Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “dynamic behavior”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,657 records · Page 92

Crashworthy Evaluation of a 1/5-Scale Model Composite Fuselage Concept

A 1/5-scale model composite fuselage concept for light aircraft and rotorcraft has been developed to satisfy structural and flight loads requirements and to satisfy design goals for improved crashworthiness. The 1/5-scale model fuselage consists of a relatively rigid upper section which forms the passenger cabin, a stiff structural floor, and an energy absorbing subfloor which is designed to limit impact forces during a crash event. The focus of the present paper is to describe the crashworthy evaluation of the fuselage concept through impact testing and finite element simulation using the nonlinear, explicit transient dynamic code, MSC/DYTRAN. The energy absorption behavior of two different subfloor configurations was determined through quasi-static crushing tests. For the dynamic evaluation, each subfloor configuration was incorporated into a 1/5-scale model fuselage section, which was impacted at 31 ft/s vertical velocity onto a rigid surface. The experimental data demonstrate that the fuselage section with a foam-filled subfloor configuration satisfied the impact design requirement. In addition, the fuselage section maintained excellent energy absorption behavior for a 31 ft/s vertical drop test with a 15 deg-roll impact attitude. Good correlation was obtained between the experimental data and analytical results for both impact conditions.

Jackson, Karen E.↗

Synaptic Functionality and Neuromorphic Information Processing in Membrane Ion Channel Junctions

The human brain performs complex memory and computational tasks with high energy efficiency by regulating ion transport through membrane channels. These signaling mechanisms have been inspiring the development of nanofluidic memristors that emulate synaptic behavior. Here, in this study, we describe a membrane ion channel synapse (MICS), constructed from aqueous droplets linked by gramicidin A channels, that achieves neuromorphic functionality. MICS exhibits memristive ion transport with hysteretic current–voltage behavior arising from voltage-dependent channel formation and ion transport dynamics. MICS emulates a range of synaptic behaviors including associative learning. We further demonstrate its application in reservoir computing by performing handwritten digit classification and tic-tac-toe game and explore the system parameters that improve the computational performance. This droplet-based biomimetic synapse offers a potentially scalable and energy-efficient platform for next-generation neuromorphic computing systems.

Droplet interface bilayer↗

Texas Instruments /TI/ 800 x 800 charge-coupled device /CCD/ image sensor

Very-large area high-performance CCD image sensors with 800 x 800 pixel format have been successfully fabricated and operated on the basis of a three-level polysilicon gate technology. They are thinned to 8 microns over the entire 12.2 x 12.2 mm active area, and are used in the rear illumination mode. The light transfer characteristic has a gamma value of 1.000 + or - 0.002 over most of the dynamic range. Analysis of the noise behavior shows that the device SNR is shot-noise-limited over most of the dynamic range. Simple on-chip signal processing can be performed using an integration well to noiselessly collect signal charge from multiple pixels prior to reading out the charge. A UV-sensitive phosphor has been applied to the chip, yielding a device capable of imaging at wavelengths from the vacuum UV to the near IR.

Blouke, M. M.↗

Visualizing Parallel Computer System Performance

Parallel computer systems are among the most complex of man's creations, making satisfactory performance characterization difficult. Despite this complexity, there are strong, indeed, almost irresistible, incentives to quantify parallel system performance using a single metric. The fallacy lies in succumbing to such temptations. A complete performance characterization requires not only an analysis of the system's constituent levels, it also requires both static and dynamic characterizations. Static or average behavior analysis may mask transients that dramatically alter system performance. Although the human visual system is remarkedly adept at interpreting and identifying anomalies in false color data, the importance of dynamic, visual scientific data presentation has only recently been recognized Large, complex parallel system pose equally vexing performance interpretation problems. Data from hardware and software performance monitors must be presented in ways that emphasize important events while eluding irrelevant details. Design approaches and tools for performance visualization are the subject of this paper.

Malony, Allen D.↗

Adjustable Autonomy Testbed

The Adjustable Autonomy Testbed (AAT) is a simulation-based testbed located in the Intelligent Systems Laboratory in the Automation, Robotics and Simulation Division at NASA Johnson Space Center. The purpose of the testbed is to support evaluation and validation of prototypes of adjustable autonomous agent software for control and fault management for complex systems. The AA T project has developed prototype adjustable autonomous agent software and human interfaces for cooperative fault management. This software builds on current autonomous agent technology by altering the architecture, components and interfaces for effective teamwork between autonomous systems and human experts. Autonomous agents include a planner, flexible executive, low level control and deductive model-based fault isolation. Adjustable autonomy is intended to increase the flexibility and effectiveness of fault management with an autonomous system. The test domain for this work is control of advanced life support systems for habitats for planetary exploration. The CONFIG hybrid discrete event simulation environment provides flexible and dynamically reconfigurable models of the behavior of components and fluids in the life support systems. Both discrete event and continuous (discrete time) simulation are supported, and flows and pressures are computed globally. This provides fast dynamic simulations of interacting hardware systems in closed loops that can be reconfigured during operations scenarios, producing complex cascading effects of operations and failures. Current object-oriented model libraries support modeling of fluid systems, and models have been developed of physico-chemical and biological subsystems for processing advanced life support gases. In FY01, water recovery system models will be developed.

Malin, Jane T.↗

Nonlinear dynamics of the magnetosphere and space weather

The solar wind-magnetosphere system exhibits coherence on the global scale and such behavior can arise from nonlinearity on the dynamics. The observational time series data were used together with phase space reconstruction techniques to analyze the magnetospheric dynamics. Analysis of the solar wind, auroral electrojet and Dst indices showed low dimensionality of the dynamics and accurate prediction can be made with an input/output model. The predictability of the magnetosphere in spite of the apparent complexity arises from its dynamical synchronism with the solar wind. The electrodynamic coupling between different regions of the magnetosphere yields its coherent, low dimensional behavior. The data from multiple satellites and ground stations can be used to develop a spatio-temporal model that identifies the coupling between different regions. These nonlinear dynamical models provide space weather forecasting capabilities.

Sharma, A. Surjalal↗

Exploring the Feasibility of INCONEL® ALLOY 740H® for Power Plant Headers: Integrating Machine Learning with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

This keynote presentation explores the behavior of headers—essential components of pipeline systems—using ANSYS simulation software and machine learning techniques. The study aims to predict the thermal and mechanical performance of headers under diverse conditions through both steady-state and transient simulations. We investigate critical parameters such as heat transfer coefficient, fluid velocity, and temperature to optimize header design. Conducted as part of a DOE project led by NCAT in collaboration with UNC Charlotte, this research encompasses multiple key topics. The initial section focuses on the behavior of header systems under steady-state conditions using ANSYS simulation. It underscores the importance of headers in industrial infrastructure, especially in the energy sector, and examines the implications of material selection and flow direction on heat transfer dynamics. Methodologically, we employ Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis through ANSYS, detailing the development of models, material properties, geometry specifications, boundary conditions, and meshing strategies. Our simulations explore various operational parameters, including temperature and mass flow rates, crucial for predicting heat transfer coefficients and enhancing header design. Results from the study include parametric investigations into mesh sensitivity, viscosity model evaluations, and the effects of heat transfer locations, all validated against theoretical calculations. We conclude with insights on mesh optimization, the suitability of viscosity models, and recommendations for future research aimed at improving header system efficiency and sustainability in industrial applications.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Dynamic analysis of heart rate may predict subsequent ventricular tachycardia after myocardial infarction

Dynamics analysis of RR interval behavior and traditional measures of heart rate variability were compared between postinfarction patients with and without vulnerability to ventricular tachyarrhythmias in a case-control study. Short-term fractal correlation of heart rate dynamics was better than traditional measures of heart rate variability in differentiating patients with and without life-threatening arrhythmias.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

Adaptive Stiffness Power Take-Off System for a Hydraulic Hose-Pump Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter

Two crucial challenges faced in the design of ocean wave energy converters (WECs) are maintaining high capacity factors and remaining robust in everchanging, harsh ocean environments. This study introduces a novel mechanism for achieving reactive WEC control with a soft hydraulic power take-off, thereby addressing both challenges. The device of interest involves a hydraulic pump, constructed from a fluidic flexible matrix composite (F2MC), which is cyclically stretched by driving waves and pressurizes working fluid through a turbine-generator. This class of fiber-reinforced stretch hoses is established for ocean use as robust moorings and shock absorbers. The dynamic properties of the F2MC pump depend on internal pressure, which can be controlled by a continuously variable transmission between the turbine and generator, allowing the system to be adapted for better performance over a wide range of wave conditions. This work presents a dynamic model for operation and adaptive behavior of this power take-off system, experimentally validates components of the model, and performs dynamic simulations of the system that show increases in power production and capacity factor compared to non-adaptive operation for a variety of driving wave conditions. This work develops the basis for future large-scale experimental testing and controller design of this system.

Wave energy conversion, fluidic flexible matrix co↗

Subsynchronous instability of a geared centrifugal compressor of overhung design

The original design analysis and shop test data are presented for a three stage (poster) air compressor with impellers mounted on the extensions of a twin pinion gear, and driven by an 8000 hp synchronous motor. Also included are field test data, subsequent rotor dynamics analysis, modifications, and final rotor behavior. A subsynchronous instability existed on a geared, overhung rotor. State-of-the-art rotor dynamics analysis techniques provided a reasonable analytical model of the rotor. A bearing modification arrived at analytically eliminated the instability.

Hudson, J. H.↗

Interface Instabilities in the Interstellar Medium

In the present communication, we reexamine two limiting cases of star-forming mechanisms involving self-gravity, thermodynamics, and velocity fields, that we believe must be ubiquitous in the ISM -- the generally oblique collision of supersonic gas streams or turbulent eddies. The general case of oblique collisions has not yet been examined. However, two limiting cases have been studied in detail: (1) The head-on collision of two identical gas streams that form dense, cool accretion shocks that become unstable and may form Jeans mass clouds, which subsequently undergo collapse. (2) Linearly unstable tangential velocity discontinuities, which result in Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) instabilities and related phenomena. The compressible K-H instabilities exhibit rich and unexpected behaviors. Moreover a new thermal-dynamic (T-D) mode was discovered that arises from the coupling of the perturbed thermal behavior and the unperturbed flow. The T-D mode has the curious characteristic that it may be strongly unstable to interface modes when the global modes in either medium are absolutely thermally stable. In the present communication additional models of case 1 are described and discussed, and self-gravity is added in the linear theory of tangential discontinuities, case 2. We prove that self-gravity fundamentally changes the behavior of interfacial modes -- density discontinuities (or steps) are inherently unstable on roughly the free-fall timescale of the denser medium to perturbations of all wavelengths.

Hunter, J. H., Jr.↗

Revolutionizing Energy Storage: AI, Automation, and Advanced Modeling as Catalysts for Next-Generation Breakthroughs

The Presidential Symposium (PRES) at the 2025 Fall Meeting, hosted by the President’s Office and Energy and Fuels Division, American Chemical Society (ACS) in Washington, DC, brought together a diverse group of chemists, engineers, and materials scientists working in battery materials & systems, automation and artificial intelligence from academia, industry, and national laboratories. The accelerating demand for high-performance, scalable, and sustainable energy storage has catalyzed a paradigm shift in how materials are dis-covered, devices are engineered, and systems are optimized. This Presidential Symposium, entitled “Revolutionizing Energy Storage: AI, Automation, and Advanced Modeling Driving Next-Gen Breakthroughs”, brings together global leaders to unveil transformative strategies anchored in the AAA framework: Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Advanced Modeling. Artificial Intelligence is redefining the frontiers of energy storage by enabling predictive design, real-time optimization, and intelligent control across diverse chemistries and architectures. Automation is streamlining the synthesis, characterization, and testing of battery materials, dramatically accelerating innovation cycles and unlocking scalable solutions for grid and mobility applications. Advanced Modeling, spanning atomic to system-level scales, provides unprecedented insight into electrochemical dynamics, degradation pathways, and thermal behavior, particularly when coupled with physics-informed machine learning and digital twin technologies. Digital twins, in turn, leverage the AAA framework by integrating real-time data, physics-based models, and AI predictions into dynamic virtual replicas, enabling proactive diagnostics, optimization, and system resilience. Together, these synergistic pillars are not only re-shaping the scientific landscape but also forging a new era of reproducible, data-driven, and resilient energy storage innovation. In conclusion, this symposium marks a pivotal moment in the convergence of computational intelligence and experimental rigor, charting the course for next-generation breakthroughs in lithium-ion, solid-state, and flow battery technologies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)↗

Anharmonic phonon behavior via irreducible derivatives: Self-consistent perturbation theory and molecular dynamics

Cubic phonon interactions are now regularly computed from first principles, and the quartic interactions have begun to receive more attention. Given this realistic anharmonic vibrational Hamiltonian, the classical phonon Green's function can be precisely measured using molecular dynamics, which can then be used to rigorously assess the range of validity for self-consistent diagrammatic approaches in the classical limit. Here we use the bundled irreducible derivative approach to efficiently and precisely compute the cubic and quartic phonon interactions of CaF 2 , systematically obtaining the vibrational Hamiltonian purely in terms of irreducible derivatives. We demonstrate that the 4-phonon sunset diagram has an important contribution to the optical phonon linewidths beyond T = 500 K. Reasonable results are obtained even at T = 900 K when performing self-consistency using the 4-phonon loop diagram and evaluating the 3-phonon bubble and 4-phonon sunset diagrams post-self-consistency. Further improvements are obtained by performing quasiparticle perturbation theory, where both the 4-phonon loop and the real part of the 3-phonon bubble are employed during self-consistency. Finally, our irreducible derivative approach to self-consistent perturbation theory is a robust tool for studying anharmonic phonons in both the quantum and classical regimes.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Rewarding Grid-Friendly Behavior: Estimating the Potential Bill Reduction and Load Shifting Benefits of Dynamic Prices

Shifting electric load from times of peak demand can be a key strategy to slow price growth as reducing peak demand avoids the cost of upgrading generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. Utilities are releasing time-varying prices, such as time of use rates or dynamic prices, to incentivize grid-friendly load shifting. New dynamic price programs provide insight into the true cost of operating electricity grids and the potential economic benefits of load shifting. Program developers and device manufacturers need to understand the economic opportunities in terms of 1) the variation in prices across hours, days, and seasons; 2) the change in utility bills for customers who don’t shift load; and 3) the potential load shifted and economic value of different technologies if manufacturers or aggregators deploy price-responsive controls. This paper estimates possible impacts of dynamic price adoption and load shifting controls if customers paid the dynamic rate from one pilot program. Statistical analysis of historical prices identified annual and seasonal metrics as well as representative price curves for each circuit in the pilot. Simulations for residential technologies with price-responsive controls including unitary heat pump water heaters, central multifamily heat pump water heaters, heating & cooling + storage systems, and pool pumps estimated the potential impacts of highly dynamic prices both with and without load shifting controls. Results showed the potential to reduce electricity costs on representative days by 42-94% and reduce consumption during times of high electricity prices by 63-100% compared to baseline operation for those flex-friendly devices.

Grant, Peter↗

Evaluation and Analysis of F-16XL Wind Tunnel Data From Static and Dynamic Tests

A series of wind tunnel tests were conducted in the NASA Langley Research Center as part of an ongoing effort to develop and test mathematical models for aircraft rigid-body aerodynamics in nonlinear unsteady flight regimes. Analysis of measurement accuracy, especially for nonlinear dynamic systems that may exhibit complicated behaviors, is an essential component of this ongoing effort. In this report, tools for harmonic analysis of dynamic data and assessing measurement accuracy are presented. A linear aerodynamic model is assumed that is appropriate for conventional forced-oscillation experiments, although more general models can be used with these tools. Application of the tools to experimental data is demonstrated and results indicate the levels of uncertainty in output measurements that can arise from experimental setup, calibration procedures, mechanical limitations, and input errors.

Kim, Sungwan↗

Evaluation and Analysis of F-16XL Wind Tunnel Data from Dynamic Tests

A series of wind tunnel tests were conducted in the NASA Langley Research Center as part of an ongoing effort to develop and test mathematical models for aircraft rigid-body aerodynamics in nonlinear unsteady flight regimes. Analysis of measurement accuracy, especially for nonlinear dynamic systems that may exhibit complicated behaviors, is an essential component of this ongoing effort. In this paper, tools for harmonic analysis of dynamic data and assessing measurement accuracy are presented. A linear aerodynamic model is assumed that is appropriate for conventional forced-oscillation experiments, although more general models can be used with these tools. Application of the tools to experimental data is demonstrated and results indicate the levels of uncertainty in output measurements that can arise from experimental setup, calibration procedures, mechanical limitations, and input errors.

Kim, Sungwan↗

Dynamical Approach Study of Spurious Steady-State Numerical Solutions of Nonlinear Differential Equations: Global Asymptotic Behavior of Time Discretizations - Part 2

The global asymptotic nonlinear behavior of 11 explicit and implicit time discretizations for four 2 x 2 systems of first-order autonomous nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is analyzed. The objectives are to gain a basic understanding of the difference in the dynamics of numerics between the scalars and systems of nonlinear autonomous ODEs and to set a baseline global asymptotic solution behavior of these schemes for practical computations in computational fluid dynamics. We show how 'numerical' basins of attraction can complement the bifurcation diagrams in gaining more detailed global asymptotic behavior of time discretizations for nonlinear differential equations (DEs). We show how in the presence of spurious asymptotes the basins of the true stable steady states can be segmented by the basins of the spurious stable and unstable asymptotes. One major consequence of this phenomenon which is not commonly known is that this spurious behavior can result in a dramatic distortion and, in most cases, a dramatic shrinkage and segmentation of the basin of attraction of the true solution for finite time steps. Such distortion, shrinkage and segmentation of the numerical basins of attraction will occur regardless of the stability of the spurious asymptotes, and will occur for unconditionally stable implicit linear multistep methods. In other words, for the same (common) steady-state solution the associated basin of attraction of the DE might be very different from the discretized counterparts and the numerical basin of attraction can be very different from numerical method to numerical method. The results can be used as an explanation for possible causes of error, and slow convergence and nonconvergence of steady-state numerical solutions when using the time-dependent approach for nonlinear hyperbolic or parabolic PDEs.

Yee, H. C.↗

Dynamical Approach Study of Spurious Steady-State Numerical Solutions of Nonlinear Differential Equations: Global Asymptotic Behavior of Time Discretizations - 2

The global asymptotic nonlinear behavior of 1 1 explicit and implicit time discretizations for four 2 x 2 systems of first-order autonomous nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODES) is analyzed. The objectives are to gain a basic understanding of the difference in the dynamics of numerics between the scalars and systems of nonlinear autonomous ODEs and to set a baseline global asymptotic solution behavior of these schemes for practical computations in computational fluid dynamics. We show how 'numerical' basins of attraction can complement the bifurcation diagrams in gaining more detailed global asymptotic behavior of time discretizations for nonlinear differential equations (DEs). We show how in the presence of spurious asymptotes the basins of the true stable steady states can be segmented by the basins of the spurious stable and unstable asymptotes. One major consequence of this phenomenon which is not commonly known is that this spurious behavior can result in a dramatic distortion and, in most cases, a dramatic shrinkage and segmentation of the basin of attraction of the true solution for finite time steps. Such distortion, shrinkage and segmentation of the numerical basins of attraction will occur regardless of the stability of the spurious asymptotes, and will occur for unconditionally stable implicit linear multistep methods. In other words, for the same (common) steady-state solution the associated basin of attraction of the DE might be very different from the discretized counterparts and the numerical basin of attraction can be very different from numerical method to numerical method. The results can be used as an explanation for possible causes of error, and slow convergence and nonconvergence of steady-state numerical solutions when using the time-dependent approach for nonlinear hyperbolic or parabolic PDES.

Yee, H. C.↗