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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 1,027 records · Page 57
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

ForceFinder

SAND2025-11750O ForceFinder extends the Structural Dynamics Python Libraries (SDynPy) with comprehensive tools for inverse source estimation (ISE) tasks via frequency response function (FRF) matrix inversion. The software is designed for transfer path analysis and multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) vibration control problems. It allows users to estimate sources through various algorithms, from the basic Moore-Penrose pseudo-inverse to statistical learning methods such as Tikhonov regularization via an L-curve and elastic net regularization via an information criterion. ForceFinder uses an object-oriented framework, where all components of the ISE problem—such as FRFs, responses, and transformations—are stored in a "SourcePathReceiver" object. This software can be applied to any noise and vibration problem. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

Carter, Steven [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Liv↗
DOE OSTI2022

Bayesian optimization for inverse calibration of expensive computer models: A case study for Johnson-Cook model in machining

Inverse model calibration for identifying the constitutive model parameters can be computationally demanding for expensive-to-evaluate simulation models. Here, this paper presents a modified Bayesian optimization (BO) method, denoted as BO-bound, that incorporates theoretical bounds on the quantity of interest. A case study for the inverse calibration of the Johnson Cook (J-C) flow stress model parameters is presented using machining (cutting) force data. The results show fast calibration of the five J-C parameters within 25 simulations. In general, the BO-bound method is applicable for inverse calibration of any expensive simulation models as well as optimization problems with known bounds.

Bayesian optimization↗
DOE OSTI2020

Inverse point source location with the Helmholtz equation on a bounded domain

The problem of recovering acoustic sources, more specifically monopoles, from point-wise measurements of the corresponding acoustic pressure at a limited number of frequencies is addressed. To this purpose, a family of sparse optimization problems in measure space in combination with the Helmholtz equation on a bounded domain is considered in this study. A weighted norm with unbounded weight near the observation points is incorporated into the formulation. Optimality conditions and conditions for recovery in the small noise case are discussed, which motivates concrete choices of the weight. The numerical realization is based on an accelerated conditional gradient method in measure space and a finite element discretization.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1987

A direct algorithm for solution of incompressible three-dimensional unsteady Navier-Stokes equations

A direct, implicit, numerical solution algorithm, with second-order accuracy in space and time, is constructed for the three-dimensional unsteady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations formulated in terms of velocity and vorticity, using generalized orthogonal coordinates to achieve the accurate solution of complex viscous flow configurations. A numerically stable, efficient, direct inversion procedure is developed for the computationally intensive divergence-curl elliptic velocity problem. This overdetermined partial differential operator is first formulated as a uniquely determined, nonsingular matrix-vector problem; this aspect of the procedure is a unique feature of the present analysis. The three-dimensional vorticity-transport equation is solved by a modified factorization technique which completely eliminates the need for any block-matrix inversions and only scalar tridiagonal matrices need to be inverted. The method is applied to the test problem of the three-dimensional flow within a shear-driven cubical box. Coherent streamwise vortex structures are observed within the steady-state flow at Re = 100.

Osswald, G. A.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Dual Representations and H ∞ -Optimal Control of Partial Differential Equations

We consider H ∞ -optimal state-feedback control of the class of linear Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) which admit a Partial Integral Equation (PIE) representation. While linear matrix inequalities are commonly used for optimal control of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs), the absence of a universal state-space representation and suitable dual form prevents such methods from being applied to optimal control of PDEs. Specifically, for ODEs, the controller synthesis problem is defined in state-space, and duality is used to resolve the bilinearity of that synthesis problem. Recently, the PIE representation was proposed as a universal state-space representation for linear PDE systems. In this paper, we show that any PDE system represented by a PIE admits a dual PIE with identical stability and I/O properties. This result allows us to reformulate the stabilizing and optimal state-feedback control problems as convex optimization over the cone of positive Partial Integral (PI) operators. Operator inversion formulae then allow us to construct feedback gains for the original PDE system. The results are verified through application to several canonical problems in optimal control of PDEs and indicate the resulting bounds on H ∞ norm are not conservative.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1974

A study to determine the usefulness of interval analysis in solving problems in celestial mechanics

This investigation was undertaken to determine the usefulness of interval analysis to numerical integration and matrix inversion techniques and to combine these results to determine the value of interval analysis in bounding computational errors in the two-body problem. Conclusions were that interval analysis may be worthwhile in certain small scale isolated problems, but its usefulness in any large scale problem is doubtful.

Walling, D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Adaptive Inverse Control for Rotorcraft Vibration Reduction

This thesis extends the Least Mean Square (LMS) algorithm to solve the mult!ple-input, multiple-output problem of alleviating N/Rev (revolutions per minute by number of blades) helicopter fuselage vibration by means of adaptive inverse control. A frequency domain locally linear model is used to represent the transfer matrix relating the higher harmonic pitch control inputs to the harmonic vibration outputs to be controlled. By using the inverse matrix as the controller gain matrix, an adaptive inverse regulator is formed to alleviate the N/Rev vibration. The stability and rate of convergence properties of the extended LMS algorithm are discussed. It is shown that the stability ranges for the elements of the stability gain matrix are directly related to the eigenvalues of the vibration signal information matrix for the learning phase, but not for the control phase. The overall conclusion is that the LMS adaptive inverse control method can form a robust vibration control system, but will require some tuning of the input sensor gains, the stability gain matrix, and the amount of control relaxation to be used. The learning curve of the controller during the learning phase is shown to be quantitatively close to that predicted by averaging the learning curves of the normal modes. For higher order transfer matrices, a rough estimate of the inverse is needed to start the algorithm efficiently. The simulation results indicate that the factor which most influences LMS adaptive inverse control is the product of the control relaxation and the the stability gain matrix. A small stability gain matrix makes the controller less sensitive to relaxation selection, and permits faster and more stable vibration reduction, than by choosing the stability gain matrix large and the control relaxation term small. It is shown that the best selections of the stability gain matrix elements and the amount of control relaxation is basically a compromise between slow, stable convergence and fast convergence with increased possibility of unstable identification. In the simulation studies, the LMS adaptive inverse control algorithm is shown to be capable of adapting the inverse (controller) matrix to track changes in the flight conditions. The algorithm converges quickly for moderate disturbances, while taking longer for larger disturbances. Perfect knowledge of the inverse matrix is not required for good control of the N/Rev vibration. However it is shown that measurement noise will prevent the LMS adaptive inverse control technique from controlling the vibration, unless the signal averaging method presented is incorporated into the algorithm.

Jacklin, Stephen A.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Customizable wave tailoring nonlinear materials enabled by bilevel inverse design

Abstract Passive wave transformation via nonlinearity is ubiquitous in settings from acoustics to optics and electromagnetics. It is well known that different nonlinearities yield different effects on propagating signals, which raises the question of “what precise nonlinearity is the best for a given wave tailoring application?” In this work, considering a one-dimensional spring-mass chain connected by polynomial springs (a variant of the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou system), we introduce a bilevel inverse design method which couples the shape optimization of structures for tailored constitutive responses with reduced-order nonlinear dynamical inverse design. We apply it to two qualitatively distinct problems—minimization of peak transmitted kinetic energy from impact, and pulse shape transformation—demonstrating our method’s breadth of applicability. For the impact problem, we obtain two fundamental insights. First, small differences in nonlinearity can drastically change the dynamic response of the system, from severely under- to outperforming a comparative linear system. Second, the oft-used strategy of impact mitigation via “energy locking” bistability can be significantly outperformed by our optimal nonlinearity. We validate this case with impact experiments and find excellent agreement. This study establishes a framework for broader passive nonlinear mechanical wave tailoring material design, with applications to computing, signal processing, shock mitigation, and autonomous materials.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
NASA NTRS1976

Free vibration analysis of spinning flexible space structures

Efficient computation of natural frequencies and associated free vibration modes of spinning flexible structures is required to accurately determine the nature of interaction between the flexible structure and the attitude control system, which is vital in relating control torques to attitude angles. While structural discretization is effected by the finite element method, the resulting eigenvalue problem is solved by a combined Sturm sequence and inverse iteration procedure that yields a few specified roots and associated vectors. An eigenvalue procedure, based on a simultaneous iteration technique, provides efficient computation of the first few roots and vectors; a modal synthesis procedure proves to be useful for eigenproblem solutions of unusual structures such as spacecraft.

Gupta, K. K.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Free vibration analysis of spinning flexible space structures

Efficient computation of natural frequencies and associated free vibration modes of spinning flexible structures is required to accurately determine the nature of interaction between the flexible structure and the attitude control system, which is vital in relating control torques to attitude angles. While structural discretization is effected by the finite element method, the resulting eigenvalue problem is solved by a combined Sturm sequence and inverse iteration procedure that yields a few specified roots and associated vectors. An eigenvalue procedure, based on a simultaneous iteration technique, provides efficient computation of the first few roots and vectors; a modal synthesis procedure proves to be useful for eigenproblem solutions of unusual structures such as spacecraft.

Gupta, K. K.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Ion beam probing of electrostatic fields

The determination of a cylindrically symmetric, time-independent electrostatic potential V in a magnetic field B with the same symmetry by measurements of the deflection of a primary beam of ions is analyzed and substantiated by examples. Special attention is given to the requirements on canonical angular momentum and total energy set by an arbitrary, nonmonotone V, to scaling laws obtained by normalization, and to the analogy with ionospheric sounding. The inversion procedure with the Abel analysis of an equivalent problem with a one-dimensional fictitious potential is used in a numerical experiment with application to the NASA Lewis Modified Penning Discharge. The determination of V from a study of secondary beams of ions with increased charge produced by hot plasma electrons is also analyzed, both from a general point of view and with application to the NASA Lewis SUMMA experiment. Simple formulas and geometrical constructions are given for the minimum energy necessary to reach the axis, the whole plasma, and any point in the magnetic field. The common, simplifying assumption that V is a small perturbation is critically and constructively analyzed; an iteration scheme for successively correcting the orbits and points of ionization for the electrostatic potential is suggested.

Persson, H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The magnetic field of Uranus

Aspherical harmonic model of the planetary magnetic field of Uranus is obtained from the Voyager 2 encounter observations using generalized inverse techniques which allow partial solutions to complex (underdetermined) problems. The Goddard Space Flight Center 'Q3' model is characterized by a large dipole tilt (58.6 deg) relative to the rotation axis, a dipole moment of 0.228 G R(Uranus radii cubed) and an unusually large quadrupole moment. Characteristics of this complex model magnetic field are illustrated using contour maps of the field on the planet's surface and discussed in the context of possible dynamo generation in the relatively poorly conducting 'ice' mantle.

Connerney, J. E. P.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Quasi-Optimal Schwarz Methods for the Conforming Spectral Element Discretization

Fast methods are proposed for solving the system K(sub N)x = b resulting from the discretization of self-adjoint elliptic equations in three dimensional domains by the spectral element method. The domain is decomposed into hexahedral elements, and in each of these elements the discretization space is formed by polynomials of degree N in each variable. Gauss-Lobatto-Legendre (GLL) quadrature rules replace the integrals in the Galerkin formulation. This system is solved by the preconditioned conjugate gradients method. The conforming finite element space on the GLL mesh consisting of piecewise Q(sub 1) elements produces a stiffness matrix K(sub h) that is spectrally equivalent to the spectral element stiffness matrix K(sub N). The action of the inverse of K(sub h) is expensive for large problems, and is therefore replaced by a Schwarz preconditioner B(sub h) of this finite element stiffness matrix. The preconditioned operator then becomes B(sub h)(exp -l)K(sub N). The technical difficulties stem from the nonregularity of the mesh. Tools to estimate the convergence of a large class of new iterative substructuring and overlapping Schwarz preconditioners are developed. This technique also provides a new analysis for an iterative substructuring method proposed by Pavarino and Widlund for the spectral element discretization.

Casarin, Mario↗
DOE OSTI2023

A Continuous Action Space Tree search for INverse desiGn (CASTING) framework for materials discovery

Abstract Material properties share an intrinsic relationship with their structural attributes, making inverse design approaches crucial for discovering new materials with desired functionalities. Reinforcement Learning (RL) approaches are emerging as powerful inverse design tools, often functioning in discrete action spaces. This constrains their application in materials design problems, which involve continuous search spaces. Here, we introduce an RL-based framework CASTING (Continuous Action Space Tree Search for inverse design), that employs a decision tree-based Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) algorithm with continuous space adaptation through modified policies and sampling. Using representative examples like Silver (Ag) for metals, Carbon (C) for covalent systems, and multicomponent systems such as graphane, boron nitride, and complex correlated oxides, we showcase its accuracy, convergence speed, and scalability in materials discovery and design. Furthermore, with the inverse design of super-hard Carbon phases, we demonstrate CASTING’s utility in discovering metastable phases tailored to user-defined target properties and preferences.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2011

Use of Inverse Reinforcement Learning for Identity Prediction

We adopt Markov Decision Processes (MDP) to model sequential decision problems, which have the characteristic that the current decision made by a human decision maker has an uncertain impact on future opportunity. We hypothesize that the individuality of decision makers can be modeled as differences in the reward function under a common MDP model. A machine learning technique, Inverse Reinforcement Learning (IRL), was used to learn an individual's reward function based on limited observation of his or her decision choices. This work serves as an initial investigation for using IRL to analyze decision making, conducted through a human experiment in a cyber shopping environment. Specifically, the ability to determine the demographic identity of users is conducted through prediction analysis and supervised learning. The results show that IRL can be used to correctly identify participants, at a rate of 68% for gender and 66% for one of three college major categories.

Hayes, Roy↗
NASA NTRS1973

On the reduction of occultation light curves

The two basic methods of reducing occultation light curves - curve fitting and inversion - are reviewed and compared. It is shown that the curve fitting methods have severe problems of nonuniqueness. In addition, in the case of occultation curves dominated by spikes, it is not clear that such solutions are meaningful. The inversion method does not suffer from these drawbacks. Methods of deriving temperature profiles from refractivity profiles are then examined. It is shown that, although the temperature profiles are sensitive to small errors in the refractivity profile, accurate temperatures can be obtained, particularly at the deeper levels of the atmosphere. The ambiguities that arise when the occultation curve straddles the turbopause are briefly discussed.

Wasserman, L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A Single-Expression Formula for Inverting Strain-Life and Stress-Strain Relationships

Starting with the basic fatigue lift formula, an inversion formula is derived. The inversion formula is valid over the entire life range of engineering interest for all materials examined. Conformity between the two equations is extremely close, suitable for all engineering problems. The approach used to invert the life relation is also suitable for the inversion of other formulas involving the sum of two power-law terms.

Manson, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Wavelet Sparse Approximate Inverse Preconditioners

There is an increasing interest in using sparse approximate inverses as preconditioners for Krylov subspace iterative methods. Recent studies of Grote and Huckle and Chow and Saad also show that sparse approximate inverse preconditioner can be effective for a variety of matrices, e.g. Harwell-Boeing collections. Nonetheless a drawback is that it requires rapid decay of the inverse entries so that sparse approximate inverse is possible. However, for the class of matrices that, come from elliptic PDE problems, this assumption may not necessarily hold. Our main idea is to look for a basis, other than the standard one, such that a sparse representation of the inverse is feasible. A crucial observation is that the kind of matrices we are interested in typically have a piecewise smooth inverse. We exploit this fact, by applying wavelet techniques to construct a better sparse approximate inverse in the wavelet basis. We shall justify theoretically and numerically that our approach is effective for matrices with smooth inverse. We emphasize that in this paper we have only presented the idea of wavelet approximate inverses and demonstrated its potential but have not yet developed a highly refined and efficient algorithm.

Chan, Tony F.↗