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At least 1,693 records · Page 94
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

THE MEGAMASER COSMOLOGY PROJECT. VII. INVESTIGATING DISK PHYSICS USING SPECTRAL MONITORING OBSERVATIONS

We use single-dish radio spectra of known 22 GHz H{sub 2}O megamasers, primarily gathered from the large data set observed by the Megamaser Cosmology Project, to identify Keplerian accretion disks and to investigate several aspects of the disk physics. We test a mechanism for maser excitation proposed by Maoz and McKee (1998), whereby population inversion arises in gas behind spiral shocks traveling through the disk. Though the flux of redshifted features is larger on average than that of blueshifted features, in support of the model, the high-velocity features show none of the predicted systematic velocity drifts. We find rapid intra-day variability in the maser spectrum of ESO 558−G009 that is likely the result of interstellar scintillation, for which we favor a nearby (D ≈ 70 pc) scattering screen. In a search for reverberation in six well-sampled sources, we find that any radially propagating signal must be contributing ≲10% of the total variability. We also set limits on the magnetic field strengths in seven sources, using strong flaring events to check for the presence of Zeeman splitting. These limits are typically 200–300 mG (1σ), but our most stringent limits reach down to 73 mG for the galaxy NGC 1194.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Phase diagram of the three-dimensional subsystem toric code

Subsystem quantum error-correcting codes typically involve measuring a sequence of noncommuting parity check operators. They can sometimes exhibit greater fault tolerance than conventional codes, which use commuting checks. However, unlike subspace codes, it is unclear if subsystem codes—in particular their advantages—can be understood in terms of ground-state properties of a physical Hamiltonian. In this paper, we address this question for the three-dimensional subsystem toric code (3D STC), as recently constructed by Kubica and Vasmer [], which exhibits single-shot error correction. Motivated by a conjectured relation between single-shot properties and thermal stability, we study the zero- and finite-temperature phases of an associated noncommuting Hamiltonian. By mapping the Hamiltonian model to a pair of 3D Z 2 gauge theories coupled by a kinetic constraint, we find various phases at zero temperature, all separated by first-order transitions: There are 3D toric code-like phases with deconfined point-like excitations in the bulk, and there are phases with a confined bulk supporting a 2D toric code on the surface when appropriate boundary conditions are chosen. The latter is similar to the surface topological order present in 3D STC. However, the similarities between the single-shot correction in 3D STC and the confined phases are only partial: they share the same sets of degrees of freedom, but they are governed by different dynamical rules. Instead, we argue that the process of single-shot error correction can more suitably be associated with a path (rather than a point) in the zero-temperature phase diagram, a perspective, which inspires alternative measurement sequences enabling single-shot error correction. Moreover, since none of the above-mentioned phases survives at nonzero temperature, the single-shot error-correction property of the code does not imply thermal stability of the associated Hamiltonian phase. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Li, Yaodong (ORCID:0000000337421944)↗
DOE OSTI2014

Quality-Controlled Upper-Air Sounding Dataset for DYNAMO/CINDY/AMIE: Development and Corrections

The upper-air sounding network for DYNAMO (Dynamics of the Madden-Julian Oscillation or MJO) has provided an unprecedented set of observations for studying the MJO over the Indian Ocean (IO) where coupling of this oscillation with deep convection first occurs. With 72 sounding sites and dropsonde data from 13 aircraft mission, the sonde network covers the tropics from Eastern African to the West Pacific. In total nearly 26,000 sondes were collected from this network during the experiment’s 6-month extended observing period (from October 2011 to March 2012). Slightly more than half of the sondes, collected from 33 sites, are at high vertical resolution. Rigorous post-field phase processing of the sonde data included several levels of quality checks and a variety of corrections which address a number of issues (e.g., daytime dry bias, baseline surface data errors, ship deck-heating effects, artificial dry spikes in slow ascent sondes). Because of the importance of an accurate description of the moisture field in meeting the scientific goals of the experiments, particular attention is given to humidity correction and its validation. The humidity corrections, though small relative to some previous field campaigns, produced high fidelity moisture analyses in which sonde precipitable water compared well with independent estimates. An assessment of model operational analyses moisture using corrected sonde data shows an overall good agreement with the exception at upper-levels where model moisture and clouds are more abundant than the sounding data would indicate.

dataset↗
DOE OSTI2016

MWR3C physical retrievals of precipitable water vapor and cloud liquid water path

The data set contains physical retrievals of PWV and cloud LWP retrieved from MWR3C measurements during the MAGIC campaign. Additional data used in the retrieval process include radiosondes and ceilometer. The retrieval is based on an optimal estimation technique that starts from a first guess and iteratively repeats the forward model calculations until a predefined convergence criterion is satisfied. The first guess is a vector of [PWV,LWP] from the neural network retrieval fields in the netcdf file. When convergence is achieved the 'a posteriori' covariance is computed and its square root is expressed in the file as the retrieval 1-sigma uncertainty. The closest radiosonde profile is used for the radiative transfer calculations and ceilometer data are used to constrain the cloud base height. The RMS error between the brightness temperatures is computed at the last iterations as a consistency check and is written in the last column of the output file.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1981

Atmospheric structure of the outer planets from thermal emission data

Methods for determining atmospheric structure exploit the opacities provided by the collision induced H2 dipole and the nu4 fundamental of CH4. In addition to earth-based observations, useful measurements of thermal emission from Jupiter and Saturn have been or soon will be made by several spacecraft, with results cross-checked with independent radio occultaion results. For Uranus and Neptune, only a limited set of whole-disk earth-based data exists. All the outer planets show evidence for stratospheric temperature inversions; temperature minima range from about 105 K for Jupiter and 87 K for Saturn, to roughly 55 K for Uranus and Neptune. Remaining problems may be resolved by better quantitative understanding of gas and aerosol absorption and scattering properties, chemical composition, and non-LTE source functions. Ultimately, temperature structure results must be supplemented by quantitative energy equilibrium models which will allow some meaning to be given to the relationships between such characteristics as temperature, clouds, incident solar and planetary radiation, and chemical composition.

Orton, G. S.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Automatic Debugging Support for UML Designs

Design of large software systems requires rigorous application of software engineering methods covering all phases of the software process. Debugging during the early design phases is extremely important, because late bug-fixes are expensive. In this paper, we describe an approach which facilitates debugging of UML requirements and designs. The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a set of notations for object-orient design of a software system. We have developed an algorithm which translates requirement specifications in the form of annotated sequence diagrams into structured statecharts. This algorithm detects conflicts between sequence diagrams and inconsistencies in the domain knowledge. After synthesizing statecharts from sequence diagrams, these statecharts usually are subject to manual modification and refinement. By using the "backward" direction of our synthesis algorithm. we are able to map modifications made to the statechart back into the requirements (sequence diagrams) and check for conflicts there. Fed back to the user conflicts detected by our algorithm are the basis for deductive-based debugging of requirements and domain theory in very early development stages. Our approach allows to generate explanations oil why there is a conflict and which parts of the specifications are affected.

Schumann, Johann↗
NASA NTRS1988

Watchdog activity monitor (WAM) for use wth high coverage processor self-test

A high fault coverage, instruction modeled self-test for a signal processor in a user environment is disclosed. The self-test executes a sequence of sub-tests and issues a state transition signal upon the execution of each sub-test. The self-test may be combined with a watchdog activity monitor (WAM) which provides a test-failure signal in the presence of a counted number of state transitions not agreeing with an expected number. An independent measure of time may be provided in the WAM to increase fault coverage by checking the processor's clock. Additionally, redundant processor systems are protected from inadvertent unsevering of a severed processor using a unique unsever arming technique and apparatus.

Tulpule, Bhalchandra R.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Establishing Fault Tolerance for a Class of Systems by Experiment

A long-standing problem in system verification is establishing fault tolerance at the ultra-high level by experiment. It is considered impossible because of system complexity and the enormous number of trials needed. This paper considers the problem for a class of digital systems that use redundancy to achieve reliability. The class is the systems that operate for a period of time without maintenance followed by a maintenance check that replaces components identified as faulty. The paper considers simulating a natural life test where a natural life test observes a number of operating periods. If the system does not fail during the test, it can be said to have a certain reliability at a certain confidence level. The approach in this paper is to make the simulated life test more efficient while maintaining realism by integrating structural arguments, information on fault occurrence, and fault injection in the lab. The major result of this paper is constructing a global fault model using the failure rate of the components and proving theorems about the model that tell how many, what kind, when, and where to inject faults. A simple example illustrates applying the theorems.

design of experiments↗
NASA NTRS1989

Results of including geometric nonlinearities in an aeroelastic model of an F/A-18

An integrated, nonlinear simulation model suitable for aeroelastic modeling of fixed-wing aircraft has been developed. While the author realizes that the subject of modeling rotating, elastic structures is not closed, it is believed that the equations of motion developed and applied herein are correct to second order and are suitable for use with typical aircraft structures. The equations are not suitable for large elastic deformation. In addition, the modeling framework generalizes both the methods and terminology of non-linear rigid-body airplane simulation and traditional linear aeroelastic modeling. Concerning the importance of angular/elastic inertial coupling in the dynamic analysis of fixed-wing aircraft, the following may be said. The rigorous inclusion of said coupling is not without peril and must be approached with care. In keeping with the same engineering judgment that guided the development of the traditional aeroelastic equations, the effect of non-linear inertial effects for most airplane applications is expected to be small. A parameter does not tell the whole story, however, and modes flagged by the parameter as significant also need to be checked to see if the coupling is not a one-way path, i.e., the inertially affected modes can influence other modes.

Buttrill, Carey S.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Thermal protection system ablation sensor

An isotherm sensor tracks space vehicle temperatures by a thermal protection system (TPS) material during vehicle re-entry as a function of time, and surface recession through calibration, calculation, analysis and exposed surface modeling. Sensor design includes: two resistive conductors, wound around a tube, with a first end of each conductor connected to a constant current source, and second ends electrically insulated from each other by a selected material that becomes an electrically conductive char at higher temperatures to thereby complete an electrical circuit. The sensor conductors become shorter as ablation proceeds and reduced resistance in the completed electrical circuit (proportional to conductor length) is continually monitored, using measured end-to-end voltage change or current in the circuit. Thermocouple and/or piezoelectric measurements provide consistency checks on local temperatures.

Gorbunov, Sergey↗
NASA NTRS2023

Cloud Computing Option for Modeling the Debris Environment

NASA’s Digital Transformation Initiative aims to promote the agency’s adoption of current and evolving digital technologies. Through agency-wide collaboration with other NASA teams, the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) has directed the Orbital Debris Program Office and the Meteoroid Environment Office to integrate cloud computing technologies into their publicly released software models: the Orbital Debris Engineering Model (ORDEM) and the Meteoroid Engineering Model (MEM). Decoupling the user interface from the backend processor was key for the software packages to run on a cloud computing framework. Benefits to this design include horizontal scaling of computing resources, user authentication and authorization, and automated deployment. Both models are hosted on a cloud computing platform supported by the NASA authorized IT security and compliance framework. This paper focuses on the new ORDEM web application, which includes the current features of the publicly released ORDEM software with an upgraded frontend design, although parallels between ORDEM and MEM are also discussed. The underlying ORDEM processor is run on a cloud container, allowing the user to run multiple spacecraft and telescope/radar mode simulations. Features exclusive to the ORDEM web application, such as importing multiple TLEs, auto-generated plotting, and the ability to check runtime progress are discussed. Comparisons between the current ORDEM software and the web application are summarized.

Andrew Vavrin↗
DOE OSTI2013

THE SDSS-III BARYON OSCILLATION SPECTROSCOPIC SURVEY: THE QUASAR LUMINOSITY FUNCTION FROM DATA RELEASE NINE

We present a new measurement of the optical quasar luminosity function (QLF), using data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey-III: Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (SDSS-III: BOSS). From the SDSS-III Data Release Nine, a uniform sample of 22,301 i {approx}< 21.8 quasars are selected over an area of 2236 deg{sup 2}, with confirmed spectroscopic redshifts between 2.2 < z < 3.5, filling in a key part of the luminosity-redshift plane for optical quasar studies. The completeness of the survey is derived through simulated quasar photometry, and this completeness estimate is checked using a sample of quasars selected by their photometric variability within the BOSS footprint. We investigate the level of systematics associated with our quasar sample using the simulations, in the process generating color-redshift relations and a new quasar K-correction. We probe the faint end of the QLF to M{sub i} (z = 2.2) Almost-Equal-To -24.5 and see a clear break in the QLF at all redshifts up to z = 3.5. A log-linear relation (in log {Phi}* - M*) for a luminosity evolution and density evolution model is found to adequately describe our data within the range 2.2 < z < 3.5; across this interval the break luminosity increases by a factor of {approx}2.6 while {Phi}* declines by a factor of {approx}8. At z {approx}< 2.2 our data are reasonably well fit by a pure luminosity evolution model, and only a weak signature of ''AGN downsizing'' is seen, in line with recent studies of the hard X-ray luminosity function. We compare our measured QLF to a number of theoretical models and find that models making a variety of assumptions about quasar triggering and halo occupation can fit our data over a wide range of redshifts and luminosities.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-242: A Method for Collision Avoidance in External Beam Radiation Therapy

Purpose: We proposed a method for collision avoidance (CA) in external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). The method encompasses the analysis of all positions of the moving components of the beam delivery system such as the treatment table and gantry, including patient specific information obtained from the CT images. This method eliminates the need for time-consuming dry-runs prior to the actual treatments. Methods: The QA procedure for EBRT requires that the collision should be checked prior to treatment. We developed a system capable of a rigorous computer simulation of all moving components including positions of the couch and gantry during the delivery, position of the patients, and imaging equipment. By running this treatment simulation it is possible to quantify and graphically represent all positions and corresponding trajectories of all points of the moving parts during the treatment delivery. The development of the workflow for implementation of the CA includes several steps: a) derivation of combined dynamic equation of motion of the EBRT delivery systems, b) developing the simulation model capable of drawing the motion trajectories of the specific points, c) developing the interface between the model and the treatment plan parameters such as couch and gantry parameters for each field. Results: The patient CT images were registered to the treatment couch so the patient dimensions were included into the simulation. The treatment field parameters were structured in the xml-file which was used as the input into the dynamic equations. The trajectories of the moving components were plotted on the same graph using the dynamic equations. If the trajectories intersect that was the signal that collision exists. Conclusion: This CA method was proved to be effective in the simulation of treatment delivery. The proper implementation of this system can potentially improve the QA program and increase the efficacy in the clinical setup.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Validation of the DESI DR2 measurements of baryon acoustic oscillations from galaxies and quasars

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) Data Release 2 (DR2) galaxy and quasar clustering data represents a significant expansion of data from Data Release 1 (DR1), providing improved statistical precision in baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) constraints across multiple tracers, including bright galaxies, luminous red galaxies, emission line galaxies, and quasars. In this paper, we validate the BAO analysis of DR2. We present the results of robustness tests on the blinded DR2 data and, after unblinding, consistency checks on the unblinded DR2 data. All results are compared with those obtained from a suite of mock catalogs that replicate the selection and clustering properties of the DR2 sample. We confirm the consistency of DR2 BAO measurements with DR1 while achieving a reduction in statistical uncertainties due to the increased survey volume and completeness. The combined BAO precision, including both statistical and systematic errors, improves from ∼0.52% in DR1 to 0.30% in DR2—a factor of 1.7 gain. We assess the impact of analysis choices, including different data vectors (correlation function vs power spectrum), modeling approaches and systematics treatments, and an assumption of the Gaussian likelihood, finding that our BAO constraints are stable across these variations and assumptions with a few minor refinements to the baseline setup of the DR1 BAO analysis. We summarize a series of pre-unblinding tests that confirmed the readiness of our analysis pipeline, the final systematic errors, and the DR2 BAO analysis baseline. The successful completion of these tests led to the unblinding of the DR2 BAO measurements, ultimately leading to the DESI DR2 cosmological analysis, with their implications for the expansion history of the Universe and the nature of dark energy presented in the DESI key paper (companion paper).

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2015

EM Modeling of Far-Field Radiation Patterns for Antennas on the GMA-TT UAV

To optimize communication with the Generic Modular Aircraft T-Tail (GMA-TT) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), electromagnetic (EM) simulations have been performed to predict the performance of two antenna types on the aircraft. Simulated far-field radiation patterns tell the amount of power radiated by the antennas and the aircraft together, taking into account blockage by the aircraft as well as radiation by conducting and dielectric portions of the aircraft. With a knowledge of the polarization and distance of the two communicating antennas, e.g. one on the UAV and one on the ground, and the transmitted signal strength, a calculation may be performed to find the strength of the signal travelling from one antenna to the other and to check that the transmitted signal meets the receiver system requirements for the designated range. In order to do this, the antenna frequency and polarization must be known for each antenna, in addition to its design and location. The permittivity, permeability, and geometry of the UAV components must also be known. The full-wave method of moments solution produces the appropriate dBi radiation pattern in which the received signal strength is calculated relative to that of an isotropic radiator.

Mackenzie, Anne I.↗
NASA NTRS1997

The Diffuse Interstellar Medium

A major component of this research is to extend existing models of thermal processes in the local interstellar medium to the inner and outer Galaxy. In completing this goal we have calculated the thermal equilibrium gas temperature of the neutral diffuse gas and constructed phase diagrams (gas pressure versus density) for gas at galactic radii between 3 and 18 kpc. An important ingredient in this computation is the far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation field in the Galactic disk. This radiation is important since photoelectric heating via FUV radiation on dust grains is expected to be a dominant heating process in the diffuse via gas. As a check of our calculated FUV field, we compared the infrared luminosity predicted by our theory with the observations of the COBE DIRBE space satellite and found the two to be in quite good agreement. Using our phase diagrams we have predicted the thermal pressure in the Galactic plane for which a multiphase equilibrium can be maintained. In addition, by using the maximum thermal pressure allowed by the observations, we have constrained the Galactic radii over which both cold and warm gas must exist, may exist, and cannot exist.

Hollenbach, David↗
NASA NTRS2014

Data Used in Quantified Reliability Models

Data is the crux to developing quantitative risk and reliability models, without the data there is no quantification. The means to find and identify reliability data or failure numbers to quantify fault tree models during conceptual and design phases is often the quagmire that precludes early decision makers consideration of potential risk drivers that will influence design. The analyst tasked with addressing a system or product reliability depends on the availability of data. But, where is does that data come from and what does it really apply to? Commercial industries, government agencies, and other international sources might have available data similar to what you are looking for. In general, internal and external technical reports and data based on similar and dissimilar equipment is often the first and only place checked. A common philosophy is "I have a number - that is good enough". But, is it? Have you ever considered the difference in reported data from various federal datasets and technical reports when compared to similar sources from national and/or international datasets? Just how well does your data compare? Understanding how the reported data was derived, and interpreting the information and details associated with the data is as important as the data itself.

DeMott, Diana↗
DOE OSTI2014

Coexistence of considerable inter-particle interactions and spin-glass behavior in La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles

We have studied the magnetic and spin-glass (SG) properties of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} single-crystalline nanoparticles, which were prepared by the mechanical milling method with different milling times (t{sub m}). Analyzing the susceptibility data in the paramagnetic region indicates both ferromagnetic (FM) and anti-FM interactions coexisting in nanoparticles. Additionally, there is a peak associated with the freezing temperature (T{sub f}) appearing on the real part curve of the ac susceptibility, χ′(T). The T{sub f} value increases with increasing frequency as expected for SG systems. The SG behavior was also checked by using the criterion parameter c = ΔT{sub f}/T{sub f}Δ(log{sub 10}f), and the power law τ = τ{sub 0}(T/T{sub g} − 1){sup −zν}. The obtained values of c ≈ 5 × 10{sup −2}, τ{sub 0} ≈ 10{sup −5} s and zν ≈ 2–3 are consistent with those expected for SG-like systems, suggesting an existence of a SG phase transition at T{sub g} below T{sub f}, which decreases with decreasing 〈D〉. Basing on ln(f) versus T{sub f} data, and the Néel-Arrhenius model [ln(f) = ln(f{sub 0}) - E{sub a}/k{sub B}T] and Vogel–Fulcher law [ln(f) = ln(f{sub 0}) - E{sub a}/k{sub B}(T - T{sub 0})], the Larmor frequency (f{sub 0}), activation energy (E{sub a}) and effective temperature (T{sub 0}) for the samples with different 〈D〉 were determined. Obtained results indicate the existence a strong interaction between nanoparticles.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗