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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 109 records · Page 6

Convex Relaxations for Quadratic On/Off Constraints and Applications to Optimal Transmission Switching

This paper studies mixed-integer nonlinear programs featuring disjunctive constraints and trigonometric functions and presents a strengthened version of the convex quadratic relaxation of the optimal transmission switching problem. We first characterize the convex hull of univariate quadratic on/off constraints in the space of original variables using perspective functions. Next, we introduce new tight quadratic relaxations for trigonometric functions featuring variables with asymmetrical bounds. These results are used to further tighten recent convex relaxations introduced for the optimal transmission switching problem in power systems. Using the proposed improvements, along with bound propagation, on 23 medium-sized test cases in the PGLib benchmark library with a relaxation gap of more than 1%, we reduce the gap to less than 1% on five instances. The tightened model has promising computational results when compared with state-of-the-art formulations.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Sequential Service Restoration for Unbalanced Distribution Systems and Microgrids

The resilience and reliability of modern power systems are threatened by increasingly severe weather events and cyber-physical security events. An effective restoration methodology is desired to optimally integrate emerging smart grid technologies and pave the way for developing self-healing smart grids. In this paper, a sequential service restoration (SSR) framework is proposed to generate restoration solutions for distribution systems and microgrids in the event of large-scale power outages. The restoration solution contains a sequence of control actions that properly coordinate switches, distributed generators, and switchable loads to form multiple isolated microgrids. The SSR can be applied for three-phase unbalanced distribution systems and microgrids and can adapt to various operation conditions. Mathematical models are introduced for three-phase unbalanced power flow, voltage regulators, transformers, and loads. Furthermore, the SSR problem is formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming model, and its effectiveness is evaluated via the modified IEEE 123 node test feeder.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Calculation of two-dimensional inlet flow fields by an implicit method including viscous effects: User's manual

Inlet flow fields for airbreathing missiles are calculated by the adaptation of a two dimensional computational method developed for the flow around airfoils. A supersonic free stream is assumed to allow the forebody calculation to be uncoupled from the inlet calculation. The inlet calculation employs an implicit, time marching finite difference procedure to solve the thin layer Navier-Stokes equations formulated in body fitted coordinates. The mathematical formulation of the problem and the solution algorithm are given. Numerical stability and accuracy as well as the initial and boundary conditions used are discussed. Instructions for program use and operation along with the overall program logic are also given.

Biringen, S.↗

Structural optimization - Challenges and opportunities

A review of developments in structural optimization techniques and their interface with growing computer capabilities is presented. Structural design steps comprise functional definition of an object, an evaluation phase wherein external influences are quantified, selection of the design concept, material, object geometry, and the internal layout, and quantification of the physical characteristics. Optimization of a fully stressed design is facilitated by use of nonlinear mathematical programming which permits automated definition of the physics of a problem. Design iterations terminate when convergence is acquired between mathematical and physical criteria. A constrained minimum algorithm has been formulated using an Augmented Lagrangian approach and a generalized reduced gradient to obtain fast convergence. Various approximation techniques are mentioned. The synergistic application of all the methods surveyed requires multidisciplinary teamwork during a design effort.

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, J.↗

Structural optimization: Challenges and opportunities

A review of developments in structural optimization techniques and their interface with growing computer capabilities is presented. Structural design steps comprise functional definition of an object, an evaluation phase wherein external influences are quantified, selection of the design concept, material, object geometry, and the internal layout, and quantification of the physical characteristics. Optimization of a fully stressed design is facilitated by use of nonlinear mathematical programming which permits automated definition of the physics of a problem. Design iterations terminate when convergence is acquired between mathematical and physical criteria. A constrained minimum algorithm has been formulated using an Augmented Lagrangian approach and a generalized reduced gradient to obtain fast convergence. Various approximation techniques are mentioned. The synergistic application of all the methods surveyed requires multidisciplinary teamwork during a design effort.

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, J.↗

Experiences in applying optimization techniques to configurations for the Control Of Flexible Structures (COFS) Program

Optimization procedures are developed to systematically provide closely-spaced vibration frequencies. A general-purpose finite-element program for eigenvalue and sensitivity analyses is combined with formal mathematical programming techniques. Results are presented for three studies. The first study uses a simple model to obtain a design with two pairs of closely-spaced frequencies. Two formulations are developed: an objective function-based formulation and constraint-based formulation for the frequency spacing. It is found that conflicting goals are handled better by a constraint-based formulation. The second study uses a detailed model to obtain a design with one pair of closely-spaced frequencies while satisfying requirements on local member frequencies and manufacturing tolerances. Two formulations are developed. Both the constraint-based and the objective function-based formulations perform reasonably well and converge to the same results. However, no feasible design solution exists which satisfies all design requirements for the choices of design variables and the upper and lower design variable values used. More design freedom is needed to achieve a fully satisfactory design. The third study is part of a redesign activity in which a detailed model is used. The use of optimization in this activity allows investigation of numerous options (such as number of bays, material, minimum diagonal wall thicknesses) in a relatively short time. The procedure provides data for judgments on the effects of different options on the design.

Walsh, Joanne L.↗

Experiences in applying optimization techniques to configurations for the Control of Flexible Structures (COFS) program

Optimization procedures are developed to systematically provide closely-spaced vibration frequencies. A general purpose finite-element program for eigenvalue and sensitivity analyses is combined with formal mathematical programming techniques. Results are presented for three studies. The first study uses a simple model to obtain a design with two pairs of closely-spaced frequencies. Two formulations are developed: an objective function-based formulation and constraint-based formulation for the frequency spacing. It is found that conflicting goals are handled better by a constraint-based formulation. The second study uses a detailed model to obtain a design with one pair of closely-spaced frequencies while satisfying requirements on local member frequencies and manufacturing tolerances. Two formulations are developed. Both the constraint-based and the objective function-based formulations perform reasonably well and converge to the same results. However, no feasible design solution exists which satisfies all design requirements for the choices of design variables and the upper and lower design variable values used. More design freedom is needed to achieve a fully satisfactory design. The third study is part of a redesign activity in which a detailed model is used.

Walsh, Joanne L.↗

The Ramping Polytope and Cut Generation for the Unit Commitment Problem

We present a perfect formulation for a single generator in the unit commitment problem, inspired by the dynamic programming approach taken by Frangioni and Gentile. This generator can have characteristics such as ramp-up/ramp-down constraints, time-dependent start-up costs, and start-up/shut-down limits. To develop this perfect formulation, we extend the result of Balas on unions of polyhedra to present a framework allowing for flexible combinations of polyhedra using indicator variables. Here, we use this perfect formulation to create a cut-generating linear program, similar in spirit to lift-and-project cuts, and demonstrate computational efficacy of these cuts in a utility-scale unit commitment problem.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Analysis of radiative sources with both specular and diffuse characteristics in the visible and infrared spectrum

The application of analytical concepts developed to facilitate the design and analysis of the thermal simulator for the Apollo Soyuz docking module is discussed. The functions used to mathematically formulate the irradiance from a quartzline lamp and reflector are described with examples of applications to other geometries. General information is denoted for utilization of the functions in computer programs with approximate computer storage and statement requirements.

Williams, F. U.↗

Recovery Simulator and Analysis Formulation: Mathematical Framework for Enhanced Resilience and Resource Allocation

This report introduces recovery simulator and analysis (RSA), a framework aimed at enhancing the resilience of electrical grids post-disruption. The RSA model leverages an optimization problem formulation that focuses on maximizing the load served (or optionally customers served) through a coordinated and cooptimized recovery of non-black start generation, transmission lines, feeders and substations subject to labor budget constraints. By integrating advanced linear programming techniques, the simulator selects efficient reocovery pathways, optimizing both short-term and long-term grid recovery strategies. The mathematical framework guides decision-making through a comprehensive evaluation of potential recovery actions, factoring in the trade-offs between labor constraints and load (or optionally customer) restoration efficacy. This enables grid operators to simulate diverse outage scenarios and delineate optimal recovery pathways, thereby prioritizing critical repair tasks and ensuring resource allocation is both economical and effective. The intended use case of RSA is to allow planners to explore many recovery scenarios quickly and determine assets most critical across a wide range of scenarios, and therefore strong candidates for hardening or additional investment. RSA might also be used in an operational setting, following a single event, for exploring efficient recovery pathways.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Mathematical modeling of ice accretion on airfoils

The progress toward development of a computer model suitable for predicting icing behavior on airfoils over a wide range of environmental conditions and airfoils shapes is reported. The LEWICE program was formulated to solve a set of equations which describe the physical processes which occur during accretion of ice on an airfoil, including heat transfer in a time dependent mode, with the restriction that the flow must be describable by a two-dimensional flow code. Input data comprises the cloud liquid water content, mean droplet diameter, ambient air temperature, air velocity, and relative humidity. A potential flowfield around the airfoil is calculated, along with the droplet trajectories within the flowfield, followed by local values of water droplet collection efficiency at the impact points. Both glaze and rime ice conditions are reproduced, and comparisons with test results on icing of circular cylinders showed good agreement with the physical situation.

Macarthur, C. D.↗

Overcoming the Bellman's curse of dimensionality in large optimization problems

Decomposition of large problems into a hierarchic pyramid of subproblems was proposed in the literature as a means for optimization of engineering systems too large for all-in-one optimization. This decomposition was established heuristically. The dynamic programming (DP) method due to Bellman was augmented with an optimum sensitivity analysis that provides a mathematical basis for the above decomposition, and overcomes the curse of dimensionality that limited the original formulation of DP. Numerical examples are cited.

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, Jaroslaw↗

The influence of wind-tunnel walls on discrete frequency noise

This paper describes an analytical model that can be used to examine the effects of wind-tunnel walls on discrete frequency noise. First, a complete physical model of an acoustic source in a wind tunnel is described, and a simplified version is then developed. This simplified model retains the important physical processes involved, yet it is more amenable to analysis. Second, the simplified physical model is formulated as a mathematical problem. An inhomogeneous partial differential equation with mixed boundary conditions is set up and then transformed into an integral equation. The integral equation has been solved with a panel program on a computer. Preliminary results from a simple model problem will be shown and compared with the approximate analytic solution.

Mosher, M.↗

A novel matching formulation for startup costs in unit commitment

Here we present a novel formulation for startup cost computation in the unit commitment problem (UC). Both our proposed formulation and existing formulations in the literature are placed in a formal, theoretical dominance hierarchy based on their respective linear programming relaxations. Our proposed formulation is tested empirically against existing formulations on large-scale UC instances drawn from real-world data. While requiring more variables than the current state-of-the-art formulation, our proposed formulation requires fewer constraints, and is empirically demonstrated to be as tight as a perfect formulation for startup costs. This tightening can reduce the computational burden in comparison to existing formulations, especially for UC instances with large reserve margins and high penetration levels of renewables.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

A numerically efficient finite element hydroelastic analysis. Volume 2: Implementation in NASTRAN, part 1

Details are presented of the implementation of the new formulation into NASTRAN including descriptions of the DMAP statements required for conversion of the program and details pertaining to problem definition and bulk data considerations. Details of the current 1/8-scale space shuttle external tank mathematical model, numerical results and analysis/test comparisons are also presented. The appendices include a description and listing of a FORTRAN program used to develop harmonic transformation bulk data (multipoint constraint statements) and sample bulk data information for a number of hydroelastic problems.

Coppolino, R. N.↗

Predicting the Effects of Test Media in Ground-Based Propulsion Testing

This paper discusses the progress of work which began in mid-2004 sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Test & Evaluation/Science & Technology (T&E/S&T) Program. The purpose of the work is to improve the state of the art of CFD capabilities for predicting the effects of the test media on the flameholding characteristics in scramjet engines. The program has several components including the development of advance algorithms and models for simulating engine flowpaths as well as a fundamental experimental and diagnostic development effort to support the formulation and validation of the mathematical models. The paper will provide details of current work involving the development of phenomenological models for Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes codes, large-eddy simulation techniques and reduced-kinetics models. Experiments that will provide data for the modeling efforts will also be described, along with with the associated nonintrusive diagnostics used to collect the data.

Drummond, J. Philip↗

Supersonic Combustion Research at NASA

This paper discusses the progress of work to model high-speed supersonic reacting flow. The purpose of the work is to improve the state of the art of CFD capabilities for predicting the flow in high-speed propulsion systems, particularly combustor flowpaths. The program has several components including the development of advanced algorithms and models for simulating engine flowpaths as well as a fundamental experimental and diagnostic development effort to support the formulation and validation of the mathematical models. The paper will provide details of current work on experiments that will provide data for the modeling efforts along with the associated nonintrusive diagnostics used to collect the data from the experimental flowfield. Simulation of a recent experiment to partially validate the accuracy of a combustion code is also described.

Drummond, J. P.↗

Modeling Combustion in Supersonic Flows

This paper discusses the progress of work to model high-speed supersonic reacting flow. The purpose of the work is to improve the state of the art of CFD capabilities for predicting the flow in high-speed propulsion systems, particularly combustor flow-paths. The program has several components including the development of advanced algorithms and models for simulating engine flowpaths as well as a fundamental experimental and diagnostic development effort to support the formulation and validation of the mathematical models. The paper will provide details of current work on experiments that will provide data for the modeling efforts along with with the associated nonintrusive diagnostics used to collect the data from the experimental flowfield. Simulation of a recent experiment to partially validate the accuracy of a combustion code is also described.

Drummond, J. Philip↗