Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “numerical errors”

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 901 records · Page 50
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Evaluation and analysis of the orbital maneuvering vehicle video system

The work accomplished in the summer of 1989 in association with the NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Research Fellowship Program at Marshall Space Flight Center is summarized. The task involved study of the Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV) Video Compression Scheme. This included such activities as reviewing the expected scenes to be compressed by the flight vehicle, learning the error characteristics of the communication channel, monitoring the CLASS tests, and assisting in development of test procedures and interface hardware for the bit error rate lab being developed at MSFC to test the VCU/VRU. Numerous comments and suggestions were made during the course of the fellowship period regarding the design and testing of the OMV Video System. Unfortunately from a technical point of view, the program appears at this point in time to be trouble from an expense prospective and is in fact in danger of being scaled back, if not cancelled altogether. This makes technical improvements prohibitive and cost-reduction measures necessary. Fortunately some cost-reduction possibilities and some significant technical improvements that should cost very little were identified.

Moorhead, Robert J., II↗
NASA NTRS1990

A statistical study of the differential very long baseline interferometry delay rate error budget

The delta differential one-way Doppler (delta-DOD) error budget is assessed by analyzing 12 years of dual-frequency Deep Space Network very long baseline interferometry data. A typical delta-DOD observation is outlined, and the Magellan error budget along with tropospheric effects are considered. Formation of quasar-quasar observables, RMS delta-DOD residual, angular source separation and time separation between observations are discussed, along with elevation angle and atmospheric pathlength dependence, solar-plasma and ionospheric effects. It is concluded that the weak dependence of the delta-DOD error on angular source separation can mean that quasars with larger angular separation from a spacecraft may be used as navigation reference with little increase in the delta-DOD error. It is also indicated that the delta-DOD errors are dominated by wet troposphere fluctuations, and the results of numerical integrations for the single-station RMS delay rate at different elevation angles are presented.

Edwards, Charles D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Long-term variations in abundance and distribution of sulfuric acid vapor in the Venus atmosphere inferred from Pioneer Venus and Magellan radio occultation studies

Radio occultation experiments have been used to study various properties of planetary atmospheres, including pressure and temperature profiles, and the abundance profiles of absorbing constituents in those planetary atmospheres. However, the reduction of amplitude data from such experiments to determine abundance profiles requires the application of the inverse Abel transform (IAT) and numerical differentiation of experimental data. These two operations preferentially amplify measurement errors above the true signal underlying the data. A new technique for processing radio occultation data has been developed that greatly reduces the errors in the derived absorptivity and abundance profiles. This technique has been applied to datasets acquired from Pioneer Venus Orbiter radio occultation studies and more recently to experiments conducted with the Magellan spacecraft. While primarily designed for radar studies of the Venus surface, the high radiated power (EIRP) from the Magellan spacecraft makes it an ideal transmitter for measuring the refractivity and absorptivity of the Venus atmosphere by such experiments. The longevity of the Pioneer Venus Orbiter has made it possible to study long-term changes in the abundance and distribution of sulfuric acid vapor, H2SO4(g), in the Venus atmosphere between 1979 and 1992. The abundance of H2SO4(g) can be inferred from vertical profiles of 13-cm absorptivity profiles retrieved from radio occultation experiments. Data from 1979 and 1986-87 suggest that the abundance of H2SO4(g) at latitudes northward of 70 deg decreased over this time period. This change may be due to a period of active volcanism in the late 1970s followed by a relative quiescent period, or some other dynamic process in the Venus atmosphere. While the cause is not certain, such changes must be incorporated into dynamic models of the Venus atmosphere. Potentially, the Magellan spacecraft will extend the results of Pioneer Venus Orbiter and allow the continued monitoring of the abundance of distribution of H2SO4(g) in the Venus atmosphere, as well as other interesting atmospheric properties. Without such measurements it will be difficult to address other issues such as the short-term spatial variability of the abundance of H2SO4(g) at similar latitudes in Venus atmosphere, and the identities of particles responsible for large-scale variations observed in NIR images.

Jenkins, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Improved approximations of displacements for structural optimization

In most structural optimization problems the implicit behavior constraints are evaluated for successive modifications in the design. For each trial design, the analysis equations must be solved and the multiple repeated analyses usually involve extensive computational effort. This difficulty motivated several studies on explicit approximations of the structural behavior in terms of the design variables. The latter approach can considerably reduce the amount of computations, but the quality of the approximations might not be sufficient. Many of the approximate behavior models proposed in the past are valid only for relatively small changes in the design variables. The accuracy of the results is often insufficient for large changes in the design. The object of this study is to present efficient and high quality approximations of the structural behavior. It will be shown that the quality of the approximations can greatly be improved by combining scaling of the initial design, using intervening variables, and scaling a set of fictitious loads. Integrating these means, a powerful solution procedure can be introduced. In addition, the errors in satisfying the analysis equations can readily be evaluated. A numerical example illustrates the solution methodology and the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Kirsch, Uri↗
NASA NTRS1995

Radial alignment simulation of solar wind streams observed by Pioneers 10 and 11 in 1974

A particularly favorable radial lineup between spacecraft in Earth orbit and Pioneers 10 and 11 (near the ecliptic plane at approximately 5.5 AU and approximately 4.5 AU, respectively) occurred in mid-1974, when the solar corona was in a stable and well-defined warped-dipole configuration. The radial alignment study reported here differs from previous applications of the technique in two respects: (1) It is the first time a two-dimensional (2-D) MHD model has been tested over such a lengthy propagation interval; the 2-D capability is crucial for treatment of the nonradial shearing motions occurring across the stream interface. (2) The three-dimensional (3-D) structure observed in the white light corona at that time is related to the systematic patterns of nonradial flow deflections appearing at the Pioneer corotating interaction region (CIR) fronts. Comparison of predicted and observed flows for pairs of streams in two successive rotations reveals that when the parent coronal hole projects far across the solar equator in a predominantly north-south orientation (i.e., nearest the 2-D idealization), the mapping is accurate down to details of the flow structures. But where the spacecraft tracks along a latitudinal boundary of a hole or the associated stream front is inclined at a shallow angle to the equator, the numerical projections deviate systematically from the observations. Among the sources of error are 3-D dynamical interactions neglected in the model, differential rotation effects, and slow temporal evolution of the coronal structures. A characteristic pattern of north-south and east-west deflections indicative of the 3-D geometry appears across the CIRs, but these patterns evidently reflect primarily the local, as opposed to global, orientation of the 3-D stream fronts. Such patterns appear common in CIRs observed by Pioneer during this period. These findings thus hold special relevance for the analysis of Ulysses observations, since the present coronal configuration is similar to that of 1974.

Pizzo, V. J.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Nonstandard finite difference schemes

The major research activities of this proposal center on the construction and analysis of nonstandard finite-difference schemes for ordinary and partial differential equations. In particular, we investigate schemes that either have zero truncation errors (exact schemes) or possess other significant features of importance for numerical integration. Our eventual goal is to bring these methods to bear on problems that arise in the modeling of various physical, engineering, and technological systems. At present, these efforts are extended in the direction of understanding the exact nature of these nonstandard procedures and extending their use to more complicated model equations. Our presentation will give a listing (obtained to date) of the nonstandard rules, their application to a number of linear and nonlinear, ordinary and partial differential equations. In certain cases, numerical results will be presented.

Mickens, Ronald E.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Tests of a Semi-Analytical Case 1 and Gelbstoff Case 2 SeaWiFS Algorithm with a Global Data Set

A semi-analytical algorithm was tested with a total of 733 points of either unpackaged or packaged-pigment data, with corresponding algorithm parameters for each data type. The 'unpackaged' type consisted of data sets that were generally consistent with the Case 1 CZCS algorithm and other well calibrated data sets. The 'packaged' type consisted of data sets apparently containing somewhat more packaged pigments, requiring modification of the absorption parameters of the model consistent with the CalCOFI study area. This resulted in two equally divided data sets. A more thorough scrutiny of these and other data sets using a semianalytical model requires improved knowledge of the phytoplankton and gelbstoff of the specific environment studied. Since the semi-analytical algorithm is dependent upon 4 spectral channels including the 412 nm channel, while most other algorithms are not, a means of testing data sets for consistency was sought. A numerical filter was developed to classify data sets into the above classes. The filter uses reflectance ratios, which can be determined from space. The sensitivity of such numerical filters to measurement resulting from atmospheric correction and sensor noise errors requires further study. The semi-analytical algorithm performed superbly on each of the data sets after classification, resulting in RMS1 errors of 0.107 and 0.121, respectively, for the unpackaged and packaged data-set classes, with little bias and slopes near 1.0. In combination, the RMS1 performance was 0.114. While these numbers appear rather sterling, one must bear in mind what mis-classification does to the results. Using an average or compromise parameterization on the modified global data set yielded an RMS1 error of 0.171, while using the unpackaged parameterization on the global evaluation data set yielded an RMS1 error of 0.284. So, without classification, the algorithm performs better globally using the average parameters than it does using the unpackaged parameters. Finally, the effects of even more extreme pigment packaging must be examined in order to improve algorithm performance at high latitudes. Note, however, that the North Sea and Mississippi River plume studies contributed data to the packaged and unpackaged classess, respectively, with little effect on algorithm performance. This suggests that gelbstoff-rich Case 2 waters do not seriously degrade performance of the semi-analytical algorithm.

Carder, Kendall L.↗
NASA NTRS2000

An Improved Neutron Transport Algorithm for Space Radiation

A low-energy neutron transport algorithm for use in space radiation protection is developed. The algorithm is based upon a multigroup analysis of the straight-ahead Boltzmann equation by using a mean value theorem for integrals. This analysis is accomplished by solving a realistic but simplified neutron transport test problem. The test problem is analyzed by using numerical and analytical procedures to obtain an accurate solution within specified error bounds. Results from the test problem are then used for determining mean values associated with rescattering terms that are associated with a multigroup solution of the straight-ahead Boltzmann equation. The algorithm is then coupled to the Langley HZETRN code through the evaporation source term. Evaluation of the neutron fluence generated by the solar particle event of February 23, 1956, for a water and an aluminum-water shield-target configuration is then compared with LAHET and MCNPX Monte Carlo code calculations for the same shield-target configuration. The algorithm developed showed a great improvement in results over the unmodified HZETRN solution. In addition, a two-directional solution of the evaporation source showed even further improvement of the fluence near the front of the water target where diffusion from the front surface is important.

Heinbockel, John H.↗
NASA NTRS1999

An O(Nm(sup 2)) Plane Solver for the Compressible Navier-Stokes Equations

A hierarchical multigrid algorithm for efficient steady solutions to the two-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations is developed and demonstrated. The algorithm applies multigrid in two ways: a Full Approximation Scheme (FAS) for a nonlinear residual equation and a Correction Scheme (CS) for a linearized defect correction implicit equation. Multigrid analyses which include the effect of boundary conditions in one direction are used to estimate the convergence rate of the algorithm for a model convection equation. Three alternating-line- implicit algorithms are compared in terms of efficiency. The analyses indicate that full multigrid efficiency is not attained in the general case; the number of cycles to attain convergence is dependent on the mesh density for high-frequency cross-stream variations. However, the dependence is reasonably small and fast convergence is eventually attained for any given frequency with either the FAS or the CS scheme alone. The paper summarizes numerical computations for which convergence has been attained to within truncation error in a few multigrid cycles for both inviscid and viscous ow simulations on highly stretched meshes.

Thomas, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1997

An Analytical Comparison of the Acoustic Analogy and Kirchhoff Formulation for Moving Surfaces

The Lighthill acoustic analogy, as embodied in the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) equation, is compared with the Kirchhoff formulation for moving surfaces. A comparison of the two governing equations reveals that the main Kirchhoff advantage (namely nonlinear flow effects are included in the surface integration) is also available to the FW-H method if the integration surface used in the FW-H equation is not assumed impenetrable. The FW-H equation is analytically superior for aeroacoustics because it is based upon the conservation laws of fluid mechanics rather than the wave equation. This means that the FW-H equation is valid even if the integration surface is in the nonlinear region. This is demonstrated numerically in the paper. The Kirchhoff approach can lead to substantial errors if the integration surface is not positioned in the linear region. These errors may be hard to identify. Finally, new metrics based on the Sobolev norm are introduced which may be used to compare input data for both quadrupole noise calculations and Kirchhoff noise predictions.

Brentner, Kenneth S.↗
NASA NTRS2005

The Effect of Basis Selection on Static and Random Acoustic Response Prediction Using a Nonlinear Modal Simulation

An investigation of the effect of basis selection on geometric nonlinear response prediction using a reduced-order nonlinear modal simulation is presented. The accuracy is dictated by the selection of the basis used to determine the nonlinear modal stiffness. This study considers a suite of available bases including bending modes only, bending and membrane modes, coupled bending and companion modes, and uncoupled bending and companion modes. The nonlinear modal simulation presented is broadly applicable and is demonstrated for nonlinear quasi-static and random acoustic response of flat beam and plate structures with isotropic material properties. Reduced-order analysis predictions are compared with those made using a numerical simulation in physical degrees-of-freedom to quantify the error associated with the selected modal bases. Bending and membrane responses are separately presented to help differentiate the bases.

Rizzi, Stephen A.↗
NASA NTRS2018

On the Limitations of Variational Bias Correction

Satellite radiances are the largest dataset assimilated into Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models, however the data are subject to errors and uncertainties that need to be accounted for before assimilating into the NWP models. Variational bias correction uses the time series of observation minus background to estimate the observations bias. This technique does not distinguish between the background error, forward operator error, and observations error so that all these errors are summed up together and counted as observation error. We identify some sources of observations errors (e.g., antenna emissivity, non-linearity in the calibration, and antenna pattern) and show the limitations of variational bias corrections on estimating these errors.

Moradi, Isaac↗
NASA NTRS2018

ATMS Radiometric Noise Characterization

The Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS), on SNPP and NOAA-20, provides vertical atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles that are a key input to numerical weather prediction. Full characterization of radiometric noise is critical to error modeling, algorithm development and the potential development of performance requirements and product improvements. This paper presents estimates of white noise and low-frequency 1/f noise as derived from the Allan variance and scan-to-scan autocorrelations of data from the internal hot calibration. This approach allows direct comparison of on-orbit performance of the two units as well as comparison between ground calibration test data and on-orbit performance. The autocorrelation at multiple scan intervals is used as input to a theoretical model of the NET of inferred scene brightness temperature, when using weighted samples of calibration data over multiple scans. This will support selection of optimized calibration weighting functions for each channel, as well as providing further insight into the striping phenomenon. These measured autocorrelations are also compared to the autocorrelations derived from the 1/f spectra obtained both in special ground and on-orbit tests that characterize gain fluctuation. Channel cross-correlations are also presented, which can have a significant impact on effectiveness of direct assimilation performance.

instrument calibration↗
DOE OSTI2025

The rigorous upscaling of advection-dominated transport in heterogeneous porous media via the Method of Finite Averages

Systems involving advection-dominated transport through heterogeneous porous and fractured media are ubiquitous in subsurface engineering applications. However, upscaling such systems continues to challenge rigorous modeling efforts, particularly when advection is stronger than diffusion at fine spatial scales (i.e., when the Péclet number is greater than one at length scales that characterize a system’s unit-cells, representative elementary volumes, or averaging regions). Here, in this work, we propose and validate a strategy for extending the Method of Finite Averages (MoFA), a rigorous upscaling methodology for heterogeneous porous media, to upscale transport systems experiencing stronger advection than diffusion at fine scales (i.e., fine-scale Péclet numbers greater than one). We detail the strategy, the physical conditions under which it can be applied while retaining a priori modeling error guarantees, and implement the strategy to obtain a MoFA model for advective-diffusive transport that accommodates advective physics at fine spatial scales. We then perform two numerical experiments considering systems with system-scale Péclet numbers of 300 and 1000 — which correspond to fine-scale Péclet numbers of 30 and 100, respectively — to verify that the error guarantees are met under the strategy. After, we conduct a numerical study to demonstrate the strategy’s advantages over the original MoFA methodology. The results suggest that rigorously-upscaled transport models for heterogeneous porous media experiencing advective physics at finer spatial scales can be derived through MoFA and resolved orders of magnitude faster than their pore-scale counterparts. The results also suggest that the presented strategy is limited to modeling shallow concentration gradients when there are large differences between the time scales related to advection and a system’s temporally-varying boundary conditions. This limitation hinders the strategy’s practicality in modeling more advective systems, and as such, opportunity exists for developing additional strategies that accommodate rapidly-varying boundary conditions — and consequentially, steeper concentration gradients — while modeling advective systems with MoFA.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1989

Multiple boundary condition testing error analysis

Techniques for interpreting data from multiple-boundary-condition (MBC) ground tests of large space structures are developed analytically and demonstrated. The use of MBC testing to validate structures too large to stand alone on the ground is explained; the generalized least-squares mass and stiffness curve-fitting methods typically applied to MBC test data are reviewed; and a detailed error analysis is performed. Consideration is given to sensitivity coefficients, covariance-matrix theory, the correspondence between test and analysis modes, constraints and step sizes, convergence criteria, and factor-analysis theory. Numerical results for a simple beam problem are presented in tables and briefly characterized. The improved error-updating capabilities of MBC testing are confirmed, and it is concluded that reasonably accurate results can be obtained using a diagonal covariance matrix.

Glaser, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Optimal error analysis of spectral methods with emphasis on non-constant coefficients and deformed geometries

The numerical analysis of spectral methods when non-constant coefficients appear in the equation, either due to the original statement of the equations or to take into account the deformed geometry, is presented. Particular attention is devoted to the optimality of the discretization even for low values of the discretization parameter. The effect of some overintegration is also addressed, in order to possibly improve the accuracy of the discretization.

Maday, Yvon↗
DOE OSTI2022

Velocity circulation intermittency in finite-temperature turbulent superfluid helium

We study intermittency of circulation moments in turbulent superfluid helium by using experimental grid turbulence and numerical simulations of the Hall-Vinen-Bekarevich-Khalatnikov model. More precisely, we compute the velocity circulation Γ r in loops of size r laying in the inertial range. For both experimental and numerical data, the circulation variance shows a clear Kolmogorov scaling < $Γ$$^2_r$ > ~ r 8/3 in the inertial range, independently of the temperature. Scaling exponents of high-order moments are comparable, within error bars, to previously reported anomalous circulation exponents in classical turbulence and low-temperature quantum turbulence numerical simulations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗