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At least 1,747 records · Page 97

The Experimental Regional Ensemble Forecast System (ExREF): Its Use in NWS Forecast Operations and Preliminary Verification

The Experimental Regional Ensemble Forecast (ExREF) system is a tool for the development and testing of new Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) methodologies. ExREF is run in near‐realtime by the Global Systems Division (GSD) of the NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL) and its products are made available through a website, an ftp site, and via the Unidata Local Data Manager (LDM). The ExREF domain covers most of North America and has 9‐km horizontal grid spacing. The ensemble has eight members, all employing WRF‐ARW. The ensemble uses a variety of initial conditions from LAPS and the Global Forecasting System (GFS) and multiple boundary conditions from the GFS ensemble. Additionally, a diversity of physical parameterizations is used to increase ensemble spread and to account for the uncertainty in forecasting extreme precipitation events. ExREF has been a component of the Hydrometeorology Testbed (HMT) NWP suite in the 2012‐2013 and 2013‐2014 winters. A smaller domain covering just the West Coast was created to minimize band‐width consumption for the NWS. This smaller domain has and is being distributed to the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office and California Nevada River Forecast Center in Sacramento, California, where it is ingested into the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS I and II) to provide guidance on the forecasting of extreme precipitation events. This paper will review the cooperative effort employed by NOAA ESRL, NASA SPoRT (Short‐term Prediction Research and Transition Center), and the NWS to facilitate the ingest and display of ExREF data utilizing the AWIPS I and II D2D and GFE (Graphical Software Editor) software. Within GFE is a very useful verification software package called BoiVer that allows the NWS to utilize the River Forecast Center's 4 km gridded QPE to compare with all operational NWP models 6‐hr QPF along with the ExREF mean 6‐hr QPF so the forecasters can build confidence in the use of the ExREF in preparing their rainfall forecasts. Preliminary results will be presented.

Reynolds, David↗

An Integrated Design Tool for Tow-Steered Laminates of Composites in Abaqus and MSC.Patran/Nastran

Tow-steered composites can be tailored for optimal mechanical performance of lightweight structures. However, there are no commercial-grade design tools for tow-steered composite structures, which hinders the design innovation of tow-steered composites in realistic structures. The novelty of this paper is to develop an integrated design framework along with the development of graphical user interface (GUI) plug-ins in commercial finite element (FE) software Abaqus and MSC.Patran/Nastran. The GUI plug-ins take all the design setups and communicate with external codes for the material modeling and optimization, and hence provide a unified design environment within the FE codes. The mechanics of structure genome (MSG) plate model computes shell element properties based on user-defined fiber paths and layup, which are defined via the GUI plug-ins. The optimization is performed by an open-source code, Dakota, from Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia), which also coordinates the structural analysis, material modeling, and optimization in design iterations. Two examples are presented to demonstrate the user-friendliness and versatility of the developed GUI plug-ins. The developed tools will ease the design process and facilitate the application of tow-steered composites in realistic aerospace structures.

Xin Liu↗

An Integrated Design Tool for Tow-Steered Laminates of Composites in Abaqus and MSC.Patran/Nastran

Tow-steered composites can be tailored for optimal mechanical performance of lightweight structures. However, there are no commercial-grade design tools for tow-steered composite structures, which hinders the design innovation of tow-steered composites in realistic structures. The novelty of this paper is to develop an integrated design framework along with the development of graphical user interface (GUI) plug-ins in commercial finite element (FE) software Abaqus and MSC.Patran/Nastran. The GUI plug-ins take all the design setups and communicate with external codes for the material modeling and optimization, and hence provide a unified design environment within the FE codes. The mechanics of structure genome (MSG) plate model computes shell element properties based on user-defined fiber paths and layup, which are defined via the GUI plug-ins. The optimization is performed by an open-source code, Dakota, from Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia), which also coordinates the structural analysis, material modeling, and optimization in design iterations. Two examples are presented to demonstrate the user-friendliness and versatility of the developed GUI plug-ins. The developed tools will ease the design process and facilitate the application of tow-steered composites in realistic aerospace structures.

Xin Liu↗

Central California Disasters: Incorporating Satellite-Derived Precipitation and Soil Moisture Products into Flood Preparedness and Emergency Management in California

Atmospheric rivers are a major contributor to extreme precipitation events and flooding in California. This study assessed the feasibility of using Earth observation data to monitor precipitation, soil moisture, and flooding from atmospheric rivers in the Salinas River Watershed in central California during the winter of 2022-2023. The team analyzed satellite derived precipitation estimates from the Global Precipitation Measurement mission, soil moisture data from the Soil Moisture Active Passive radiometer, and synthetic aperture radar imagery from Sentinel-1 to detect flood inundation. Global Precipitation Measurement precipitation estimates were found to underestimate rainfall by 33% to 52% compared to rain gauge data. The team found the Soil Moisture Active Passive dataset to be a valuable flooding indicator that they could visualize through various graphical representations, although its accuracy still needs verification with in situ flood maps. Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar imagery provided mapping of flood inundation extent along the Salinas River and surrounding areas and the Blue Spot model appears to be a good predictor of pluvial flood zones. The findings suggest Earth observations can enhance precipitation and flooding monitoring by the California Department of Water Resources, though further verification is needed. Integration of these datasets with vulnerability indices highlighted communities at highest risk during the 2022-2023 flooding events.

Abhinav Banthiya↗

Analysis of the phase control of the ITER ICRH antenna array. Influence on the load resilience and radiated power spectrum

The paper analyses how the phasing of the ITER ICRH 24 strap array evolves from the power sources up to the strap currents of the antenna. The study of the phasing control and coherence through the feeding circuits with prematching and automatic matching and decoupling network is made by modeling starting from the TOPICA matrix of the antenna array for a low coupling plasma profile and for current drive phasing (worst case for mutual coupling effects). The main results of the analysis are: (i) the strap current amplitude is well controlled by the antinode V{sub max} amplitude of the feeding lines, (ii) the best toroidal phasing control is done by the adjustment of the mean phase of V{sub max} of each poloidal straps column, (iii) with well adjusted system the largest strap current phasing error is ±20°, (iv) the effect on load resilience remains well below the maximum affordable VSWR of the generators, (v) the effect on the radiated power spectrum versus k{sub //} computed by means of the coupling code ANTITER II remains small for the considered cases.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

NESC GN&C TDT Workshop on 2D Image Motion Optical Transfer Functions, Pointing Performance Analysis, and Requirements

What You Will Learn: The focus is on payload imaging performance due to pointing motion. Some historical background on pointing performance analysis is given. The Optical Transfer Function (OTF) and Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) are defined. The imaging performance due to pointing motion is measured by image motion optical transfer functions (IM OTF). IM OTFs are defined for displacement, smear, and jitter motions, which are all rigorously defined. Deterministic and Statistical IM OTFs are briefly derived and graphically illustrated and compared. The IM OTFs are parameterized by pointing error metrics(PEM), which are means and covariances of displacement, smear, and jitter. Emphasis is on procedures and algorithms to evaluate the image motion optical transfer functions and pointing error metrics. Three procedures are covered, which depend on whether the pointing error data is from time-domain simulation, frequency-domain analysis, or stochastic modeling. A method to evaluate the relative contribution of disturbance sources and to identify the most significant contributors is presented. The presentation includes pertinent discussion of flexible structures and control-structure interaction. No single book can adequately cover this subject, so a book is not required for the course. A list of selected articles, reports, documents, and books is provided for reference and further study. Mathis kept to the minimum necessary to convey principles; lengthy derivations are left to the reference material. Graphics are used to illustrate concepts. As with any such learning endeavor, the knowledge gained will be retained and strengthened through actual practice.c©2019–2021 Mark E. Pittelkau— 5

NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC)↗

Usable Translational Hand Controllers for NASA's Habitability Design Center

This summer I was given the opportunity to work at the Habitability Design Center (HDC). NASA Johnson Space Center's HDC is currently developing Cislunar and Mars spacecraft mockups. I contributed to this effort by designing from scratch low cost, functional translational hand controllers (THCs) that will be used in spacecraft mission simulation in low to medium fidelity exploration spacecraft mockups. This project fell under the category of mechatronics, a combination of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. Being an aerospace engineering student, I was out of my comfort zone. And that was a wonderful thing. The autonomy that my mentor, Dr. Robert Howard, allowed me gave me the opportunity to learn by trying, failing, and trying again. This project was not only a professional success for me, but a significant learning experience. I appreciated the freedom that I had to take the time to learn new things for myself rather than blindly follow instructions. I was the sole person working on this project, and was required to work independently to solve the many hardware and software challenges that the project entailed. I researched THCs that have been used on the ISS, the Space Shuttle, and the Orion MPVC and based my design off of these. I worked through many redesigns before finding an optimal configuration of the necessary mechanisms and electrical components for the THC. Once I had a functional hardware design, I dove into the challenge of getting an Arduino Uno, an extremely low cost and easily programmable microcontroller, to behave as a human interface device. The THCs I built needed to be able to integrate to a mission simulation designed by NASA's Graphics and Visualization Lab. This proved to be the most challenging aspect of the project. To accomplish this I learned how to change the firmware of the USB serial converter microcontroller. The process was very complicated as it involved multiple software programs and manual flashing of pins on the Arduino itself. When I successfully achieved the goal I wrote an instructions manual for the process so that the HDC will be able to do this easily in the future for any human interface device they may want to create. I also created a detailed CAD model of my THC design with construction instructions. My THC utilizes three ultrasonic sensors, one for each axis of motion. I wrote a code that stimulates these sensors continuously and feeds back values from each axis ranging from -%100 to %100 of the min/max position in relation to the neutral position of each axis. This was the data that the Graphics and Visualization Lab required to interface with their simulation. I truly enjoyed working in the HDC surrounded by passionate, proactive, and brilliantly creative people. I felt valued and respected as a part of their team. I was given the time and support of my mentor whenever I asked for it. Beyond my positive project experience, I was fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of many of the extra activities that JSC has to offer. I took Russian Phase One during my lunch break every day and can now read Russian and accomplish basic verbal communication. I was heavily involved with the co-tern music video, which led to numerous incredible experiences and friendships. I saw every facility, attended every lecture, and met everyone that I could. I had coffee with Lauri Hansen. I played on an intern volleyball team at the Gilruth. I traveled to Michoud, Stennis, NOLA, and Big Bend National Park. I had the time of my life and I fell in love with JSC. In the next month I will return to Maryland and start my senior year of my undergraduate degree. As I work through it I will remember that all of the studying I do, all of the concentration I give, and all of the sacrifices that I make for school are so that I can work at a place like JSC where I am proud and excited to go into work every day. This internship was an invaluable experience for me, both professionally and personally.

Westbrook, Kimberly↗

Search for an excited lepton that decays via a contact interaction to a lepton and two jets in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} =$ 13 TeV

Results are presented from a search for events containing an excited lepton (electron or muon) produced in association with an ordinary lepton of the same flavor and decaying to a lepton and two hadronic jets. Both the production and the decay of the excited leptons are assumed to occur via a contact interaction with a characteristic energy scale Λ. The branching fraction for the decay mode under study increases with the mass of the excited lepton and is the most sensitive channel for very heavy excited leptons. The analysis uses a sample of proton-proton collisions collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC at $ \sqrt{s} $ = 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 77.4 fb$^{−1}$. The four-body invariant mass of the two lepton plus two jet system is used as the primary discriminating variable. No significant excess of events beyond the expectation for standard model processes is observed. Assuming that Λ is equal to the mass of the excited leptons, excited electrons and muons with masses below 5.6 and 5.7 TeV, respectively, are excluded at 95% confidence level. These are the best limits to date.[graphic not available: see fulltext]

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Large-Scale Welding Process Simulation by GPU Parallelized Computing

The computational design of industrially relevant welded structures is extremely time consuming due to coupled physics and high nonlinearity. Previously, most welding distortion and residual stress simulations have been limited to small coupons and reduced order (from three-dimensional [3D] to two-dimensional [2D]), or inherent strain approximations were used for large structures. In this current study, an explicit finite element code based on a graphics processing unit was utilized to perform 3D transient thermomechanical simulation of structural components during welding. Laser brazing of aluminum alloy panels as representative of automotive manufacturing scenarios was simulated to predict out-of-plane distortion under different clamping conditions. The predicted deformation pattern and magnitude were validated by laser scanning data of physical assemblies. In addition, the code was used to investigate residual stresses developed during multipass arc welding of a nuclear industry pressurizer surge nozzle and subsequent welding repair where a 3D simulation was necessary. Taking the experimental data as reference, the 3D model predicted better residual stress distribution than a typical 2D asymmetrical model. Stress evolution in welding repair was also presented and discussed in this study. Furthermore, the efficient numerical model made it feasible to use integrated computational welding engineering to simulate welding processes for large-scale structures.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Asymptotic solution for heat convection-radiation equation

In this paper, we employ a new approximate analytical method called the optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM) to solve steady state heat transfer problem in slabs. The heat transfer problem is modeled using nonlinear two-point boundary value problem. Using OHAM, we obtained the approximate analytical solution for dimensionless temperature with different values of a parameter ε. Further, the OHAM results for dimensionless temperature have been presented graphically and in tabular form. Comparison has been provided with existing results from the use of homotopy perturbation method, perturbation method and numerical method. For numerical results, we used Runge-Kutta Fehlberg fourth-fifth order method. It was found that OHAM produces better approximate analytical solutions than those which are obtained by homotopy perturbation and perturbation methods, in the sense of closer agreement with results obtained from the use of Runge-Kutta Fehlberg fourth-fifth order method.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Molecular Weight Calculator

This program can calculate the molecular weight and percent composition of chemical formulas and amino acids, providing a graphical user interface to edit the formulas and parsing options. It recognizes user-definable abbreviations, custom elemental isotopes, and can display up to 20 compounds simultaneously. It also includes a Mole/Mass Converter, Formula Finder, Capillary Flow Modeller, Amino Acid Notation Converter, Peptide Sequence Fragmentation Modeler, Isotopic Distribution Calculator, and built-in calculator. Full program documentation is available by pressing F1 during program operation.

Monroe, Matthew↗

User’s Manual for RESRAD-BUILD Code V.4: Vol. 1 – Methodology and Models Used in RESRAD-BUILD Code

The RESRAD-BUILD computer code models radionuclide release and transport in indoor environments and performs pathway analyses to evaluate the potential radiological dose and risk incurred by an individual who works or lives in a building contaminated with radioactive material or housing radioactively contaminated furniture or equipment. The code provides four geometries to characterize a radiation source: point, line, area, and volume, in which radionuclides are homogeneously distributed. Radionuclides contained in a source are considered to be released to the indoor air due to various processes including erosion (mechanically or weathering), diffusion (for tritium and radon in a volume source), or emanation (radon in a point, line, or area source). The release can proceed through different time phases with different rates. In RESRAD-BUILD Version 4.0, a dynamic ventilation model is implemented to simulate the fate and transport of source material particles and radionuclides after their releases. This dynamic ventilation model considers (1) air exchange between rooms in the building and between the rooms and the outdoor environment, (2) deposition from air to floor, (3) resuspension from the floor to the air, and (4) periodical vacuuming that reduces the floor deposition. The fate and transport modeling provides estimates of radionuclide concentrations in the source, in the air, and on the floor at different times, which are then integrated over the exposure duration for the calculation of radiation doses and cancer risks. A single run of the RESRAD-BUILD code can model a building with up to 9 rooms, 10 sources, and 10 receptors. The potential radiation dose and cancer risk incurred by each receptor are calculated for seven exposure pathways: (1) external radiation directly from the sources (accounting for shielding), (2) external radiation from radioactive particles deposited on the floors, (3) external radiation from airborne radionuclides, (4) inhalation of airborne radionuclides, (5) inhalation of radon and radon progenies, (6) inadvertent ingestion of radioactive particles directly from the source, and (7) ingestion of radioactive particles deposited on the floors. Various exposure scenarios can be modeled with RESRAD-BUILD, including but are not limited to, office worker, renovation worker, decontamination worker, building visitor, and resident. Both deterministic and probabilistic analyses can be performed to obtain results in both text reports and graphic displays.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

DGaaS: GPU as a Service on Distributed Computing System

In the rapidly evolving landscape of scientific computing, Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) have become indispensable for their unparalleled ability to handle parallel tasks in complex calculations, simulations, and data analysis. Their utility is further magnified in machine learning and AI applications, where they significantly accelerate model training and predictive analytics. Within this context, the Triton Inference Server emerges as a pivotal open-source tool, specializing in AI inferencing and optimizing GPU utilization across various platforms and frameworks. This paper presents an in-depth study on distributed High Throughput Computing (HTC), specifically focusing on the HTCondor framework and its resource provisioning tools, GlideinWMS and HEPCloud. These systems enable large-scale scientific experiments like CMS and DUNE to efficiently access and utilize vast computational resources. The paper explores the core architectural components of GlideinWMS, including jobs, user pools, and worker nodes, and discusses their integration with GPUs and the Triton server. The primary aim of this research is to develop a solution that optimizes GPU utilization by leveraging Glideins and containers. This approach allows computational jobs, particularly those involving AI models, to use GPUs only when essential, thereby facilitating efficient sharing of limited GPU resources. To validate this architecture, the study conducted three key tests involving custom scripts, container-based servers, and Triton server deployments. However, the study faces challenges, notably in locating the Triton server and ensuring secure remote access. To address these issues, future work will focus on developing a proxy mechanism and enhancing security protocols. In conclusion, this study offers a comprehensive roadmap for effective and efficient GPU utilization in distributed High Throughput Computing. It aims to contribute significantly to the scientific community by solving pressing problems and implementing robust solutions in collaboration with the GlideinWMS and HEPCloud teams. The research sets the stage for a more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective paradigm in scientific computing.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Drought adaptation index (DAI) based on BLUP as a selection approach for drought-resilient switchgrass germplasm

This study introduces a Drought Adaptation Index (DAI), derived from Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP), as a method to assess drought resilience in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). A panel of 404 genotypes was evaluated under drought-stressed (CV) and well-watered (UC) conditions over four consecutive years (2019–2022). BLUP-estimated biomass yields were used to calculate the DAI, which enabled classification of genotypes into four adaptation groups: very well-adapted, well-adapted, adapted, and unadapted. The DAI was compared with conventional drought tolerance indices, including the Stress Susceptibility Index (SSI), Stress Tolerance Index (STI), Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP), and Yield Stability Index (YSI). Correlation analyses demonstrated strong agreement between DAI and these indices, supporting its validity and consistency. Biplot analyses using the Genotype plus Genotype-by-Environment Interaction (GGE) and Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) models revealed significant genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI) and identified J222.A, J463.A, and J295.A. A as high-performing genotypes, with J222.A exhibiting greater yield stability across treatments and years. Additionally, DAI isoline curves provided a graphical representation of differential genotype performance under drought and control conditions. These visualizations aided in distinguishing genotypes with stable and superior biomass yield across contrasting environments. Overall, the BLUP-based DAI is a robust and practical selection tool that improves the accuracy of identifying drought-resilient, high-yielding switchgrass genotypes. Its integration into breeding programs offers a comprehensive framework for improving biomass productivity and stress adaptation under variable climatic conditions. The application of DAI supports the development of climate-resilient cultivars and contributes to sustainable bioenergy and forage production systems.

BLUP↗

GEOS-C C-band transponder prelaunch calibration and test data

The delay characteristics and spacecraft telemetry housekeeping data for the GEOS-C C-Band transponders are presented. The data are presented in graphical form to provide a convenient method for computing radar range measurement corrections as a function of signal strength at the transponder and spacecraft environment. The data are also presented in tabular form along with the mathematical models used to derive the curves. Also included are a list of the operating characteristics of each transponder and a description of the calibration test equipment set-up.

Selser, A. R.↗

Optimal guidance and control for investigating aircraft noise-impact reduction

A methodology for investigating the reduction of community noise impact is reported. This report is concerned with the development of two models to provide data: a guidance generator and an aircraft control generator suitable for various current and advanced types of aircraft. The guidance generator produces the commanded path information from inputs chosen by an operator from a graphic scope display of a land-use map of the terminal area. The guidance generator also produces smoothing at the junctions of straight-line paths.The aircraft control generator determines the optimal set of the available controls such that the aircraft will follow the commanded path. The solutions for the control functions are given and shown to be dependent on the class of aircraft to be considered, that is, whether the thrust vector is rotatable and whether the thrust vector affects the aerodynamic forces. For the class of aircraft possessing a rotatable thrust vector, the solution is redundant; this redundancy is removed by the additional condition that the noise inpact be minimized. Information from both the guidance generator and the aircraft control generator is used by the footprint program to construct the noise footprint.

Stewart, E. C.↗

Acoustic velocities of two-phase mixtures of cryogenic fluids

Calculated values of the acoustic velocity are presented for single-component and two-component, two-phase mixtures. Three different analytic models were employed. For purposes of comparison, all three models were used in making acoustic-velocity calculations for single-component, equivalent bubbly two-phase mixtures (with insoluble gas) of oxygen and helium and hydrogen and helium. In all cases the results are shown graphically so that the effects of variation in quality or void fraction, temperature and pressure are illustrated.

Griggs, E. I.↗

Computed structures of polyimides model compounds

Using a semi-empirical approach, a computer study was made of 8 model compounds of polyimides. The compounds represent subunits from which NASA Langley Research Center has successfully synthesized polymers for aerospace high performance material application, including one of the most promising, LARC-TPI polymer. Three-dimensional graphic display as well as important molecular structure data pertaining to these 8 compounds are obtained.

Tai, H.↗