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At least 1,315 records · Page 73

Optomechanical interaction in fibre lasers with micro-optomechanical resonance structures

We report the results of studies of fibre lasers with passive modulators based on light-excited micro-optomechanical resonance structures (micro-oscillators). It is shown that in fibre lasers based on active fibres doped with rare-earth elements (Er, Er/Yb, Yb, Nd), the optomechanical interaction of laser radiation with micro-oscillators of various types (fibre-optic, microvolume) leads to self-oscillations of the characteristics of laser radiation at frequencies of relaxation oscillations and intermode beats synchronised with the frequencies of elastic eigenoscillations of micro-oscillators. It is found that in an ultra-long erbium – ytterbium fibre laser with a nonlinear mirror based on a microcantilever, laser photothermal excitation of the second mode of elastic transverse oscillations of the microcantilever makes it possible to perform passive mode locking exclusively due to Q-switching of the laser cavity. Pulsed lasing with a controlled repetition rate (∼76 kHz), a pulse duration of 2 – 5 μs and an output energy of 0.1 μJ per pulse is implemented. Based on a simplified physical model of the indicated fibre lasers with micro-oscillators, we have developed an approximate mathematical model describing the regimes of passive mode locking of fibre lasers with micro-oscillators that play the role of mirrors with a nonlinear reflection coefficient in the laser cavity. The prospects for the development and application of the considered laser systems are discussed. (control of laser radiation parameters)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Flash Diffusivity Measurement of Semi-Porous Insulation Material Intended for Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators

This research involves the analysis of flash-heating data pursuant to find the thermal diffusivity of a semi-porous insulation material (Min-K) that is being considered for use in a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). An RTG uses radioactive nuclear fuel to produce electricity through a temperature difference imposed on a bimetallic thermocouple. Insulation is required to protect sensitive equipment from high temperatures and to conserve heat in the fuel. Using flash diffusivity temperature data, various simulations were fitted in order to find the most appropriate heat transfer model for the experiments. Four models were allowed to compete and the standard deviation of the residuals were compared for each model in evaluating model performance. The residuals are simply the difference in temperatures between the measurements and the mathematical models at each measurement point.

McMasters, Robert L.↗

Improved dynamic modeling of a Space-Shuttle Turbo-Pump

The dynamic response of turbo-pumps has traditionally been modeled mathematically using electrical networks. A recently developed computer program is used herein to adjust the model parameters (L - inductance, R - resistance, C - capacitance, etc.) of the electrical network in an attempt to bring the analytical response of the network into closer agreement with newly-available experimental results. Results are presented for a fully-wetted (noncavitating) test of a Space-Shuttle Turbo-Pump and a significant improvement in the dynamic model is achieved.

Evensen, D. A.↗

Computer Language For Optimization Of Design

SOL is computer language geared to solution of design problems. Includes mathematical modeling and logical capabilities of computer language like FORTRAN; also includes additional power of nonlinear mathematical programming methods at language level. SOL compiler takes SOL-language statements and generates equivalent FORTRAN code and system calls. Provides syntactic and semantic checking for recovery from errors and provides detailed reports containing cross-references to show where each variable used. Implemented on VAX/VMS computer systems. Requires VAX FORTRAN compiler to produce executable program.

Scotti, Stephen J.↗

Theoretical models for duct acoustic propagation and radiation

The development of computational methods in acoustics has led to the introduction of analysis and design procedures which model the turbofan inlet as a coupled system, simultaneously modeling propagation and radiation in the presence of realistic internal and external flows. Such models are generally large, require substantial computer speed and capacity, and can be expected to be used in the final design stages, with the simpler models being used in the early design iterations. Emphasis is given to practical modeling methods that have been applied to the acoustical design problem in turbofan engines. The mathematical model is established and the simplest case of propagation in a duct with hard walls is solved to introduce concepts and terminologies. An extensive overview is given of methods for the calculation of attenuation in uniform ducts with uniform flow and with shear flow. Subsequent sections deal with numerical techniques which provide an integrated representation of duct propagation and near- and far-field radiation for realistic geometries and flight conditions.

Eversman, Walter↗

Performance of a Bounce-Averaged Global Model of Super-Thermal Electron Transport in the Earth's Magnetic Field

In this paper, we report the results of our recent research on the application of a multiprocessor Cray T916 supercomputer in modeling super-thermal electron transport in the earth's magnetic field. In general, this mathematical model requires numerical solution of a system of partial differential equations. The code we use for this model is moderately vectorized. By using Amdahl's Law for vector processors, it can be verified that the code is about 60% vectorized on a Cray computer. Speedup factors on the order of 2.5 were obtained compared to the unvectorized code. In the following sections, we discuss the methodology of improving the code. In addition to our goal of optimizing the code for solution on the Cray computer, we had the goal of scalability in mind. Scalability combines the concepts of portabilty with near-linear speedup. Specifically, a scalable program is one whose performance is portable across many different architectures with differing numbers of processors for many different problem sizes. Though we have access to a Cray at this time, the goal was to also have code which would run well on a variety of architectures.

McGuire, Tim↗

A "Kanes's Dynamics" Model for the Active Rack Isolation System

Many microgravity space-science experiments require vibratory acceleration levels unachievable without active isolation. The Boeing Corporation's Active Rack Isolation System (ARIS) employs a novel combination of magnetic actuation and mechanical linkages, to address these isolation requirements on the International Space Station (ISS). ARIS provides isolation at the rack (international Standard Payload Rack, or ISPR) level. Effective model-based vibration isolation requires (1) an appropriate isolation device, (2) an adequate dynamic (i.e., mathematical) model of that isolator, and (3) a suitable, corresponding controller. ARIS provides the ISS response to the first requirement. This paper presents one response to the second, in a state-space framework intended to facilitate an optimal-controls approach to the third. The authors use "Kane's Dynamics" to develop an state-space, analytical (algebraic) set of linearized equations of motion for ARIS.

Hampton, R. David↗

Estimation of Handling Qualities Parameters of the Tu-144 Supersonic Transport Aircraft from Flight Test Data

Low order equivalent system (LOES) models for the Tu-144 supersonic transport aircraft were identified from flight test data. The mathematical models were given in terms of transfer functions with a time delay by the military standard MIL-STD-1797A, "Flying Qualities of Piloted Aircraft," and the handling qualities were predicted from the estimated transfer function coefficients. The coefficients and the time delay in the transfer functions were estimated using a nonlinear equation error formulation in the frequency domain. Flight test data from pitch, roll, and yaw frequency sweeps at various flight conditions were used for parameter estimation. Flight test results are presented in terms of the estimated parameter values, their standard errors, and output fits in the time domain. Data from doublet maneuvers at the same flight conditions were used to assess the predictive capabilities of the identified models. The identified transfer function models fit the measured data well and demonstrated good prediction capabilities. The Tu-144 was predicted to be between level 2 and 3 for all longitudinal maneuvers and level I for all lateral maneuvers. High estimates of the equivalent time delay in the transfer function model caused the poor longitudinal rating.

Curry, Timothy J.↗

A "Kane's Dynamics" Model for the Active Rack Isolation System

Many microgravity space science experiments require vibratory acceleration levels unachievable without active isolation. The Boeing Corporation's Active Rack Isolation System (ARIS) employs a novel combination of magnetic actuation and mechanical linkages to address these isolation requirements on the International Space Station (ISS). ARIS provides isolation at the rack (International Standard Payload Rack (ISPR)) level. Effective model-based vibration isolation requires: (1) an appropriate isolation device, (2) an adequate dynamic (i.e., mathematical) model of that isolator, and (3) a suitable, corresponding controller. ARIS provides the ISS response to the first requirement. This paper presents one response to the second, in a state space framework intended to facilitate an optimal-controls approach to the third. The authors use "Kane's Dynamics" to develop a state-space, analytical (algebraic) set of linearized equations of motion for ARIS.

Hampton, R. D.↗

Modeling Code Is Helping Cleveland Develop New Products

Master Builders, Inc., is a 350-person company in Cleveland, Ohio, that develops and markets specialty chemicals for the construction industry. Developing new products involves creating many potential samples and running numerous tests to characterize the samples' performance. Company engineers enlisted NASA's help to replace cumbersome physical testing with computer modeling of the samples' behavior. Since the NASA Lewis Research Center's Structures Division develops mathematical models and associated computation tools to analyze the deformation and failure of composite materials, its researchers began a two-phase effort to modify Lewis' Integrated Composite Analyzer (ICAN) software for Master Builders' use. Phase I has been completed, and Master Builders is pleased with the results. The company is now working to begin implementation of Phase II.

Source record↗

Symbolic Processing Combined with Model-Based Reasoning

A computer program for the detection of present and prediction of future discrete states of a complex, real-time engineering system utilizes a combination of symbolic processing and numerical model-based reasoning. One of the biggest weaknesses of a purely symbolic approach is that it enables prediction of only future discrete states while missing all unmodeled states or leading to incorrect identification of an unmodeled state as a modeled one. A purely numerical approach is based on a combination of statistical methods and mathematical models of the applicable physics and necessitates development of a complete model to the level of fidelity required for prediction. In addition, a purely numerical approach does not afford the ability to qualify its results without some form of symbolic processing. The present software implements numerical algorithms to detect unmodeled events and symbolic algorithms to predict expected behavior, correlate the expected behavior with the unmodeled events, and interpret the results in order to predict future discrete states. The approach embodied in this software differs from that of the BEAM methodology (aspects of which have been discussed in several prior NASA Tech Briefs articles), which provides for prediction of future measurements in the continuous-data domain.

James, Mark↗

Considering Cell Proliferation to Optimize Detection of Radiation-induced 53BP1+ Foci in 15 Mouse Strains ex vivo

Due to high metabolic activity, proliferating cells continuously generate free radicals, which induce DNA double strand breaks (DSB). Fluorescently tagged nuclear foci of DNA repair protein 53 binding protein-1(53BP1) are used as a standard metric for measuring DSB formation at baseline and in response to environmental insults such as radiation. Here we demonstrate that the background level of spontaneous 53BP1+ foci formation can be modeled mathematically as a function of cell confluence, which is a metric of proliferation rate. This model was validated using spontaneous 53BP1+ foci data from 68 cultures of primary skin fibroblasts derived from 15 different strains of mice, showing a ~10 fold decrease from low to full confluence that is independent of mouse strain. We developed an online open access tool to correct for the impact of cell confluence on the detection of radiation-induced 53BP1+ foci (RIF). This tool provides guidelines for the number of cells required to reach statistical significance for the detection of excess foci induced by low doses of ionizing radiation as a function of confluence and time post-irradiation. We hope that this quantification tool will help the radiation biology community in the design of future experiments that utilize 53BP1+ foci-based quantification of radiation responses in vitro. Our “tool for enhanced results of RIF in cells” (terRIFic) can be found at: https://radbiolab.shinyapps.io/terrific/

Radiation, DNA damage, confluence↗

Probabilistic data fusion and physics-informed machine learning: A new paradigm for modeling under uncertainty, and its application to accelerating the discovery of new materials

In this report we summarize the work conducted by PI Perdikaris and his group under this Early Career project DE–SC0019116 during the period of 09/01/2018 – 08/31/2023. The central aim of the work was to introduce a new paradigm for scientific data analysis that can seamlessly synthesize rigorous mathematical modeling with data of variable fidelity (e.g., measurements at multiple scales/resolutions or predictions of variable fidelity models) and multiple modalities (e.g., images, time–series, or scattered measurements). The setting we are interested in involves complex systems that are partially observed and whose dynamical behavior could be hard to model or totally unknown. The inherent uncertainty associated with this setting necessitates a departure from the classical deterministic realm of modeling and scientific computation, and, consequently, our main building blocks can no longer be crisp deterministic numbers and governing laws, but instead we must operate with probabilistic models.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Math modelling as a complement to the scientific inquiry of physiological adaptation to space flight: Fluid, endocrine and circulatory regulation

The contribution of mathematical modeling and computer simulation to the understanding of problems arising during weightless space flight is reviewed. Examples from fluid, endocrine, and circulatory regulation are provided to illustrate the utility of modeling as an adjunct to the process of scientific inquiry, especially in the development and theoretical testing of hypotheses. The models were used to examine the acute and chronic phases of space flight. Paradoxial results appear when data obtained during chronic adaptation is interpreted using theories which pertain to acute adjustments. The modeling process provides a means of developing a theoretical basis for interpreting the chronic adaptive phase of flight.

Leonard, J. I.↗

Linearized aerodynamic and control law models of the X-29A airplane and comparison with flight data

Flight control system design and analysis for aircraft rely on mathematical models of the vehicle dynamics. In addition to a six degree of freedom nonlinear simulation, the X-29A flight controls group developed a set of programs that calculate linear perturbation models throughout the X-29A flight envelope. The models include the aerodynamics as well as flight control system dynamics and were used for stability, controllability, and handling qualities analysis. These linear models were compared to flight test results to help provide a safe flight envelope expansion. A description is given of the linear models at three flight conditions and two flight control system modes. The models are presented with a level of detail that would allow the reader to reproduce the linear results if desired. Comparison between the response of the linear model and flight measured responses are presented to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of the linear models' ability to predict flight dynamics.

Bosworth, John T.↗

Computer-Based Mathematics Instructions for Engineering Students

Almost every engineering course involves mathematics in one form or another. The analytical process of developing mathematical models is very important for engineering students. However, the computational process involved in the solution of some mathematical problems may be very tedious and time consuming. There is a significant amount of mathematical software such as Mathematica, Mathcad, and Maple designed to aid in the solution of these instructional problems. The use of these packages in classroom teaching can greatly enhance understanding, and save time. Integration of computer technology in mathematics classes, without de-emphasizing the traditional analytical aspects of teaching, has proven very successful and is becoming almost essential. Sample computer laboratory modules are developed for presentation in the classroom setting. This is accomplished through the use of overhead projectors linked to graphing calculators and computers. Model problems are carefully selected from different areas.

Khan, Mustaq A.↗

Integrating the Design of Desalination Technologies into Produced Water Network Optimization

The oil and gas energy sector uses billions of gallons of water for hydraulic fracturing each year to extract oil and gas. The water injected into the ground for fracturing along with naturally occurring formation water from oil wells surfaces back in the form of produced water. Produced water can contain high concentrations of total dissolved solids and is unfit for reuse outside the oil and gas industry without desalination. In semi-arid shale plays, produced water desalination for beneficial reuse could play a crucial role in alleviating water shortages and addressing extreme drought conditions. In this poster we co-optimize the design and operation of desalination technologies along with operational decisions across produced water networks. A multi-period produced water network model with simplified split-fraction-based desalination nodes is developed. Rigorous steady-state desalination mathematical models based on mechanical vapor recompression are developed and embedded at the desalination sites in the network model. An optimal common design across all periods is ensured using global capacity constraints. The solution approach is demonstrated for multi-period planning problems on networks from the PARETO open-source library. Model formulation and challenges associated with scalability are discussed.

Naik, Sakshi↗

Integrating the Design of Desalination Technologies into Produced Water Network Optimization

The oil and gas energy sector uses billions of gallons of water for hydraulic fracturing each year to extract oil and gas. The water injected into the ground for fracturing along with naturally occur-ring formation water from the oil wells surfaces back in the form of produced water. Produced water can contain high concentrations of total dissolved solids and is unfit for reuse outside the oil and gas industry without desalination. In semi-arid shale plays, produced water desalination for beneficial reuse could play a crucial role in alleviating water shortages and addressing extreme drought conditions. In this paper we co-optimize the design and operation of desalination technologies along with operational decisions across produced water networks. A multi-period produced water network model with simplified split-fraction-based desalination nodes is developed. Rigorous steady-state desalination mathematical models based on mechanical vapor recompression are developed and embedded at the desalination sites in the network model. An optimal common design is ensured across all periods using global capacity constraints. The solution approach is demonstrated for multi-period planning problems on networks from the PARETO open-source library. Model formulation and challenges associated with scalability are discussed.

Naik, Sakshi↗