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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 919 records · Page 51
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Towards automating structural discovery in scanning transmission electron microscopy *

Abstract Scanning transmission electron microscopy is now the primary tool for exploring functional materials on the atomic level. Often, features of interest are highly localized in specific regions in the material, such as ferroelectric domain walls, extended defects, or second phase inclusions. Selecting regions to image for structural and chemical discovery via atomically resolved imaging has traditionally proceeded via human operators making semi-informed judgements on sampling locations and parameters. Recent efforts at automation for structural and physical discovery have pointed towards the use of ‘active learning’ methods that utilize Bayesian optimization with surrogate models to quickly find relevant regions of interest. Yet despite the potential importance of this direction, there is a general lack of certainty in selecting relevant control algorithms and how to balance a priori knowledge of the material system with knowledge derived during experimentation. Here we address this gap by developing the automated experiment workflows with several combinations to both illustrate the effects of these choices and demonstrate the tradeoffs associated with each in terms of accuracy, robustness, and susceptibility to hyperparameters for structural discovery. We discuss possible methods to build descriptors using the raw image data and deep learning based semantic segmentation, as well as the implementation of variational autoencoder based representation. Furthermore, each workflow is applied to a range of feature sizes including NiO pillars within a La:SrMnO 3 matrix, ferroelectric domains in BiFeO 3 , and topological defects in graphene. The code developed in this manuscript is open sourced and will be released at github.com/nccreang/AE_Workflows .

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Detecting Fractional Chern Insulators in Optical Lattices Through Quantized Displacement

The realization of interacting topological states of matter such as fractional Chern insulators (FCIs) in cold atom systems has recently come within experimental reach due to the engineering of optical lattices with synthetic gauge fields providing the required topological band structures. However, detecting their occurrence might prove difficult since transport measurements akin to those in solid state systems are challenging to perform in cold atom setups and alternatives have to be found. Here, we show that for a ν = 1/2 FCI state realized in the lowest band of a Harper-Hofstadter model of interacting bosons confined by a harmonic trapping potential, the fractionally quantized Hall conductivity σ xy can be accurately determined by the displacement of the atomic cloud under the action of a constant force which provides a suitable experimentally measurable signal for detecting the topological nature of the state. Using matrix-product state algorithms, we show that, in both cylinder and square geometries, the movement of the particle cloud in time under the application of a constant force field on top of the confining potential is proportional to σ xy for an extended range of field strengths.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

An Empirical Validation of a Constrained Bin Packing Algorithm for a Home Energy Management System

The increasing number of intelligent electrical appliances and home energy management systems provide a big opportunity for demand response services from residential and small commercial buildings to the grid. Simultaneously, direct control of individual devices by utilities can cause communication bottlenecks, as well as coordination and privacy concerns. These challenges can be addressed by combining the constituent devices into a single house battery equivalent for the purposes of demand response, using Minkowski sum and a 2d bin packing problem. However, the well-studied traditional problems have not been tested in a real house, as implementation carries significant challenges of its own. We deploy the packing problem on residential devices in a controllable house. We report the barriers we found, such as charge forecast and scalability of the algorithm, and discuss our solutions. The study serves as an intermediate step between existing theoretical research and possible future steps, such as prototype deployments of systems that provide residential demand response.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2020

mpfit: a robust method for fitting atomic resolution images with multiple Gaussian peaks

The standard technique for sub-pixel estimation of atom positions from atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy images relies on fitting intensity maxima or minima with a two-dimensional Gaussian function. While this is a widespread method of measurement, it can be error prone in images with non-zero aberrations, strong intensity differences between adjacent atoms or in situations where the neighboring atom positions approach the resolution limit of the microscope. Here we demonstrate mpfit, an atom finding algorithm that iteratively calculates a series of overlapping two-dimensional Gaussian functions to fit the experimental dataset and then subsequently uses a subset of the calculated Gaussian functions to perform sub-pixel refinement of atom positions. Based on both simulated and experimental datasets presented in this work, this approach gives lower errors when compared to the commonly used single Gaussian peak fitting approach and demonstrates increased robustness over a wider range of experimental conditions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1978

Autonomous control of roving vehicles for unmanned exploration of the planets

The guidance of an autonomous rover for unmanned planetary exploration using a short range (0.5 - 3.0 meter) hazard detection system was studied. Experimental data derived from a one laser/one detector system were used in the development of improved algorithms for the guidance of the rover. The new algorithms which account for the dynamic characteristics of the Rensselaer rover can be applied to other rover concepts provided that the rover dynamic parameters are modified appropriately. The new algorithms will also be applicable to the advanced scanning system. The design of an elevation scanning laser/multisensor hazard detection system was completed. All mechanical and electronic hardware components with the exception of the sensor optics and electronic components were constructed and tested.

Yerazunis, S. W.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A multi-temperature TVD algorithm for relaxing hypersonic flows

In this paper, the extension of a multispecies TVD algorithm, second-order accurate for real-gas flows to a multitemperature formulation is described. The convection algorithm is coupled to internal relaxation processes, and the features of the coupling are examined. The first version consists of a three-temperature model, where translational-rotational, vibrational, and electronic energy modes are separately convected. Although several species are present, there is only one vibrational temperature in this model. The second version generalizes to a vibrational temperature for each molecular specie, with additional couplings between species. The algorithms are applied to a generic two-dimensional flow field, and results are compared with experimental observations.

Cambier, Jean-Luc↗
NASA NTRS1989

A code calibration program in support of the Aeroassist Flight Experiment

The code calibration program for the Langley Aerothermodynamic Upwind Relaxation Algorithm to be used as support for the Aeroassist Flight Experiment (AFE) is discussed. Comparisons between experimental data and numerical simulations are made which focus on perfect-gas tests involving a scale model of the AFE. Aspects of the thermochemical nonequilibrium model are called into question by the results of ground tests performed in a ballistic range and in a shock tunnel.

Gnoffo, Peter A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

A comparison of two central difference schemes for solving the Navier-Stokes equations

Five viscous transonic airfoil cases were computed by two significantly different computational fluid dynamics codes: An explicit finite-volume algorithm with multigrid, and an implicit finite-difference approximate-factorization method with Eigenvector diagonalization. Both methods are described in detail, and their performance on the test cases is compared. The codes utilized the same grids, turbulence model, and computer to provide the truest test of the algorithms. The two approaches produce very similar results, which, for attached flows, also agree well with experimental results; however, the explicit code is considerably faster.

Maksymiuk, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Likelihood estimation for distributed parameter models for NASA Mini-MAST truss

A maximum likelihood estimation for distributed parameter models of large flexible structures was formulated. Distributed parameter models involve far fewer unknown parameters than independent modal characteristics or finite element models. The closed form solutions for the partial differential equations with corresponding boundary conditions were derived. The closed-form expressions of sensitivity functions led to highly efficient algorithms for analyzing ground or on-orbit test results. For an illustration of this approach, experimental data of the NASA Mini-MAST truss was used. The estimations of modal properties involve lateral bending modes and torsional modes. The results show that distributed parameter models are promising in the parameter estimation of large flexible structures.

Shen, Ji-Yao↗
NASA NTRS1991

Analysis and design of transonic airfoils using streamwise coordinates

A new approach is developed for analysis and design of transonic airfoils. A set of full potential equivalent equations in von Mises coordinates is formulated from the Euler equations under the irrotationality and isentropic assumptions. This set is composed of a main equation for the main variable, y, and a secondary equations for the secondary variable, R. The main equation is solved by type dependent differencing combined with a shock point operator. The secondary equation is solved by marching from a non-characteristic boundary. Sample computations on NACA 0012 and biconvex airfoils show that, for the analysis problem, the present approach achieves good agreement with experimental C sub p distributions. For the design problem, the approach leads to a simple numerical algorithm in which the airfoil contour is calculated as part of the flow field solution.

Barron, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A nonlinear relaxation/quasi-Newton algorithm for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations

A highly efficient implicit method for the computation of steady, two-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes flowfields is presented. The discretization of the governing equations is hybrid in nature, with flux-vector splitting utilized in the streamwise direction and central differences with flux-limited artificial dissipation used for the transverse fluxes. Line Jacobi relaxation is used to provide a suitable initial guess for a new nonlinear iteration strategy based on line Gauss-Seidel sweeps. The applicability of quasi-Newton methods as convergence accelerators for this and other line relaxation algorithms is discussed, and efficient implementations of such techniques are presented. Convergence histories and comparisons with experimental data are presented for supersonic flow over a flat plate and for several high-speed compression corner interactions. Results indicate a marked improvement in computational efficiency over more conventional upwind relaxation strategies, particularly for flowfields containing large pockets of streamwise subsonic flow.

Edwards, Jack R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Likelihood estimation for distributed parameter models of large beam-like structures

A maximum likelihood estimation for distributed parameter models of large flexible structures was formulated. Distributed parameter models involve far fewer unknown parameters than independent modal characteristics or finite element models. The closed form solutions for the partial differential equations with corresponding boundary conditions were derived. The closed-form expressions of sensitivity functions led to highly efficient algorithms for analyzing ground or on-orbit test results. For an illustration of this approach, experimental data of the NASA Mini-Mast truss was used. The estimations of modal properties involve lateral bending modes and torsional modes. The results show that distributed parameter models are promising in the parameter estimation of large flexible structures.

Shen, J.-Y.↗
NASA NTRS1992

VPPA weld model evaluation

NASA uses the Variable Polarity Plasma Arc Welding (VPPAW) process extensively for fabrication of Space Shuttle External Tanks. This welding process has been in use at NASA since the late 1970's but the physics of the process have never been satisfactorily modeled and understood. In an attempt to advance the level of understanding of VPPAW, Dr. Arthur C. Nunes, Jr., (NASA) has developed a mathematical model of the process. The work described in this report evaluated and used two versions (level-0 and level-1) of Dr. Nunes' model, and a model derived by the University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH) from Dr. Nunes' level-1 model. Two series of VPPAW experiments were done, using over 400 different combinations of welding parameters. Observations were made of VPPAW process behavior as a function of specific welding parameter changes. Data from these weld experiments was used to evaluate and suggest improvements to Dr. Nunes' model. Experimental data and correlations with the model were used to develop a multi-variable control algorithm for use with a future VPPAW controller. This algorithm is designed to control weld widths (both on the crown and root of the weld) based upon the weld parameters, base metal properties, and real-time observation of the crown width. The algorithm exhibited accuracy comparable to that of the weld width measurements for both aluminum and mild steel welds.

Mccutcheon, Kimble D.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A comparative study of computational solutions to flow over a backward-facing step

A comparative study was conducted for computational fluid dynamic solutions to flow over a backward-facing step. This flow is a benchmark problem, with a simple geometry, but involves complicated flow physics such as free shear layers, reattaching flow, recirculation, and high turbulence intensities. Three Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes flow solvers with k-epsilon turbulence models were used, each using a different solution algorithm: finite difference, finite element, and hybrid finite element - finite difference. Comparisons were made with existing experimental data. Results showed that velocity profiles and reattachment lengths were predicted reasonably well by all three methods, while the skin friction coefficients were more difficult to predict accurately. It was noted that, in general, selecting an appropriate solver for each problem to be considered is important.

Mizukami, M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The relation of scalability and execution time

Scalability has been used extensively as a de facto performance criterion for evaluating parallel algorithms and architectures. However, for many, scalability has theoretical interests only since it does not reveal execution time. In this paper, the relation between scalability and execution time is carefully studied. Results show that the isospeed scalability well characterizes the variation of execution time: smaller scalability leads to larger execution time, the same scalability leads to the same execution time, etc. Three algorithms from scientific computing are implemented on an Intel Paragon and an IBM SP2 parallel computer. Experimental and theoretical results show that scalability is an important, distinct metric for parallel and distributed systems, and may be as important as execution time in a scalable parallel and distributed environment.

Sun, Xian-He↗
NASA NTRS1994

Eye-Movement Tracking Using Compressed Video Images

Infrared video cameras offer a simple noninvasive way to measure the position of the eyes using relatively inexpensive equipment. Several commercial systems are available which use special hardware to localize features in the image in real time, but the constraint of realtime performance limits the complexity of the applicable algorithms. In order to get better resolution and accuracy, we have used off-line processing to apply more sophisticated algorithms to the images. In this case, a major technical challenge is the real-time acquisition and storage of the video images. This has been solved using a strictly digital approach, exploiting the burgeoning field of hardware video compression. In this paper we describe the algorithms we have developed for tracking the movements of the eyes in video images, and present experimental results showing how the accuracy is affected by the degree of video compression.

Mulligan, Jeffrey B.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Evolutionary Based Techniques for Fault Tolerant Field Programmable Gate Arrays

The use of SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) is becoming more and more prevalent in space applications. Commercial-grade FPGAs are potentially susceptible to permanently debilitating Single-Event Latchups (SELs). Repair methods based on Evolutionary Algorithms may be applied to FPGA circuits to enable successful fault recovery. This paper presents the experimental results of applying such methods to repair four commonly used circuits (quadrature decoder, 3-by-3-bit multiplier, 3-by-3-bit adder, 440-7 decoder) into which a number of simulated faults have been introduced. The results suggest that evolutionary repair techniques can improve the process of fault recovery when used instead of or as a supplement to Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR), which is currently the predominant method for mitigating FPGA faults.

Larchev, Gregory V.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Mabel Engineering Flights, 2010-2013: Flight Report

In December 2010, NASA deployed for the first time the Multiple Altimeter Beam Experimental Lidar (MABEL), an airborne simulator for Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) algorithm development. Between 2010 and 2013, engineering flights were conducted in the continental United States, to ready the instrument for deployments to Alaska and Iceland, where flight lines could be designed and flown over sea ice and grounded ice. Ultimately, MABEL engineering missions included: 1) flights based out of NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (California, formerly Dryden Flight Research Center) in 2010, 2011, and 2012; flights based out of NASA Wallops Flight Facility (Virginia) in 2012; flights based out of NASA Langley Research Center (Virginia) in 2013; and flights based out of the Mojave Air and Space Port (California) in 2013.

Brunt, Kelly M.↗