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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.

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At least 1,423 records · Page 79
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

The constrained inversion of Nimbus-7 wide field-of-view radiometer measurements for the Earth Radiation Budget

The results of a constrained, wide field-of-view radiometer measurement deconvolution are presented and compared against higher resolution results obtained from the Earth Radiation Budget instrument on the Nimbus-7 satellite and from the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment. The method is applicable to both longwave and shortwave observations and is specifically designed to treat the problem of anisotropic reflection and emission at the top of the atmosphere as well as low signal-to-noise ratios that arise regionally within a field. The procedure is reviewed, and the improvements in resolution obtained are examined. Some minor improvements in the albedo algorithm are also described.

Hucek, Richard R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Enhanced relaxed physical factorization preconditioner for coupled poromechanics

The relaxed physical factorization (RPF) preconditioner is a recent algorithm allowing for the efficient and robust solution to the block linear systems arising from the three-field displacement-velocity-pressure formulation of coupled poromechanics. For its application, however, it is necessary to invert blocks with the algebraic form C^ = (C + βFF T ), where C is a symmetric positive definite matrix, FF T a rank-deficient term, and β a real non-negative coefficient. The inversion of C^, performed in an inexact way, can become unstable for large values of β, as it usually occurs at some stages of a full poromechanical simulation. In this work, we propose a family of algebraic techniques to stabilize the inexact solve with C^. This strategy can prove useful in other problems as well where such an issue might arise, such as augmented Lagrangian preconditioning techniques for Navier-Stokes or incompressible elasticity. First, we introduce an iterative scheme obtained by a natural splitting of matrix C^. Second, we develop a technique based on the use of a proper projection operator annihilating the near-kernel modes of C^. Both approaches give rise to a novel class of preconditioners denoted as Enhanced RPF (ERPF). Furthermore, effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithms are demonstrated in both theoretical benchmarks and real-world large-size applications, outperforming the native RPF preconditioner.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Tomographic optical emission spectroscopy of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet and surface ionization waves on planar and structured surfaces

Here in this paper, an approach for 3D plasma structure diagnostics using tomographic optical emission spectroscopy (Tomo-OES) of a nanosecond pulsed atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) is presented. In contrast to the well-known Abel inversion, Tomo-OES does not require cylindrical symmetry to recover 3D distributions of plasma light emission. Instead, many 2D angular projections are measured with intensified cameras and the multiplicative algebraic reconstruction technique is used to recover the 3D distribution of light emission. This approach solves the line-of-sight integration problem inherent to optical diagnostics, allowing recovery of localized OES information within the plasma that can be used to better infer plasma parameters within complex plasma structures. Here, Tomo-OES was applied to investigate an APPJ operated with helium in ambient air and impinging on planar and structured dielectric surfaces. Surface charging caused the guided streamer from the APPJ to transition to a surface ionization wave (SIW) that propagated along the surface. The SIW experienced variable geometrical and electrical material properties as it propagated, leading to 3D configurations that were non-symmetric and spatially complex. Light emission from He, N$_2^+$, and N2 were imaged at ten angular projections and the respective time-resolved 3D emission distributions in the plasma were then reconstructed. The spatial resolution of each tomographic reconstruction was 7.4 µm and the temporal resolution was 5 ns, sufficient to observe the guided streamer and the effects of the structured surface on the SIW. Emission from He showed the core of the jet and emission from N$_2^+$ and N2 indicated effects of entrainment of ambient air. Penning ionization of N2 created a ring or outer layer of N$_2^+$ that spatially converged to form the 'plasma bullet' or spatially diverged across a surface as part of a SIW. The SIW entered trenches of size 150 µm, leading to decreases in plasma light emission in regions above the trenches. The plasma light emission was higher in some regions with trenches, possibly due to effects of field enhancement.

plasma interactions with complex surfaces↗
NASA NTRS1976

Dynamic analysis of a class of mixed lumped-distributed parameter systems via numerical techniques

The modeling via transfer matrices of mixed lumped-distributed parameter systems with feedback control is discussed and novel methods of obtaining information on the controlled system's dynamic response via numerical methods is presented. These methods utilize numerical searches in the complex plane for the roots of the transcendental characteristic equation to determine the closed loop system eigenvalues. The fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm is utilized but in the inverse fashion (from frequency domain to time domain). The information obtained is identical to that contained in a model in modal coordinates, and can be used to construct such a model. An interactive computer program to do the required calculation is described, as well as its application to a manipulator arm design problem.

Book, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Characterization and control of self-motions in redundant manipulators

The presence of redundant degrees of freedom in a manipulator structure leads to a physical phenomenon known as a self-motion, which is a continuous motion of the manipulator joints that leaves the end-effector motionless. In the first part of the paper, a global manifold mapping reformulation of manipulator kinematics is reviewed, and the inverse kinematic solution for redundant manipulators is developed in terms of self-motion manifolds. Global characterizations of the self-motion manifolds in terms of their number, geometry, homotopy class, and null space are reviewed using examples. Much previous work in redundant manipulator control has been concerned with the redundancy resolution problem, in which methods are developed to determine, or resolve, the motion of the joints in order to achieve end-effector trajectory control while optimizing additional objective functions. Redundancy resolution problems can be equivalently posed as the control of self-motions. Alternatives for redundancy resolution are briefly discussed.

Burdick, J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Transient scattering from two-dimensional dielectric cylinders of arbitrary shape

In this work, the problem of transient scattering by arbitrary shaped two-dimensional dielectric cylinders is solved using the marching-on-in-time (MOT) technique. The dielectric problem is approached via the surface equivalence principle. A pair of coupled integral equations are derived by enforcing the continuity of the electric and magnetic fields which are solved by using the method of moments. Numerical results are presented for two cross sections, viz. a circle and a square, and compared with inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) techniques. In each case, good agreement is obtained with the IDFT solution.

Vechinski, Douglas A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

A guidance and control assessment of three vertical landing options for RLV

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is considering a vertical lander as a candidate concept for a single-stage-to-orbit reusable launch vehicle (RLV). Three strategies for guiding and controlling the inversion of a reentering RLV from a nose-first attitude to a vertical landing attitude are suggested. Each option is simulated from a common reentry state to touchdown, using a common guidance algorithm and different controllers. Results demonstrate the characteristics that typify and distinguish each concept and help to identify peculiar problems, level of guidance and control sophistication required, feasibility concerns, and areas in which stringent subsystem requirements will be imposed by guidance and control.

Gallaher, M.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Accelerated Training for Large Feedforward Neural Networks

In this paper we introduce a new training algorithm, the scaled variable metric (SVM) method. Our approach attempts to increase the convergence rate of the modified variable metric method. It is also combined with the RBackprop algorithm, which computes the product of the matrix of second derivatives (Hessian) with an arbitrary vector. The RBackprop method allows us to avoid computationally expensive, direct line searches. In addition, it can be utilized in the new, 'predictive' updating technique of the inverse Hessian approximation. We have used directional slope testing to adjust the step size and found that this strategy works exceptionally well in conjunction with the Rbackprop algorithm. Some supplementary, but nevertheless important enhancements to the basic training scheme such as improved setting of a scaling factor for the variable metric update and computationally more efficient procedure for updating the inverse Hessian approximation are presented as well. We summarize by comparing the SVM method with four first- and second- order optimization algorithms including a very effective implementation of the Levenberg-Marquardt method. Our tests indicate promising computational speed gains of the new training technique, particularly for large feedforward networks, i.e., for problems where the training process may be the most laborious.

Stepniewski, Slawomir W.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Optimization as a Tool for Consistency Maintenance in Multi-Resolution Simulation

The need for new approaches to the consistent simulation of related phenomena at multiple levels of resolution is great. While many fields of application would benefit from a complete and approachable solution to this problem, such solutions have proven extremely difficult. We present a multi-resolution simulation methodology that uses numerical optimization as a tool for maintaining external consistency between models of the same phenomena operating at different levels of temporal and/or spatial resolution. Our approach follows from previous work in the disparate fields of inverse modeling and spacetime constraint-based animation. As a case study, our methodology is applied to two environmental models of forest canopy processes that make overlapping predictions under unique sets of operating assumptions, and which execute at different temporal resolutions. Experimental results are presented and future directions are addressed.

TEMPORAL RESOLUTION↗
NASA NTRS2009

Monitoring Exchange of CO2 - A KISS Workshop Report 2009

The problem and context: Can top-down estimates of carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes resolve the anthropogenic emissions of China, India, the United States, and the European Union with an accuracy of +/-10% or better?The workshop "Monitoring Exchange of Carbon Dioxide" was convened at the Keck Institute for Space Studies in Pasadena, California in February 2010 to address this question. The Workshop brought together an international, interdisciplinary group of 24 experts in carbon cycle science, remote sensing, emissions inventory estimation, and inverse modeling. The participants reviewed the potential of space-based and sub-orbital observational and modeling approaches to monitor anthropogenic CO2 emissions in the presence of much larger natural fluxes from the exchange of CO2 between the land, atmosphere, and ocean. This particular challenge was motivated in part by the NRC Report "Verifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions" [Pacala et al., 2010]. This workshop report includes several recommendations for improvements to observing strategies and modeling frameworks for optimal and cost-effective monitoring of carbon exchange

Greenhouse Gas Emissions↗
DOE OSTI2023

Geometrically frustrated interactions drive structural complexity in amorphous calcium carbonate

Amorphous calcium carbonate is an important precursor for biomineralization in marine organisms. Key outstanding problems include understanding the structure of amorphous calcium carbonate and rationalizing its metastability as an amorphous phase. Here we report high-quality atomistic models of amorphous calcium carbonate generated using state-of-the-art interatomic potentials to help guide fits to X-ray total scattering data. Exploiting a recently developed inversion approach, we extract from these models the effective Ca∙∙∙Ca interaction potential governing the structure. This potential contains minima at two competing distances, corresponding to the two different ways that carbonate ions bridge Ca 2+ -ion pairs. We reveal an unexpected mapping to the Lennard-Jones–Gauss model normally studied in the context of computational soft matter. The empirical model parameters for amorphous calcium carbonate take values known to promote structural complexity. We thus show that both the complex structure and its resilience to crystallization are actually encoded in the geometrically frustrated effective interactions between Ca 2+ ions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1981

Inverse scattering for an exterior Dirichlet program

Scattering due to a metallic cylinder which is in the field of a wire carrying a periodic current is considered. The location and shape of the cylinder is obtained with a far field measurement in between the wire and the cylinder. The same analysis is applicable in acoustics in the situation that the cylinder is a soft wall body and the wire is a line source. The associated direct problem in this situation is an exterior Dirichlet problem for the Helmholtz equation in two dimensions. An improved low frequency estimate for the solution of this problem using integral equation methods is presented. The far field measurements are related to the solutions of boundary integral equations in the low frequency situation. These solutions are expressed in terms of mapping function which maps the exterior of the unknown curve onto the exterior of a unit disk. The coefficients of the Laurent expansion of the conformal transformations are related to the far field coefficients. The first far field coefficient leads to the calculation of the distance between the source and the cylinder.

Hariharan, S. I.↗
NASA NTRS1995

An unstructured-grid software system for solving complex aerodynamic problems

A coordinated effort has been underway over the past four years to elevate unstructured-grid methodology to a mature level. The goal of this endeavor is to provide a validated capability to non-expert users for performing rapid aerodynamic analysis and design of complex configurations. The Euler component of the system is well developed, and is impacting a broad spectrum of engineering needs with capabilities such as rapid grid generation and inviscid flow analysis, inverse design, interactive boundary layers, and propulsion effects. Progress is also being made in the more tenuous Navier-Stokes component of the system. A robust grid generator is under development for constructing quality thin-layer tetrahedral grids, along with a companion Navier-Stokes flow solver. This paper presents an overview of this effort, along with a perspective on the present and future status of the methodology.

Frink, Neal T.↗
DOE OSTI2023

CSPlib: A performance portable parallel software toolkit for analyzing complex kinetic mechanisms

Computational singular perturbation (CSP) is a method to analyze dynamical systems. It targets the decoupling of fast and slow dynamics using an alternate linear expansion of the right-hand side of the governing equations based on eigenanalysis of the associated Jacobian matrix. This representation facilitates diagnostic analysis, detection and control of stiffness, and the development of simplified models. For this work, we have implemented CSP in a C++ open-source library CSPlib using the Kokkos parallel programming model to address portability across diverse heterogeneous computing platforms, i.e., multi/many-core CPUs and GPUs. We describe the CSPlib implementation and present its computational performance across different computing platforms using several test problems. Specifically, we test the CSPlib performance for a constant pressure ignition reactor model on different architectures, including IBM Power 9, Intel Xeon Skylake, and NVIDIA V100 GPU. The size of the chemical kinetic mechanism is varied in these tests. As expected, the Jacobian matrix evaluation, the eigensolution of the Jacobian matrix, and matrix inversion are the most expensive computational tasks. When considering the higher throughput characteristic of GPUs, GPUs performs better for small matrices with higher occupancy rate. CPUs gain more advantages from the higher performance of well-tuned and optimized linear algebra libraries such as OpenBLAS.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1974

Development of technology for fluid-structure interaction modeling of a 1/8-scale dynamic model of shuttle External Tank (ET). Volume i: Technical report

A NASTRAN analysis of the external tank (ET) substructure of the 1/8-scale space shuttle structural dynamics model is described. The NASTRAN hydroelastic procedures were used to form a model of the liquid oxygen portion of the ET. Large computer storage requirements and running times were required unless these procedures were modified. Several possibilities were demonstrated including the substitution of the real for the complex eigenvalue routine and the use of the OMIT capability to reduce the number of fluid coordinates. A NASTRAN model of the complete ET was formed and reduced to 252 degrees of freedom. A review of the eigenvector extracted, using the unsymmetrical inverse power method, indicated that the structural OMIT's resulted in unsatisfactory modal deflections. Modifications to the NASTRAN hydroelastic capability appeared necessary to generate a successful ET model. An approach is described which, by assuming incompressibility, reduces the fluid representation to a symmetric mass matrix which can be added to the structural mass. The problem is solved using faster and more efficient eigenvalue routines. Using this approach the ET NASTRAN model was analyzed for three separate weight conditions.

Bernstein, M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Numerical solution of quadratic matrix equations for free vibration analysis of structures

This paper is concerned with the efficient and accurate solution of the eigenvalue problem represented by quadratic matrix equations. Such matrix forms are obtained in connection with the free vibration analysis of structures, discretized by finite 'dynamic' elements, resulting in frequency-dependent stiffness and inertia matrices. The paper presents a new numerical solution procedure of the quadratic matrix equations, based on a combined Sturm sequence and inverse iteration technique enabling economical and accurate determination of a few required eigenvalues and associated vectors. An alternative procedure based on a simultaneous iteration procedure is also described when only the first few modes are the usual requirement. The employment of finite dynamic elements in conjunction with the presently developed eigenvalue routines results in a most significant economy in the dynamic analysis of structures.

Gupta, K. K.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Feasibility and benefits of laminar flow control on supersonic cruise airplanes

An evaluation was made of the applicability and benefits of laminar flow control (LFC) technology to supersonic cruise airplanes. Ancillary objectives were to identify the technical issues critical to supersonic LFC application, and to determine how those issues can be addressed through flight and wind-tunnel testing. Vehicle types studied include a Mach 2.2 supersonic transport configuration, a Mach 4.0 transport, and two Mach 2-class fighter concepts. Laminar flow control methodologies developed for subsonic and transonic wing laminarization were extended and applied. No intractible aerodynamic problems were found in applying LFC to airplanes of the Mach 2 class, even ones of large size. Improvements of 12 to 17 percent in lift-drag ratios were found. Several key technical issues, such as contamination avoidance and excresence criteria were identified. Recommendations are made for their resolution. A need for an inverse supersonic wing design methodology is indicated.

Powell, A. G.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A theorem regarding roots of the zero-order Bessel function of the first kind

This paper investigates a problem on the steady-state, conduction-convection heat transfer process in cylindrical porous heat exchangers. The governing partial differential equations for the system are obtained using the energy conservation law. Solution of these equations and the concept of enthalpy lead to a new approach to prove a theorem that the sum of inverse squares of all the positive roots of the zero order Bessel function of the first kind equals to one-forth. As a corollary, it is shown that the sum of one over pth power (p greater than or equal to 2) of the roots converges to some constant.

Lin, X.-A.↗