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At least 1,351 records · Page 75

Rapid data comparison technique development for N-ray/X-ray analysis

An operational N-ray/X-ray computer analysis system for nondestructive testing problems was realized by developing: (1) more efficient data transfer routines for use in existing image processing systems; (2) the capability to store and analyze multiple N-ray/X-ray images; (3) an efficient 2-D Fast Fourier Transform; and (4) transfer functions compensation capability to correct for distortions and nonlinearities of N-rays/X-rays. Applications of the technique are summarized for the following: thermal protection system tile with hydraulic fluid; thermal protection system tile with corrosion; thermal protection system tile debonding; stainless steel tubing corrosion; defective electrical devices; fast film restoration and deblur; corrosion tracking over time; reduction of source vignetting, and identification of materials (0 rings, Teflon parts, soft goods) via table look up.

Butterfield, R. L.↗

Scaling of energy absorbing composite plates

The energy absorption response and crushing characteristics of geometrically scaled graphite-Kevlar epoxy composite plates were investigated. Three different trigger mechanisms including chamfer, notch, and steeple geometries were incorporated into the plate specimens to initiate crushing. Sustained crushing was achieved with a simple test fixture which provided lateral support to prevent global buckling. Values of specific sustained crushing stress (SSCS) were obtained which were comparable to values reported for tube specimens from previously published data. Two sizes of hybrid plates were fabricated; a baseline or model plate, and a full-scale plate with in-plane dimensions scaled by a factor of two. The thickness dimension of the full-scale plates was increased using two different techniques; the ply-level method in which each ply orientation in the baseline laminate stacking sequence is doubled, and the sublaminate technique in which the baseline laminate stacking sequence is repeated as a group. Results indicated that the SSCS is independent of trigger mechanism geometry. However, a reduction in the SSCS of 10-25 percent was observed for the full-scale plates as compared with the baseline specimens, indicating a scaling effect in the crushing response.

Jackson, Karen↗

Scaling of energy absorbing composite plates

The energy absorption response and crushing characteristics of geometrically scaled graphite-Kevlar epoxy composite plates were investigated. Two different trigger mechanisms including notch, and steeple geometries were incorporated into the plate specimens to initiate crushing. Sustained crushing was achieved with a new test fixture which provided lateral support to prevent global buckling. Values of specific sustained crushing stress (SSCS) were obtained which were lower than values reported for tube specimens from previously published data. Two sizes of hybrid plates were fabricated; a baseline or model plate, and a full-scale plate with inplane dimensions scaled by a factor of two. The thickness dimension of the full-scale plates was increased using two different techniques: the ply-level method in which each ply orientation in the baseline laminate stacking sequence is doubled, and the sublaminate technique in which the baseline laminate stacking sequence is repeated as a group. Results indicated that the SSCS has a small dependence on trigger mechanism geometry. However, a reduction in the SSCS of 10-25% was observed for the full-scale plates as compared with the baseline specimens, indicating a scaling effect in the crushing response.

Jackson, Karen↗

Physics-informed graph neural networks for predicting cetane number with systematic data quality analysis

Designing alternative fuels for advanced compression ignition engines necessitates a predictive model for cetane number (CN). In this study, the physics-informed graph neural networks are introduced for a reliable CN prediction by considering molecular features pertinent to the physical properties of molecules that affect CN. The reliability of measured data is another key factor to consider for improving the predictive model. Various experimental instruments for measuring CN exist, including standard and non-standard methods. In this regard, a systematic data quality analysis was carried out for the total 630 CNs collected from literature and new measurements in this study using Advanced Fuel Ignition Delay Analyzer (AFIDA). The results from this data curation process were reflected in the model by imposing lower sample weights on the data coming from less reliable measurement techniques. This approach effectively maximized the prediction accuracy while incorporating data from all available sources. Using the sample weights decreased the mean absolute error (MAE) up to 0.8 CN units. The accuracy was also improved by introducing the CN-related physical properties (the number of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors); the test set MAE is 5.74 and 7.01 for the model with and without such properties, respectively. Investigating molecular structural effects on CN was also carried out to gain chemical insights into factors used to design new fuel candidates. The dimensionality reduction analysis of feature vectors showed a clear clustering in terms of functional groups and CN and the structural effect derived from the model was consistent with the physicochemical insights. Finally, this physics-informed model and data curation would be helpful for accurate CN prediction and inform rational fuel design.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Millimeter-wave system-on-chip advancement for fusion plasma diagnostics

Recent advances in radio-frequency system-on-chip technology have provided mm-wave fusion plasma diagnostics with the capability to overcome major challenges such as space inefficiency, inflexible installation, sensitivity, susceptibility to EMI, and prohibitively high cost of conventional discrete component assemblies as higher imaging resolution and data accuracy are achieved by increasing the number of channels. Nowadays, shrinking transistor gate lengths on fabrication techniques have enabled hundreds of GHz operation, which is suitable for millimeter-wave diagnostics on current and future tokamaks. The Davis Millimeter Wave Research Center (DMRC) has successfully developed V-band (55-75 GHz) transmitter and receiver chips for Microwave Imaging Reflectometer (MIR) instruments. The transmitter can illuminate 8 different frequencies simultaneously within 55-75 GHz. Moreover, the receiver has the capability to amplify the reflected signal (>30 dB) while offering 10-30× reduction in noise temperature compared to current MIR instruments. Plasma diagnostics requires ultra-wideband (more than 20 GHz) operation which is approximately nine times wider bandwidth than the recent commercial impetus for communication systems. Current efforts are underway for gallium-arsenide monolithic microwave integrated circuit receiver chips at W-band (75-110 GHz) and F-band (90–140 GHz) permitting measurements at higher toroidal magnetic fields.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Structural concept trends for commercial supersonic cruise aircraft design

Structural concept trends for future commercial supersonic transport aircraft are considered. Highlights, including the more important design conditions and requirements, of two studies are discussed. Knowledge of these design parameters, as determined through studies involving the application of flexible mathematical models, enabled inclusion of aeroelastic considerations in the structural-material concepts evaluation. The design trends and weight data of the previous contractual study of Mach 2.7 cruise aircraft were used as the basis for incorporating advanced materials and manufacturing approaches to the airframe for reduced weight and cost. Structural studies of design concepts employing advanced aluminum alloys, advanced composites, and advanced titanium alloy and manufacturing techniques are compared for a Mach 2.0 arrow-wing configuration concept. Appraisals of the impact of these new materials and manufacturing concepts to the airframe design are shown and compared. The research and development to validate the potential sources of weight and cost reduction identified as necessary to attain a viable advanced commercial supersonic transport are discussed.

Sakat, I. F.↗

Remote driving with reduced bandwidth communication

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a real-time video transmission system for low bandwidth remote operations. The system supports both continuous transmission of video for remote driving and progressive transmission of still images. Inherent in the system design is a spatiotemporal limitation to the effects of channel errors. The average data rate of the system is 64,000 bits/s, a compression of approximately 1000:1 for the black and white National Television Standard Code video. The image quality of the transmissions is maintained at a level that supports teleoperation of a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle at speeds up to 15 mph on a moguled dirt track. Video compression is achieved by using Laplacian image pyramids and a combination of classical techniques. Certain subbands of the image pyramid are transmitted by using interframe differencing with a periodic refresh to aid in bandwidth reduction. Images are also foveated to concentrate image detail in a steerable region. The system supports dynamic video quality adjustments between frame rate, image detail, and foveation rate. A typical configuration for the system used during driving has a frame rate of 4 Hz, a compression per frame of 125:1, and a resulting latency of less than 1s.

Depiero, Frederick W.↗

Neural blockade during exercise augments central command's contribution to carotid baroreflex resetting

This investigation was designed to determine central command's role on carotid baroreflex (CBR) resetting during exercise. Nine volunteer subjects performed static and rhythmic handgrip exercise at 30 and 40% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), respectively, before and after partial axillary neural blockade. Stimulus-response curves were developed using the neck pressure-neck suction technique and a rapid pulse train protocol (+40 to -80 Torr). Regional anesthesia resulted in a significant reduction in MVC. Heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were used as indexes of central command and were elevated during exercise at control force intensity after induced muscle weakness. The CBR function curves were reset vertically with a minimal lateral shift during control exercise and exhibited a further parallel resetting during exercise with neural blockade. The operating point was progressively reset to coincide with the centering point of the CBR curve. These data suggest that central command was a primary mechanism in the resetting of the CBR during exercise. However, it appeared that central command modulated the carotid-cardiac reflex proportionately more than the carotid-vasomotor reflex.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

SU-D-16A-02: A Novel Methodology for Accurate, Semi-Automated Delineation of Oral Mucosa for Radiation Therapy Dose-Response Studies

Purpose: The significant morbidity caused by radiation-induced acute oral mucositis means that studies aiming to elucidate dose-response relationships in this tissue are a high priority. However, there is currently no standardized method for delineating the mucosal structures within the oral cavity. This report describes the development of a methodology to delineate the oral mucosa accurately on CT scans in a semi-automated manner. Methods: An oral mucosa atlas for automated segmentation was constructed using the RayStation Atlas-Based Segmentation (ABS) module. A radiation oncologist manually delineated the full surface of the oral mucosa on a planning CT scan of a patient receiving radiotherapy (RT) to the head and neck region. A 3mm fixed annulus was added to incorporate the mucosal wall thickness. This structure was saved as an atlas template. ABS followed by model-based segmentation was performed on four further patients sequentially, adding each patient to the atlas. Manual editing of the automatically segmented structure was performed. A dose comparison between these contours and previously used oral cavity volume contours was performed. Results: The new approach was successful in delineating the mucosa, as assessed by an experienced radiation oncologist, when applied to a new series of patients receiving head and neck RT. Reductions in the mean doses obtained when using the new delineation approach, compared with the previously used technique, were demonstrated for all patients (median: 36.0%, range: 25.6% – 39.6%) and were of a magnitude that might be expected to be clinically significant. Differences in the maximum dose that might reasonably be expected to be clinically significant were observed for two patients. Conclusion: The method developed provides a means of obtaining the dose distribution delivered to the oral mucosa more accurately than has previously been achieved. This will enable the acquisition of high quality dosimetric data for use in dose-response studies. We would like to thank the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for funding. We acknowledge support from the NIHR RM/ICR Biomedical Research Centre. RayStatation was used under an evaluation agreement with RaySearch Laboratories AB.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Data Science-Driven Discovery of Multimetallic Oxygen-cycle Electrocatalysts for Enhanced Energy Conversion

The overarching objective of this effort has been to combine state-of-the-art data science techniques, first principles analyses, and molecular-level characterization of electrocatalyst structure and reactivity to identify both in-situ mechanisms for degradation and transformation of electrocatalysts with highly complex catalytic structures and the impact of these transformations on catalytic activity. The primary catalysts of interest have been multielemental alloys, including high entropy alloys (HEA’s), which are characterized by a high degree of disorder and up to 20 different elements within a single nanoparticle. We have applied these strategies primarily to energy-critical oxygen cycle electrocatalytic reactions, including oxygen reduction (ORR), but we have also considered extensions to non-electrochemical chemistries such as ammonia synthesis and decomposition. We have made strong progress in the development of computational methods on both the level of machine learning methods development as well as first principles-based treatments of HEA’s, and we have leveraged these insights to propose promising HEA catalysts for the ORR. On the experimental side, we developed new HEA synthesis and characterization protocols relevant to these reactions and developed a database combining our experimental results with corresponding computational tools.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Graphite/epoxy Composite Laminates with Co-cured Interlaminar Damping Layers

Damped composite laminates were fabricated by co-curing viscoelastic damping film with graphite/epoxy prepreg plies. The dynamic response of the damped plates was measured using an impulse response technique and compared with the response of similar undamped laminates. Modal damping was computed from the frequency response data. Micrographs of the damped laminates showed that the damping layers retained their integrity during the fabrication process. The layers significantly increased the damping in the composite laminates. The use of the constrained viscoelastic film as an integral part of composite structures appears to be a feasible approach to passive vibration control. Composite plates manufactured with co-cured damping layers may have commercial applications in cases where light weight, strength, and vibration and noise reduction are important considerations.

Pereira, J. Michael↗

Visualization of Subsurface Defects in Composites using a Focal Plane Array Infrared Camera

A technique for enhanced defect visualization in composites via transient thermography is presented in this paper. The effort targets automated defect map construction for multiple defects located in the observed area. Experimental data were collected on composite panels of different thickness with square inclusions and flat bottom holes of different depth and orientation. The time evolution of the thermal response and spatial thermal profiles are analyzed. The pattern generated by carbon fibers and the vignetting effect of the focal plane array camera make defect visualization difficult. An improvement of the defect visibility is made by the pulse phase technique and the spatial background treatment. The relationship between a size of a defect and its reconstructed image is analyzed as well. The image processing technique for noise reduction is discussed.

Plotnikov, Yuri A.↗

Observations and Mitigation of RFI in ALOS PALSAR SAR Data; Implications for the Desdyni Mission

Initial examination of ALOS PALSAR synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data has indicated significant radio frequency interference (RFI) in several geographic locations around the world. RFI causes significant reduction in image contrast, introduces periodic and quasi-periodic image artifacts, and introduces significant phase noise in repeat pass interferometric data reduction. The US National Research Council Decadal Survey of Earth Science has recommended DESDynI, a Deformation, Ecosystems, and Dynamics of Ice satellite mission comprising an L-band polarimetric radar configured for repeat pass interferometry. There is considerable interest internationally in other future L-band and lower frequency systems as well. Therefore the issues of prevalence and possibilities of mitigation of RFI in these crowded frequency bands is of considerable interest. RFI is observed in ALOS PALSAR in California, USA, and in southern Egypt in data examined to date. Application of several techniques for removing it from the data prior to SAR image formation, ranging from straightforward spectral normalization to time-domain, multi-phase filtering techniques are considered. Considerable experience has been gained from the removal of RFI from P-band acquired by the GeoSAR system. These techniques applied to the PALSAR data are most successful when the bandwidth of any particular spectral component of the RFI is narrow. Performance impacts for SAR imagery and interferograms are considered in the context of DESDynI measurement requirements.

InSAR↗

TRIPOLI-4{sup R} version 9 Shielding for the Shielding Community: Overview, Relevant Benchmarking for Shielding and Licensing Policy - Paper 49

This is a review paper of the Shielding only version of TRIPOLI-4. TRIPOLI-4 and TRIPOLI-4 S: TRIPOLI{sup R} represents a family of radiation transport codes using the Monte Carlo method (1,2). It has been continuously developed at CEA since the mid 60's. TRIPOLI-4{sup R}, being the fourth generation, has been developed starting from the mid 90's in C++. It tracks neutrons from 20 MeV down to 10{sup -5} eV, photons, electrons and positrons from 100 MeV to 1 keV, in 3D arbitrary geometries either in TRIPOLI{sup R} proprietary format or ROOT(4) format. It reads its continuous energy nuclear data from any evaluation in ENDF format, including but not limited to JEFF-3.1.1 and ENDF/BVII.0. It has various simulation modes, fixed-source (with or without fission), criticality, or both of them chained. A variety of tallies are available: averaged flux in a volume (track length and collision estimators), surface flux and current, point flux, reaction rates, deposited energy, dpa, pka, gamma spectroscopy, mesh tallies, tallies for criticality (k{sub eff}, beta eff, kinetic parameters). It provides the user with embedded response functions from IRDF and EAF as well. Several variance reduction techniques (3), including automated ones, make it particularly suitable to deep penetration problems (implicit capture, Russian roulette, exponential biasing with automatic estimation of the importance map). It may run in parallel, on single multi-core machines as well as heterogeneous networks of stations or massively parallel machines. It comes with productivity tools designed to speed-up the elaboration and verification of the input deck as well as the output analysis: 2D interactive display of geometry; 2D display of mesh tallies and collision sites; 3D input deck modeler; compatibility with ROOT tools to post-process TRIPOLI{sup R} outputs. Its V and V test base is made of more than 1000 internationally accepted benchmarks from ICSBEP and SINBAD (REPLICA, ASPIS, NESDIP) and covers all its application domains, including several shielding cases which will be detailed in the talk. TRIPOLI-4{sup R} is the reference Monte Carlo code for CEA, EDF, and also for AREVA for a number of applications. A 'Shielding-only' version has been designed to specifically answer the needs of the shielding community. It is distributed through the NEA Databank with a license for R and D, covering the fusion applications, whose terms are detailed in the paper.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Toward the analytic bootstrap of energy correlators

In this paper, we present a framework for the analytic bootstrap of three-point energy correlators, a crucial observable in $\mathcal{N}$ = 4 super Yang-Mills theory and quantum chromodynamics (QCD). Our approach combines spherical contour techniques, general physical constraints such as pole cancellations, and power correction data in the singular limits to determine its analytic expression. In contrast to previous bootstrap studies restricted to scattering amplitudes for supersymmetric theories, our framework makes use of the properties of Feynman integrals, marking a significant step toward bootstrapping realistic QCD observables. Using this method, we derive analytic expressions for leading-order three-point energy correlators in the multi-collinear limit with equal and unequal energy weights, where the latter are crucial ingredients for projected N -point energy correlators. We also apply the recently developed technique of analytic regression with lattice reduction as a way to bypass needing explicit expressions for the singular limits. Bridging theoretical advances in scattering amplitudes with the renewed interest in weighted cross-sections, our work opens the door to precision tests of QCD dynamics through analytic event-shape predictions.

jet substructure↗

Evaluation and characterization of the methane-carbon dioxide decomposition reaction

A program was conducted to evaluate and characterize the carbon dioxide-methane (CO2-CH4) decomposition reaction, i.e., CO2 + CH4 = 2C + 2H2O. The primary objective was to determine the feasibility of applying this reaction at low temperatures as a technique for recovering the oxygen (O2) remaining in the CO2 which exits mixed with CH4 from a Sabatier CO2 reduction subsystem (as part of an air revitalization system of a manned spacecraft). A test unit was designed, fabricated, and assembled for characterizing the performance of various catalysts for the reaction and ultraviolet activation of the CH4 and CO2. The reactor included in the test unit was designed to have sufficient capacity to evaluate catalyst charges of up to 76 g (0.17 lb). The test stand contained the necessary instrumentation and controls to obtain the data required to characterize the performance of the catalysts and sensitizers tested: flow control and measurement, temperature control and measurement, product and inlet gas analysis, and pressure measurement. A product assurance program was performed implementing the concepts of quality control and safety into the program effort.

Davenport, R. J.↗

Computer-controlled multi-parameter mapping of 3D compressible flowfields using planar laser-induced iodine fluorescence

A computer-controlled technique, using planar laser-induced iodine fluorescence, for measuring complex compressible flowfields is presented. A new laser permits the use of a planar two-line temperature technique so that all parameters can be measured with the laser operated narrowband. Pressure and temperature measurements in a step flowfield show agreement within 10 percent of a CFD model except in regions close to walls. Deviation of near wall temperature measurements from the model was decreased from 21 percent to 12 percent compared to broadband planar temperature measurements. Computer-control of the experiment has been implemented, except for the frequency tuning of the laser. Image data storage and processing has been improved by integrating a workstation into the experimental setup reducing the data reduction time by a factor of 50.

Donohue, James M.↗

Fuzzy Logic Enhanced Digital PIV Processing Software

Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) is an instantaneous, planar velocity measurement technique that is ideally suited for studying transient flow phenomena in high speed turbomachinery. DPIV is being actively used at the NASA Glenn Research Center to study both stable and unstable operating conditions in a high speed centrifugal compressor. Commercial PIV systems are readily available which provide near real time feedback of the PIV image data quality. These commercial systems are well designed to facilitate the expedient acquisition of PIV image data. However, as with any general purpose system, these commercial PIV systems do not meet all of the data processing needs required for PIV image data reduction in our compressor research program. An in-house PIV PROCessing (PIVPROC) code has been developed for reducing PIV data. The PIVPROC software incorporates fuzzy logic data validation for maximum information recovery from PIV image data. PIVPROC enables combined cross-correlation/particle tracking wherein the highest possible spatial resolution velocity measurements are obtained.

Wernet, Mark P.↗