Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “distributed parallelization”

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 1,063 records · Page 59

Demonstration of Advanced Experimental and Theoretical Characterization of Hydrogen Dynamics and Associated Behavior in Advanced Reactors

Advanced materials development, manufacturing, and modeling capabilities for innovative reactor designs support nuclear security and mission-focused science through enhanced technology for safer and more efficient and secure production of nuclear energy. The research in this project has established: 1) a state-of-the-art neutron-based hydrogen mapping and cross-section measurement capability as well as detailed crystallographic characterization of hydrogen atoms at LANSCE, and 2) a multi-physics framework for simulating behavior of moderator materials and other material performance in advanced nuclear reactors. Through the course of this project, we successfully developed and demonstrated measurement techniques for hydrogen distribution and atomistic-scale behavior of hydrogen atoms using pulsed neutron techniques. In parallel, advanced multi-physics simulation tools to predict the behavior of hydrogen atoms, e.g. in a moderator for a nuclear reactor, through materials performance, neutron transport, and thermal mechanical behavior were enhanced. Multi-discipline areas across the laboratory were involved in the project as the integration of improved experimental capabilities with enhanced modeling and simulation through MST, NEN, SIGMA, and XCP division subject matter experts.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Role of Parallel Solenoidal Electric Field on Energy Conversion in 2.5D Decaying Turbulence with a Guide Magnetic Field

We perform 2.5D particle-in-cell simulations of decaying turbulence in the presence of a guide (out-of-plane) background magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field initially consists of Fourier modes at low wavenumbers (long wavelengths). With time, the electromagnetic energy is converted to plasma kinetic energy (bulk flow+thermal energy) at the rate per unit volume of J· E for current density J and electric field E. Such decaying turbulence is well known to evolve toward a state with strongly intermittent plasma current. Here we decompose the electric field into components that are irrotational, E ir , and solenoidal (divergence-free), E so . E ir is associated with charge separation, and J · E ir is a rate of energy transfer between ions and electrons with little net change in plasma kinetic energy. Therefore, the net rate of conversion of electromagnetic energy to plasma kinetic energy is strongly dominated by J · E so , and for a strong guide magnetic field, this mainly involves the component E so,∥ parallel to the total magnetic field B. We examine various indicators of the spatial distribution of the energy transfer rate J ∥ · E so,∥ , which relates to magnetic reconnection, the best of which are (1) the ratio of the out-of-plane electric field to the in-plane magnetic field, (2) the out-of-plane component of the nonideal electric field, and (3) the magnitude of the estimate of current helicity.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Relativistic Alfvén Turbulence at Kinetic Scales

Abstract In a strongly magnetized, magnetically dominated relativistic plasma, Alfvénic turbulence can extend to scales much smaller than the particle inertial scales. It leads to an energy cascade somewhat analogous to inertial- or kinetic-Alfvén turbulent cascades existing in nonrelativistic space and astrophysical plasmas. Based on phenomenological modeling and particle-in-cell numerical simulations, we propose that the energy spectrum of such relativistic kinetic-scale Alfvénic turbulence is close to k −3 or slightly steeper than that due to intermittency corrections or Landau damping. We note the analogy of this spectrum with the Kraichnan spectrum corresponding to the enstrophy cascade in 2D incompressible fluid turbulence. Such turbulence strongly energizes particles in the direction parallel to the background magnetic field, leading to nearly one-dimensional particle momentum distributions. We find that these distributions have universal log-normal statistics.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Modeling of three-dimensional mixing and reacting ducted flows

A computer code, based upon a finite element solution algorithm, was developed to solve the governing equations for three-dimensional, reacting boundary region, and constant area ducted flow fields. Effective diffusion coefficients are employed to allow analyses of turbulent, transitional or laminar flows. The code was used to investigate mixing and reacting hydrogen jets injected from multiple orifices, transverse and parallel to a supersonic air stream. Computational results provide a three-dimensional description of velocity, temperature, and species-concentration fields downstream of injection. Experimental data for eight cases covering different injection conditions and geometries were modeled using mixing length theory (MLT). These results were used as a baseline for examining the relative merits of other mixing models. Calculations were made using a two-equation turbulence model (k+d) and comparisons were made between experiment and mixing length theory predictions. The k+d model shows only a slight improvement in predictive capability over MLT. Results of an examination of the effect of tensorial transport coefficients on mass and momentum field distribution are also presented. Solutions demonstrating the ability of the code to model ducted flows and parallel strut injection are presented and discussed.

Zelazny, S. W.↗

On high-latitude convection field inhomogeneities, parallel electric fields and inverted-V precipitation events

A simple model of a static electric field with a component parallel to the magnetic field is proposed for calculating the electric field and current distributions at various altitudes when the horizontal distribution of the convection electric field is given at a certain altitude above the auroral ionosphere. The model is shown to be compatible with satellite observations of inverted-V electron precipitation structures and associated irregularities in the convection electric field.

Lennartsson, W.↗

Solid-State Crossbar Switch

Combines analog and digital circuits for multiline/multiport switching. Bidirectional solid-state crossbar switch provides interfacing and switching for 16 X24 coordinate ports for 16 parallel signal lines. Intended for rapid manual-controlled or computer controlled reconfiguration of distributed computing systems.

Anderson, T. O.↗

The stability of ground ice in the equatorial region of Mars

The lifetime of an unreplenished layer of ground ice lying within 30 deg of the Martian equator was examined within the context of the existing data base on Martian regolith and climate. Data on the partial pressure of H2O in the Martian atmosphere and the range of mean annual temperatures indicated the ground ice would be restricted to latitudes poleward of 40 deg. However, the ground ice near the poles may be a relic from early Martian geologic times held in place by a thin layer of regolith. Consideration of twelve model pore size distributions, similar to silt- and clay-type earth soils, was combined with a parallel pore model of gaseous diffusion to calculate the flux of H2O molecules escaping from the subsurface ground ice layer. Martian equatorial ground ice was found to be influenced by the soil structure, the magnitude of the geothermal gradient, the climatic desorption of CO2 from the regolith. It is concluded that equatorial ground ice is present on Mars only if a process of replenishment is active.

Clifford, S. M.↗

Energy dependent pitch angle distributions of auroral primary electrons

Double-layer/parallel-electric field accelerations and the subsequent electron-beam plasma interactions involving Cerenkov and anomalous cyclotron resonances are considered. It is found that these phenomena yield pitch angle distributions as noted from rocket and satellite studies. Although the electron acceleration by weak parallel electric fields forming a runaway electron tail is limited to a critical parallel energy determined by the anomalous cyclotron resonance, such a limitation does not occur with acceleration by a localized parallel electric field such as that in a double layer.

Singh, N.↗

The influence of bulk composition and dynamic melting conditions on olivine chondrule textures

The effects of the bulk composition and the dynamic melting conditions on the texture of olivine chondrules were investigated in a series of heating experiments. It is shown that variations in the olivine chondrule textures can be produced by varying the FeO/(FeO + MgO) ratio between the average Type IA and Type II chondrule compositions, could affect the texture of a chondrule at a constant initial melting temperature and heating time. A range of the heating times and the masses of precursor spheres caused variations in the degree of melting and in chondrule textures. Chondrule textures were distributed on a graph of initial temperatures vs. FeO/(FeO + MgO) ratios as bands parallel to the olivine disappearance curve. This graph could be used to predict chondrule textures from Fe/(FeO + MgO) ratios at specific initial melting temperatures.

Connolly, Harold C., Jr.↗

Time Warp Operating System, Version 2.5.1

Time Warp Operating System, TWOS, is special purpose computer program designed to support parallel simulation of discrete events. Complete implementation of Time Warp software mechanism, which implements distributed protocol for virtual synchronization based on rollback of processes and annihilation of messages. Supports simulations and other computations in which both virtual time and dynamic load balancing used. Program utilizes underlying resources of operating system. Written in C programming language.

Bellenot, Steven F.↗

Plasma heating by collisionless magnetic reconnection - Analysis and computation

Analytic and numerical results on particle acceleration in 2D collisionless magnetic reconnection are presented. The particles are followed until they reach an outgoing flux surface at the same distance from the origin as the starting surface. The magnetic moment is not conserved for particles passing through the unmagnetized region around the X line at the origin. Other particles cross the separatrix without passing near the X line. The magnetic moment of the first class of outgoing particles is randomized, whereas it can be considered for the second class. The analytic model is based upon the observation of the final kinetic energy as a function of the initial conditions. Analytic results are shown to predict a Maxwellian tail for the distribution function in the perpendicular kinetic energy, with this energy much greater than the parallel kinetic energy. Numerical results showing that the predicted tail temperature agrees with the numerically computed temperature to within 10 percent over 4 orders of magnitude in the electric field are presented.

Moses, R. W.↗

Real-Time X-Ray Transmission Microscopy of Solidifying Al-In Alloys

Real-time observations of transparent analog materials have provided insight, yet the results of these observations are not necessarily representative of opaque metallic systems. In order to study the detailed dynamics of the solidification process, we develop the technologies needed for real-time X ray microscopy of solidifying metallic systems, which has not previously been feasible with the necessary resolution, speed, and contrast. In initial studies of Al-In monotectic alloys unidirectionally solidified in an X-ray transparent furnace, in situ records of the evolution of interface morphologies, interfacial solute accumulation, and formation of the monotectic droplets were obtained for the first time: A radiomicrograph of Al-30In grown during aircraft parabolic maneuvers is presented, showing the volumetric phase distribution in this specimen. The benefits of using X-ray microscopy for postsolidification metallography include ease of specimen preparation, increased sensitivity, and three-dimensional analysis of phase distribution. Imaging of the solute boundary layer revealed that the isoconcentration lines are not parallel (as is often assumed) to the growth interface. Striations in the solidified crystal did not accurately decorate the interface position and shape. The monotectic composition alloy under some conditions grew in an uncoupled manner.

Curreri, Peter A.↗

Research and Educational Opportunities with NASA GSFC

The research carried out in the Earth sciences at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center will be the focus of the presentation. These research interests span the full breath of disciplines in Earth System Science. Branches and research groups focus on areas as diverse as planetary geomagnetics and atmospheric chemistry. There are 4 major laboratories in the directorate and 2 organizations that focus on scientific information technology. These laboratories focus on atmospheric sciences (atmospheric chemistry, climate and radiation, regional processes, atmospheric modeling), hydrological sciences (snow, ice, oceans, and seasonal-to-interannual prediction), terrestrial physics (geology, terrestrial biology, land-atmosphere interactions, geophysics), climate modeling (global warming, greenhouse gases, climate change). Two of the labs also have branches that focus on sensor development especially using lidar and microwave technologies. In the information technologies, areas of scientific and technical research, and expertise include massively parallel computers, technologies for high speed electronic networks, scientific visualization, information systems, archive and distribution systems, and information processing. Examples will be presented from each of these research disciplines.

Meeson, Blanche W.↗

Three Dimensional Atmospheric Radiative Transfer-Applications and Methods Comparison

We review applications of 3D radiative transfer in the atmosphere, emphasizing the wide spectrum of scales important to remote sensing and modeling of cloud fields, and the characteristic scales introduced into observed radiances and fluxes by the distribution of photon pathlengths at conservative and absorbing wavelengths. We define the "plane-parallel bias", which is a measure of the importance of 3D cloud structure in large-scale models, and the "independent pixel errors" that quantify the significance of 3D effects in remote sensing, and emphasize their relative magnitude and scale dependence. A variety of approaches in current use in 3D radiative transfer, and issues of speed, accuracy, and flexibility are summarized. We also describe a recently initiated "International Intercomparison of 3-Dimensional Radiation Codes", or I3RC. I3RC is a 3-phase effort that has as its goals to: (1) understand the errors and limits of 3D methods; (2) provide "baseline" cases for future 3D code development; (3) promote sharing of 3D tools; (4) derive guidelines for 3D tool selection; and (5) improve atmospheric science education in 3D radiative transfer. Selected results from Phases 1 and 2 of I3RC are discussed. These are taken from five cloud fields: a 1D field of bar clouds, a 2D radar-derived field, a 3D Landsat-derived field, a stratiform cloud from the model of C. Moeng, and a convective cloud from the model of B. Stevens. Computations have been carried out for three monochromatic wavelengths (one conservative, one absorptive, and one thermal) and two solar zenith angles (0, 60 degrees).

Cahalan, Robert F.↗

Efficient GPU-Accelerated MultiSource Global Fit Pipeline for LISA Data Analysis

The large-scale analysis task of deciphering gravitational-wave signals in the LISA data stream will be difficult, requiring a large amount of computational resources and extensive development of computational methods. Its high dimensionality, multiple model types, and complicated noise profile require a global fit to all parameters and input models simultaneously. In this work, we detail our global fit algorithm, called “Erebor,” designed to accomplish this challenging task. It is capable of analyzing current state-of-the-art datasets and then growing into the future as more pieces of the pipeline are completed and added. We describe our pipeline strategy, the algorithmic setup, and the results from our analysis of the LDC2A Sangria dataset, which contains massive black hole binaries, compact galactic binaries, and a parametrized noise spectrum whose parameters are unknown to the user. The Erebor algorithm includes three unique and very useful contributions: GPU acceleration for enhanced computational efficiency; ensemble Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling with multiple MCMC walkers per temperature for better mixing and parallelized sample creation; and special online updates to reversible-jump (or transdimensional) sampling distributions to ensure sampler mixing and accurate initial estimates for detectable sources in the data.We recover posterior distributions for all 15 (6) of the injected massive black hole binaries (MBHB) in the LDC2A training (hidden) dataset. We catalog ∼12000 galactic binaries (∼8000 as high confidence detections) for both the training and hidden datasets. All of the sources and their posterior distributions are provided in publicly available catalogs.

LISA↗

Monte-Carlo modeling of polar wind photoelectron distributions with anomalous heat flux

In situ measurements above the polar cap by the DE satellites show asymmetric field-aligned electron velocity distributions in the photoelectron energy range 5-60 eV. The formation of these anisotropic distributions is described by a collisional kinetic equation that includes the effects of Coulomb collisions (via a Fokker-Planck operator), those of a parallel electric field, and the magnetic mirror effects of the geomagnetic field. This equation is solved using a Monte Carlo simulation method. The simulation illustrates the formation of the portion of the observed electron distributions originating in the ionosphere and makes it possible to evaluate the significance of the suprathermal electrons at higher altitude. Both observations and calculations indicate that these electrons possess an energy flux which, by its effect on the polar-wind electric field, may influence the dynamics of the polar-wind outflow.

Yasseen, F.↗

A multiarchitecture parallel-processing development environment

A description is given of the hardware and software of a multiprocessor test bed - the second generation Hypercluster system. The Hypercluster architecture consists of a standard hypercube distributed-memory topology, with multiprocessor shared-memory nodes. By using standard, off-the-shelf hardware, the system can be upgraded to use rapidly improving computer technology. The Hypercluster's multiarchitecture nature makes it suitable for researching parallel algorithms in computational field simulation applications (e.g., computational fluid dynamics). The dedicated test-bed environment of the Hypercluster and its custom-built software allows experiments with various parallel-processing concepts such as message passing algorithms, debugging tools, and computational 'steering'. Such research would be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve on shared, commercial systems.

Townsend, Scott↗

Jet array impingement flow distributions and heat transfer characteristics: Effects of initial crossflow and nonuniform array geometry

Flow distributions and heat transfer characteristics for two-dimensional arrays of circular air jets impinging on a surface parallel to the jet orifice plate were determined. The configurations considered were intended to model those of interest in current and contemplated gas turbine airfoil midchord cooling applications. The geometry of the airfoil applications considered dictates that all of the jet flow, after impingement, exit in the chordwise (i.e., streamwise) direction toward the trailing edge. Experimental results for the effect of an initial crossflow on both flow distributions and heat transfer characteristics for a number of the prior uniform array geometries. The effects of nonuniform array geometries on flow distributions and heat transfer characteristics for noninitial crossflow configurations are discussed.

Florschuetz, L. W.↗