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At least 1,423 records · Page 79

Modeling and Diagnostic Software for Liquefying-Fuel Rockets

A report presents a study of five modeling and diagnostic computer programs considered for use in an integrated vehicle health management (IVHM) system during testing of liquefying-fuel hybrid rocket engines in the Hybrid Combustion Facility (HCF) at NASA Ames Research Center. Three of the programs -- TEAMS, L2, and RODON -- are model-based reasoning (or diagnostic) programs. The other two programs -- ICS and IMS -- do not attempt to isolate the causes of failures but can be used for detecting faults. In the study, qualitative models (in TEAMS and L2) and quantitative models (in RODON) having varying scope and completeness were created. Each of the models captured the structure and behavior of the HCF as a physical system. It was noted that in the cases of the qualitative models, the temporal aspects of the behavior of the HCF and the abstraction of sensor data are handled outside of the models, and it is necessary to develop additional code for this purpose. A need for additional code was also noted in the case of the quantitative model, though the amount of development effort needed was found to be less than that for the qualitative models.

Poll, Scott↗

Spectral Analysis Tool 6.2 for Windows

Spectral Analysis Tool 6.2 is the latest version of a computer program that assists in analysis of interference between radio signals of the types most commonly used in Earth/spacecraft radio communications. [An earlier version was reported in Software for Analyzing Earth/Spacecraft Radio Interference (NPO-20422), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 25, No. 4 (April 2001), page 52.] SAT 6.2 calculates signal spectra, bandwidths, and interference effects for several families of modulation schemes. Several types of filters can be modeled, and the program calculates and displays signal spectra after filtering by any of the modeled filters. The program accommodates two simultaneous signals: a desired signal and an interferer. The interference-to-signal power ratio can be calculated for the filtered desired and interfering signals. Bandwidth-occupancy and link-budget calculators are included for the user s convenience. SAT 6.2 has a new software structure and provides a new user interface that is both intuitive and convenient. SAT 6.2 incorporates multi-tasking, multi-threaded execution, virtual memory management, and a dynamic link library. SAT 6.2 is designed for use on 32- bit computers employing Microsoft Windows operating systems.

Morgan, Feiming↗

ChemML : A machine learning and informatics program package for the analysis, mining, and modeling of chemical and materials data

ChemML is an open machine learning (ML) and informatics program suite that is designed to support and advance the data-driven research paradigm that is currently emerging in the chemical and materials domain. ChemML allows its users to perform various data science tasks and execute ML workflows that are adapted specifically for the chemical and materials context. Key features are automation, general-purpose utility, versatility, and user-friendliness in order to make the application of modern data science a viable and widely accessible proposition in the broader chemistry and materials community. Finally, ChemML is also designed to facilitate methodological innovation, and it is one of the cornerstones of the software ecosystem for data-driven in silico research.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A thermal vacuum test optimization procedure

An analytical model was developed that can be used to establish certain parameters of a thermal vacuum environmental test program based on an optimization of program costs. This model is in the form of a computer program that interacts with a user insofar as the input of certain parameters. The program provides the user a list of pertinent information regarding an optimized test program and graphs of some of the parameters. The model is a first attempt in this area and includes numerous simplifications. The model appears useful as a general guide and provides a way for extrapolating past performance to future missions.

Kruger, R.↗

Computer program to minimize prediction error in models from experiments with 16 hypercube points and 0 to 6 center points

A previous report described a backward deletion procedure of model selection that was optimized for minimum prediction error and which used a multiparameter combination of the F - distribution and an order statistics distribution of Cochran's. A computer program is described that applies the previously optimized procedure to real data. The use of the program is illustrated by examples.

Holms, A. G.↗

Nonelastic nuclear reactions and accompanying gamma radiation

Several aspects of nonelastic nuclear reactions which proceed through the formation of a compound nucleus are dealt with. The full statistical model and the partial statistical model are described and computer programs based on these models are presented along with operating instructions and input and output for sample problems. A theoretical development of the expression for the reaction cross section for the hybrid case which involves a combination of the continuum aspects of the full statistical model with the discrete level aspects of the partial statistical model is presented. Cross sections for level excitation and gamma production by neutron inelastic scattering from the nuclei Al-27, Fe-56, Si-28, and Pb-208 are calculated and compared with avaliable experimental data.

Snow, R.↗

Conceptual studies for new low-cost 64-m antennas

Recent software developments expedite design investigations of proposed new 64-m antenna structures. The software consists of programs to generate structure model data and a design program that chooses preferential cross sectional sizes of the structural members. Numerous new designs are summarized that can represent weight savings of from 25% to 50% with respect to the tipping weight of the existing Mars antenna. These designs provide a more favorable symmetrical support for the reflector backup and tend to provide superior surface accuracy for gravity, although not necessarily wind, loading on the antenna.

Levy, R.↗

Using a simulation assistant in modeling manufacturing systems

Numerous simulation languages exist for modeling discrete event processes, and are now ported to microcomputers. Graphic and animation capabilities were added to many of these languages to assist the users build models and evaluate the simulation results. With all these languages and added features, the user is still plagued with learning the simulation language. Futhermore, the time to construct and then to validate the simulation model is always greater than originally anticipated. One approach to minimize the time requirement is to use pre-defined macros that describe various common processes or operations in a system. The development of a simulation assistant for modeling discrete event manufacturing processes is presented. A simulation assistant is defined as an interactive intelligent software tool that assists the modeler in writing a simulation program by translating the modeler's symbolic description of the problem and then automatically generating the corresponding simulation code. The simulation assistant is discussed with emphasis on an overview of the simulation assistant, the elements of the assistant, and the five manufacturing simulation generators. A typical manufacturing system will be modeled using the simulation assistant and the advantages and disadvantages discussed.

Schroer, Bernard J.↗

Experiment 5: Science and Technology of Surface Controlled Oscillations: Report on USML-2 Results

Minuscule amounts (e.g., 1 part in 10,000) of a surface-active material in a liquid can drastically affect the surface behavior of the liquid, influencing how the material flows and mixes with other liquid and solid materials. In many respects, the science of surfactants has been empirical, with trial and error dominating over the ability to predict how surfactant type and concentration influence surface behavior. A program for the modeling of surfactant behavior has been established at Yale. This program combines experimental work performed both on the ground and in space, and theoretical and numerical modeling. By levitating a drop of liquid in air, away from solid container surfaces, and by manipulating the drop with acoustic radiation forces, we have been able to establish idealized conditions for surface behavior studies. The primary experiments involve the study of the free oscillations of initially deformed drops. In STS-73, the USML-2 mission of the Space Shuttle, we performed the following measurements: 1) the oscillation of a spherical drop in its quadrupole mode; 2) the oscillation of a drop about a deformed (oblate) shape; 3) the slow static squeezing of the drop from spherical to nearly flat; and 4) the superoscillations of drops when the radiation forces maintaining the drop in a flattened state are suddenly reduced. Analytic and numerical studies have enabled us to understand the physics of these oscillations and to extract material properties such as the dynamic surface tension and the surface viscosities (shear and dilatational). The relation to ground-based studies is essential, because the knowledge and understanding gleaned from our space studies enable us to interpret ground-based data.

Apfel, Robert E.↗

BETO 2021 Peer Review - Algal Biofuels Techno-Economic Analysis 1.3.5.200

The objective of NREL's Algal Biofuel Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) project is to provide process modeling and analysis to support Algae Program activities, utilizing TEA models to relate key process parameters with overall economics for cultivation, processing, and conversion of algal biomass to fuels and coproducts. By quantifying economic implications of key process metrics, TEA models highlight the technical requirements to achieve future program cost goals as well as enabling a means to track progress towards these goals. This project provides high impact and relevance though generation of critical cost data tied to funded research, with our analyses subsequently exercised by BETO to guide program plans, FOA priorities, and other directives. This includes costs for both algal biomass production and downstream conversion, most notably to support BETO's fuel cost targets below $2.5/GGE by 2030. To mitigate a key risk/challenge in constraining our work to academic analyses rooted only in future projections, our work also seeks to provide near-term value to today's algae industry through frequent industry engagement, while maintaining close ties with other BETO collaborators. This project has made numerous accomplishments since the 2019 peer review, including a continued focus on opportunities for value-added products, with related analyses for new pathway opportunities to achieve BETO cost goals and notable State-of-Technology (SOT) improvements over prior cost benchmarks.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Preliminary structural sizing of a Mach 3.0 high-speed civil transport model

An analysis has been performed pertaining to the structural resizing of a candidate Mach 3.0 High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) conceptual design using a computer program called EZDESIT. EZDESIT is a computer program which integrates the PATRAN finite element modeling program to the COMET finite element analysis program for the purpose of calculating element sizes or cross sectional dimensions. The purpose of the present report is to document the procedure used in accomplishing the preliminary structural sizing and to present the corresponding results.

Blackburn, Charles L.↗

SLS Model Based Design: A Navigation Perspective

The SLS Program has implemented a Model-based Design (MBD) and Model-based Requirements approach for managing component design information and system requirements. This approach differs from previous large-scale design efforts at Marshall Space Flight Center where design documentation alone conveyed information required for vehicle design and analysis and where extensive requirements sets were used to scope and constrain the design. The SLS Navigation Team is responsible for the Program-controlled Design Math Models (DMMs) which describe and represent the performance of the Inertial Navigation System (INS) and the Rate Gyro Assemblies (RGAs) used by Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GN&C). The SLS Navigation Team is also responsible for navigation algorithms. The navigation algorithms are delivered for implementation on the flight hardware as a DMM. For the SLS Block 1B design, the additional GPS Receiver hardware model is managed as a DMM at the vehicle design level. This paper describes the models, and discusses the processes and methods used to engineer, design, and coordinate engineering trades and performance assessments using SLS practices as applied to the GN&C system, with a particular focus on the navigation components.

Oliver, T. Emerson↗

SSME Streamtube Evaluation Program (SSTEP)

An analytical model of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) called SSME Streamtube Evaluation Program (SSTEP) has been developed based upon the assumption that the propellant flows through the main combustion chamber can be represented by a bundle of parallel streamtubes. The motivation for the development of SSTEP lies in the desire to gain a basic understanding of the engine performance effects of several common SSME hardware modifications. Specifically, this model has been used to evaluate the changes in performance due to boundary layer coolant hole enlargement, LOX post plugging, acoustic cavity elimination, baffle removal, and main combustion chamber coolant leakage. The results show a good general agreement with the available test data suggesting at least a qualitative agreement between SSTEP modeling and actual engine performance. Through the use of several adjustment factors, which represent relaxations of the SSTEP formulation assumptions, it is shown that the test data can be very closely matched and that SSTEP can be used as a performance prediction tool.

Greene, William D.↗

The importance of delayed neutron precursors in gamma dose calculations for activated primary heat exchanger components in the Molten Salt Breeder Reactor

The Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) Multiphysics Applications technical area in the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation program has supported the development of 3D Monte Carlo models of the Molten Salt Breeder Reactor (MSBR) over the last couple of years. This MSBR model was previously run with the Shift Monte Carlo code to perform radiation shielding calculations in the reactor cell area. The MSBR is a 2250 MWth (1000 MWe) liquid-fueled molten salt reactor design developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the 1970s. Determining the source terms from activated primary heat exchanger (HX) components is important because delayed and prompt neutron fluxes incident on these components affect the dose rate in the primary HX maintenance areas. This information can be used in the development of remote handling procedures required during shutdown for maintenance. A methodology has been developed and is proposed in this paper to quantify the activated source term from the primary HX components as a result of the movement of the delayed neutron precursors in flowing primary fuel salt through the primary HXs in the MSBR. The goal of this research is to evaluate the gamma dose rates in the maintenance hatches above the primary HX using the activated HX source terms. The study showed that the gamma dose rates are approximately two orders of magnitudes higher when accounting for the neutron activation from the movement of delayed neutron precursors through the HXs than when flowing fuel is not considered. Thus, the movement of delayed neutron precursors must be taken into account for accurately predicting the neutron activation of primary loop components.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Modeling Enhancements, Cross-Section Generation Updates, and Benchmarking with Shift

This technical report documents the modeling enhancements, cross-section generation updates, and bench marking with the Shift Monte Carlo code performed under the US Department of Energy Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation Program in FY 2024. The work performed included several modeling enhancements, such as integration of cross-section generation in Titan and the ability to produce microscopic multigroup cross sections with Shift. Benchmarking of the cross sections produced by Shift and the two-step workflow with Griffin was performed for three problems: the Advanced Breeder Test Reactor, a generic pebble bed reactor, and a TRISO heat pipe microreactor. Comparisons of results from these benchmark problems were done with Serpent, OpenMC, and Griffin. These enhancements provide a robust foundation for applying Shift for both reference and two-step neutronics analysis for advanced reactor simulation.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗