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At least 1,081 records · Page 60

SSME Bearing and Seal Tester Data Compilation, Analysis, and Reporting; and Refinement of the Cryogenic Bearing Analysis Mathematical Model

SRS and NASA/MSFC have developed software with unique capabilities to couple bearing kinematic modeling with high fidelity thermal modeling. The core thermomechanical modeling software was developed by SRS and others in the late 1980's and early 1990's under various different contractual efforts. SRS originally developed software that enabled SHABERTH (Shaft Bearing Thermal Model) and SINDA (Systems Improved Numerical Differencing Analyzer) to exchange data and autonomously allowing bearing component temperature effects to propagate into the steady state bearing mechanical model. A separate contract was issued in 1990 to create a personal computer version of the software. At that time SRS performed major improvements to the code. Both SHABERTH and SINDA were independently ported to the PC and compiled. SRS them integrated the two programs into a single program that was named SINSHA. This was a major code improvement.

Moore, James↗

Toward fidelity between specification and implementation

This paper describes the methods used to specify and implement a complex communications protocol that provides reliable delivery of data in multicast-capable, packet-switching telecommunication networks. The protocol, called the Reliable Multicasting Protocol (RMP), was developed incrementally by two complementary teams using a combination of formal and informal techniques in an attempt to ensure the correctness of the protocol implementation. The first team, called the Design team, initially specified protocol requirements using a variant of SCR requirements tables and implemented a prototype solution. The second team, called the V&V team, developed a state model based on the requirements tables and derived test cases from these tables to exercise the implementation. In a series of iterative steps, the Design team added new functionality to the implementation while the V&V team kept the state model in fidelity with the implementation through testing. Test cases derived from state transition paths in the formal model formed the dialogue between teams during development and served as the vehicles for keeping the model and implementation in fidelity with each other. This paper describes our experiences in developing our process model, details of our approach, and some example problems found during the development of RMP.

Callahan, John R.↗

Simulation Technology at NASA

NASA Ames Research Center is home to several high-fidelity research flight and air-traffic control simulation facilities which, together with an experienced workforce, produce high-quality research data and findings that have proven to be applicable in the real world. These assets include the Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS), Crew Vehicle Systems Research Facility (CVSRF), Future Flight Central (FFC) air traffic control tower simulator, and several air-traffic control (ATC) simulators. The VMS combines a high-fidelity simulation capability with an adaptable simulation environment, enabling customization for numerous human-in-the-loop research applications. The distinctive feature of the VMS is its unparalleled large amplitude, high-fidelity motion capability. In over 30 years of continuous operation, the VMS has contributed significantly to the body of knowledge in a range of disciplines directly benefiting several aerospace programs and flight safety, including the design and development of flight control systems for the Joint Strike Fighter, Space Shuttle Orbiter, and rotorcraft. It continues to be used for researching new vehicle configurations, vehicle control and safety, transfer-of-training, etc., by NASA, other government agencies, and Industry.The CVSRF includes two motion-based flight simulators: a Boeing 747-400 full flight simulator and the reconfigurable Advanced Concepts Flight Simulator (ACFS). These simulators are primarily used to research air-traffic management concepts and procedures, advanced navigation and avionics concepts, and cockpit human factors. FFC is a full-sized control tower simulator with a 360-degree external field-of-view display system and reconfigurable system architecture. FFC and the ATC simulators are used for testing air-traffic management automation and decision support tools and demonstrate their feasibility in a realistic environment prior to technology transfer for implementation in the National Airspace System (NAS).To support integrated simulations and flight-tests for NASA's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System (NAS) Project, NASA developed a distributed test environment incorporating Live, Virtual, Constructive, (LVC) concepts. Development of the software enabling the LVC is conducted primarily at the Distributed Simulation Research Lab (DSRL) at NASA Ames. The LVC components provide the core infrastructure supporting simulation of UAS operations by integrating live and virtual aircraft in a realistic air traffic environment. This provides the ability to conduct tests more efficiently by promoting the use of existing distributed assets. The LVC infrastructure was used in several human-in-the-loop simulations to evaluate acceptance of Detect and Avoid (DAA) advisories used by UAS pilots to maintain well clear of other virtual traffic and to negotiate maneuvers with air traffic control. It is currently being used to support testing of self-separation algorithms between unmanned and manned aircraft in live flight. Further simulations with more comprehensive air traffic scenarios mixing live and virtual aircraft is planned.In the current fiscal environment, maintaining and upgrading these high-fidelity simulation assets and retaining the skilled workforce necessary to meet future research needs is the primary non-technical challenge.

CVSRF↗

Efficient Multidisciplinary Analysis Approach for Conceptual Design of Aircraft with Large Shape Change

The conceptual and preliminary design processes for aircraft with large shape changes are generally difficult and time-consuming, and the processes are often customized for a specific shape change concept to streamline the vehicle design effort. Accordingly, several existing reports show excellent results of assessing a particular shape change concept or perturbations of a concept. The goal of the current effort was to develop a multidisciplinary analysis tool and process that would enable an aircraft designer to assess several very different morphing concepts early in the design phase and yet obtain second-order performance results so that design decisions can be made with better confidence. The approach uses an efficient parametric model formulation that allows automatic model generation for systems undergoing radical shape changes as a function of aerodynamic parameters, geometry parameters, and shape change parameters. In contrast to other more self-contained approaches, the approach utilizes off-the-shelf analysis modules to reduce development time and to make it accessible to many users. Because the analysis is loosely coupled, discipline modules like a multibody code can be easily swapped for other modules with similar capabilities. One of the advantages of this loosely coupled system is the ability to use the medium- to high-fidelity tools early in the design stages when the information can significantly influence and improve overall vehicle design. Data transfer among the analysis modules are based on an accurate and automated general purpose data transfer tool. In general, setup time for the integrated system presented in this paper is 2-4 days for simple shape change concepts and 1-2 weeks for more mechanically complicated concepts. Some of the key elements briefly described in the paper include parametric model development, aerodynamic database generation, multibody analysis, and the required software modules as well as examples for a telescoping wing, a folding wing, and a bat-like wing. The paper also includes the verification of a medium-fidelity aerodynamic tool used for the aerodynamic database generation with a steady and unsteady high-fidelity CFD analysis tool for a folding wing example.

Chwalowski, Pawel↗

D2U: Data Driven User Emulation for the Enhancement of Cyber Testing, Training, and Data Set Generation

Whether testing intrusion detection systems, conducting training exercises, or creating data sets to be used by the broader cybersecurity community, realistic user behavior is a critical component of a cyber range. Existing methods either rely on network level data or replay recorded user actions to approximate real users in a network. Our work is the first to produce generative models trained on actual user data (sequences of application usage) collected on endpoints. Once trained to the user's behavioral data, these models can generate novel sequences of actions %that appear to come from the same distribution as the training data. These sequences of actions are then fed to our custom software via configuration files, which replicate those behaviors on end devices. Notably, our models are platform agnostic and could generate behavior data for any emulation software package. In this paper we present our model generation process, software architecture, and an initial evaluation of the fidelity of our models. Our software is currently deployed in a cyber range to help evaluate the efficacy of defensive cyber technologies. We suggest additional ways that the cyber community as a whole can benefit from more realistic user behavior emulation. The data used to train our model, as well as sample configuration files produced by the model, are available at [redacted].

Oesch, T↗

Effects of as-received defects on ceramic matrix composites properties using high-fidelity microstructures with periodic boundary conditions

The presence of microstructural defects in as-received specimens of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) significantly influences their constitutive response and damage, highlighting the importance of characterization and quantification of these defects for accurate assessment of damage and failure in the service environment. In a recent effort, the authors developed an algorithm to generate stochastic representative volume elements (SRVEs) of Carbon fiber Silicon-Carbide-Nitride matrix (C/SiNC) CMCs based on extensive multiscale material and defect characterization data. This paper implements this algorithm within a commercial finite element solver with periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) for high-fidelity micromechanics analysis and investigation of macroscopic material behavior of C/SiNC composites. Different loading directions are used to predict the global mechanical properties, and the results are in excellent agreement with theoretical (rule of mixture) predictions. Subsequently, the effects of as-received defects on the global and local responses are investigated. The results show that intratow porosity has pronounced degradation effects on the global elastic properties and results in complex stress localization patterns, which can be attributed to potential damage initiation sites.

Khafagy, Khaled H.↗

Propulsion-Airframe Integration for Conceptual Redesign of a Low-Boom Supersonic Transport

A low-boom supersonic transport was generated in a previous low-boom multidisciplinary optimization (MDO) study that used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) off-body pressure to compute the undertrack sonic boom ground signature and calibrated low-fidelity aerodynamics analyses to compute the mission performance metrics. This low-boom aircraft, referred to as the Mach 1.7 40-PAX concept, can carry 40 passengers for a low-boom overland mission with cruise Mach 1.7 for the airport pairs over the continental US and has the potential to achieve an undertrack sonic boom ground noise level below 70 perceived level of decibels at the start of overland cruise (SOC). The engine for the Mach 1.7 40-PAX concept was designed using the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) for the mission analysis and modeled as a flow-through nacelle for CFD-based sonic boom analysis. To understand how the engine plume affects the undertrack ground signature, the Mach 1.7 40-PAX concept is redesigned in this paper after replacing the flow-through nacelles by CFD engines for sonic boom analysis using aeropropulsive CFD simulation. A process is developed for approximation of the NPSS engine at SOC by a CFD engine for aeropropulsive CFD simulation. The generated CFD engine has the identical nozzle boundary conditions and approximately the same mass flow and thrust as those of the NPSS engine at SOC. Then, the outer mold line of the configuration with the CFD engines is redesigned to approximately restore the low-boom characteristics of the Mach 1.7 40-PAX concept at SOC. Finally, the CFD simulation data for the redesigned concept with the CFD engines is used to calibrate the low-fidelity aerodynamic analyses for mission analysis of this concept. The cyclic dependency of the involved disciplinary analyses is resolved using an iteration method for a consistent coupling of the mission analysis, NPSS engine analysis, and low-boom redesign using the aeropropulsive CFD simulation. This low-boom redesign study is used as an example to demonstrate how the propulsion-airframe integration could be implemented for conceptual design of supersonic transports that satisfy both the low-boom and mission performance requirements.

Low-boom supersonic transport↗

On the Use of Acoustic Wind Tunnel Data for the Simulation of sUAS Flyover Noise

Acoustic measurements of a small, unmanned aerial system were recently acquired during a ground test campaign. The purposes of the ground test, conducted in the NASA Langley Low Speed Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel, were to characterize the source noise in terms of its tonal and broadband content, and to identify conditions under which multirotor and rotor-airframe interactions are present. The focus of this work is to assess the effectiveness of using those data for the simulation of flyover noise at a ground observer. The assessment is made at two levels of fidelity using different sets of tools. In the first, 1/3 octave band spectra at a ground receiver will be simulated in a frequency domain approach using the NASA Aircraft NOise Prediction Program. In the second, the pressure time history at a ground receiver is simulated in a time domain approach using the NASA Auralization Framework. Various objective measures are used to verify the simulation process. Acoustic wind tunnel and flight test data are used to gain insight into perceptually important effects.

Rizzi, Stephen A.↗

Enabling probabilistic learning on manifolds through double diffusion maps

Here, we present a generative learning framework for probabilistic sampling that extends Probabilistic Learning on Manifolds (PLoM), which is designed to generate statistically consistent realizations of a random vector in a finite-dimensional Euclidean space, informed by a (representative) set of observations. In its original form, PLoM constructs a reduced-order probabilistic model by combining three main components: (a) kernel density estimation to approximate the underlying probability measure, (b) Diffusion Maps to characterize the manifold of the data, and (c) a reduced-order Itô Stochastic Differential Equation (ISDE) to sample from the learned distribution. However, its sampling dynamics are posed in the ambient space and the retained number of reduced coordinates is chosen by projection-reconstruction error. In practice, this often (i) requires more coordinates than the data’s intrinsic dimension to achieve stable sampling and (ii) lacks a smooth, basis-independent lifting back to the data domain; moreover, standard Diffusion Maps emphasize harmonic eigenfunctions and can miss non-harmonic latent structure. We address these limitations by decoupling geometry learning from sampling: a first Diffusion Maps pass identifies non-harmonic coordinates on which we formulate a full-order ISDE directly in the latent space, while Double Diffusion Maps captures multiscale geometric features and Geometric Harmonics (GH) learns a smooth lifting map to the ambient variables that is independent of the particular diffusion basis. This hybrid design preserves the system’s dynamical richness with a compact geometric representation and enables principled out-of-sample inference. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method are illustrated through two numerical studies: one based on data generated from two-dimensional Hermite polynomial functions and another based on high-fidelity simulations of a detonation wave in a reactive flow.

Double diffusion maps↗

Robust Biaxial Anisotropy and Switchable Néel Vectors in LaFeO 3 Epitaxial Films

Antiferromagnets with highly stable but switchable Néel vectors are desired for antiferromagnetic spintronics with ultrafast speed and terahertz frequencies. Electrical switching of antiferromagnetic insulators has been demonstrated using binary antiferromagnets, while large families of complex antiferromagnets such as perovskites are largely unexplored. Here, we show that epitaxial LaFeO 3 thin films on SrTiO 3 (001) exhibit clear, robust biaxial anisotropy with a spin-flop field of a few tesla. Angular-dependent spin-Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) characterizations of Pt/LaFeO 3 bilayers with the current channel along SrTiO 3 [100] and [110] reveal distinct, intriguing shapes and field dependence. Simulations using a macrospin model accurately describe the main behavior and fine features of the SMR data from which key antiferromagnetic parameters are extracted. Furthermore, remanent SMR measurement confirms the high fidelity of the Néel vector along either easy axis of the biaxial anisotropy, indicating that epitaxial films of LaFeO 3 and potentially other perovskite antiferromagnets offer an attractive platform for antiferromagnetic spintronics.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Bayesian inference of anisotropic 2D small-angle scattering from sparse measurement

Here, we present a Bayesian inference framework for reconstructing anisotropic two-dimensional small-angle scattering (2D SAS) patterns from sparse, noisy, or partially missing data. The method combines a symmetry-aware angular basis with radial Gaussian process priors to enable accurate, training-free interpolation and denoising. Computational benchmarks demonstrate reliable recovery of both isotropic and high-order anisotropic features under severe data reduction. Experimental validations on stretched polymers, sheared wormlike micelles, and carbon fibers show improved fidelity and resolution compared to raw measurements, achieving comparable accuracy with up to 50-fold fewer detected neutrons. This approach enables quantitative structural analysis under low-flux, time-limited, or single-shot conditions, extending the applicability of 2D SAS techniques to compact neutron sources and mechanically driven soft matter systems undergoing transient structural changes.

Tung, Chi-Huan [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORN↗

Latent Space Dynamics Identification

LaSDI is a data-driven physical simulation software that forms a latent space for a given high-fidelity model and discovers a set of ordinary differential equations for the latent space dynamics. It allows a fast and accurate solution process, which is useful for multi-query decision making applications, such as design optimization and uncertainty quantification. The performance of the LaSDI framework is demonstrated on four different problems, i.e., 1D and 2D Burgers equations, nonlinear heat conduction, and radial advection problems. Both linear and nonlinear compression techniques, such as neural network and proper orthogonal decomposition, are used to form a latent space. A concept of local dynamics identification procedure is introduced to enable a parametric model, which enhances the accuracy level over a given parameter space.

Fries, William↗

An Evaluated, Transient Experiment based on Simultaneous, 3-D Neutron-Flux and Temperature Measurements

There is substantial interest in the validation of transient models for reactor physics, particularly in support of next-generation, high-fidelity tools like those developed by the U.S. DOE and other institutions. However, much existing data is limited largely to sparse or integral measurements in very large, complicated reactor systems. Moreover, meaningful transients are almost always driven by the complex coupling between neutronics and thermal-hydraulics. To address this data gap, a series of steady-state and transient experiments was conducted at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor that used several probes containing micro-pocket fission detectors (MPFDs) to measure neutron fluxes or resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) to measure coolant temperatures. Here, an overview of the experimental campaign is provided, as is a preliminary look of selected measurements.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Holistic Transportation and Energy Modeling

This project advances the development and application of the TEMPO transportation energy systems model to support DOE analysis of evolving mobility futures. Recent work has focused on improving model transparency, performance, and fidelity through a redesigned software architecture and updated technology adoption scenarios aligned with the latest data and assumptions. Ongoing efforts aim to expand TEMPO's ability to assess transportation affordability and consumer decision-making, including vehicle ownership dynamics and distributional impacts across households. These enhancements position TEMPO to better inform policy and R&D decisions by providing more behaviorally realistic and policy-relevant insights into transportation energy use, technology adoption, and system-level outcomes.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Manned maneuvering unit simulations on the Space Operations Simulator

Details of the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) and its use is discussed. MMU simulations in the Space Operations Simulator (SOS) use two major devices. The first is a six-degree-of-freedom moving base carriage that allows the trainee freedom to fly the MMU in a large room and to match rates and dock with full scale targets. The second device is a large screen television display that provides the trainee with accurate views of tumbling targets from any point in a surrounding sphere up to 300 meters (1000 feet) in diameter. Astronauts used the SOS to train for the Solar Max repair mission and are now using it to train for a mission to recover the Palapa-B communications satellite. Subjective comparisons by astronauts of an orbit MMU performance to simulated MMU performance in the SOS indicate that the simulations are very realistic. Data from the Solar Max mission have resulted in two software upgrades that increase SOS fidelity for the next MMU mission: a model of contact dynamics between the MMU and a target spacecraft, and a model of MMU plume impingement forces during docking.

Hartley, C.↗

Reaction control system/remote manipulator system automation

The objectives of this project is to evaluate the capability of the Procedural Reasoning System (PRS) in a typical real-time space shuttle application and to assess its potential for use in the Space Station Freedom. PRS, developed by SRI International, is a result of research in automating the monitoring and control of spacecraft systems. The particular application selected for the present work is the automation of malfunction handling procedures for the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS). The SRMS malfunction procedures will be encoded within the PRS framework, a crew interface appropriate to the RMS application will be developed, and the real-time data interface software developed. The resulting PRS will then be integrated with the high-fidelity On-orbit Simulation of the NASA Johnson Space Center's System Engineering Simulator, and tests under various SRMS fault scenarios will be conducted.

Hiers, Harry K.↗

NASA Ames Research Center R and D Services Directorate Biomedical Systems Development

The Ames Research Center R&D Services Directorate teams with NASA, other government agencies and/or industry investigators for the development, design, fabrication, manufacturing and qualification testing of space-flight and ground-based experiment hardware for biomedical and general aerospace applications. In recent years, biomedical research hardware and software has been developed to support space-flight and ground-based experiment needs including the E 132 Biotelemetry system for the Research Animal Holding Facility (RAHF), E 100 Neurolab neuro-vestibular investigation systems, the Autogenic Feedback Systems, and the Standard Interface Glove Box (SIGB) experiment workstation module. Centrifuges, motion simulators, habitat design, environmental control systems, and other unique experiment modules and fixtures have also been developed. A discussion of engineered systems and capabilities will be provided to promote understanding of possibilities for future system designs in biomedical applications. In addition, an overview of existing engineered products will be shown. Examples of hardware and literature that demonstrate the organization's capabilities will be displayed. The Ames Research Center R&D Services Directorate is available to support the development of new hardware and software systems or adaptation of existing systems to meet the needs of academic, commercial/industrial, and government research requirements. The Ames R&D Services Directorate can provide specialized support for: System concept definition and feasibility Mathematical modeling and simulation of system performance Prototype hardware development Hardware and software design Data acquisition systems Graphical user interface development Motion control design Hardware fabrication and high-fidelity machining Composite materials development and application design Electronic/electrical system design and fabrication System performance verification testing and qualification.

Pollitt, J.↗

Challenges Facing 3-D Audio Display Design for Multimedia

The challenges facing successful multimedia presentation depend largely on the expectations of the designer and end user for a given application. Perceptual limitations in distance, elevation and azimuth sound source simulation differ significantly between headphone and cross-talk cancellation loudspeaker listening and therefore must be considered. Simulation of an environmental context is desirable but the quality depends on processing resources and lack of interaction with the host acoustical environment. While techniques such as data reduction of head-related transfer functions have been used widely to improve simulation fidelity, another approach involves determining thresholds for environmental acoustic events. Psychoacoustic studies relevant to this approach are reviewed in consideration of multimedia applications

Begault, Durand R.↗