependency varies by locality.

American Time Use Survey↗

On the two states of CYG X-1 and related sources

A model for active galactic nuclei (AGN), employing quasi-spherical accretion onto a black hole, when scaled down to solar mass objects, provides a straightforward account of the bimodal spectral behavior of Cyg X-1 and the other galactic black hole candidates. It is argued that the change in the spectrum is due to the drastic increase of the source compactness (L/R) with the accretion rate m and the subsequent conversion of most of the energy released by accretion into e(+)e(-) pairs. It is also argued that similar changes may be observed in active galactic nuclei.

Kazanas, D.↗

The two states of Cyg X-1 and related sources

The model for active galactic nuclei of Kazanas and Ellison (1986a), employing quasi-spherical accretion onto a black hole, when scaled down to solar mass objects, provides a straightforward account of the bimodal spectral behavior of Cyg X-1 and the other galactic black hole candidates. It is argued that the change in the spectrum is due to the drastic increase of the source compactness with the accretion rate and the subsequent conversion of most of the energy released by accretion into e(+)e(-) pairs. It is also argued that similar changes may be observed in active galactic nuclei.

Kazanas, D.↗

Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program

The Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program (RSVP) is the software tool for use in the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission for planning rover operations and generating command sequences for accomplishing those operations. RSVP combines three-dimensional (3D) visualization for immersive exploration of the operations area, stereoscopic image display for high-resolution examination of the downlinked imagery, and a sophisticated command-sequence editing tool for analysis and completion of the sequences. RSVP is linked with actual flight-code modules for operations rehearsal to provide feedback on the expected behavior of the rover prior to committing to a particular sequence. Playback tools allow for review of both rehearsed rover behavior and downlinked results of actual rover operations. These can be displayed simultaneously for comparison of rehearsed and actual activities for verification. The primary inputs to RSVP are downlink data products from the Operations Storage Server (OSS) and activity plans generated by the science team. The activity plans are high-level goals for the next day s activities. The downlink data products include imagery, terrain models, and telemetered engineering data on rover activities and state. The Rover Sequence Editor (RoSE) component of RSVP performs activity expansion to command sequences, command creation and editing with setting of command parameters, and viewing and management of rover resources. The HyperDrive component of RSVP performs 2D and 3D visualization of the rover s environment, graphical and animated review of rover-predicted and telemetered state, and creation and editing of command sequences related to mobility and Instrument Deployment Device (IDD) operations. Additionally, RoSE and HyperDrive together evaluate command sequences for potential violations of flight and safety rules. The products of RSVP include command sequences for uplink that are stored in the Distributed Object Manager (DOM) and predicted rover state histories stored in the OSS for comparison and validation of downlinked telemetry. The majority of components comprising RSVP utilize the MER command and activity dictionaries to automatically customize the system for MER activities. Thus, RSVP, being highly data driven, may be tailored to other missions with minimal effort. In addition, RSVP uses a distributed, message-passing architecture to allow multitasking, and collaborative visualization and sequence development by scattered team members.

Cooper, Brian↗

Update on Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program

The Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program (RSVP) has been updated. RSVP was reported in Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program (NPO-30845), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 29, No. 4 (April 2005), page 38. To recapitulate: The Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program (RSVP) is the software tool to be used in the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission for planning rover operations and generating command sequences for accomplishing those operations. RSVP combines three-dimensional (3D) visualization for immersive exploration of the operations area, stereoscopic image display for high-resolution examination of the downlinked imagery, and a sophisticated command-sequence editing tool for analysis and completion of the sequences. RSVP is linked with actual flight code modules for operations rehearsal to provide feedback on the expected behavior of the rover prior to committing to a particular sequence. Playback tools allow for review of both rehearsed rover behavior and downlinked results of actual rover operations. These can be displayed simultaneously for comparison of rehearsed and actual activities for verification. The primary inputs to RSVP are downlink data products from the Operations Storage Server (OSS) and activity plans generated by the science team. The activity plans are high-level goals for the next day s activities. The downlink data products include imagery, terrain models, and telemetered engineering data on rover activities and state. The Rover Sequence Editor (RoSE) component of RSVP performs activity expansion to command sequences, command creation and editing with setting of command parameters, and viewing and management of rover resources. The HyperDrive component of RSVP performs 2D and 3D visualization of the rover s environment, graphical and animated review of rover predicted and telemetered state, and creation and editing of command sequences related to mobility and Instrument Deployment Device (robotic arm) operations. Additionally, RoSE and HyperDrive together evaluate command sequences for potential violations of flight and safety rules. The products of RSVP include command sequences for uplink that are stored in the Distributed Object Manager (DOM) and predicted rover state histories stored in the OSS for comparison and validation of downlinked telemetry. The majority of components comprising RSVP utilize the MER command and activity dictionaries to automatically customize the system for MER activities.

Cooper, Brian↗

Aeroservoelastic modeling and applications using minimum-state approximations of the unsteady aerodynamics

Various control analysis, design, and simulation techniques for aeroelastic applications require the equations of motion to be cast in a linear time-invariant state-space form. Unsteady aerodynamics forces have to be approximated as rational functions of the Laplace variable in order to put them in this framework. For the minimum-state method, the number of denominator roots in the rational approximation. Results are shown of applying various approximation enhancements (including optimization, frequency dependent weighting of the tabular data, and constraint selection) with the minimum-state formulation to the active flexible wing wind-tunnel model. The results demonstrate that good models can be developed which have an order of magnitude fewer augmenting aerodynamic equations more than traditional approaches. This reduction facilitates the design of lower order control systems, analysis of control system performance, and near real-time simulation of aeroservoelastic phenomena.

Tiffany, Sherwood H.↗

Mg II and Ly-alpha fluxes in M dwarfs - Evaluation of an acoustic model

Surface fluxes of Mg II and Ly-alpha from a sample of M dwarfs have been reported by Panagi and Mathioudakis (PM, 1992). In order to determine if acoustic effects can reproduce the fluxes in the least active ('basal') stars in the PM sample, we have constructed steady state models of plane-parallel atmospheres with T(eff) = 3000 and 4000 K including heating by shock dissipation. The models incorporate radiative losses in the chromosphere by solving the transfer equation for two strong lines (Mg II k and Ly-alpha). Predictions of standard weak shock theory are expected to overestimate the rate of energy deposition in the chromospheres of M dwarfs compared to the rate of deposition in F, G, or K dwarfs. In order to incorporate this effect in M dwarfs, we compute a series of atmospheric models in which, for a given T(eff), the standard weak shock dissipation rate is reduced by a series of factors F(r). Although the input acoustic flux F(mech) may in principle be determined uniquely by T(eff) and log g, the correct value to use in any particular case is not well known. We therefore use F(mech) and F(r) as parameters to construct a family of M dwarf models at various T(eff) and g. Comparing with the observed fluxes in the least active M dwarfs of the PM sample, we find that our models reproduce the observed fluxes of both Mg II and Ly-alpha best if F(mech) is close to the value predicted by Bohn (1984) and if F(r) is approximately equal to 10-20.

Mullan, D. J.↗

Generalized Predictive Control for Active Stability Augmentation and Vibration Reduction on an Aeroelastic Tiltrotor Model

Tiltrotor aircraft are defining the state-of-the-art in vertical lift technology as they have the potential to greatly expand rotary-wing operational boundaries. However, they are often limited in forward flight speed due to complex coupled rotor and wing dynamic instabilities. The U.S. Army and NASA have been developing a new wind tunnel model, the TiltRotor Aeroelastic Stability Testbed(TRAST), to test proprotors in the NASA Langley Research Center Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT) to investigate aeroelastic stability in cruise. The test is intended to provide high-quality research data for analytical tool development and validation. In addition, the TRAST model will support, develop, and mature new technologies for the design of advanced proprotor aircraft. Stability augmentation and vibration reduction during testing is planned with the use of an active control methodology known as Generalized Predictive Control(GPC). GPC is an autoregressive control law that experimentally acquires a system identification to derive the input-output relation of controls and corresponding sensors. This type of control law is especially useful for complex dynamic interactions that are difficult to explicitly model such as proprotor pylon instability, often referred to as whirl flutter. GPC has been successfully employed on other tiltrotor vehicles to suppress whirl flutter instabilities and vibrations. To aid in the characterization of the wind-tunnel model and in tool development, an analytical representation of the wind-tunnel model was developed using the rotorcraft comprehensive analysis system (RCAS) that simulates structural dynamics and aerodynamics. RCAS was used to derive state-space estimates of the physical plant at various flight conditions to test control law effectiveness. This paper will present an overview of the test article development, a description of RCAS, an explanation of the GPC methodology, and results of GPC being applied to state-space plant estimates of the TRAST model. In these simulations, GPC was effective at stabilizing the aircraft beyond the whirl-flutter boundary while simultaneously reducing vibrations across the flight regime. Additionally, a modern advancement to GPC, termed advanced GPC (AGPC), is introduced that enables a self-adapting system identification. Preliminary results show that AGPC is successful at self-correction as the plant changes from what was used for system identification.

tiltrotor↗

Distribution Grid Model Publication Investigation

Interest in the external exchange of distribution grid model data is growing around the world, driven largely by the challenges and opportunities presented by the increasing amount of generation, storage, and flexible load being embedded within the distribution grid. This report provides an overview of the current state of distribution grid model data sharing, with a focus on the industry-leading activities currently underway in Great Britain (GB). A second report will explore opportunities for external distribution grid model sharing in the United States.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

A rate equation approach to gain saturation effects in laser mode calculations

Space exploration and research require large amounts of power. Solar pumped laser systems have been shown to have the potential for meeting the performance requirements necessary for power transmission in space. The successful design of laser systems for these applications will depend, in part, on having a clear understanding of the development of the dynamical processes in the laser cavity and on the effects that changes in physical and design parameters have on laser performance. In particular, it is necessary to know the amplitude and phase distributions of the laser beam at the output aperture when steady state operation is achieved in order to determine the far-field power distribution. The output from the laser will depend on the active medium, the optical environment of the active material and on the gain distribution in the active region as laser action builds up and reaches steady state. An important component in the design process will be a realistic model of the active laser cavity. A computer model of the laser cavity, based on Huygens' principle was developed. The code calculates the amplitude and phase of an optical wave reflected back and forth between the mirrors of a laser cavity. The original code assumes a gain distribution which does not change with the buildup of oscillations in the cavity. A step in the direction of realism is the inclusion of a saturable gain medium in the cavity. The objective is to incorporate saturation effects into the existing computer model.

Roberts, Lila F.↗

Arrested-motility states in populations of shape-anisotropic active Janus particles

The emergence of large-scale collective phenomena from simple interactions between individual units is a hallmark of active matter systems. Active colloids with alignment-dominated interparticle interactions tend to develop orientational order and form motile coherent states, such as flocks and swarms. Alternatively, a combination of self-propulsion and excluded-volume interactions results in self-trapping and active phase separation into dense clusters. Here, we reveal unconventional arrested-motility states in ensembles of active discoidal particles powered by induced-charge electrophoresis. Combining experiments and computational modeling, we demonstrate that the shape asymmetry of the particles promotes the hydrodynamically assisted formation of active particles’ bound states in a certain range of excitation parameters, ultimately leading to a spontaneous collective state with arrested motility. Unlike the jammed clusters obtained through self-trapping, the arrested-motility phase remains sparse, dynamic, and reconfigurable. The demonstrated mechanism of phase separation seeded by bound state formation in ensembles of oblate active particles is generic and should be applicable to other active colloidal systems.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Application of transonic codes to aeroelastic modeling of airfoils including active controls

A study is performed using aeroelastic modeling to investigate the stability behavior of airfoils in small-disturbance transonic flow. Two conventional airfoils, NACA 64.A006 and NACA 64A010, and a supercritical airfoil, MBB A-3, are considered. Three sets of unsteady aerodynamic data are computed using three different transonic codes (LTRAN2-NLR, LTRAN2-HI, and USTS) for comparison purposes. Stability results obtained using a constant matrix, state-space, aeroelastic model are presented in a root-locus format. Use of the state-space model is demonstrated through application to flutter suppression using active controls. Aeroelastic effects due to simple, constant gain, partial feedback, control laws that utilize displacement, velocity, and acceleration sensing are studied using a variety of control gains. Calculations are also performed using linear subsonic aerodynamic theory to reveal the differences between including and not including transonic effects in the aeroelastic model. Aeroelastic stability behavior of these airfoils is physically interpreted and discussed in detail.

Batina, J. T.↗

Evaluation Analysis of NASA SMAP L3 and L4 and SPoRT-LIS Soil Moisture Data in the United States

Soil moisture has a critical role in the development, frequency and persistence of climatic and hydrologic extremes such as drought, heat wave and flooding events. In situ soil moisture data are uneven and sparse in time and space. This highlights the need to utilize other soil moisture sources to fill this spatiotemporal gap. The goal of this study is to validate one satellite-based and two model-based soil moisture datasets with in situ data across the United States. Soil moisture information from the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) enhanced level 3 (L3) (SMAP L3) and modeled level 4 (L4) (SMAP L4) data at 9-km resolution and Short-term Prediction Research and Transition-Land Information System (SPoRT-LIS) modeled at 3-km resolution were selected for evaluation. SPoRT-LIS is a near real-time, high resolution operational land analysis data. Ground-based data were obtained from the North American Soil Moisture Database (NASMD) for 362 stations. Seven statistical indicators including anomaly, Spearman, and Pearson correlation coefficients, the systematic error (Bias), root mean square error (RMSE), unbiased root mean square error (ubRMSE), and normalized standard deviation (SDV) were used to evaluate the satellite- and model-derived soil moisture data. In addition, the triple collocation (TC) error model was used to measure the error among SMAP L4, SPoRT-LIS and ground-based data. This study assesses which satellite or modeled dataset is most appropriate for specific times and locations to use as a surrogate for in situ observations. Temporal and spatial analysis demonstrated that, overall, SMAP L4 performed better than SMAP L3 and SPoRT-LIS. Strong agreement was observed between SMAP L4 and in situ observations (ρ = 0.53, Bias = −0.006) in all seasons and most regions with various land covers, especially in winter and in the central regions of the United States. For croplands, SMAP L4 presented the best agreement with in situ data, analyzing all period (ρ = 0.60) and non-winter period (ρ = 0.61) separately.

Tavakol, Ameneh↗

Non-uniform active learning for Gaussian process models with applications to trajectory informed aerodynamic databases

The ability to non-uniformly weight the input space is desirable for many applications, and has been explored for space-filling approaches. Increased interests in linking models, such as in a digital twinning framework, increases the need for sampling emulators where they are most likely to be evaluated. In particular, here we apply non-uniform sampling methods for the construction of aerodynamic databases. This paper combines non-uniform weighting with active learning for Gaussian Processes (GPs) to develop a closed-form solution to a non-uniform active learning criterion. We accomplish this by utilizing a kernel density estimator as the weight function. We demonstrate the need and efficacy of this approach with an atmospheric entry example that accounts for both model uncertainty as well as the practical state space of the vehicle, as determined by forward modeling within the active learning loop.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Techno-Economic Analysis of a Concentrating Solar Power Plant Using Redox-Active Metal Oxides as Heat Transfer Fluid and Storage Media

We present results for a one-dimensional quasi-steady-state thermodynamic model developed for a 111.7 MW e concentrating solar power (CSP) system using a redox-active metal oxide as the heat storage media and heat transfer agent integrated with a combined cycle air Brayton power block. In the energy charging and discharging processes, the metal oxide CaAl 0.2 Mn 0.8 O 2.9-δ (CAM28) undergoes a reversible, high temperature redox cycle including an endothermic oxygen-releasing reaction and exothermic oxygen-incorporation reaction. Concentrated solar radiation heats the redox-active oxide particles under partial vacuum to drive the reduction extent deeper for increased energy density at a fixed temperature, thereby increasing storage capacity while limiting the required on sun temperature. Direct counter-current contact of the reduced particles with compressed air from the Brayton compressor releases stored chemical and sensible energy, heating the air to 1,200°C at the turbine inlet while cooling and reoxidizing the particles. The cool oxidized particles recirculate through the solar receiver subsystem for another cycle of heating and reduction (oxygen release). We applied the techno-economic model to 1) size components, 2) examine intraday operation with varying solar insolation, 3) estimate annual performance characteristics over a simulated year, 4) estimate the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), and 5) perform sensitivity analyses to evaluate factors that affect performance and cost. Simulations use hourly solar radiation data from Barstow, California to assess the performance of a 111.7 MW e system with solar multiples (SMs) varying from 1.2 to 2.4 and storage capacities of 6–14 h. The baseline system with 6 h storage and SM of 1.8 has a capacity factor of 54.2%, an increase from 32.3% capacity factor with no storage, and an average annual energy efficiency of 20.6%. Calculations show a system with an output of 710 GWh e net electricity per year, 12 h storage, and SM of 2.4 to have an installed cost of $329 million, and an LCOE of 5.98 ¢/kWh e . This value meets the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot 2020 target of 6.0 ¢/kWh e ( U. S Department of Energy, 2012 ), but falls just shy of the 5.0 ¢/kWh e 2030 CSP target for dispatchable electricity ( U. S Department of Energy, 2017 ). The cost and performance results are minimally sensitive to most design parameters. However, a one-point change in the weighted annual cost of capital from 8 to 7% (better understood as a 12.5% change) translates directly to an 11% decrease (0.66 ¢/kWhe) in the LCOE.

Gorman, Brandon T.↗