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At least 1,153 records · Page 64

Initial Implementation Of Machine Learning System for SRF Cavity Fault Classification at CEBAF

The Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Laboratory is high power CW electron accelerator. It uses a mixture of two types of SRF modules, older, lower energy C20/C50 modules and newer higher energy C100 modules, arrayed in two anti-parallel linear accelerators. Accurately classifying the type of cavity faults is essential to maintaining and improving accelerator performance. Each C100 cryomodule contains eight 7-cell cavities. When a cavity fault occurs within a cryomodule, all eight cavities generate 17 waveforms each containing 8192 points. This data is exported from EPICS and saved for review. Analysis of these waveforms is time intensive and requires subject matter expertise (SME). SMEs examine the data from each event and label it according to one of several known cavity fault types. Multiple machine learning models have been developed on this labeled dataset with sufficient performance to warrant the creation of a limited machine learning software system for use by accelerator operations staff. This paper discusses the transition from model development to implementation of a prototype system.

Carpenter, A.↗

Space station systems analysis study. Part 2, Volume 3: Appendixes, Book 1. Program requirements documentation

The objective elements representative of the kinds of space activities that will be supported by the space construction base (SCB) are discussed in (1) a brief mission overview including the primary purpose and general objectives; (2) descriptions of the processes involved (where applicable), the mission hardware, the principal activities to be undertaken, the test requirements, and the principal tests; and (3) the SCB requirements including such items as special devices (e.g., fabrication modules, assembly or construction fixtures, cranes, and airlocks), power, data management and communications, waste management, environmental control, safety, and logistics. Each program option is then described in terms of the objective elements it supports, its orbit, the general makeup of the SCB, the transportation approach, and the program schedule goals. The specific requirements that are imposed on the SCB in order to support program option L are given.

Source record↗

A Novel, Free-Space Optical Interconnect Employing Vertical-Cavity Surface Emitting Laser Diodes and InGaAs Metal-Semiconductor-Metal Photodetectors for Gbit/s RF/Microwave Systems

Emerging technologies and continuing progress in vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) diode and metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetector research are making way for novel, high-speed forms of optical data transfer in communication systems. VCSEL diodes operating at 1550 nm have only recently become commercially available, while MSM photodetectors are pushing the limits of contact lithography with interdigitated electrode widths reaching sub micron levels. We propose a novel, free-space optical interconnect operating at about 1Gbit/s utilizing VCSEL diodes and MSM photodetectors. We report on development, progress, and current work, which are as follows: first, analysis of the divergent behavior of VCSEL diodes for coupling to MSM photodetectors with a 50 by 50 m active area and second, the normalized frequency response of the VCSEL diode as a function of the modulating frequency. Third, the calculated response of MSM photodetectors with varying electrode width and spacing on the order of 1 to 3 m as well as the fabrication and characterization of these devices. The work presented here will lead to the formation and characterization of a fully integrated 1Gbit/s free-space optical interconnect at 1550 nm and demonstrates both chip level and board level functionality for RF/microwave digital systems.

Savich, Gregory R.↗

Earthbound applications for NASA's physician workstation

The dream of a space probe to Mars or an astronaut colony on the moon persists. Despite years of setbacks and delays, NASA continues to lay the foundation for a new frontier in space. The necessity of a self contained health maintenance facility is an integral part of this stellar venture. As a subsystem of this health maintenance facility, the physician or astronaut workstation was envisioned as the vehicle of interface between the computer resources of the space station and the care provider. Our efforts to define and build this interface have resulted in a series of programs which can now be tested and refined using earth-based applications. The modules which have dual-use application from the NASA workstation include: patient scheduling and master patient index, pharmacy, laboratory, medical library, problem list/progress notes, and digital medical records. Our current plan is to develop these tools as objects that can be assembled in a variety of configurations. This will allow the technology to be used by the private sector where each doctor can select the starting point of his outpatient office system and add modules as he makes progress in system integration and training.

NASA Discipline Number 70-30↗

Observation of the Gamma-Ray Binary HESS J0632+057 with the H.E.S.S., MAGIC, and VERITAS Telescopes

The results of gamma-ray observations of the binary system HESS J0632 + 057 collected during 450 hr over 15 yr, between 2004 and 2019, are presented. Data taken with the atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes H.E.S.S., MAGIC, and VERITAS at energies above 350 GeV were used together with observations at X-ray energies obtained with Swift-XRT, Chandra, XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, and Suzaku. Some of these observations were accompanied by measurements of the Hα emission line. A significant detection of the modulation of the very high-energy gamma-ray fluxes with a period of 316.7 ± 4.4 days is reported, consistent with the period of 317.3 ± 0.7 days obtained with a refined analysis of X-ray data. The analysis of data from four orbital cycles with dense observational coverage reveals short-timescale variability, with flux-decay timescales of less than 20 days at very high energies. Flux variations observed over a timescale of several years indicate orbit-to-orbit variability. The analysis confirms the previously reported correlation of X-ray and gamma-ray emission from the system at very high significance but cannot find any correlation of optical H$α$ parameters with fluxes at X-ray or gamma-ray energies in simultaneous observations. The key finding is that the emission of HESS J0632 + 057 in the X-ray and gamma-ray energy bands is highly variable on different timescales. The ratio of gamma-ray to X-ray flux shows the equality or even dominance of the gamma-ray energy range. This wealth of new data is interpreted taking into account the insufficient knowledge of the ephemeris of the system and discussed in the context of results reported on other gamma-ray binary systems.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Novel Quadratic High Gain Boost Converter With Adaptive Soft-Switching Scheme and Reduced Conduction Loss

In this article, an improved soft-switching quadratic boost converter is proposed. Instead of inserting an additional active clamp or auxiliary zero-voltage transition circuit at the switching node, the proposed topology connects the high-voltage switching node to the input diode node by replacing one of the input diodes with a low-rated switch. The proposed topology can attain soft-switching condition for all the switches and input diode turns- off under zero-current switching (ZCS). The operation of input-side switch not only aids zero-voltage switching (ZVS) turn- on for the main switch but also helps in reducing the conduction loss. Also, the input-side switch operates under ZCS turn- on and ZVS turn- off , making it a loss economical solution. An adaptive timing scheme for driving the input switch is proposed, which can ensure soft-switching condition under varying gain and load range. The detailed operational modes, analysis, and design considerations of the proposed topology are presented. A 250 W hardware prototype is built to validate the performance of the proposed converter operating at 100 kHz switching frequency. Results with adaptive soft-switching scheme shows that the converter is modulated to achieve its best efficiency condition under various system conditions. Furthermore, a peak efficiency of 96.1% at 155 W and efficiencies above 95.75% over a wide load range are achieved using all Si devices.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

MOOSE–Workbench Integration and MOOSE Meshing Capability Enhancements to Facilitate Inputs and Outputs for Multiphysics Modeling

The Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) is an open-source framework that supports many of the US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) technical areas (TA). These TAs develop and use NEAMS physics and coupling modules in multiple ways to enable the research and development of complex physics models. In addition to the MOOSE framework, the NEAMS Workbench user interface provides a common analysis environment with user-interaction accelerators that streamline the tasks of model creation, review, execution, and output inspection. In FY 2024, objectives were realized in the MOOSE framework application development support and user-oriented improvements. Application development improvements support both developers and users with an expanded Reactor Module and Mesh System, stateful material property support for mortar contact, and customizable convergence criteria. Additionally, new user-oriented features were implemented in the MOOSE framework language server, including autocompletion snippets, definition from source and find reference navigations, and syntax overrides. Lastly, improvements were made to the input interpreter necessary to support the MOOSE language server and the NEAMS Workbench so that they can interact with syntactically incomplete user inputs. These improvements and more were intended to address stakeholder feedback and improve developer and user ability to conduct advanced nuclear energy modeling and simulation in support of DOE and industry needs.

97 - MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Probabilistic load simulation: Code development status

The objective of the Composite Load Spectra (CLS) project is to develop generic load models to simulate the composite load spectra that are included in space propulsion system components. The probabilistic loads thus generated are part of the probabilistic design analysis (PDA) of a space propulsion system that also includes probabilistic structural analyses, reliability, and risk evaluations. Probabilistic load simulation for space propulsion systems demands sophisticated probabilistic methodology and requires large amounts of load information and engineering data. The CLS approach is to implement a knowledge based system coupled with a probabilistic load simulation module. The knowledge base manages and furnishes load information and expertise and sets up the simulation runs. The load simulation module performs the numerical computation to generate the probabilistic loads with load information supplied from the CLS knowledge base.

Newell, J. F.↗

T/BEST: Technology Benefit Estimator Select Features and Applications

A Technology Benefit Estimator (T/BEST) system has been developed to provide a formal method to assess advanced aerospace technologies and quantify the benefit contributions for prioritization. An open-ended, modular approach is used to allow for upgrade and insertion of advanced technology modules. T/BEST's software framework, beginner-to-expert operation, interface architecture, and key analysis modules are discussed. In this paper, selected features and applications of T/BEST are demonstrated. Sample cases pertaining to structural analysis of titanium and composite blades are presented. The performance of hot and cold composite fan blades is also discussed. The cost required to manufacture titanium and composite fan blades is estimated.

Generazio, Edward R.↗

Integration of Multifidelity Multidisciplinary Computer Codes for Design and Analysis of Supersonic Aircraft

This paper documents the development of a conceptual level integrated process for design and analysis of efficient and environmentally acceptable supersonic aircraft. To overcome the technical challenges to achieve this goal, a conceptual design capability which provides users with the ability to examine the integrated solution between all disciplines and facilitates the application of multidiscipline design, analysis, and optimization on a scale greater than previously achieved, is needed. The described capability is both an interactive design environment as well as a high powered optimization system with a unique blend of low, mixed and high-fidelity engineering tools combined together in the software integration framework, ModelCenter. The various modules are described and capabilities of the system are demonstrated. The current limitations and proposed future enhancements are also discussed.

Geiselhart, Karl A.↗

Evidence for the predictability of changes in the stratosphericaerosol size following volcanic eruptions of diverse magnitudesusing space-based instruments

An analysis of multiwavelength stratospheric aerosol extinction coefficient data from the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment II and III/ISS instruments is used to demonstrate a coherent relationship between the perturbation in extinction coefficient in an eruption’s main aerosol layer and the wavelength dependence of that perturbation. This relationship spans multiple orders of magnitude in the aerosol extinction coefficient of stratospheric impact of volcanic events. The relationship is measurement-based and does not rely on assumptions about the aerosol size distribution. We note limitations on this analysis including that the presence of significant amounts of ash in the main sulfuric acid aerosol layer and other factors may significantly modulate these results. Despite these limitations, the findings suggest an avenue for improving aerosol extinction coefficient measurements from single-channel observations such as the Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imager System as they rely on a prior assumptions about particle size. They may also represent a distinct avenue for the comparison of observations with interactive aerosol models used in global climate models and Earth system models.

Larry W Thomason↗

Fabrication of a novel gigabit/second free-space optical interconnect - photodetector characterization and testing and system development

The time when computing power is limited by the copper wire inherent in the computer system and not the speed of the microprocessor is rapidly approaching. With constant advances in computer technology, many researchers believe that in only a few years, optical interconnects will begin to replace copper wires in your Central Processing Unit (CPU). On a more macroscopic scale, the telecommunications industry has already made the switch to optical data transmission as, to date, fiber optic technology is the only reasonable method of reliable, long range data transmission. Within the span of a decade, we will see optical technologies move from the macroscopic world of the telecommunications industry to the microscopic world of the computer chip. Already, the communications industry is marketing commercially available optical links to connect two personal computers, thereby eliminating the need for standard and comparatively slow wired and wireless Ethernet transfers and greatly increasing the distance the computers can be separated. As processing demands continue to increase, the realm of optical communications will continue to move closer to the microprocessor and quite possibly onto the microprocessor itself. A day may come when copper connections are used only to supply power, not transfer data. This summer s work marks some of the beginning stages of a 5 to 10 year, long-term research project to create and study a free-space, 1 Gigabit/sec optical interconnect. The research will result in a novel fabricated, chip-to-chip interconnect consisting of a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) Diode linked through free space to a Metal- Semiconductor-Metal (MSM) Photodetector with the possible integration of microlenses for signal focusing and Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) devices for optical signal steering. The advantages, disadvantages, and practicality of incorporating flip-chip mounting technologies will also be addressed. My work began with the design and construction of a test setup for the experiment and then appropriate characterization of the test system. Specifically, I am involved in the characterization of a commercially available 1550nm wavelength, 5mW diode laser and a study of its modulation bandwidth. Commercially produced photodetectors as well as the incorporation of microwave technology, in the form of RF input and output, are used in the characterization procedure. The next stage involves the use of a probe station and network analyzer to characterize and test a series of photodetectors fabricated on a 2 inch, Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) wafer in the Branch s microlithography lab. Other project responsibilities include, but are not limited to the incorporation of a transimpedance amplifier to the photodetector circuit; a study of VCSEL technology; bit error rate analysis of an optical interconnect system; and analysis of free space divergence of the VCSEL, optical path length of the interconnect; and any other pertinent optical properties of the one gigabit per second interconnect for fabrication and testing.

Savich, Gregory R.↗

Space Shuttle MMOD Threat Mitigation Techniques

Prior to each shuttle mission, threat assessments are performed to determine the risk of critical penetration, payload bay door radiator tube leak and crew module window replacement from Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD). Mission parameters, such as vehicle attitude, exposure time and altitude are used as inputs for the analysis. Ballistic limit equations, based on hypervelocity impact testing of shuttle materials are used to estimate the critical particle diameters of the outer surfaces of the vehicle. The assessments are performed using the BUMPER computer code at the NASA/JSC Hypervelocity Impact Technology Facility (HITF). The most critical involves the calculation of Loss of Crew and Vehicle (LOCV) risk. An overview of significant MMOD impacts on the Payload Bay Door radiators, wing leading edge reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) panels and crew module windows will be presented, along with a discussion of the techniques NASA has implemented to reduce the risk from MMOD impacts. This paper will describe on-orbit inspection of the RCC regions and the methods used discern hypervelocity impact damage. Impact damage contingency plans and on-orbit repair techniques will also be discussed. The wing leading edge impact detection system (WLEIDS) and it s role in the reduction of on-orbit risk reduction will be presented. Finally, an analysis of alternative shuttle flight attitudes on MMOD risk will be demonstrated.

Hyde, J. L.↗

Interfacial Characterization of Positive Bias Voltage Degradation in PV Modules

Degradation from high system voltage is a prevailing failure mode in fielded photovoltaic modules, and the degradation mechanism is inherently dependent on the bias polarity. Here we report the effects of positive bias. Modules under positive bias demonstrated a significant photocurrent loss caused by two routes. First, delamination and discoloration of the silicon nitride layer, leading to optical loss determined by reflectance measurements. Second, chemical discoloration of the cell gridlines and encapsulant (EVA), which is linked to an electrochemical reaction at the silver electrodes. Chemical compositional analysis using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy demonstrated that the discoloration is attributed to Ag 2 S and/or Ag 2 O. Evidence of Ag ion migration from the cell grid into the encapsulant is observed after shallow depth profiling on the EVA surface. However, Ag was not detected at the EVA/glass interface, inferring limited Ag ion transport through the EVA. The source of sulfur is believed to be ambient air, which diffused into the module through the breathable backsheet.

characterization↗

MOOSE-Workbench integration and MOOSE meshing capability enhancements to facilitate inputs and outputs for multiphysics modeling

The Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) is an open-source framework that supports many of the US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) technical areas (TA). These TAs develop and use NEAMS physics and coupling modules in multiple ways to enable the research and development of complex physics models. In addition to the MOOSE framework, the NEAMS Workbench user interface provides a common analysis environment with user-interaction accelerators that streamline the tasks of model creation, review, execution, and out put inspection. In FY 2024, objectives were realized in the MOOSE framework application development support and user-oriented improvements. Application development improvements support both developers and users with an expanded Reactor Module and Mesh System, stateful material property support for mortar contact, and customizable convergence criteria. Additionally, new user-oriented features were implemented in the MOOSE framework language server, including autocompletion snippets, definition from source and find reference navigations, and syntax overrides. Lastly, improvements were made to the input interpreter necessary to support the MOOSE language server and the NEAMS Workbench so that they can interact with syntactically incomplete user inputs. These improvements and more were intended to address stakeholder feedback and improve developer and user ability to conduct advanced nuclear energy modeling and simulation in support of DOE and industry needs.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Design of H2-O2 space shuttle APU. Volume 1: APU design

The H2-O2 space shuttle auxiliary power unit (APU) program is a NASA-Lewis effort aimed at hardware demonstration of the technology required for potential use on the space shuttle. It has been shown that a hydrogen-oxygen power unit (APU) system is an attractive alternate to the space shuttle baseline hydrazine APU system for minimum weight. It has the capability for meeting many of the heat sink requirements for the space shuttle vehicle, thereby reducing the amount of expendable evaporants required for cooling in the baseline APU. Volume 1 of this report covers preliminary design and analysis of the current reference system and detail design of the test version of this reference system. Combustor test results are also included. Volume 2 contains the results of the analysis of an initial version of the reference system and the computer printouts of system performance. The APU consists of subsystems for propellant feed and conditioning, turbopower, and control. Propellant feed and conditioning contains all heat exchangers, valves, and the combustor. The turbopower subsystem contains a two-stage partial-admission pressure-modulated, 400-hp, 63,000-rpm turbine, a 0-to 4-g lubrication system, and a gearbox with output pads for two hydraulic pumps and an alternator (alternator not included on test unit). The electronic control functions include regulation of speed and system temperatures; and start-and-stop sequences, overspeed (rpm) and temperature limits, failsafe provisions, and automatic shutdown provisions.

Harris, E.↗

Analysis and design of the Multimission Modular Spacecraft hydrazine propulsion module

The translational velocity increment, stabilization and control requirements, vehicle weight, and geometric considerations of the Multimission Modular Spacecraft (MMS) provided the basic data on which to initiate the analysis and design of the hydrazine propulsion modules. The Landsat D was used as the mission model. Tradeoff studies were conducted on thrust level, thruster location, and clustering arrangement together with tankage volume and location. The impact of the use of single and dual seat thruster valves on plumbing configuration, reliability, and overall system cost was studied in detail. Conceptual designs of a recommended propulsion module configuration for both the Delta 3910 and Shuttle were prepared.

Etheridge, F. G.↗

FTMP - A highly reliable Fault-Tolerant Multiprocessor for aircraft

The FTMP (Fault-Tolerant Multiprocessor) is a complex multiprocessor computer that employs a form of redundancy related to systems considered by Mathur (1971), in which each major module can substitute for any other module of the same type. Despite the conceptual simplicity of the redundancy form, the implementation has many intricacies owing partly to the low target failure rate, and partly to the difficulty of eliminating single-fault vulnerability. An extensive analysis of the computer through the use of such modeling techniques as Markov processes and combinatorial mathematics shows that for random hard faults the computer can meet its requirements. It is also shown that the maintenance scheduled at intervals of 200 hr or more can be adequate most of the time.

Hopkins, A. L., Jr.↗