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DOE OSTI2014

Implementation of data acquisition interface using on-board field-programmable gate array (FPGA) universal serial bus (USB) link

Typically a system consists of hardware as the controller and software which is installed in the personal computer (PC). In the effective nuclear detection, the hardware involves the detection setup and the electronics used, with the software consisting of analysis tools and graphical display on PC. A data acquisition interface is necessary to enable the communication between the controller hardware and PC. Nowadays, Universal Serial Bus (USB) has become a standard connection method for computer peripherals and has replaced many varieties of serial and parallel ports. However the implementation of USB is complex. This paper describes the implementation of data acquisition interface between a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) board and a PC by exploiting the USB link of the FPGA board. The USB link is based on an FTDI chip which allows direct access of input and output to the Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) signals from a USB host and a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) with a 24 MHz clock input to the USB link. The implementation and results of using the USB link of FPGA board as the data interfacing are discussed.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2016

Parallel Execution of Functional Mock-up Units in Buildings Modeling

A Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI) defines a standardized interface to be used in computer simulations to develop complex cyber-physical systems. FMI implementation by a software modeling tool enables the creation of a simulation model that can be interconnected, or the creation of a software library called a Functional Mock-up Unit (FMU). This report describes an FMU wrapper implementation that imports FMUs into a C++ environment and uses an Euler solver that executes FMUs in parallel using Open Multi-Processing (OpenMP). The purpose of this report is to elucidate the runtime performance of the solver when a multi-component system is imported as a single FMU (for the whole system) or as multiple FMUs (for different groups of components as sub-systems). This performance comparison is conducted using two test cases: (1) a simple, multi-tank problem; and (2) a more realistic use case based on the Modelica Buildings Library. In both test cases, the performance gains are promising when each FMU consists of a large number of states and state events that are wrapped in a single FMU. Load balancing is demonstrated to be a critical factor in speeding up parallel execution of multiple FMUs.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2024

High Performance Heat Pipe Power Transient Testing at SPHERE Facility

Microreactors are being researched, designed, and built at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Microreactors are small reactors defined at less than 20MW of power. These reactor concepts are also being looked at throughout industry for various applications. An important aspect of these reactor designs is economic feasibility i.e. lower overnight capital cost. The driving factors for implementing microreactors are quick setup and takedown, minimal operators, and the ability to manufacture them readily and to fit in mid-sized containers for transport. A specific area of research to aid in successful integration of these factors within the designs is passive heat removal of the core’s thermal power. Interest in heat pipes to achieve this passive heat removal has been shown across multiple industry partners. Because of this interest, INL has developed a test facility to facilitate experimental tests for sodium filled heat pipes. INL has developed the Single Primary Heat Extraction and Removal Emulator (SPHERE) facility to run experiments on high performance, sodium filled heat pipes. As mentioned above, heat pipes are passive heat transfer devices. Radially, heat pipes are broken up into an outer wall, a small annular gap, a wick structure, and a centerline gap. They function by utilizing latent heat transfer. Heat pipes are traditionally separated into three regions, an evaporator (heat input), an adiabatic region, and finally a condenser region (heat removal). As heat is being applied to the evaporator, the working fluid undergoes a phase change to a vapor. This phase change causes a differential pressure across the axial length of the pipe driving flow down the center gap of the heat pipe. The vapor flows down past the adiabatic region to the condenser where the heat is removed. This heat removal forces the working fluid to phase change back to a liquid. The wick structure is then utilized to drive the flow back towards the evaporator by capillary forces. This backflow is aided by the annular gap. Because this heat transfer mechanism functions with latent heat transfer, the heat pipe is close to isothermal down the axial length. Heat pipes can operate under a wide range of working fluids. Considerations for these working fluids are primarily driven by operating temperatures amongst other important factors based around overall performance. Sodium filled heat pipes operate from 450°C up to 900°C. This temperature range works well for the current microreactor designs. In conjunction with this experimental capability, INL has developed a modeling software to simulate heat pipe physics within reactor cores. This modeling software is called Sockeye and functions under the established INL Multiphysics Object Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE). SPHERE also supports Sockeye development by providing the modeling team with experimental data on an array of setups and operating parameters to support validation efforts. A power transient experiment was performed utilizing the SPHERE facility to continue to aid with Sockeye development. The testing followed a proposed test plan to ramp up and down the temperature of the heat pipe. Sockeye models steady state heat pipe operation with high accuracy, the data provided by the power transient testing aims to assist with the validation efforts and further enhance transient modeling capability of the tool [2].

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2016

On the Strong Scaling of the Spectral Element Solver Nek5000 on Petascale Systems. In: EASC '16 Proceedings of the Exascale Applications and Software Conference 2016, Article No. 5

The present work is targeted at performing a strong scaling study of the high-order spectral element fluid dynamics solver Nek5000. Prior studies such as [5] indicated a recommendable metric for strong scalability from a theoretical viewpoint, which we test here extensively on three parallel machines with different performance characteristics and interconnect networks, namely Mira (IBM Blue Gene/Q), Beskow (Cray XC40) and Titan (Cray XK7). The test cases considered for the simulations correspond to a turbulent flow in a straight pipe at four different friction Reynolds numbers Reτ = 180, 360, 550 and 1000. Considering the linear model for parallel communication we quantify the machine characteristics in order to better assess the scaling behaviors of the code. Subsequently sampling and profiling tools are used to measure the computation and communication times over a large range of compute cores. We also study the effect of the two coarse grid solvers XXT and AMG on the computational time. Super-linear scaling due to a reduction in cache misses is observed on each computer. The strong scaling limit is attained for roughly 5000-10,000 degrees of freedom per core on Mira, 30,000 - 50,0000 on Beskow, with only a small impact of the problem size for both machines, and ranges between 10,000 and 220,000 depending on the problem size on Titan. This work aims at being a reference for Nek5000 users and also serves as a basis for potential issues to address as the community heads towards exascale supercomputers.

Offermans, Nicolas↗

DOE OSTI2017

ROBUST ONLINE MONITORING FOR CALIBRATION ASSESSMENT OF TRANSMITTERS AND INSTRUMENTATION

Robust online monitoring (OLM) technologies are expected to enable the extension or elimination of periodic sensor calibration intervals in operating and new reactors. Specifically, the next generation of OLM technology is expected to include newly developed advanced algorithms that improve monitoring of sensor/system performance and enable the use of plant data to derive information that currently cannot be measured. These advances in OLM technologies will improve the safety and reliability of current and planned nuclear power systems through improved accuracy and increased reliability of sensors used to monitor key parameters. In this paper, we discuss an overview of research being performed within the Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies (NEET)/Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation (ASI) program, for the development of OLM algorithms to use sensor outputs and, in combination with other available information, 1) determine whether one or more sensors are out of calibration or failing and 2) replace a failing sensor with reliable, accurate sensor outputs. Algorithm development is focused on the following OLM functions: • Signal validation – fault detection and selection of acceptance criteria • Virtual sensing – signal value prediction and acceptance criteria • Response-time assessment – fault detection and acceptance criteria selection A GP-based uncertainty quantification (UQ) method previously developed for UQ in OLM, was adapted for use in sensor-fault detection and virtual sensing. For signal validation, the various components to the OLM residual (which is computed using an AAKR model) were explicitly defined and modeled using a GP. Evaluation was conducted using flow loop data from multiple sources. Results using experimental data from laboratory-scale flow loops indicate that the approach, while capable of detecting sensor drift, may be incapable of discriminating between sensor drift and model inadequacy. This may be due to a simplification applied in the initial modeling, where the sensor degradation is assumed to be stationary. In the case of virtual sensors, the GP model was used in a predictive mode to estimate the correct sensor reading for sensors that may have failed. Results have indicated the viability of using this approach for virtual sensing. However, the GP model has proven to be computationally expensive, and so alternative algorithms for virtual sensing are being evaluated. Finally, automated approaches to performing noise analysis for extracting sensor response time were developed. Evaluation of this technique using laboratory-scale data indicates that it compares well with manual techniques previously used for noise analysis. Moreover, the automated and manual approaches for noise analysis also compare well with the current “gold standard”, hydraulic ramp testing, for response time monitoring. Ongoing research in this project is focused on further evaluation of the algorithms, optimization for accuracy and computational efficiency, and integration into a suite of tools for robust OLM that are applicable to monitoring sensor calibration state in nuclear power plants.

calibration interval extension↗

NASA NTRS1990

Modeling and simulation of the space platform power system

A comprehensive computer-aided modeling and simulation technique for the space platform power system is described. Large-signal and small-signal modeling is presented for the system components. The component models have been integrated to form the complete power system model. The system model is shown to be a powerful tool in simulating the behavior of the system with variation of illumination level and load. It can be used to study the bus regulation in each mode and to observe mode changes as the solar array is subjected to transitions from sunlight to eclipse and back to sunlight. System simulations show how the bus regulation is maintained by activating the shunt switching unit, the charger, or the discharger, depending on the available illumination level. The system model is suitable for verifying hardware results of for analyzing the performance of a proposed system where hardware testing is not feasible. The EASY5 dynamic analysis program is used as the host software for the modeling and simulation.

Patil, A. R.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Construction and Use of Resting 12-Lead High Fidelity ECG "SuperScores" in Screening for Heart Disease

We investigated the accuracy of several conventional and advanced resting ECG parameters for identifying obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiomyopathy (CM). Advanced high-fidelity 12-lead ECG tests (approx. 5-min supine) were first performed on a "training set" of 99 individuals: 33 with ischemic or dilated CM and low ejection fraction (EF less than 40%); 33 with catheterization-proven obstructive CAD but normal EF; and 33 age-/gender-matched healthy controls. Multiple conventional and advanced ECG parameters were studied for their individual and combined retrospective accuracies in detecting underlying disease, the advanced parameters falling within the following categories: 1) Signal averaged ECG, including 12-lead high frequency QRS (150-250 Hz) plus multiple filtered and unfiltered parameters from the derived Frank leads; 2) 12-lead P, QRS and T-wave morphology via singular value decomposition (SVD) plus signal averaging; 3) Multichannel (12-lead, derived Frank lead, SVD lead) beat-to-beat QT interval variability; 4) Spatial ventricular gradient (and gradient component) variability; and 5) Heart rate variability. Several multiparameter ECG SuperScores were derivable, using stepwise and then generalized additive logistic modeling, that each had 100% retrospective accuracy in detecting underlying CM or CAD. The performance of these same SuperScores was then prospectively evaluated using a test set of another 120 individuals (40 new individuals in each of the CM, CAD and control groups, respectively). All 12-lead ECG SuperScores retrospectively generated for CM continued to perform well in prospectively identifying CM (i.e., areas under the ROC curve greater than 0.95), with one such score (containing just 4 components) maintaining 100% prospective accuracy. SuperScores retrospectively generated for CAD performed somewhat less accurately, with prospective areas under the ROC curve typically in the 0.90-0.95 range. We conclude that resting 12-lead high-fidelity ECG employing and combining the results of several advanced ECG software techniques shows great promise as a rapid and inexpensive tool for screening of heart disease.

Schlegel, T. T.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Exploration Medical System Demonstration (EMSD) Project

The Exploration Medical System Demonstration (EMSD) is a project under the Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) element managed by the Human Research Program (HRP). The vision for the EMSD is to utilize ISS as a test bed to show that several medical technologies needed for an exploration mission and medical informatics tools for managing evidence and decision making can be integrated into a single system and used by the on-orbit crew in an efficient and meaningful manner. Objectives: a) Reduce and even possibly eliminate the time required for on-orbit crew and ground personnel (which include Surgeon, Biomedical Engineer (BME) Flight Controller, and Medical Operations Data Specialist) to access and move medical data from one application to another. b) Demonstrate that the on-orbit crew has the ability to access medical data/information using an intuitive and crew-friendly software solution to assist/aid in the treatment of a medical condition. c) Develop a common data management framework and architecture that can be ubiquitously used to automate repetitive data collection, management, and communications tasks for all crew health and life sciences activities.

Chin, Duane↗

NASA NTRS2003

Design for Verification: Enabling Verification of High Dependability Software-Intensive Systems

Strategies to achieve confidence that high-dependability applications are correctly implemented include testing and automated verification. Testing deals mainly with a limited number of expected execution paths. Verification usually attempts to deal with a larger number of possible execution paths. While the impact of architecture design on testing is well known, its impact on most verification methods is not as well understood. The Design for Verification approach considers verification from the application development perspective, in which system architecture is designed explicitly according to the application's key properties. The D4V-hypothesis is that the same general architecture and design principles that lead to good modularity, extensibility and complexity/functionality ratio can be adapted to overcome some of the constraints on verification tools, such as the production of hand-crafted models and the limits on dynamic and static analysis caused by state space explosion.

Mehlitz, Peter C.↗

DOE OSTI2011

Identification of modes of fracture in a 2618-T6 aluminum alloy using stereophotogrammetry

The identification and the development of a quantification technique of the modes of fracture in fatigue fracture surfaces of a 2618-T6 aluminum alloy were developed during this research. Fatigue tests at room and high temperature (230 Degree-Sign C) were carried out to be able to compare the microscopic fractographic features developed by this material under these testing conditions. The overall observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fracture surfaces showed a mixture of transgranular and ductile intergranular fracture. The ductile intergranular fracture contribution appears to be more significant at room temperature than at 230 Degree-Sign C. A quantitative methodology was developed to identify and to measure the contribution of these microscopic fractographic features. The technique consisted of a combination of stereophotogrammetry and image analysis. Stereo-pairs were randomly taken along the crack paths and were then analyzed using the profile module of MeX software. The analysis involved the 3-D surface reconstruction, the trace of primary profile lines in both vertical and horizontal directions within the stereo-pair area, the measurements of the contribution of the modes of fracture in each profile, and finally, the calculation of the average contribution in each stereo-pair. The technique results confirmed a higher contribution of ductile intergranular fracture at room temperature than at 230 Degree-Sign C. Moreover, there was no indication of a direct relationship between this contribution and the strain amplitudes range applied during the fatigue testing. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Stereophotogrammetry and image analysis as a measuring tool of modes of fracture in fatigue fracture surfaces. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A mixture of ductile intergranular and transgranular fracture was identified at room temperature and 230 Degree-Sign C testing. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Development of a quantitative methodology to obtain the percentage of modes of fracture within the fracture surface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS2014

Network Monitor and Control of Disruption-Tolerant Networks

For nearly a decade, NASA and many researchers in the international community have been developing Internet-like protocols that allow for automated network operations in networks where the individual links between nodes are only sporadically connected. A family of Disruption-Tolerant Networking (DTN) protocols has been developed, and many are reaching CCSDS Blue Book status. A NASA version of DTN known as the Interplanetary Overlay Network (ION) has been flight-tested on the EPOXI spacecraft and ION is currently being tested on the International Space Station. Experience has shown that in order for a DTN service-provider to set up a large scale multi-node network, a number of network monitor and control technologies need to be fielded as well as the basic DTN protocols. The NASA DTN program is developing a standardized means of querying a DTN node to ascertain its operational status, known as the DTN Management Protocol (DTNMP), and the program has developed some prototypes of DTNMP software. While DTNMP is a necessary component, it is not sufficient to accomplish Network Monitor and Control of a DTN network. JPL is developing a suite of tools that provide for network visualization, performance monitoring and ION node control software. This suite of network monitor and control tools complements the GSFC and APL-developed DTN MP software, and the combined package can form the basis for flight operations using DTN.

network monitor↗

NASA NTRS2017

Image Navigation and Registration Performance Assessment Evaluation Tools for GOES-R ABI and GLM

The GOES-R Flight Project has developed an Image Navigation and Registration (INR) Performance Assessment Tool Set (IPATS) for measuring Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) and Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) INR performance metrics in the post-launch period for performance evaluation and long term monitoring. IPATS utilizes a modular algorithmic design to allow user selection of data processing sequences optimized for generation of each INR metric. This novel modular approach minimizes duplication of common processing elements, thereby maximizing code efficiency and speed. Fast processing is essential given the large number of sub-image registrations required to generate INR metrics for the many images produced over a 24 hour evaluation period. This paper describes the software design and implementation of IPATS and provides preliminary test results.

Image registration↗

NASA NTRS2017

Image Navigation and Registration Performance Assessment Evaluation Tools for GOES-R ABI and GLM

image registration↗

DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-QI-16: Reproducibility of Computed Tomography Quantitative Structural Features Using the FDA Thoracic Phantom Image Database

Purpose: To assess the reproducibility of quantitative structural features using images from the computed tomography thoracic FDA phantom database under different scanning conditions. Methods: Development of quantitative image features to describe lesion shape and size, beyond conventional RECIST measures, is an evolving area of research in need of benchmarking standards. Gavrielides et al. (2010) scanned a FDA-developed thoracic phantom with nodules of various Hounsfield units (HU) values, shapes and sizes close to vascular structures using several scanners and varying scanning conditions/parameters; these images are in the public domain. We tested six structural features, namely, Convexity, Perimeter, Major Axis, Minor Axis, Extent Mean and Eccentricity, to characterize lung nodules. Convexity measures lesion irregularity referenced to a convex surface. Previously, we showed it to have prognostic value in lung adenocarcinoma. The above metrics and RECIST measures were evaluated on three spiculated (8mm/-300HU, 12mm/+30HU and 15mm/+30HU) and two non-spiculated (8mm/+100HU and 10mm/+100HU) nodules (from layout 2) imaged at three different mAs values: 25, 100 and 200 mAs; on a Phillips scanner (16-slice Mx8000-IDT; 3mm slice thickness). The nodules were segmented semi-automatically using a commercial software tool; the same HU range was used for all nodules. Results: Analysis showed convexity having the lowest maximum coefficient of variation (MCV): 1.1% and 0.6% for spiculated and non-spiculated nodules, respectively, much lower compared to RECIST Major and Minor axes whose MCV were 10.1% and 13.4% for spiculated, and 1.9% and 2.3% for non-spiculated nodules, respectively, across the various mAs. MCVs were consistently larger for speculated nodules. In general, the dependence of structural features on mAs (noise) was low. Conclusion: The FDA phantom CT database may be used for benchmarking of structural features for various scanners and scanning conditions; we used only a small fraction of available data. Our feature convexity outperformed other structural features including RECIST measures.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2016

Sci-Thur AM: YIS – 08: Automated Imaging Quality Assurance for Image-Guided Small Animal Irradiators

Purpose: To develop quality assurance (QA) standards and tolerance levels for image quality of small animal irradiators. Methods: A fully automated in-house QA software for image analysis of a commercial microCT phantom was created. Quantitative analyses of CT linearity, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), uniformity and noise, geometric accuracy, modulation transfer function (MTF), and CT number evaluation was performed. Phantom microCT scans from seven institutions acquired with varying parameters (kVp, mA, time, voxel size, and frame rate) and five irradiator units (Xstrahl SARRP, PXI X-RAD 225Cx, PXI X-RAD SmART, GE explore CT/RT 140, and GE Explore CT 120) were analyzed. Multi-institutional data sets were compared using our in-house software to establish pass/fail criteria for each QA test. Results: CT linearity (R2>0.996) was excellent at all but Institution 2. Acceptable SNR (>35) and noise levels (<55HU) were obtained at four of the seven institutions, where failing scans were acquired with less than 120mAs. Acceptable MTF (>1.5 lp/mm for MTF=0.2) was obtained at all but Institution 6 due to the largest scan voxel size (0.35mm). The geometric accuracy passed (<1.5%) at five of the seven institutions. Conclusion: Our QA software can be used to rapidly perform quantitative imaging QA for small animal irradiators, accumulate results over time, and display possible changes in imaging functionality from its original performance and/or from the recommended tolerance levels. This tool will aid researchers in maintaining high image quality, enabling precise conformal dose delivery to small animals.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS1994

A streamlined software environment for situated skills

This paper documents a powerful set of software tools used for developing situated skills. These situated skills form the reactive level of a three-tiered intelligent agent architecture. The architecture is designed to allow these skills to be manipulated by a task level engine which is monitoring the current situation and selecting skills necessary for the current task. The idea is to coordinate the dynamic activations and deactivations of these situated skills in order to configure the reactive layer for the task at hand. The heart of the skills environment is a data flow mechanism which pipelines the currently active skills for execution. A front end graphical interface serves as a debugging facility during skill development and testing. We are able to integrate skills developed in different languages into the skills environment. The power of the skills environment lies in the amount of time it saves for the programmer to develop code for the reactive layer of a robot.

Yu, Sophia T.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Simulating Humans as Integral Parts of Spacecraft Missions

The Collaborative-Virtual Environment Simulation Tool (C-VEST) software was developed for use in a NASA project entitled "3-D Interactive Digital Virtual Human." The project is oriented toward the use of a comprehensive suite of advanced software tools in computational simulations for the purposes of human-centered design of spacecraft missions and of the spacecraft, space suits, and other equipment to be used on the missions. The C-VEST software affords an unprecedented suite of capabilities for three-dimensional virtual-environment simulations with plug-in interfaces for physiological data, haptic interfaces, plug-and-play software, realtime control, and/or playback control. Mathematical models of the mechanics of the human body and of the aforementioned equipment are implemented in software and integrated to simulate forces exerted on and by astronauts as they work. The computational results can then support the iterative processes of design, building, and testing in applied systems engineering and integration. The results of the simulations provide guidance for devising measures to counteract effects of microgravity on the human body and for the rapid development of virtual (that is, simulated) prototypes of advanced space suits, cockpits, and robots to enhance the productivity, comfort, and safety of astronauts. The unique ability to implement human-in-the-loop immersion also makes the C-VEST software potentially valuable for use in commercial and academic settings beyond the original space-mission setting.

Bruins, Anthony C.↗

NASA NTRS2010

The Use of Behavior Models for Predicting Complex Operations

Modeling and simulation (M&S) plays an important role when complex human-system notions are being proposed, developed and tested within the system design process. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an agency uses many different types of M&S approaches for predicting human-system interactions, especially when it is early in the development phase of a conceptual design. NASA Ames Research Center possesses a number of M&S capabilities ranging from airflow, flight path models, aircraft models, scheduling models, human performance models (HPMs), and bioinformatics models among a host of other kinds of M&S capabilities that are used for predicting whether the proposed designs will benefit the specific mission criteria. The Man-Machine Integration Design and Analysis System (MIDAS) is a NASA ARC HPM software tool that integrates many models of human behavior with environment models, equipment models, and procedural / task models. The challenge to model comprehensibility is heightened as the number of models that are integrated and the requisite fidelity of the procedural sets are increased. Model transparency is needed for some of the more complex HPMs to maintain comprehensibility of the integrated model performance. This will be exemplified in a recent MIDAS v5 application model and plans for future model refinements will be presented.

Gore, Brian F.↗