Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Multilevel methods”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1988

Instrumentation for gamma-ray astronomy

The current status of gamma-ray-telescope technology for ground, airborne, and space observations is surveyed and illustrated with drawings, diagrams, and graphs and tables of typical data. For the low- and medium-energy ranges, consideration is given to detectors and detector cooling systems, background-rejection methods, radiation damage, large-area detectors, gamma-ray imaging, data analysis, and the Compton-interaction region. Also discussed are the gamma-ray interaction process at high energies; multilevel automated spark-chamber gamma-ray telescopes; the Soviet Gamma-1 telescope; the EGRET instrument for the NASA Gamma-Ray Observatory; and Cerenkov, air-shower, and particle-detector instruments for the TeV and PeV ranges. Significant improvements in resolution and sensitivity are predicted for the near future.

Bertsch, David L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

On multilevel block modulation codes

The multilevel (ML) technique for combining block coding and modulation is investigated. A general formulation is presented for ML modulation codes in terms of component codes with appropriate distance measures. A specific method for constructing ML block modulation codes (MLBMCs) with interdependency among component codes is proposed. Given an MLBMC C with no interdependency among the binary component codes, the proposed method gives an MLBC C-prime that has the same rate as C, a minimum squared Euclidean distance not less than that of C, a trellis diagram with the same number of states as that of C, and a smaller number of nearest-neighbor codewords than that of C. Finally, a technique is presented for analyzing the error performance of MLBMCs for an additive white Gaussian noise channel based on soft-decision maximum-likelihood decoding.

Kasami, Tadao↗
NASA NTRS1982

High density circuit technology, part 2

A multilevel metal interconnection system for very large scale integration (VLSI) systems utilizing polyimides as the interlayer dielectric material is described. A complete characterization of polyimide materials is given as well as experimental methods accomplished using a double level metal test pattern. A low temperature, double exposure polyimide patterning procedure is also presented.

Wade, T. E.↗
NASA NTRS2018

High-Efficiency Flexible Multilevel Photon Sieves by Single-Step Laser-Based Fabrication and Optical Analysis

Over the past several decades, the need for high-resolution, high-efficiency, lightweight, high contrast focusing optics has continued to increase due to their applications in fields such as astronomy, spectroscopy, free-space optical communications, defense, and remote sensing. In recent years, photon sieve planar diffractive optics have been developed on flexible, lightweight polyimide substrates. However, transmission efficiencies have continuously been very low (~1-4%), thus impeding the widespread use of photon sieves in practical applications. Here, we present a flexible, lightweight, N = 4 level phase photon sieve with over 25% transmission efficiency; nearly triple that of any other photon sieve reported thus far. In this study, the photon sieve was fabricated via a novel pulsed laser ablation method using an ultraviolet source, and the total time to fabricate a ~3 sq cm sample was tens of seconds. Theoretical analysis of the photon sieve was carried out via the FDTD method, and was in very good agreement with experimental results. We also calculated via FDTD modeling the behavior of higher step (N = 8, 16, 32) photon sieves for further enhanced efficiencies, and show a fundamental limit on photon sieve efficiency of 70% in the limit of increasing step number. This multilevel photon sieve represents a new step in high-resolution diffractive optics, moving towards efficiencies suitable for widespread applications.

Julian, Matthew N.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Optimal resolution in maximum entropy image reconstruction from projections with multigrid acceleration

We consider the problem of image reconstruction from a finite number of projections over the space L(sup 1)(Omega), where Omega is a compact subset of the set of Real numbers (exp 2). We prove that, given a discretization of the projection space, the function that generates the correct projection data and maximizes the Boltzmann-Shannon entropy is piecewise constant on a certain discretization of Omega, which we call the 'optimal grid'. It is on this grid that one obtains the maximum resolution given the problem setup. The size of this grid grows very quickly as the number of projections and number of cells per projection grow, indicating fast computational methods are essential to make its use feasible. We use a Fenchel duality formulation of the problem to keep the number of variables small while still using the optimal discretization, and propose a multilevel scheme to improve convergence of a simple cyclic maximization scheme applied to the dual problem.

Limber, Mark A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Space construction base control system

Aspects of an attitude control system were studied and developed for a large space base that is structurally flexible and whose mass properties change rather dramatically during its orbital lifetime. Topics of discussion include the following: (1) space base orbital pointing and maneuvering; (2) angular momentum sizing of actuators; (3) momentum desaturation selection and sizing; (4) multilevel control technique applied to configuration one; (5) one-dimensional model simulation; (6) N-body discrete coordinate simulation; (7) structural analysis math model formulation; and (8) discussion of control problems and control methods.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1996

A Mixed Finite Volume Element Method for Flow Calculations in Porous Media

A key ingredient in the simulation of flow in porous media is the accurate determination of the velocities that drive the flow. The large scale irregularities of the geology, such as faults, fractures, and layers suggest the use of irregular grids in the simulation. Work has been done in applying the finite volume element (FVE) methodology as developed by McCormick in conjunction with mixed methods which were developed by Raviart and Thomas. The resulting mixed finite volume element discretization scheme has the potential to generate more accurate solutions than standard approaches. The focus of this paper is on a multilevel algorithm for solving the discrete mixed FVE equations. The algorithm uses a standard cell centered finite difference scheme as the 'coarse' level and the more accurate mixed FVE scheme as the 'fine' level. The algorithm appears to have potential as a fast solver for large size simulations of flow in porous media.

Jim E Jones↗
NASA NTRS2013

Analyzing Tropical Waves Using the Parallel Ensemble Empirical Model Decomposition Method: Preliminary Results from Hurricane Sandy

In this study, we discuss the performance of the parallel ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EMD) in the analysis of tropical waves that are associated with tropical cyclone (TC) formation. To efficiently analyze high-resolution, global, multiple-dimensional data sets, we first implement multilevel parallelism into the ensemble EMD (EEMD) and obtain a parallel speedup of 720 using 200 eight-core processors. We then apply the parallel EEMD (PEEMD) to extract the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) from preselected data sets that represent (1) idealized tropical waves and (2) large-scale environmental flows associated with Hurricane Sandy (2012). Results indicate that the PEEMD is efficient and effective in revealing the major wave characteristics of the data, such as wavelengths and periods, by sifting out the dominant (wave) components. This approach has a potential for hurricane climate study by examining the statistical relationship between tropical waves and TC formation.

PEEMD↗
NASA NTRS1999

Structured Course Objects in a Digital Library

We are developing an Undergraduate Digital Library Framework (UDLF) that will support creation/archiving of courses and reuse of existing course material to evolve courses. UDLF supports the publication of course materials for later instantiation for a specific offering and allows the addition of time-dependent and student-specific information and structures. Instructors and, depending on permissions, students can access the general course materials or the materials for a specific offering. We are building a reference implementation based on NCSTRL+, a digital library derived from NCSTRL. Digital objects in NCSTRL+ are called buckets, self-contained entities that carry their own methods for access and display. Current bucket implementations have a two level structure of packages and elements. This is not a rich enough structure for course objects in UDLF. Typically, courses can only be modeled as a multilevel hierarchy and among different courses, both the syntax and semantics of terms may vary. Therefore, we need a mechanism to define, within a particular library, course models, their constituent objects, and the associated semantics in a flexible, extensible way. In this paper, we describe our approach to define and implement these multilayered course objects. We use XML technology to emulate complex data structures within the NCSTRL+ buckets. We have developed authoring and browsing tools to manipulate these course objects. In our current implementation a user downloading an XML based course bucket also downloads the XML-aware tools: an applet that enables the user to edit or browse the bucket. We claim that XML provides an effective means to represent multi-level structure of a course bucket.

Maly, K.↗
NASA NTRS2023

Multilevel Logistic Regression with Random Slope for Community Annoyance Survey Data

This paper documents recent dose-response modeling work at NASA in anticipation of follow-on work by a contactor. Specifically, this paper compares the results of a Bayesian MLR model with a fixed slope to one with a random slope using WSPR and QSF18 data. Previously reported dose-response modeling efforts of WSPR and QSF18 data have used a MLR model with a fixed slope term. A random slope may more accurately depict the dose-response relationship of individuals in the efforts to produce a population summary dose-response curve. Results of a fixed versus random slope model with WSPR and QSF18 data indicate minimal difference between the modeling methods. The simpler fixed slope model is preferable for these data, but these results do not preclude consideration of a random slope term in modeling efforts of future X-59 community test data.

dose-response↗
NASA NTRS1993

The nonlinear Galerkin method: A multi-scale method applied to the simulation of homogeneous turbulent flows

Using results of Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) in the case of two-dimensional homogeneous isotropic flows, the behavior of the small and large scales of Kolmogorov like flows at moderate Reynolds numbers are first analyzed in detail. Several estimates on the time variations of the small eddies and the nonlinear interaction terms were derived; those terms play the role of the Reynolds stress tensor in the case of LES. Since the time step of a numerical scheme is determined as a function of the energy-containing eddies of the flow, the variations of the small scales and of the nonlinear interaction terms over one iteration can become negligible by comparison with the accuracy of the computation. Based on this remark, a multilevel scheme which treats differently the small and the large eddies was proposed. Using mathematical developments, estimates of all the parameters involved in the algorithm, which then becomes a completely self-adaptive procedure were derived. Finally, realistic simulations of (Kolmorov like) flows over several eddy-turnover times were performed. The results are analyzed in detail and a parametric study of the nonlinear Galerkin method is performed.

Debussche, A.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Unsupervised Clustering of Microseismic Events and Focal Mechanism Analysis at the CO 2 Injection Site in Decatur, Illinois

Characterization of induced microseismicity at a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) storage site is critical for preserving reservoir integrity and mitigating seismic hazards. We apply a multilevel machine learning (ML) approach that combines the nonnegative matrix factorization and hidden Markov model to extract spectral representations of microseismic events and cluster them to identify seismic patterns at the Illinois Basin-Decatur Project. Unlike traditional waveform correlation methods, this approach leverages spectral characteristics of first arrivals to improve event classification and detect previously undetected planes of weakness. By integrating ML-based clustering with focal mechanism analysis, we resolve small-scale fault structures that are below the detection limits of conventional seismic imaging. Our findings reveal temporal bursts of microseismicity associated with brittle failure, providing insights into the spatio-temporal evolution of fault reactivation during CO 2 injection. This approach enhances seismic monitoring capabilities at CO 2 injection sites by improving fault characterization beyond the resolution of standard geophysical surveys.

Willis, Rachel Marie [Sandia National Laboratories↗
NASA NTRS1988

A strategy for reducing turnaround time in design optimization using a distributed computer system

There is a need to explore methods for reducing lengthly computer turnaround or clock time associated with engineering design problems. Different strategies can be employed to reduce this turnaround time. One strategy is to run validated analysis software on a network of existing smaller computers so that portions of the computation can be done in parallel. This paper focuses on the implementation of this method using two types of problems. The first type is a traditional structural design optimization problem, which is characterized by a simple data flow and a complicated analysis. The second type of problem uses an existing computer program designed to study multilevel optimization techniques. This problem is characterized by complicated data flow and a simple analysis. The paper shows that distributed computing can be a viable means for reducing computational turnaround time for engineering design problems that lend themselves to decomposition. Parallel computing can be accomplished with a minimal cost in terms of hardware and software.

Young, Katherine C.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Probabilistic structural analysis of space propulsion system turbine blades

Probabilistic loads and stress analysis methods are presently applied to the second-stage blade of the SSME's high-pressure fuel turbopump, in order to illustrate how loads and stress responses can be quantified probabilistically and how the sensitivity of such component- and engine-level independent variables as engine inlet temperatures and local seal wear within the turbopump can be determined. Attention is given to a method for the derivation of probabilistic pressure, temperature, and centrifugal steady-state load descriptions of this second-stage blade from the top of the airfoil to its intersection with the firtree. Dependent-load random variables are obtained from a multilevel physical model in which duty cycle-dependent deterministic loads and related probabilistic variations are accounted for.

Newell, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Landsat imagery for surface-mine inventory

The feasibility of using Landsat imagery for routine monitoring of surface mining and reclamation was tested in a two-county (1541 sq km) area of western Maryland. Two digital analysis methods were studied. The first, a four-band analysis distinguishing various strip mine associated classes and conditions, proved useful, but has limited extendibility over a seasonal or annual period. In the second approach, a band-ratio method was developed for measuring disturbed surface areas, and it proved to be both temporally and geographically extendible. For mines ranging between 31 and 244 acres, the measurement accuracy of total affected acreage was 92%. The use of Landsat satellite data together with multilevel sampling of aircraft and field verification inspections has shown that multispectral analysis of digital data is an effective means of monitoring the progress of surface mining operations.

Anderson, A. T.↗
NASA NTRS1996

An Optimal Order Nonnested Mixed Multigrid Method for Generalized Stokes Problems

A multigrid algorithm is developed and analyzed for generalized Stokes problems discretized by various nonnested mixed finite elements within a unified framework. It is abstractly proved by an element-independent analysis that the multigrid algorithm converges with an optimal order if there exists a 'good' prolongation operator. A technique to construct a 'good' prolongation operator for nonnested multilevel finite element spaces is proposed. Its basic idea is to introduce a sequence of auxiliary nested multilevel finite element spaces and define a prolongation operator as a composite operator of two single grid level operators. This makes not only the construction of a prolongation operator much easier (the final explicit forms of such prolongation operators are fairly simple), but the verification of the approximate properties for prolongation operators is also simplified. Finally, as an application, the framework and technique is applied to seven typical nonnested mixed finite elements.

Deng, Qingping↗
NASA NTRS1981

Application of Gauss-Seidel multilevel control to a single axis torsional model

An approach to the application of multilevel control techniques for large space structures is presented. Gauss-Seidel second level controls and an extension of standard linear quadratic regulator techniques are applied to a model consisting of a flexible space vehicle comprising three rigid bodies rotating about a common axis. The method incorporates second order derivatives with respect to time, entailing the use of a two level hierarchy of subsystems. Gauss-Seidel second level control formulations were chosen to avoid the necessity of having as many controls as constraints or using gradient techniques in the choice of the Hamiltonian. The modular nature of the resulting control system allows applications for spacecraft with larger numbers of modules.

Chichester, F. D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Multilevel optimization using a continuum model for structures

The new concept of using a continuum model in the multilevel decomposition of structural optimization problems is presented. The practicality of this concept is demonstrated by application in a scheme for the optimization of beam-like space structures. This scheme is tested against traditional optimization procedures for savings in computational cost. Results from both optimization methods are presented for comparison.

Yates, K.↗