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At least 1,495 records · Page 83

Performance Comparison of a Set of Periodic and Non-Periodic Tridiagonal Solvers on SP2 and Paragon Parallel Computers

Various tridiagonal solvers have been proposed in recent years for different parallel platforms. In this paper, the performance of three tridiagonal solvers, namely, the parallel partition LU algorithm, the parallel diagonal dominant algorithm, and the reduced diagonal dominant algorithm, is studied. These algorithms are designed for distributed-memory machines and are tested on an Intel Paragon and an IBM SP2 machines. Measured results are reported in terms of execution time and speedup. Analytical study are conducted for different communication topologies and for different tridiagonal systems. The measured results match the analytical results closely. In addition to address implementation issues, performance considerations such as problem sizes and models of speedup are also discussed.

Sun, Xian-He↗

Modeling and analyzing parasitic parameters in high frequency converters

This research focuses on electromagnetic interference (EMI) / electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) design and analysis in power electronics systems. To limit the EMI under the standards, different methods and strategies are investigated. Parasitic parameters of high frequency (HF) transformer are analyzed using a novel analytical method, finite element method (FEM), and experimental measurements for different structures and windings arrangements. Also, the magnetic field, electric field, electric displacement, and electric potential distribution are simulated and analyzed. Moreover, a high voltage system is considered and analyzed to improve the EMC. The EMI propagation paths are analyzed. The EMI noise level of the system is obtained and compared to the IEC61800-3 standard. To improve the EMC, the parasitic parameters of the transformer, as the main path of EMI circulation, are analyzed and optimized to block the propagation. Furthermore, the geometry structure of the HF transformer is optimized to lower the parasitics in the system. Three pareto-optimal techniques are investigated for the optimization. The models and results are verified by 3D-FEM and experimental results for several given scenarios. Furthermore, the EMC modeling and conducted EMI analysis are developed for a system including an AC-DC-DC power supply (rectifier and dual active bridge (DAB) converter). Moreover, the common mode (CM) EMI noise propagation through the system is discussed and the noise sources and effect of components on the noise are analyzed. Additionally, the CM impedance of different parts of the system and the noise levels are discussed. Finally, EMI attenuation techniques were applied to the system.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

The method of lines in analyzing solids containing cracks

A semi-numerical method is reviewed for solving a set of coupled partial differential equations subject to mixed and possibly coupled boundary conditions. The line method of analysis is applied to the Navier-Cauchy equations of elastic and elastoplastic equilibrium to calculate the displacement distributions in various, simple geometry bodies containing cracks. The application of this method to the appropriate field equations leads to coupled sets of simultaneous ordinary differential equations whose solutions are obtained along sets of lines in a discretized region. When decoupling of the equations and their boundary conditions is not possible, the use of a successive approximation procedure permits the analytical solution of the resulting ordinary differential equations. The use of this method is illustrated by reviewing and presenting selected solutions of mixed boundary value problems in three dimensional fracture mechanics. These solutions are of great importance in fracture toughness testing, where accurate stress and displacement distributions are required for the calculation of certain fracture parameters. Computations obtained for typical flawed specimens include that for elastic as well as elastoplastic response. Problems in both Cartesian and cylindrical coordinate systems are included. Results are summarized for a finite geometry rectangular bar with a central through-the-thickness or rectangular surface crack under remote uniaxial tension. In addition, stress and displacement distributions are reviewed for finite circular bars with embedded penny-shaped cracks, and rods with external annular or ring cracks under opening mode tension. The results obtained show that the method of lines presents a systematic approach to the solution of some three-dimensional mechanics problems with arbitrary boundary conditions. The advantage of this method over other numerical solutions is that good results are obtained even from the use of a relatively coarse grid.

Gyekenyesi, John P.↗

Experimental Verification of Ir 5d Orbital States and Atomic Structures in Highly Active Amorphous Iridium Oxide Catalysts

In iridium oxide catalysts, the electronic states whose energies are in the range of energetics and charge transfer kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) originate from the Ir 5d orbital states. However, the understanding of the atomic structures and orbital states underlying catalytic reactivity in amorphous iridium oxide oxygen evolving catalysts (Ir-OECs) is incomplete compared to that of crystalline oxides, owing to a lack of direct experimental verification. Here, we present experimental approaches using resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) to directly access Ir 5d orbital excitations at the Ir L 3 edge and atomic pair distribution function (PDF) measurements to characterize electronic and coordination structures at the atomic scale. The so-called iridium blue layer (IrBL) and IrO x were formed from the organometallic precursor complex [Cp*Ir(H 2 O) 3 ]SO 4 and the inorganic precursor IrCl 3 , respectively. Ex situ IrBL and IrO x films for RIXS and PDF measurements were prepared by conditioning electrodeposited films at a low voltage. The incident energy RIXS profile of IrO x exhibited extra weak resonantly enhanced excitation below 2 eV energy loss. The feature was clearly different from a single high-energy excitation above 3 eV of IrBL related to the interband transition between π- and σ-antibonding states. The atomic structure refinement based on PDF measurements revealed the atomic structure domains to have edge- and corner-shared IrO 6 octahedra with trigonal-type distortion. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations guided by the refined atomic structures shed light on the electronic structure corresponding to experimental results, including insulating and metallic phases in ex situ IrBL and IrO x films, respectively. Our study establishes different Ir 5d orbital states and atomic structures in two amorphous Ir oxide OER catalysts in their reduction states.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Space-borne Doppler Weather Radar Modeling for Radar Design Evaluation

A model has been developed to predict the reflectivity and Doppler performance of a spaceborne weather radar for atmospheric aerosol and cloud monitoring. The goal is to predict radar sensitivity, resolution, uncertainties and other key performance metrics vs. radar design parameters and hardware nonidealities. Analytical formulas are readily available to predict key performance metrics of a space-borne radar system as a function of design parameters such as antenna size, spacecraft velocity, transmit power, and receive noise figure. Effects of some system nonidealities such as antenna pointing errors, power amplifier nonlinearity and phase noise can be estimated using idealized methods. These analytical formulas use idealized forms of the antenna radiation pattern and weather statistics to predict system performance. However, it is desirable to have a more physical model based on discretized weather volumes in which the particle size distribution, Doppler distribution, and other parameters can be varied to study how the radar hardware design parameters and nonidealities affect the measurement of the weather reflectivity and Doppler characteristics. This would allow the radar designers to have more insight into what is being measured and the hardware parameters and errors that need to be carefully controlled to achieve best radar performance, as well as potential methods to calibrate the system or correct errors. This presentation will demonstrate some proof-of-concept Ka-band simulations where the discretized model agrees with the analytical formulas for a simple case where the elements in the discretized weather volume are defined by a constant reflectivity and simple velocity vectors. In particular, the system sensitivity and Doppler uncertainty are evaluated by analytical formulas as well as the discretized model. Future work will expand on this to include more complex weather scenarios and the addition of system nonidealities.

Sara Tucker↗

Solving Optimal Power Flow for Distribution Networks with State Estimation Feedback

Conventional optimal power flow (OPF) solvers assume full observability of the involved system states. However in practice, there is a lack of reliable system monitoring devices in the distribution networks. To close the gap between the theoretic algorithm design and practical implementation, this work proposes to solve the OPF problems based on the state estimation (SE) feedback for the distribution networks where only a part of the involved system states are physically measured. The SE feedback increases the observability of the under-measured system and provides more accurate system states monitoring when the measurements are noisy. We analytically investigate the convergence of the proposed algorithm. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed approach is more robust to large pseudo measurement variability and inherent sensor noise in comparison to the other frameworks without SE feedback.

distirbution systems↗

Study of rotor gust response by means of the local momentum theory

The vertical gust response of the helicopter rotor in cruising flight is studied analytically by means of the local momentum theory (LMT) and experimentally in a wind tunnel utilizing a gust generator. By introducing the unsteady aerodynamic effects into the LMT and by considering the elastic deformation of the rotor blade, the vibratory characteristics of flapping blades and of the rotor forces can be obtained. Since the LMT makes it possible to calculate the instantaneous load distribution along the rotor blade in desired azimuthal or timewise intervals, the effects of gradual penetration of the rotor into the gust can be studied and the Fourier analysis or power spectrum analysis of the rotor response applied to any kind of gust input. Some results obtained analytically are verified by the experimental tests performed in the wind tunnel which generates step, sinusoidal and random vertical gusts by the motion of a series of cascaded vanes upstream of the rotor.

Azuma, A.↗

Mascon distribution techniques for asteroids and comets

The mass-concentration model is an approach that has been used to model the gravitational fields of irregularly shaped bodies such as asteroids and comets. By this approach, the body is treated as a collection of point masses. The method is conceptually simple, easy to program, valid down to the surface, and capable of modeling arbitrary density heterogeneities. How the mass concentrations are distributed as well as how mass is assigned to these concentrations is, however, nontrivial. These aspects significantly affect the accuracy and efficiency of the gravitational model. In this paper, we frame the distribution process in terms of numerical integration applied to finite volume meshes. We describe a new method using unstructured, curvilinear, finite volume meshes to significantly improve the accuracy of the mass-concentration model. We then compare the accuracy and efficiency of several variations of our distribution technique to those from literature using Asteroid Eros and Bennu as example bodies. Our results show that the mascon model can be as accurate as the analytic polyhedral model at the surface using an equivalent number of computational elements—i.e., mascon to surface facets. We report the improvement in the model’s performance can be mainly attributed to the volume mesh topology while mesh curving can provide modest case-dependent improvements.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

On steady alternate bars forced by a localized asymmetric drag distribution in erodible channels

Studying the effect of different in-stream fluvial turbines siting on river morphodynamics allowed us to witness the onset of a time-averaged, large-scale, alternate distortion of bed elevations, which could not be exclusively related to the turbine rotor blockage. The longitudinal profiles of this two-dimensional bathymetric perturbation resemble those of steady fluvial bars. In this contribution we generalize the problem addressing a spatially impulsive, asymmetric distribution of drag force in the channel cross-section. Furthermore, this is experimentally investigated through the deployment of differently sized grids perpendicular to the flow, and analytically explored as a finite perturbation of an open channel flow over an erodible sediment layer, as described by a coupled flow–sediment shallow water equation. The steady solutions of this fluvial morphodynamic problem, physically represented by alternate bars scaling with the channel width, highlight the importance of the resonant conditions in defining the spatial extent of the bed deformation. The equations further suggest that in very shallow flows any asymmetric obstruction may lead to an upstream propagation of the steady bars, consistent with previous studies on the effects of channel curvature. In broad terms, this study provides the preliminary framework to control the onset of river meandering through imposed finite perturbations of the cross-section. In a more applied sense, it provides a tool to predict non-local scour–deposition patterns associated with the deployment of energy converters or other flow obstructions.

42 ENGINEERING↗

An unconditionally stable, time-implicit algorithm for solving the one-dimensional Vlasov–Poisson system

The development of an implicit, unconditionally stable, numerical method for solving the Vlasov–Poisson system in one dimension using a phase-space grid is presented. The algorithm uses the Crank–Nicolson discretization scheme and operator splitting allowing for direct solution of the finite difference equations. This method exactly conserves particle number, enstrophy and momentum. A variant of the algorithm which does not use splitting also exactly conserves energy but requires the use of iterative solvers. This algorithm has no dissipation and thus fine-scale variations can lead to oscillations and the production of negative values of the distribution function. We find that overall, the effects of negative values of the distribution function are relatively benign. We consider a variety of test cases that have been used extensively in the literature where numerical results can be compared with analytical solutions or growth rates. We examine higher-order differencing and construct higher-order temporal updates using standard composition methods.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Quadrupole and multi-collector ICP-MS analysis of 226 Ra in brain from a radium dial painter

We report two ICP-MS methods were developed to measure the radiotoxic isotope 226 Ra in brain tissues from a radium dial painter worker. The first method was a direct analysis of acid digested samples using quadrupole ICP-MS. The instrumental LOD of 226 Ra was 0.1 ng kg -1 . Polyatomic interferences at m/z 226 were investigated and Pb was identified from a polyatomic interferent in an in-house sample prepared from bovine brain, with a 226/208 formation ratio of 4 × 10 -8 . The quadrupole ICP-MS method was also used to measure levels of beryllium, strontium, and uranium. A second method was developed that included cation-exchange chromatography to separate 226 Ra followed by analysis with sector field MC-ICP-MS. The instrumental LOD for the cation exchange method with MC-ICP-MS detection was 0.5 pg kg -1 (19 mBq kg -1 ). The measured concentrations of 226 Ra in different brain regions ranged from 0.09–0.72 ng kg -1 (3.3–27 Bq kg -1 ) and radium was non-uniformly distributed in the brain.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Modelling and assessing the near-wake representation and turbulence behaviour of control-oriented wake models

Due to the interaction between the wake of an upstream turbine on a downstream turbine, power losses and increased fatigue loads occur. By yawing the upstream turbine with regard to the wind direction, one can potentially reduce the power losses of the downstream turbine and reduce the fatigue loads. The evolution of the wake depends on the pressure gradient within the near-wake region and the turbulent kinetic energy and must be incorporated in existing wake steering algorithms to provide an accurate estimation of the wake flow. This paper will show a first approach to implement a near-wake model and a turbulence model in the curled wake model within the controls-oriented framework FLORIS. The near-wake model is based on an analytical expression of the velocity profile to model the pressure gradient. Furthermore, two turbulence models are incorporated within the curled wake model based on a Gaussian-distribution and a mixing length formulation. The adapted curled wake model is then assessed with the measurement data acquired in the wind tunnel at ForWind – University of Oldenburg. The evaluation of the models show good agreement for the velocity deficit and representation of the near-wake region. Furthermore, the turbulent kinetic energy behaved as expected in comparison to other work, showing a ring of high turbulent kinetic energy at non-yawed condition which is deflected to a curled shape at large yaw angles with the turbulence model based on a mixing length formulation.

FLORIS↗

Investigation of Various Transformer Topologies for HF Isolation Applications

High-frequency (HF) transformers are an essential part of many power electronic devices. The performance and behavior of HF transformers can greatly affect the efficiency and performance of all systems, particularly, from a parasitic parameter point of view. In this article, HF transformers' parasitic parameters, such as leakage inductances and parasitic capacitances, are analyzed using a novel analytical method, finite element method (FEM), and experimental measurements of different structures and winding arrangements. Also, the magnetic field, electric field, electric displacement field, and electric potential distribution within the transformers are simulated and analyzed. Four different HF transformers with E and U cores with different windings are designed and analyzed. Investigation outcomes help to classify structures according to the trade-off between leakage inductances and series parasitic capacitances. This information can later be used for the optimal selection and design of transformers as a function of their operating frequency for any power rating and voltage level. Moreover, 3-D FEM and experimental results validate the proposed methodology to be used for designing HF transformers in high-voltage/power applications.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Light transport with weak angular dependence in fog

Random scattering and absorption of light by tiny particles in aerosols, like fog, reduce situational awareness and cause unacceptable down-time for critical systems or operations. Computationally efficient light transport models are desired for computational imaging to improve remote sensing capabilities in degraded optical environments. To this end, we have developed a model based on a weak angular dependence approximation to the Boltzmann or radiative transfer equation that appears to be applicable in both the moderate and highly scattering regimes, thereby covering the applicability domain of both the small angle and diffusion approximations. An analytic solution was derived and validated using experimental data acquired at the Sandia National Laboratory Fog Chamber facility. The evolution of the fog particle density and size distribution were measured and used to determine macroscopic absorption and scattering properties using Mie theory. A three-band (0.532, 1.55, and 9.68 µ m) transmissometer with lock-in amplifiers enabled changes in fog density of over an order of magnitude to be measured due to the increased transmission at higher wavelengths, covering both the moderate and highly scattering regimes. The meteorological optical range parameter is shown to be about 0.6 times the transport mean free path length, suggesting an improved physical interpretation of this parameter.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Analytically Derived Piezoelectric Ejecta Data Transformations, with Implications for Claims of Experimentally Observed Self-Similarity

Building upon a previously documented analytic formalism, we derive a set of data transformations that relate piezoelectrically inferred time-dependent ejecta masses, dynamical ejecta cloud densities, and "radiographic" ejecta cloud density distributions. These transformation rules are derived rigorously, with careful attention to the assumption of instant ejecta production which is inherent in the piezoelectric mass inference procedure. Some of these relationships have not appeared previously in the literature, including solutions for the unique ejecta velocity distribution and radiographic ejecta cloud density distribution consistent with the instant-production assumption for a given piezoelectrically inferred mass dataset. In deriving the latter, we prove that—again subject to the ubiquitous instant-creation assumption—measurements at a single sensor are sufficient to determine properties of the ejecta cloud everywhere at all times. Other data transformation relationships have appeared in the literature without a rigorous derivation, or have been stated in forms that obscure the key mathematical relationships. We apply these results to arguments for self-similar ejecta cloud evolution, thereby deriving mathematical expressions by which claims of self-similarity may be examined. We prove that one analysis used in the literature to claim experimental evidence of a short ejecta production timescale—and consequently of self-similar cloud evolution—in fact places no constraint the ejecta production interval and therefore does not support the associated conclusion. We also provide a potentially useful uniqueness proof.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Real-Time Fault Location Using the Retardation Method

A new method for short-circuit fault location is proposed. The method is based on instantaneous signal measurement and its first and second derivatives, which are the novel elements of the current approach. The derivatives allow associating a precise time stamp to the occurrence of the fault. Due to retardation phenomena, the difference between the times in which a signal is registered in two detectors can be used to locate the fault. We offer several mathematical models to describe the fault. Although a description of faults in terms of a lumped circuit is useful for elucidating the methods for detecting the fault, this description will not suffice to describe the fault signal propagation; hence, a distributed models is needed, which is given in terms of the telegraph equations. Those equations were used to derive a transmission line transfer function, and an exact analytical description of the fault signal propagating in the transmission line was obtained. The analytical solution was verified both by numerical simulations and experimentally.

42 ENGINEERING↗