Results for “factorization methods” — Page 58

NASA NTRS2015

Progress Towards Improved Analysis of TES X-ray Data Using Principal Component Analysis

The traditional method of applying a digital optimal filter to measure X-ray pulses from transition-edge sensor (TES) devices does not achieve the best energy resolution when the signals have a highly non-linear response to energy, or the noise is non-stationary during the pulse. We present an implementation of a method to analyze X-ray data from TESs, which is based upon principal component analysis (PCA). Our method separates the X-ray signal pulse into orthogonal components that have the largest variance. We typically recover pulse height, arrival time, differences in pulse shape, and the variation of pulse height with detector temperature. These components can then be combined to form a representation of pulse energy. An added value of this method is that by reporting information on more descriptive parameters (as opposed to a single number representing energy), we generate a much more complete picture of the pulse received. Here we report on progress in developing this technique for future implementation on X-ray telescopes. We used an 55Fe source to characterize Mo/Au TESs. On the same dataset, the PCA method recovers a spectral resolution that is better by a factor of two than achievable with digital optimal filters.

Low-temperature detectors A[center dot] Transition↗

NASA NTRS2021

A NICER Look at Thermonuclear X-ray Bursts from Aql X-1

We present spectral and temporal properties of all the thermonuclear X-ray bursts observed from Aql X-1 by the Neutron StarInterior and Composition Explorer (NICER) between 2017 July and 2021 April. This is the first systematic investigation of alarge sample of type I X-ray bursts from Aql X-1 with improved sensitivity at low energies. We detect 22 X-ray bursts includingtwo short recurrence burst events in which the separation was only 451 s and 496 s. We perform time resolved spectroscopy of thebursts using the fixed and scaled background (fa method) approaches. We show that the use of a scaling factor to the pre-burstemission is the statistically preferred model in about 68% of all the spectra compared to the fixed background approach. Typically the fa values are clustered around 1–3, but can reach up to 11 in a burst where photospheric radius expansion is observed. Such fa values indicate a very significant increase in the pre-burst emission especially at around the peak flux moments of the bursts.We show that the use of the fa factor alters the best fit spectral parameters of the burst emission. Finally, we employed a reflectionmodel instead of scaling the pre-burst emission. We show that reflection models also do fit the spectra and improve the goodnessof the fits. In all cases we see that the disc is highly ionized by the burst emission and the fraction of the reprocessed emission tothe incident burst flux is typically clustered around 20%

Tolga Güver↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

AstroLoc: An Efficient and Robust Localizer for a Free-flying Robot

We present AstroLoc, an efficient and robust monocular visual-inertial graph-based localization system used by the Astrobee free-flying robots onboard the International Space Station (ISS). We provide a novel localization system that limits the traditionally higher computation times for graph-based localization systems and enables the resource constrained Astrobee robots to benefit from their increased accuracy. We also introduce methods for handling cheirality issues for visual odometry and localization factors that further increase localization robustness. We evaluate the performance of AstroLoc on a dataset of ISS activities and show that it greatly improves pose, velocity, and IMU bias estimation accuracy while efficiently running in a limited computation environment. The source code for AstroLoc is released to the public.

Localization↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Considerations for Radiator Design in Multi-Megawatt Nuclear Electric Propulsion Applications

A key performance parameter determining the feasibility and performance of a multi-megawatt nuclear electric vehicle is the power systems specific mass (mass per unit of electric power output). The specific mass of the main radiators is the largest single element within the power system and can be greatly affected by numerous assumptions and design considerations. Among these are the number of parallel fluid loops, the overall geometry and view factor of the radiator, and for high temperature systems the method for accommodating the temperature limit of water heat pipes. Analyses are performed to develop an understanding of this trade space to enable a more accurate mass estimate and to help guide technology development efforts.

NEP↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Considerations for Radiator Design in Multi-Megawatt Nuclear Electric Propulsion Applications

A key performance parameter determining the feasibility and performance of a multimegawatt nuclear electric vehicle is the power systems specific mass (mass per unit of electric power output). The specific mass of the main radiators is the largest single element within the power system and can be greatly affected by numerous assumptions and design considerations. Among these are the number of parallel fluid loops, the overall geometry and view factor of the radiator, and for high temperature systems the method for accommodating the temperature limit of water heat pipes. Analyses are performed to develop an understanding of this trade space to enable a more accurate mass estimate and to help guide technology development efforts.

NEP↗

NASA NTRS2024

Urban Air Quality Management at Low-Cost Using Micro Air Sensors: A Case Study From Accra, Ghana

Urban air quality management is dependent on the availability of local air pollution data. In many major urban centers of Africa, there is limited to non-existent information on air quality. This is gradually changing in part due to the increasing use of micro air sensors which have the potential to enable the generation of ground-based air quality data at fine scales for understanding local emission trends. Regional literature on the application of the high-resolution data for emission source identification in this region is limited. In this study a micro air sensor was co-located at the Physics Department, University of Ghana with a reference grade instrument to evaluate its performance for estimating PM2.5 pollution accurately at fine scales and the value of this data in identification of local sources and their behavior over time. For this study 15 weeks of data at hourly resolution with approximately 2500 data pairs are generated and analyzed (June 01, 2023, to September 15, 2023). For this time period a coefficient of determination (r 2 ) of 0.83 was generated with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 5.44 μgm -3 between the pre local calibration micro air sensor (i.e. out of box) and the reference-grade instrument. Following currently accepted best practice methods (see e.g., PAS4023) a domain specific (i.e. local) calibration factor was generated using a multi-linear regression model and when this factor is applied to the micro air sensor data, a reduction i.e., improvement in MAE to 1.43 μgm -3 was found. Daily variation was calculated, a receptor model was applied, and time series plots as a function of wind direction were generated, including PM2.5/PM10 ratio scatter and count plots to explore the utility of this observational approach for local source identification. The 3 data sets were compared (out of box, domain calibrated and reference-grade) and it was found that although there were variations in the data reported, source areas highlighted based on these data were similar, with input from local sources such as traffic emissions and biomass burning. As the temporal resolution of observational data associated with these micro air sensors is higher than for reference grade instruments (primarily due to costs and logistics limitations), they have the potential to provide insight into the complex, often hyper localized sources associated with urban areas, such as those found in major African cities.

Source apportionment↗

NASA NTRS1982

Priority for empirical methods development

Several noise sources combine to make up the total helicopter noise spectrum. The sources that are most important to community annoyance are the tail rotor (discrete), main rotor (unsteady), and engine (unsteady). The periodic and broadband noise components of the helicopter rotor were enumerated, and an approach to rotorcraft noise prediction was discussed. Helicopter noise sources were prioritized, and design improvements to reduce noise were reviewed. Main rotor noise is believed to be the key to quieter helicopters since there are proven and relatively inexpensive ways to handle the tail rotor. Blade Vortex Interaction (BVI) noise is a problem to some extent with all helicopters, particularly in the descent mode. Methodology must be developed to allow forecast and control of this type of noise. Additional means of controlling it, such as reduced rotor speeds for terminal operations should also be pursued because they may be the most effective means of control and they apply to all helicopter models. Main rotor broadband noise is the limiting factor in overall helicopter noise generation. Development of semi-empirical methods to predict its behavior is necessary if results are to be achieved in the short time period available.

King, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Monitoring the vernal advancement and retrogradation (green wave effect) of natural vegetation

The author has identified the following significant results. The Great Plains Corridor rangeland project utilizes natural vegetation systems as phenological indicators of seasonal development and climatic effects upon regional growth conditions. A method has been developed for quantitative measurement of vegetation conditions over broad regions using ERTS-1 MSS data. Radiance values recorded in ERTS-1 spectral bands 5 and 7, corrected for sun angle, are used to compute a band ratio parameter which is shown to be correlated with green biomass and vegetation moisture content. This report details the progress being made toward determining factors associated with the transformed vegetation index (TVI) and limitations on the method. During the first year of ERTS-1 operation (cycles 1-20), an average of 50% usable ERTS-1 data was obtained for the ten Great Plains Corridor test sites.

Rouse, J. W., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS2016

Monte Carlo Simulation of a Knudsen Effusion Mass Spectrometer Sampling System

Knudsen flow is easily simulated with a Monte Carlo method. In this study we develop a Visual Basic for Excel (VBA) code to simulate the molecular beam from a vaporizing solid. The system at NASA Glenn uses the restricted collimation method of Chatillon and colleagues, which consists of two apertures between the effusion cell and the ionizer. The diameter of the first aperture is smaller than the diameter of the effusion cell orifice, so the ionizer effectively only sees inside the effusion cell. The code is able to calculate the transmission coefficient through the cell orifice, through the cell orifice and the first aperture, and through the cell orifice and first and second aperatures. Calculated transmission coefficients through the cell orifice are compared to tabulated values to validate the code. Then transmission coefficients are calculated through the cell orifice and both apertures to the ionizer. This allows the geometry (aperture spacing and diameters) of the sampling system the sampling system to be optimized. Calculated transmission factors are also compared to literature values calculated via an analytic method.

Radke, Michael J.↗

NASA NTRS2006

A Comparative Study of Measuring Devices Used During Space Shuttle Processing for Inside Diameters

During Space Shuttle processing, discrepancies between vehicle dimensions and per print dimensions determine if a part should be refurbished, replaced or accepted "as-is." The engineer's job is to address each discrepancy by choosing the most accurate procedure and tool available, sometimes with up to ten thousands of an inch tolerance. Four methods of measurement are commonly used at the Kennedy Space Center: 1) caliper, 2) mold impressions, 3) optical comparator, 4) dial bore gage. During a problem report evaluation, uncertainty arose between methods after measuring diameters with variations of up to 0.0004" inches. The results showed that computer based measuring devices are extremely accurate, but when human factor is involved in determining points of reference, the results may vary widely compared to more traditional methods. iv

Rodriguez, Antonio↗

NASA NTRS2018

Dither Gyro Scale Factor Calibration: GOES-16 Flight Experience

This poster is a sequel to a paper presented at the 34th Annual AAS Guidance and Control Conference in 2011, which first introduced dither-based calibration of gyro scale factors. The dither approach uses very small excitations, avoiding the need to take instruments offline during gyro scale factor calibration. In 2017, the dither calibration technique was successfully used to estimate gyro scale factors on the GOES-16 satellite. On-orbit dither calibration results were compared to more traditional methods using large angle spacecraft slews about each gyro axis, requiring interruption of science. The results demonstrate that the dither technique can estimate gyro scale factors to better than 2000 ppm during normal science observations.

calibration↗

NASA NTRS2018

Combining Fractional Calorimetry with Statistical Methods to Characterize Thermal Runaway

Thermal management systems designed to handle the impacts of thermal runaway (TR) are key to safe operation of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Critical factors for optimizing these systems include the total energy released and the fraction of the total energy that is released through the cell casing versus through the ejecta material. A unique calorimeter, designed to characterize said factors, was utilized to examine the TR behavior of a variety of 18650-format Li-ion cells. Statistical methods were implemented to interpret the data.

Walker, William↗

NASA NTRS1986

Boundary force method for analyzing two-dimensional cracked bodies

The Boundary Force Method (BFM) was formulated for the two-dimensional stress analysis of complex crack configurations. In this method, only the boundaries of the region of interest are modeled. The boundaries are divided into a finite number of straight-line segments, and at the center of each segment, concentrated forces and a moment are applied. This set of unknown forces and moments is calculated to satisfy the prescribed boundary conditions of the problem. The elasticity solution for the stress distribution due to concentrated forces and a moment applied at an arbitrary point in a cracked infinite plate are used as the fundamental solution. Thus, the crack need not be modeled as part of the boundary. The formulation of the BFM is described and the accuracy of the method is established by analyzing several crack configurations for which accepted stress-intensity factor solutions are known. The crack configurations investigated include mode I and mixed mode (mode I and II) problems. The results obtained are, in general, within + or - 0.5 percent of accurate numerical solutions. The versatility of the method is demonstrated through the analysis of complex crack configurations for which limited or no solutions are known.

Tan, P. W.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Boundary force method for analyzing two-dimensional cracked plates

The Boundary Force Method (BFM) was formulated for the two-dimensional stress analysis of complex crack configurations. In this method, only the boundaries of the region of interest are modeled. The boundaries are divided into a finite number of straight-line segments, and at the center of each segment, concentrated forces and a moment are applied. This set of unknown forces and moments is calculated to satisfy the prescribed boundary conditions of the problem. The elasticity solution for the stress distribution due to concentrated forces and a moment applied at an arbitrary point in a cracked infinite plate are used as the fundamental solution. Thus, the crack need not be modeled as part of the boundary. The formulation of the BFM is described and the accuracy of the method is established by analyzing several crack configurations for which accepted stress-intensity factor solutions are known. The crack configurations investigated include mode I and mixed mode (mode I and II) problems. The results obtained are, in general, within + or - 0.5 percent of accurate numerical solutions. The versatility of the method is demonstrated through the analysis of complex crack configurations for which limited or no solutions are known.

Tan, Paul W.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Implementing Geometric Surface Imperfections into Sandwich Composite Cylinder Finite Element Method Models

The buckling responses of certain cylindrical shell structures are extremely sensitive to geometric imperfections. The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project (SBKF) is conducting research to develop analysis-based buckling design recommendations. Experiments are used to verify the analysis-based factors, but the sensitivity of the test articles to geometric imperfections requires implementing as-manufactured imperfections into high-fidelity finite element method (FEM) models. Geometry measurement methods such as structured light scanning are used for all geometric surface data used in this work. Common preprocessing and visualization steps used in SBKF are discussed, and steps of how surface scans are prepared for implementation into a finite element model is described. The Python Tool for Implementing Geometric Imperfections in Reduced Structures (Py_TIGIRS), written specifically for the use with SBKF, is briefly described and uses eight functions to extract, modify, and write geometric imperfections into Abaqus input files. Results of the preprocessing methods and results from Py_TIGIRS are provided and compared for Composite Test Articles (CTA) 8.2, 8.2B, and 8.3. Excellent agreement between the visualized scan data and the FEM-extracted geometry is demonstrated. A brief example of why geometric surface imperfections are significant in nonlinear numerical analyses for thin cylinders in axial compression is provided as motivation to use tools such as Py_TIGIRS. Future developments of Py_TIGIRS including expansion to structures of arbitrary geometry is planned.

Geometric imperfections↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Implementing Geometric Surface Imperfections into Sandwich Composite Cylinder Finite Element Method Models

The buckling responses of certain cylindrical shell structures are extremely sensitive to geometric imperfections. The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project (SBKF) is conducting research to develop analysis-based buckling design recommendations. Experiments are used to verify the analysis-based factors, but the sensitivity of the test articles to geometric imperfections requires implementing as-manufactured imperfections into high-fidelity finite element method (FEM) models. Geometry measurement methods such as structured light scanning are used for all geometric surface data used in this work. Common preprocessing and visualization steps used in SBKF are discussed, and steps of how surface scans are prepared for implementation into a finite element model is described. The Python Tool for Implementing Geometric Imperfections in Reduced Structures (Py_TIGIRS), written specifically for the use with SBKF, is briefly described and uses eight functions to extract, modify, and write geometric imperfections into Abaqus input files. Results of the preprocessing methods and results from Py_TIGIRS are provided and compared for Composite Test Articles (CTA) 8.2, 8.2B, and 8.3. Excellent agreement between the visualized scan data and the FEM-extracted geometry is demonstrated. A brief example of why geometric surface imperfections are significant in nonlinear numerical analyses for thin cylinders in axial compression is provided as motivation to use tools such as Py_TIGIRS. Future developments of Py_TIGIRS including expansion to structures of arbitrary geometry is planned.

Geometric imperfections↗

NASA NTRS2016

Evaluation of the Effect of Surface Finish on High-Cycle Fatigue of SLM-IN718

The surface finish of parts produced by additive manufacturing processes is much rougher than the surface finish generated by machining processes, and a rougher surface can reduce the fatigue strength of a part. This paper discusses an effort to quantify that reduction of strength in high-cycle fatigue for selective laser melt (SLM) coupons. A high-cycle fatigue (HCF) knockdown factor was estimated for Inconel 718, manufactured with the SLM process. This factor is the percentage reduction from the maximum stress in fatigue for low-stress ground (LSG) specimens to the maximum stress of those left with the original surface condition at the same fatigue life. Specimens were provided by a number of vendors, free to use their "best practice"; only one heat treat condition was considered; and several test temperatures were characterized, including room temperature, 800F, 1000F, and 1200F. The 1000F data had a large variance, and was omitted from consideration in this document. A first method used linear approximations extracted from the graphs, and only where data was available for both. A recommended knockdown factor of the as-built surface condition (average roughness of approximately 245 micro-inches/inch) versus low-stress ground condition (roughness no more than 4 micro-inches/inch) was established at approximately 1/3 or 33%. This is to say that for the as-built surface condition, a maximum stress of 2/3 of the stress for LSG can be expected to produce a similar life in the as-built surface condition. In this first evaluation, the knockdown factor did not appear to be a function of temperature. A second approach, the "KP method", incorporated the surface finish measure into a new parameter termed the pseudo-stress intensity factor, Kp, which was formulated to be similar to the fracture mechanics stress intensity factor. Using Kp, the variance seemed to be reduced across all sources, and knockdown factors were estimated using Kp over the range where data occurred. A plot of the results suggests that the knockdown factor is a function of temperature, and that for low lives the knockdown might be lower than the knockdown observed above about one million cycles, where it tended to stabilize. This was not universal for all temperatures tested. The higher temperature tests are thought to be influenced by the test temperature, which perhaps continued the aging process. Further evaluation of the method is suggested.

Lambert, D. M.↗

NASA NTRS2016

Natural Laminar Flow Design for Wings with Moderate Sweep

A new method for the aerodynamic design of wings with natural laminar flow is under development at the NASA Langley Research Center. The approach involves the addition of new flow constraints to an existing knowledge-based design module for use with advanced flow solvers. The uniqueness of the new approach lies in the tailoring of target pressure distributions to achieve laminar flow on transonic wings with leading-edge sweeps and Reynolds numbers typical of current transports. The method is demonstrated on the Common Research Model configuration at critical N-factor levels representative of both flight and high-Reynolds number wind tunnel turbulence levels. The design results for the flight conditions matched the target extent of laminar flow very well. The design at wind tunnel conditions raised some design issues that prompted further improvements in the method, but overall has given promising results.

Campbell, Richard L.↗