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At least 1,009 records · Page 56

Reduced Order Models Based on Linear and Nonlinear Aerodynamic Impulse Responses

This paper discusses a method for the identification and application of reduced-order models based on linear and nonlinear aerodynamic impulse responses. The Volterra theory of nonlinear systems and an appropriate kernel identification technique are described. Insight into the nature of kernels is provided by applying the method to the nonlinear Riccati equation in a non-aerodynamic application. The method is then applied to a nonlinear aerodynamic model of an RAE 2822 supercritical airfoil undergoing plunge motions using the CFL3D Navier-Stokes flow solver with the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model. Results demonstrate the computational efficiency of the technique.

Silva, Walter A.↗

Reduced-Order Models Based on Linear and Nonlinear Aerodynamic Impulse Responses

This paper discusses a method for the identification and application of reduced-order models based on linear and nonlinear aerodynamic impulse responses. The Volterra theory of nonlinear systems and an appropriate kernel identification technique are described. Insight into the nature of kernels is provided by applying the method to the nonlinear Riccati equation in a non-aerodynamic application. The method is then applied to a nonlinear aerodynamic model of RAE 2822 supercritical airfoil undergoing plunge motions using the CFL3D Navier-Stokes flow solver with the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model. Results demonstrate the computational efficiency of the technique.

Silva, Walter A.↗

The effect of nonlinear diffusive heat transport in a simple climate model

The effects of nonlinear diffusive heat transport in North's (1975) model is reexamined. By inserting the nonlinearity into the original energy balance equation rather than the spectrally transformed linear algebraic equations, and including one more mode in the spectral expansion, it is found that nonlinear diffusion does give a significantly different sensitivity for states near the current climate. For linear diffusion, an increase of 0.1% of the solar constant from the present value is sufficient to melt all the ice on the earth, whereas an increase of about five times as large is required for nonlinear diffusion. This difference in sensitivity shows the importance of dynamical modeling in simple climate models.

Lin, C. A.↗

Time optimal control of a jet engine using a quasi-Hermite interpolation model

This work made preliminary efforts to generate nonlinear numerical models of a two-spooled turbofan jet engine, and subject these models to a known method of generating global, nonlinear, time optimal control laws. The models were derived numerically, directly from empirical data, as a first step in developing an automatic modelling procedure.

Comiskey, J. G.↗

A fully associative, nonisothermal, nonlinear kinematic, unified viscoplastic model for titanium alloys

Specific forms for both the Gibb's and complementary dissipation potentials are chosen such that a complete (i.e., fully associative) potential base multiaxial, nonisothermal unified viscoplastic model is obtained. This model possesses one tensorial internal state variable (that is, associated with dislocation substructure) and an evolutionary law that has nonlinear kinematic hardening and both thermal and strain induced recovery mechanisms. A unique aspect of the present model is the inclusion of nonlinear hardening through the use of a compliance operator, derived from the Gibb's potential, in the evolution law for the back stress. This nonlinear tensorial operator is significant in that it allows both the flow and evolutionary laws to be fully associative (and therefore easily integrated), greatly influences the multiaxial response under non-proportional loading paths, and in the case of nonisothermal histories, introduces an instantaneous thermal softening mechanism proportional to the rate of change in temperature. In addition to this nonlinear compliance operator, a new consistent, potential preserving, internal strain unloading criterion has been introduced to prevent abnormalities in the predicted stress-strain curves, which are present with nonlinear hardening formulations, during unloading and reversed loading of the external variables. The specific model proposed is characterized for a representative titanium alloy commonly used as the matrix material in SiC fiber reinforced composites, i.e., TIMETAL 21S. Verification of the proposed model is shown using 'specialized' non-standard isothermal and thermomechanical deformation tests.

Arnold, S. M.↗

Measured and estimated performance of a fleet of shaded photovoltaic systems with string and module-level inverters

Shade obstructions can significantly impact the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Although there are many models for partially shaded PV arrays, there is a lack of information available regarding their accuracy and uncertainty when compared with actual field performance. This work assesses the recorded performance of 46 residential PV systems, equipped with either string-level or module-level inverters, under a variety of shading conditions. We compare their energy production data to annual PV performance predictions, with a focus on the practical models developed here for National Renewable Energy Laboratory's system advisor model software. This includes assessment of shade extent on each PV system by using traditional onsite surveys and newer 3D obstruction modelling. The electrical impact of shade is modelled by either a nonlinear performance model or assumption of linear impact with shade extent, depending on the inverter type. When applied to the fleet of residential PV systems, performance is predicted with median annual bias errors of 2.5% or less, for systems with up to 20% estimated shading loss. The partial shade models are not found to add appreciable uncertainty to annual predictions of energy production for this fleet of systems but do introduce a monthly root-mean-square error of approximately 4%-9% due to seasonal effects. Here the use of a detailed 3D model results in similar or improved accuracy over site survey methods, indicating that, with proper description of shade obstructions, modelling of partially shaded PV arrays can be done completely remotely, potentially saving time and cost.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Skyrmions and hopfions in three-dimensional frustrated magnets

Here, a model of an inversion-symmetric frustrated spin system is introduced which hosts three-dimensional extensions of magnetic skyrmions. In the continuum approximation, this model reduces to a nonlinear sigma model on a squashed sphere that has a natural interpolating parameter. At one limit of the parameter, the model reduces to a frustrated magnetic system earlier considered by Sutcliffe as a host to hopfions, and in the other limit, it becomes very similar to the 3D Skyrme model. To better understand the relation between hopfions and 3D skyrmions, a model interpolating between the Faddeev-Niemi and the Skyrme models is reconsidered and it is shown that energies of the solitons obey a linear Bogomol'nyi-Prasad-Sommerfeld bound. The 3D skyrmions in the frustrated magnetic model are found and compared to the rational map ansatz.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

UNESE Data Analysis-Disko Elm Gas Transport Characteristics (NA-22 Quarterly Report)

Recently published papers have demonstrated the impact of sorption mechanisms on gas transport in the subsurface following an underground nuclear explosion. To include sorption processes in the multi-physics models of noble gas production and transport, researchers have conducted experiments of gas sorption in geologic materials and calibrated a linear (Henry’s law) sorption model for all gases in various geologic materials. As a part of Task #4, we requested the experimental data from Sandia Laboratories and derived a dual-mode (Henry’s absorption and Langmuir adsorption) sorption model. The derived model better describes the nonlinear sorption mechanism with much higher fitness with the experimental data. When gas concentrations are relatively low (in the conditions of field experiments or underground nuclear explosions) compared to those used sorption experiments, the nonlinear sorption model can be approximated as a linear sorption model. The equivalent Henry’s constant, which equals the product of Langmuir capacity and affinity, is systematically higher than the literature values. Further analyses and comparison of sorption models are planned in FY2020 Q4 and the sorption model will be coupled in models of nonisothermal multiphase transport for studying noble gas detectability.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Effects of Omitting Non-confounding Predictors From General Relative-Risk Models for Binary Outcomes

The effects, in terms of bias and precision, of omitting non-confounding predictive covariates from generalized linear models have been well studied, and it is known that such omission results in attenuation bias but increased precision with logistic regression. However, many epidemiologic risk analyses utilize alternative models that are not based on a linear predictor, and the effect of omitting non-confounding predictive covariates from such models has not been characterized. We employed simulation to study the effects on risk estimation of omitting non-confounding predictive covariates from an excess relative risk (ERR) model and a general additive-multiplicative relative-risk mixture model for binary outcome data in a case-control setting. We also compared the results to the effects with ordinary logistic regression. For these commonly employed alternative relative-risk models, the bias was similar to that with logistic regression when the risk was small. More generally, the bias and standard error of the risk-parameter estimates demonstrated patterns that are similar to those with logistic regression, but with greater magnitude depending on the true value of the risk. The magnitude of bias and standard error had little relation to study size or underlying disease prevalence. Prior conclusions regarding omitted covariates in logistic regression models can be qualitatively applied to the ERR and the general additive-multiplicative relative-risk mixture model without substantial change. Quantitatively, however, these alternative models may have slightly greater omitted-covariate bias, depending on the magnitude of the true risk being estimated.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Using PCDS to study the influence of UV flux variation on the middle atmosphere

The value of the Pilot Climate Data System (PCDS) in examining the influences of short-period solar flux variations on the middle atmosphere was demonstrated. Several Nimbus satellite data sets proposed for the study exist in the PCDS. Planned for retrieval through the PCDS are ozone mixing ratios and cumulative ozone profiles available from the Backscatter Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer on Nimbus-4. Also to be accessed are Nimbus-7 data sets that will provide ozone and nitrogen dioxide mixing ratios, temperature profiles from the Limb Infrared Monitor of the Stratosphere, and ozone mixing ratio profiles from the Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer. Bypassing the time-consuming process of reading raw data tapes, the researchers plan to transfer the PCDS processed data to an IBM PC at Iowa State University. The IBM PC will serve as an intermediate vehicle for transferring the data to the NOAA CYBER 840 at Boulder, Colorado, where research will continue on both an eight-layer radiative-photochemical numerical model and on a nonlinear dynamical model. in this research are the FGGE and ERB data sets. These relevant data sets also reside in the PCDS. Problems associated with remote access to the PCDS were discussed in regard to all the PCDS data sets.

Heilman, W.↗

Modeling of turbulent shear flows

The current progress is documented in the research and development of modeling techniques for turbulent shear flows. These include a two-scale model for compressible turbulent flows and a new energy transfer model. The former represents the status of the efforts to identify compressibility effects in turbulence. The energy transfer model refines a weakly nonlinear wave model developed earlier, which models directly the turbulent large structures. The objective of these activities is to develop second-order closures for compressible turbulent flows.

Liou, William W.↗

Computation of flows in a turn-around duct and a turbine cascade using advanced turbulence models

Numerical investigation has been carried out to evaluate the capability of the Algebraic Reynolds Stress Model (ARSM) and the Nonlinear Stress Model (NLSM) to predict strongly curved turbulent flow in a turn-around duct (TAD). The ARSM includes the near-wall damping term of pressure-strain correlation phi(sub ij,w), which enables accurate prediction of individual Reynolds stress components in wall flows. The TAD mean flow quantities are reasonably well predicted by various turbulence models. The ARSM yields better predictions for both the mean flow and the turbulence quantities than the NLSM and the k-epsilon (k = turbulent kinetic energy, epsilon = dissipation rate of k) model. The NLSM also shows slight improvement over the k-epsilon model. However, all the models fail to capture the recovery of the flow from strong curvature effects. The formulation for phi(sub ij,w) appears to be incorrect near the concave surface. The hybrid k-epsilon/ARSM, Chien's k-epsilon model, and Coakley's q-omega (q = the square root of k, omega = epsilon/k) model have also been employed to compute the aerodynamics and heat transfer of a transonic turbine cascade. The surface pressure distributions and the wake profiles are predicted well by all the models. The k-epsilon model and the k-epsilon/ARSM model provide better predictions of heat transfer than the q-omega model. The k-epsilon/ARSM solutions show significant differences in the predicted skin friction coefficients, heat transfer rates and the cascade performance parameters, as compared to the k-epsilon model. The k-epsilon/ARSM model appears to capture, qualitatively, the anisotropy associated with by-pass transition.

Lakshminarayana, B.↗

Fully Associative, Nonisothermal, Potential-Based Unified Viscoplastic Model for Titanium-Based Matrices

A number of titanium matrix composite (TMC) systems are currently being investigated for high-temperature air frame and propulsion system applications. As a result, numerous computational methodologies for predicting both deformation and life for this class of materials are under development. An integral part of these methodologies is an accurate and computationally efficient constitutive model for the metallic matrix constituent. Furthermore, because these systems are designed to operate at elevated temperatures, the required constitutive models must account for both time-dependent and time-independent deformations. To accomplish this, the NASA Lewis Research Center is employing a recently developed, complete, potential-based framework. This framework, which utilizes internal state variables, was put forth for the derivation of reversible and irreversible constitutive equations. The framework, and consequently the resulting constitutive model, is termed complete because the existence of the total (integrated) form of the Gibbs complementary free energy and complementary dissipation potentials are assumed a priori. The specific forms selected here for both the Gibbs and complementary dissipation potentials result in a fully associative, multiaxial, nonisothermal, unified viscoplastic model with nonlinear kinematic hardening. This model constitutes one of many models in the Generalized Viscoplasticity with Potential Structure (GVIPS) class of inelastic constitutive equations.

Source record↗

Forecasting of Storm Surge Floods Using ADCIRC and Optimized DEMs

Increasing the accuracy of storm surge flood forecasts is essential for improving preparedness for hurricanes and other severe storms and, in particular, for optimizing evacuation scenarios. An interactive database, developed by WorldWinds, Inc., contains atlases of storm surge flood levels for the Louisiana/Mississippi gulf coast region. These atlases were developed to improve forecasting of flooding along the coastline and estuaries and in adjacent inland areas. Storm surge heights depend on a complex interaction of several factors, including: storm size, central minimum pressure, forward speed of motion, bottom topography near the point of landfall, astronomical tides, and most importantly, maximum wind speed. The information in the atlases was generated in over 100 computational simulations, partly by use of a parallel-processing version of the ADvanced CIRCulation (ADCIRC) model. ADCIRC is a nonlinear computational model of hydrodynamics, developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the US Navy, as a family of two- and three-dimensional finite element based codes. It affords a capability for simulating tidal circulation and storm surge propagation over very large computational domains, while simultaneously providing high-resolution output in areas of complex shoreline and bathymetry. The ADCIRC finite-element grid for this project covered the Gulf of Mexico and contiguous basins, extending into the deep Atlantic Ocean with progressively higher resolution approaching the study area. The advantage of using ADCIRC over other storm surge models, such as SLOSH, is that input conditions can include all or part of wind stress, tides, wave stress, and river discharge, which serve to make the model output more accurate.

Valenti, Elizabeth↗

Forecasting of Storm-Surge Floods Using ADCIRC and Optimized DEMs

Increasing the accuracy of storm-surge flood forecasts is essential for improving preparedness for hurricanes and other severe storms and, in particular, for optimizing evacuation scenarios. An interactive database, developed by WorldWinds, Inc., contains atlases of storm-surge flood levels for the Louisiana/Mississippi gulf coast region. These atlases were developed to improve forecasting of flooding along the coastline and estuaries and in adjacent inland areas. Storm-surge heights depend on a complex interaction of several factors, including: storm size, central minimum pressure, forward speed of motion, bottom topography near the point of landfall, astronomical tides, and, most importantly, maximum wind speed. The information in the atlases was generated in over 100 computational simulations, partly by use of a parallel-processing version of the ADvanced CIRCulation (ADCIRC) model. ADCIRC is a nonlinear computational model of hydrodynamics, developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the US Navy, as a family of two- and three-dimensional finite-element-based codes. It affords a capability for simulating tidal circulation and storm-surge propagation over very large computational domains, while simultaneously providing high-resolution output in areas of complex shoreline and bathymetry. The ADCIRC finite-element grid for this project covered the Gulf of Mexico and contiguous basins, extending into the deep Atlantic Ocean with progressively higher resolution approaching the study area. The advantage of using ADCIRC over other storm-surge models, such as SLOSH, is that input conditions can include all or part of wind stress, tides, wave stress, and river discharge, which serve to make the model output more accurate. To keep the computational load manageable, this work was conducted using only the wind stress, calculated by using historical data from Hurricane Camille, as the input condition for the model. Hurricane storm-surge simulations were performed on an eight-node Linux computer cluster. Each node contained dual 2-GHz processors, 2GB of memory, and a 40GB hard drive. The digital elevation model (DEM) for this region was specified using a combination of Navy data (over water), NOAA data (for the coastline), and optimized Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar data (over land). This high-resolution topographical data of the Mississippi coastal region provided the ADCIRC model with improved input with which to calculate improved storm-surge forecasts.

Valenti, Elizabeth↗

Impact and Crashworthiness Characteristics of Venera Type Landers for Future Venus Missions

In this paper an in-depth investigation of the structural design of the Venera 9-14 landers is explored. A complete reverse engineering of the Venera lander was required. The lander was broken down into its fundamental components and analyzed. This provided in-sights into the hidden features of the design. A trade study was performed to find the sensitivity of the lander's overall mass to the variation of several key parameters. For the lander's legs, the location, length, configuration, and number are all parameterized. The size of the impact ring, the radius of the drag plate, and other design features are also parameterized, and all of these features were correlated to the change of mass of the lander. A multi-fidelity design tool used for further investigation of the parameterized lander was developed. As a design was passed down from one level to the next, the fidelity, complexity, accuracy, and run time of the model increased. The low-fidelity model was a highly nonlinear analytical model developed to rapidly predict the mass of each design. The medium and high fidelity models utilized an explicit finite element framework to investigate the performance of various landers upon impact with the surface under a range of landing conditions. This methodology allowed for a large variety of designs to be investigated by the analytical model, which identified designs with the optimum structural mass to payload ratio. As promising designs emerged, investigations in the following higher fidelity models were focused on establishing their reliability and crashworthiness. The developed design tool efficiently modelled and tested the best concepts for any scenario based on critical Venusian mission requirements and constraints. Through this program, the strengths and weaknesses inherent in the Venera-Type landers were thoroughly investigated. Key features identified for the design of robust landers will be used as foundations for the development of the next generation of landers for future exploration missions to Venus.

Schroeder, Kevin↗

Parametric Optimization Problem Formulation for Connected Hybrid Electric Vehicles using Neural Network based Equivalent Model

The dynamics of powertrain control systems are complicated and involve both nonlinear plant model and control functionalities, albeit they are well defined and formulated using first principle approaches. This constitutes difficulties in exploring implementable optimal tuning rules for some selected control parameters using vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications. This paper presents a way to use neural networks (NN) to represent the problem of parameter tuning for optimizing fuel consumption. For this purpose, physical modelling and validation have been firstly performed for the closed loop powertrain system of the concerned vehicle for some given driving cycles. This is then followed by the sensitivity analysis that selects most influential control parameters to optimize. Using the data generated from the obtained physical models, an equivalent NN formulation has finally been obtained that gives simple yet unified objectives and constraints ready to be used to solve the optimization problem that produces optimal tuning rules for the selected control parameters to minimize fuel consumption.

Parameter optimization, V2X, Powertrain modeling↗

Finite elements of nonlinear continua.

The finite element method is extended to a broad class of practical nonlinear problems, treating both theory and applications from a general and unifying point of view. The thermomechanical principles of continuous media and the properties of the finite element method are outlined, and are brought together to produce discrete physical models of nonlinear continua. The mathematical properties of the models are analyzed, and the numerical solution of the equations governing the discrete models is examined. The application of the models to nonlinear problems in finite elasticity, viscoelasticity, heat conduction, and thermoviscoelasticity is discussed. Other specific topics include the topological properties of finite element models, applications to linear and nonlinear boundary value problems, convergence, continuum thermodynamics, finite elasticity, solutions to nonlinear partial differential equations, and discrete models of the nonlinear thermomechanical behavior of dissipative media.

Oden, J. T.↗