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At least 127 records · Page 7

Computer modeling of events in the inner magnetosphere

The first effort at computer simulating the behavior of the inner magnetosphere during a substorm-type event on 19 September 1976 was completed. The computer model simulates many aspects of the behavior of the closed-field-line portion of the earth's magnetosphere, and the auroral and subauroral ionosphere. For these regions, the program self-consistently computes electric fields, electric currents, hot-plasma densities, plasma flow velocities and other parameters. Highlights of the results of our event simulation are presented. Predicted electric fields for several times during the event agree reasonably well with corresponding data from satellite S3-2. Detailed discussion is presented for a case of rapid subauroral flow that was observed on one S3-2 pass and is predicted by the computer runs. The computed global distribution of Birkeland current agrees reasonably well with the observations of Iijima and Potemra.

Harel, M.↗

People who inject drugs in metropolitan Chicago: A meta-analysis of data from 1997-2017 to inform interventions and computational modeling toward hepatitis C microelimination

Progress toward hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination in the United States is not on track to meet targets set by the World Health Organization, as the opioid crisis continues to drive both injection drug use and increasing HCV incidence. A pragmatic approach to achieving this is using a microelimination approach of focusing on high-risk populations such as people who inject drugs (PWID). Computational models are useful in understanding the complex interplay of individual, social, and structural level factors that might alter HCV incidence, prevalence, transmission, and treatment uptake to achieve HCV microelimination. However, these models need to be informed with realistic sociodemographic, risk behavior and network estimates on PWID. We conducted a meta-analysis of research studies spanning 20 years of research and interventions with PWID in metropolitan Chicago to produce parameters for a synthetic population for realistic computational models (e.g., agent-based models). We then fit an exponential random graph model (ERGM) using the network estimates from the meta-analysis in order to develop the network component of the synthetic population.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Mechanistic insights into metal, nitrogen doped carbon catalysts for oxygen reduction: progress in computational modeling

We report metal and nitrogen doped carbon materials (denoted as M–N–C) synthesized through high-temperature pyrolysis have been found to exhibit activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) approaching that of Pt and electrochemical stability higher than previous MN 4 -containing macrocyclic molecular catalysts. Tremendous efforts have thus been devoted to the advancement of M–N–C catalysts as an economical alternative to Pt-based catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cell cathodes with a focus on simultaneously improving activity and stability. To this end, novel computational modeling techniques have been developed and applied to acquire knowledge crucial for accelerating the pace of M–N–C catalyst development. In this review, recent progress in computational method development, as well as the predictions of chemical structure of active sites, reaction pathways, ORR kinetics, and catalyst stability in electrochemical environments, are critically surveyed. Moreover, the crucial role of computational modeling to elucidate the functional mechanism of M–N–C catalysts for ORR in acid media and enable rational design of M–N–C catalysts is discussed with a visionary outlook for the field.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Operation of the computer model for direct atomic oxygen exposure of Earth satellites

One of the primary causes of material degradation in low Earth orbit (LEO) is exposure to atomic oxygen. When atomic oxygen molecules collide with an orbiting spacecraft, the relative velocity is 7 to 8 km/sec and the collision energy is 4 to 5 eV per atom. Under these conditions, atomic oxygen may initiate a number of chemical and physical reactions with exposed materials. These reactions contribute to material degradation, surface erosion, and contamination. Interpretation of these effects on materials and the design of space hardware to withstand on-orbit conditions requires quantitative knowledge of the atomic oxygen exposure environment. Atomic oxygen flux is a function of orbit altitude, the orientation of the orbit plan to the Sun, solar and geomagnetic activity, and the angle between exposed surfaces and the spacecraft heading. We have developed a computer model to predict the atomic oxygen exposure of spacecraft in low Earth orbit. The application of this computer model is discussed.

Bourassa, R. J.↗

COLD-SAT Dynamic Model Computer Code

COLD-SAT Dynamic Model (CSDM) computer code implements six-degree-of-freedom, rigid-body mathematical model for simulation of spacecraft in orbit around Earth. Investigates flow dynamics and thermodynamics of subcritical cryogenic fluids in microgravity. Consists of three parts: translation model, rotation model, and slosh model. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Bollenbacher, G.↗

iROSA Computational Model Development and Integration for the International Space Station

The power generation capability of the International Space Station (ISS) is being augmented with the installation of new solar arrays. The new solar arrays, named iROSA (ISS Roll Out Solar Array), are installed in front of original main truss solar arrays and integrate into the existing structure and electrical power system of the ISS. However, iROSA represents significant changes in technology for solar arrays compared to the original solar arrays on the ISS main truss. Knowing the power capabilities of the augmented solar arrays is critical for near-term and long-term mission planning and utilization. This new iROSA installation thus requires updates to be made to the prior-day methods of calculating power generation capability for the ISS. New types of solar cells and array designs, both electrically and structurally, present challenges for concurrent computational modeling of both the original solar arrays and the newer iROSA. This presentation will detail the development and integration of the computational models to calculate the power for the augmented arrays on ISS and the evaluation of the model to ensure that it functions with and without iROSA and returns accurate predictions of power generation in nominal and off-nominal conditions.

International Space Station↗

Development of a computational model for predicting solar wind flows past nonmagnetic terrestrial planets

A computational model for the determination of the detailed plasma and magnetic field properties of the global interaction of the solar wind with nonmagnetic terrestrial planetary obstacles is described. The theoretical method is based on an established single fluid, steady, dissipationless, magnetohydrodynamic continuum model, and is appropriate for the calculation of supersonic, super-Alfvenic solar wind flow past terrestrial ionospheres.

Stahara, S. S.↗

Multi-Scale Computational Modeling of Two-Phased Metal Using GMC Method

A multi-scale computational model for determining plastic behavior in two-phased CMSX-4 Ni-based superalloys is developed on a finite element analysis (FEA) framework employing crystal plasticity constitutive model that can capture the microstructural scale stress field. The generalized method of cells (GMC) micromechanics model is used for homogenizing the local field quantities. At first, GMC as stand-alone is validated by analyzing a repeating unit cell (RUC) as a two-phased sample with 72.9% volume fraction of gamma'-precipitate in the gamma-matrix phase and comparing the results with those predicted by finite element analysis (FEA) models incorporating the same crystal plasticity constitutive model. The global stress-strain behavior and the local field quantity distributions predicted by GMC demonstrated good agreement with FEA. High computational saving, at the expense of some accuracy in the components of local tensor field quantities, was obtained with GMC. Finally, the capability of the developed multi-scale model linking FEA and GMC to solve real life sized structures is demonstrated by analyzing an engine disc component and determining the microstructural scale details of the field quantities.

nickel alloys↗

Computational Modeling of a Mechanized Benchtop Apparatus for Leading-Edge Slat Noise Treatment Device Prototypes

Airframe noise is a growing concern in the vicinity of airports because of population growth and gains in engine noise reduction that have rendered the airframe an equal contributor during the approach and landing phases of flight for many transport aircraft. The leading-edge-slat device of a typical high-lift system for transport aircraft is a prominent source of airframe noise. Two technologies have significant potential for slat noise reduction; the slat-cove filler (SCF) and the slat-gap filler (SGF). Previous work was done on a 2D section of a transport-aircraft wing to demonstrate the implementation feasibility of these concepts. Benchtop hardware was developed in that work for qualitative parametric study. The benchtop models were mechanized for quantitative measurements of performance. Computational models of the mechanized benchtop apparatus for the SCF were developed and the performance of the system for five different SCF assemblies is demonstrated.

Turner, Travis L.↗

Computational Model Tracking Primary Electrons, Secondary Electrons, and Ions in the Discharge Chamber of an Ion Engine

Computational modeling of the plasma located in the discharge chamber of an ion engine is an important activity so that the development and design of the next generation of ion engines may be enhanced. In this work a computational tool called XOOPIC is used to model the primary electrons, secondary electrons, and ions inside the discharge chamber. The details of this computational tool are discussed in this paper. Preliminary results from XOOPIC are presented. The results presented include particle number density distributions for the primary electrons, the secondary electrons, and the ions. In addition the total number of a particular particle in the discharge chamber as a function of time, electric potential maps and magnetic field maps are presented. A primary electron number density plot from PRIMA is given in this paper so that the results of XOOPIC can be compared to it. PRIMA is a computer code that the present investigators have used in much of their previous work that provides results that compare well to experimental results. PRIMA only models the primary electrons in the discharge chamber. Modeling ions and secondary electrons, as well as the primary electrons, will greatly increase our ability to predict different characteristics of the plasma discharge used in an ion engine.

Mahalingam, Sudhakar↗

Computational models for the nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete plates

A finite element computational model for the nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete solid, stiffened and cellular plates is briefly outlined. Typically, Mindlin elements are used to model the plates whereas eccentric Timoshenko elements are adopted to represent the beams. The layering technique, common in the analysis of reinforced concrete flexural systems, is incorporated in the model. The proposed model provides an inexpensive and reasonably accurate approach which can be extended for use with voided plates.

Hinton, E.↗

Coal conversion systems design and process modeling. Volume 1: Application of MPPR and Aspen computer models

The development of a coal gasification system design and mass and energy balance simulation program for the TVA and other similar facilities is described. The materials-process-product model (MPPM) and the advanced system for process engineering (ASPEN) computer program were selected from available steady state and dynamic models. The MPPM was selected to serve as the basis for development of system level design model structure because it provided the capability for process block material and energy balance and high-level systems sizing and costing. The ASPEN simulation serves as the basis for assessing detailed component models for the system design modeling program. The ASPEN components were analyzed to identify particular process blocks and data packages (physical properties) which could be extracted and used in the system design modeling program. While ASPEN physical properties calculation routines are capable of generating physical properties required for process simulation, not all required physical property data are available, and must be user-entered.

Source record↗

Computational Models of Trustworthiness and Trust in Autonomous Cyber-Physical-Human Systems

In this paper, we propose an approach to developing a concept of actionable trust in multi-agent,cyber-physical-human systems in safety-critical and time-critical environment of air transportation. Actionable trust requires computational models of trustworthiness and trust, for use during system design and in real time, during operations. We describe the models, examine their computability and scalability, as well as what remains to be done.

Autonomous Systems↗

Computational Modeling of Battery Materials

This chapter provides a broad overview of the various computational modeling techniques used to gain fundamental insights into coupled electrochemical processes that occur in battery materials at electronic-to-mesoscopic scales. Furthermore, representative successes of these techniques in modeling electrodes, electrolytes, and electrode-electrolyte interfaces are highlighted to establish the current state-of-the-art in the field.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

A computational model for three-dimensional incompressible wall jets with large cross flow

A computational model for the flow field of three dimensional incompressible wall jets prototypic of thrust augmenting ejectors with large cross flow is presented. The formulation employs boundary layer equations in an orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system. Simulation of laminar as well as turbulen wall jets is reported. Quantification of jet spreading, jet growth, nominal separation, and jet shrink effects due to corss flow are discussed.

Murphy, W. D.↗

Computer modeling and simulation of a 20kHz ac distribution system for Space Station

A computer model of a 20 kHz, ac distribution testbed for Space Station is presented. The system consists of six resonant inverters, a one-hundred-meter transmission line, and three load receivers: a dc receiver, a bidirectional receiver, and an ac receiver. A model library is generated characterizing all system components. The system's local and global behaviors are investigated using the EASY5 dynamic analysis program.

Tsai, Fu-Sheng↗

Modeling and Simulation Credibility Assessments of Musculoskeletal Computational Models for Simulating Astronaut Injuries Due to a Poor Spacesuit Fit

The musculoskeletal (MS) system of astronauts is subject to physiological changes, potentially leading to injuries due to the exposure to different gravitational environments experienced during spaceflight. These injuries can occur while an astronaut is performing an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) in space, on lunar or planetary surfaces or while wearing a spacesuit during terrestrial training for an EVA. The OpenSim MS modeling software can assess EVA induced MS injury mechanisms such as muscle strains, ligament injuries and joint injuries. One area of concern, since there are only a few different spacesuit sizes with limited adjustability, is the possibility of a poorly fitting spacesuit. This can cause unnatural joint motions and torques resulting in various MS injuries. A credibility assessment of the OpenSim modeling and simulation procedures is performed per NASA-STD-7009A to provide information on the credibility of the model’s use in simulating EVA related injury mechanisms. The credibility assessment evaluated various OpenSim models against the following eight credibility factors: data pedigree, input pedigree, code verification, solution verification, conceptual validation, referent validation, results uncertainty and results robustness (sensitivity). The models evaluated for EVA injuries will require additional credibility factor analysis and upgrades to the model features, such as adding ligaments to a whole-body model, to reliably predict and analyze the EVA injuries expected to occur due to a poor spacesuit fit. The degree of elevation strategy required to increase the credibility assessment scores will depend on the model complexity and the injury mechanism.

Christopher A. Gallo↗