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At least 1,207 records · Page 67

Machine Learning-Based Identification of the Interface Regions for Coupling Local and Nonlocal Models

Local-nonlocal coupling approaches provide a means to combine the computational efficiency of local models and the accuracy of nonlocal models. However, the coupling process can be challenging, requiring expertise to identify the interface between local and nonlocal regions. Here, this study introduces a machine learning-based approach to automatically detect the regions in which the local and nonlocal models should be used. The method uses loading functions evaluated at grid points to decide the model selection at those points. Training of the networks is based on datasets provided by classes of loading functions for which reference coupling configurations are computed using accurate coupled solutions, where accuracy is measured in terms of the relative error between the solution to the coupling approach and the solution to the nonlocal model. We study two approaches that vary in data structure. The first, the full-domain input data approach, uses the entire load vector and outputs a complete label vector, performing a global classification. The second, a window-based approach, processes loads into windows and addresses the problem as a node-wise classification where each window's central point is classified individually. The classification problems are solved via deep learning algorithms based on convolutional neural networks. The performance of these approaches is studied on one-dimensional numerical examples using F1-scores and accuracy metrics. Notably, the windowing approach achieves an accuracy of 0.96 and an F1-score of 0.97, highlighting its potential to automate coupling processes effectively and enhance computational efficiency in material science applications.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Performance of Compact Pulsed Thermal Imaging System for In-Service Applications. Pulsed thermal tomography nondestructive examination of additively manufactured reactor materials and components

Additive manufacturing (AM) is an emerging method for cost-efficient fabrication of complex topology nuclear reactor parts from high-strength corrosion resistance alloys, such as stainless steel and Inconel. AM of metallic structures for nuclear energy applications is currently based on laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process, which has the capability of melting metallic powder and net shaping the structures with relatively high precision. Some of the challenges with using LPBF method for nuclear manufacturing include the possibility of introducing pores into metallic structures. Integrity of AM structures needs to be evaluated nondestructively because material flaws could lead to premature failures due to creep in high temperature nuclear reactor environment. Currently, there exist limited capabilities to evaluate actual AM structures nondestructively. Pulsed Thermography (PT) imaging provides a capability for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of sub-surface defects in arbitrary size structures. The PT method is based on recording material surface temperature transients with infrared (IR) camera following thermal pulse delivered on material surface with flash light. The PT method has advantages for NDE of actual AM structures because the method involves one-sided non-contact measurements and fast processing of large sample areas captured in one image. The data cube of PT measurements consists of surface temperature taken at sequential time intervals T(x,y,t). Material defects can be detected either by analyzing the thermograms T(x,y,t) data cube, or by using thermal tomography (TT) algorithm to obtain 3D spatial reconstruction of thermal effusivity e(x,y,z). To reduce the cost and enable in-service NDE in spatially constrained environment, it is highly desirable to develop PT with compact and inexpensive IR camera. Following initial qualification of an AM component for deployment in a nuclear reactor, a compact PT system can also be used for in-service nondestructive evaluation (NDE) applications. However, data cube obtained with PT based on compact IR camera suffers from strong thermal noises and loss of features due to relatively low sampling rate. In this report we describe two unsupervised machine learning (ML) algorithms for enhancement of PT images obtained with compact IR camera. In one approach, we introduce Sparse Coding Discrete Cosine Transform (SC/DCT) algorithm to remove additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) from spatial thermal effusivity reconstructions. In another approach we introduce a Spatial Temporal Denoised Thermal Source Separation (STDTSS) ML algorithm to process thermograms. The STDTSS algorithm consists of spatial and temporal denoising using Gaussian and Savitzky–Golay filtering, followed by the matrix decomposition using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Independent Component Analysis (ICA) to automatically detect flaws. In the work described in this report, we constructed a compact PT system using a relatively small and low-cost FLIR A65 camera, consisting on uncooled microbolometer detector. Performance of SC/DCT algorithm was demonstrated on enhancing TT images of Inconel 718 AM plate. Performance of the STDTSS methods was investigated using thermography data obtained from imaging stainless steel 316L specimens produced with LPBF method with imprinted calibrated porosity defects.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

2019 Computing Sciences Strategic Plan

Computing has transformed nearly every aspect of scientific inquiry — across disciplines and across scales — from the behavior of subatomic particles to the formation of structures in the early universe, from the assembly of the human genome to the evolution of earth systems. Over the past two decades, computing has become an integral part of how Berkeley Lab is “Bringing Science Solutions to the World.” Advances in computing and mathematics have been key, with new mathematical models of complex physical phenomena, new methods for analyzing complex data, new algorithms for accuracy and scaling and sophisticated software systems that encapsulate these techniques into open, reusable tools. The performance of NERSC computers and the ESnet network have grown by several orders of magnitude, along with our understanding of how to map scientific computations and workflows onto these systems. From research to facility operations, the passion, talent and dedication of the Computing Sciences Area staff has been the cornerstone of our success. The plan outlined in this document describes the next step in a journey to expand the influence and impact of our efforts, building an increasingly connected global enterprise for science that places more powerful instruments in the hands of scientists, along with more powerful methods and tools for modeling, analysis and prediction.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

A Guide to Conquer the Biological Network Era Using Graph Theory

Networks are one of the most common ways to represent biological systems as complex sets of binary interactions or relations between different bioentities. In this article, we discuss the basic graph theory concepts and the various graph types, as well as the available data structures for storing and reading graphs. In addition, we describe several network properties and we highlight some of the widely used network topological features. We briefly mention the network patterns, motifs and models, and we further comment on the types of biological and biomedical networks along with their corresponding computer- and human-readable file formats. Finally, we discuss a variety of algorithms and metrics for network analyses regarding graph drawing, clustering, visualization, link prediction, perturbation, and network alignment as well as the current state-of-the-art tools. We expect this review to reach a very broad spectrum of readers varying from experts to beginners while encouraging them to enhance the field further.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Feature extraction applied to agricultural crops as seen by LANDSAT

The physical interpretation of the spectral-temporal structure of LANDSAT data can be conveniently described in terms of a graphic descriptive model called the Tassled Cap. This model has been a source of development not only in crop-related feature extraction, but also for data screening and for haze effects correction. Following its qualitative description and an indication of its applications, the model is used to analyze several feature extraction algorithms.

Kauth, R. J.↗

The multi-disciplinary design study: A life cycle cost algorithm

The approach and results of a Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis of the Space Station Solar Dynamic Power Subsystem (SDPS) including gimbal pointing and power output performance are documented. The Multi-Discipline Design Tool (MDDT) computer program developed during the 1986 study has been modified to include the design, performance, and cost algorithms for the SDPS as described. As with the Space Station structural and control subsystems, the LCC of the SDPS can be computed within the MDDT program as a function of the engineering design variables. Two simple examples of MDDT's capability to evaluate cost sensitivity and design based on LCC are included. MDDT was designed to accept NASA's IMAT computer program data as input so that IMAT's detailed structural and controls design capability can be assessed with expected system LCC as computed by MDDT. No changes to IMAT were required. Detailed knowledge of IMAT is not required to perform the LCC analyses as the interface with IMAT is noninteractive.

Harding, R. R.↗

End-to-end communication test on variable length packet structures utilizing AOS testbed

This paper describes a communication test, which successfully demonstrated the transfer of losslessly compressed images in an end-to-end system. These compressed images were first formatted into variable length Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) packets in the Advanced Orbiting System Testbed (AOST). The CCSDS data Structures were transferred from the AOST to the Radio Frequency Simulations Operations Center (RFSOC), via a fiber optic link, where data was then transmitted through the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). The received data acquired at the White Sands Complex (WSC) was transferred back to the AOST where the data was captured and decompressed back to the original images. This paper describes the compression algorithm, the AOST configuration, key flight components, data formats, and the communication link characteristics and test results.

Miller, Warner H.↗

Hypersonic flow past open cavities

The hypersonic flow over a cavity is investigated. The time-dependent compressible Navier-Stokes equations are numerically solved. An implicit algorithm, with a subiteration procedure to recover time accuracy, is used to perform the time-accurate computations. The objective of the study is to investigate the effects of Reynolds number and cavity dimensions. The comparsion of the computations with available experimental data, in terms of time mean static pressure, heat transfer, and Mach number, show good agreement. In the computations large vortex structures, which adversely affect the cavity flow characteristics, are observed at the rear of the cavity. A self-sustained oscillatory motion occurs within the cavity over a range of Reynolds number and cavity dimensions. The frequency spectra of the oscillations show good agreement with a modified semiempirical relation.

Morgenstern, Algacyr, Jr.↗

A Modern Load Relief Guidance Scheme for Space Launch Vehicles

Launch vehicle load relief algorithms are concerned with realizing a reduction of transient bending moments near maximum dynamic pressure. Traditional approaches to load relief typically use inner-loop acceleration feedback to reduce the wind-induced angle of attack. When implemented in the inner loop, load relief bandwidth is necessarily limited by the achievable stability margins, and when acceleration feedback is employed, by the uncertainty associated with structural modes that couple with the body-mounted accelerometer. The structure of inner loop load relief increases the dimensionality of the flight control gain and filter optimization problem. Most importantly, classical load relief laws do not take advantage of high-rate and high-accuracy GPS-aided inertial velocity data that is readily available from modern strap down IMUs. In this paper, a novel load relief guidance scheme is described that uses direct angle-of-attack feedback in a clever mechanization. The steering commands are determined by examining the wind-perturbed dynamics of a launch vehicle with respect to a gravity turn ascent trajectory. An angle of attack estimate is derived from GPS-aided inertial data and pre-launch range wind measurements, and it is shown that a reduction worst-case rigid-body loads can be realized without requiring air data. The algorithm also includes a high-rate navigation data preprocessing scheme that operates directly on the IMU delta-theta and delta-velocity measurements in order to produce a filtered acceleration estimate at the vehicle center of mass. The outer-loop guidance scheme simplifies the design process for the classical inner-loop autopilot. Algorithm performance is demonstrated using Monte Carlo analysis of a representative liquid booster in a production high fidelity launch vehicle simulation.

NESC↗

A Survey of Mathematical Structures for Lunar Networks

To sustain the current and increasing accessibility of space, a scalable communications infrastructure (i.e. the Solar System Internet, SSI) is necessary. The goal of this paper is to begin the discovery of the fundamental underlying mathematical structure of space networks to help the research community harness these structures for algorithm development and optimization. To ensure the applicability of the research, the approaches are considered through the lens of simulated scenarios inspired by the Artemis Back-to-the-Moon mission set for 2024. We note that any approach to an SSI must fit under the umbrella of Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN), due to celestial mobility, high link latencies, high variance in link latencies, disconnections, lack of end-to-end paths, and so on. These difficulties are exacerbated by the fact that the underlying structure of a space network is a time-evolving network and may experience multiple discontinuities in its topology. In this paper we propose several novel approaches to a mathematical foundation for Delay Tolerant Networking Theory that fall outside the traditional scope of temporal network theory. These techniques include methods from Topological Data Analysis, Dynamic Graph Analysis, Applied Algebraic Geometry, Probability Theory, and Game Theory. Some of these methods include tools adapted to the study of dynamic metric spaces, such as zigzag persistent homology and their higher parameter analogs. We find that several of these methods target desired engineering outcomes such as discovery and automatic sub-netting. While each approach is theoretical, they are also algorithmic in nature and offer immediate practical applications. The paper concludes with comparisons of the various methods along with suggestions for future work.

Delay tolerant networking↗

An adaptive and stability-promoting layerwise training approach for sparse deep neural network architecture

This work presents a two-stage adaptive framework for progressively developing deep neural network (DNN) architectures that generalize well for a given training data set. In the first stage, a layerwise training approach is adopted where a new layer is added each time and trained independently by freezing parameters in the previous layers. We impose desirable structures on the DNN by employing manifold regularization, sparsity regularization, and physics-informed terms. We introduce a ε – δ – stability-promoting concept as a desirable property for a learning algorithm and show that employing manifold regularization yields a ε – δ stability-promoting algorithm. Further, we also derive the necessary conditions for the trainability of a newly added layer and investigate the training saturation problem. In the second stage of the algorithm (post-processing), a sequence of shallow networks is employed to extract information from the residual produced in the first stage, thereby improving the prediction accuracy. Numerical investigations on prototype regression and classification problems demonstrate that the proposed approach can outperform fully connected DNNs of the same size. Moreover, by equipping the physics-informed neural network (PINN) with the proposed adaptive architecture strategy to solve partial differential equations, we numerically show that adaptive PINNs not only are superior to standard PINNs but also produce interpretable hidden layers with provable stability. As a result, we also apply our architecture design strategy to solve inverse problems governed by elliptic partial differential equations.

42 ENGINEERING↗

ZENN: A thermodynamics-inspired computational framework for heterogeneous data–driven modeling

Traditional entropy-based methods—such as cross-entropy loss in classification problems—have long been essential tools for representing the information uncertainty and physical disorder in data and for developing artificial intelligence algorithms. However, the rapid growth of data across various domains has introduced new challenges, particularly the integration of heterogeneous datasets with intrinsic disparities. To address this, we introduce a zentropy-enhanced neural network (ZENN), extending zentropy theory into the data science domain via intrinsic entropy, enabling more effective learning from heterogeneous data sources. ZENN simultaneously learns both energy and intrinsic entropy components, capturing the underlying structure of multisource data. To support this, we redesign the neural network architecture to better reflect the intrinsic properties and variability inherent in diverse datasets. We demonstrate the effectiveness of ZENN on classification tasks and energy landscape reconstructions, showing its superior generalization capabilities and robustness-particularly in predicting high-order derivatives. In image and text classification tasks, ZENN demonstrates superior generalization by introducing a learnable temperature variable that models latent multisource heterogeneity, allowing it to surpass state-of-the-art models on CIFAR-10/100, BBC News, and AG News. As a practical application in materials science, we employ ZENN to reconstruct the Helmholtz energy landscape of Fe3Pt using data generated from density functional theory and capture key material behaviors, including negative thermal expansion and the critical point in the temperature–pressure space. Overall, this work presents a zentropy-grounded framework for data-driven machine learning, positioning ZENN as a versatile and robust approach for scientific problems involving complex, heterogeneous datasets.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

End-to-end jet classification of boosted top quarks with the CMS open data

Here we describe a novel application of the end-to-end deep learning technique to the task of discriminating top quark-initiated jets from those originating from the hadronization of a light quark or a gluon. The end-to-end deep learning technique uses low-level detector representation of high-energy collision event as inputs to deep learning algorithms. In this study, we use low-level detector information from the simulated Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) open data samples to construct the top jet classifiers. To optimize classifier performance we progressively add low-level information from the CMS tracking detector, including pixel detector reconstructed hits and impact parameters, and demonstrate the value of additional tracking information even when no new spatial structures are added. Relying only on calorimeter energy deposits and reconstructed pixel detector hits, the end-to-end classifier achieves an area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) score of 0.975 ± 0.002 for the task of classifying boosted top quark jets. After adding derived track quantities, the classifier AUC score increases to 0.9824 ± 0.0013, serving as the first performance benchmark for these CMS open data samples.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Tiling Framework for Heterogeneous Computing of Matrix based Tiled Algorithms

Tiling matrix operations can improve the load balancing and performance of applications on heterogeneous computing resources. Writing a tile-based algorithm for each operation with a traditional, hand-tuned tiling approach that uses for loops in C/C++ is cumbersome and error prone. Moreover, it must enable and support the heterogeneous memory management of data objects and also explore architecture-supported, native, tiled-data transfer APIs instead of copying the tiled data to continuous memory before the data transfer. The tiling framework provides a tiled data structure for heterogeneous memory mapping and parameterization to a heterogeneous task specification API. We have integrated our tiled framework into MatRIS (Math kernels library using IRIS). IRIS is a heterogeneous run-time framework with a heterogeneous programming model, memory model, and task execution model. Experiments reveal that the tiled framework for BLAS operations has improved the programmability of tiled BLAS and improved performance by ~20% when compared against the traditional method that copies the data to continuous memory locations for heterogeneous computing.

Miniskar, Narasinga Rao↗

AMReX v2024

The software framework, AMReX, supports the development of block-structured adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) algorithms for solving systems of partial differential equations. AMR reduces the computational cost and memory footprint compared to a uniform mesh while preserving the essential local descriptions of different physical processes in complex multiphysics algorithms. AMR uses a hierarchical representation of the solution at multiple levels of resolution where the solution on each level is defined on the union of data containers at that resolution. These data containers, which represent the solution over a logically rectangular subregion of the domain, can contain field data defined on a mesh, Lagrangian particles or combinations of both. In addition to these basic data types, AMReX supports a multilevel embedded boundary representation of complex geometry; linear solvers for cell-centered and nodal data; asynchronous I/O in a native format readable by ParaView, VisIt and yt; and interfaces to hypre and PETSc solvers. AMReX enables applications to run on distributed memory architectures with multicore CPUs and with GPU accelerators. AMReX uses a lightweight abstraction layer that effectively hides the details of the architecture from the application. The framework currently supports CUDA, HIP and SYCL for GPU acceleration and OpenMP for multi-core CPU architectures.

Almgren, Ann↗

Assessment of Machine Learning for Ultrasonic Nondestructive Evaluation of Alkali–Silica Reaction in Concrete

Alkali–silica reaction (ASR) is a type of material degradation in concrete structures that leads to concrete cracking and rebar corrosion, thereby reducing the material’s structural integrity and the overall structure’s lifetime and raising safety concerns. Ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) has been proven to be a valuable technique for assessing concrete properties and monitoring ASR progression in concrete. However, the deployment and analysis of ultrasonic NDE and its data requires specialized expertise, often relying on the engineer’s subjective interpretation. With the surge in computational power, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms have become popular in automating NDE data analysis. Various industrial sectors are increasingly adopting ML algorithms for NDE data analysis with a growing emphasis on AI–assisted automation. Regulatory agencies are also preparing for this technological shift, anticipating corresponding revisions in standards. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify the capabilities and limitations of current ML technologies for the evaluation of concrete material properties and damage status. Furthermore, the effects of various factors on ML model performance must be thoroughly investigated. The study summarized herein evaluated the effectiveness of two ML models (i.e., support vector regression (SVR) and deep neural network (DNN)) in predicting concrete material damage induced by ASR based on the long-term ultrasonic monitoring data. Four distinct concrete specimens were cast with artificially induced ASR, and over a period exceeding 500 days, ultrasonic signals and expansion data were continuously collected. For the SVR model, wave velocity and 12 other wave features were extracted from the ultrasonic signals, with 6 out of 13 features selected as input for the model. Different combinations of training and testing datasets were designed to explore factors influencing prediction performance, including the range of data within training and testing sets, in addition to various signal preprocessing methodologies. These findings suggest the importance of using a training dataset with a broader data range compared with testing datasets for improved model performance alongside consistent signal preprocessing across datasets.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A volumetric framework for quantum computer benchmarks

We propose a very large family of benchmarks for probing the performance of quantum computers. We call them volumetric benchmarks (VBs) because they generalize IBM's benchmark for measuring quantum volume \cite{Cross18}. The quantum volume benchmark defines a family of square circuits whose depth d and width w are the same. A volumetric benchmark defines a family of rectangular quantum circuits, for which d and w are uncoupled to allow the study of time/space performance trade-offs. Each VB defines a mapping from circuit shapes — ( w , d ) pairs — to test suites C ( w , d ) . A test suite is an ensemble of test circuits that share a common structure. The test suite C for a given circuit shape may be a single circuit C , a specific list of circuits { C 1 … C N } that must all be run, or a large set of possible circuits equipped with a distribution P r ( C ) . The circuits in a given VB share a structure, which is limited only by designers' creativity. We list some known benchmarks, and other circuit families, that fit into the VB framework: several families of random circuits, periodic circuits, and algorithm-inspired circuits. The last ingredient defining a benchmark is a success criterion that defines when a processor is judged to have ``passed'' a given test circuit. We discuss several options. Benchmark data can be analyzed in many ways to extract many properties, but we propose a simple, universal graphical summary of results that illustrates the Pareto frontier of the d vs w trade-off for the processor being benchmarked.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

The NASA computer aided design and test system

A family of computer programs facilitating the design, layout, evaluation, and testing of digital electronic circuitry is described. CADAT (computer aided design and test system) is intended for use by NASA and its contractors and is aimed predominantly at providing cost effective microelectronic subsystems based on custom designed metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) large scale integrated circuits (LSIC's). CADAT software can be easily adopted by installations with a wide variety of computer hardware configurations. Its structure permits ease of update to more powerful component programs and to newly emerging LSIC technologies. The components of the CADAT system are described stressing the interaction of programs rather than detail of coding or algorithms. The CADAT system provides computer aids to derive and document the design intent, includes powerful automatic layout software, permits detailed geometry checks and performance simulation based on mask data, and furnishes test pattern sequences for hardware testing.

Gould, J. M.↗