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At least 1,783 records · Page 99

Software for Improved Extraction of Data From Tape Storage

A computer program has been written to replace the original software of Racal Storeplex Delta tape recorders, which are still used at Stennis Space Center but have been discontinued by the manufacturer. Whereas the original software could be activated by a command-line interface only, the present software offers the option of a command-line or graphical user interface. The present software also offers the option of batch-file operation (activation by a file that contains command lines for operations performed consecutively). The present software is also more reliable than was the original software: The original software was plagued by several deficiencies that made it difficult to execute, modify, and test. In addition, when using the original software to extract data that had been recorded within specified intervals of time, the resolution with which one could control starting and stopping times was no finer than about a second (or, in some cases, several seconds). In contrast, the present software is capable of controlling playback times to within 1/100 second of times specified by the user, assuming that the tape-recorder clock is accurate to within 1/100 second.

Cheng, Chiu-Fu↗

Software for Improved Extraction of Data From Tape Storage

A computer program has been written to replace the original software of Racal Storeplex Delta tape recorders, which are still used at Stennis Space Center but have been discontinued by the manufacturer. Whereas the original software could be activated by a command-line interface only, the present software offers the option of a command-line or graphical user interface. The present software also offers the option of batch-file operation (activation by a file that contains command lines for operations performed consecutively). The present software is also more reliable than was the original software: The original software was plagued by several deficiencies that made it difficult to execute, modify, and test. In addition, when using the original software to extract data that had been recorded within specified intervals of time, the resolution with which one could control starting and stopping times was no finer than about a second (or, in some cases, several seconds). In contrast, the present software is capable of controlling playback times to within 1/100 second of times specified by the user, assuming that the tape-recorder clock is accurate to within 1/100 second.

Cheng, Chiu-Fu↗

Software for Improved Extraction of Data From Tape Storage

A computer program has been written to replace the original software of Racal Storeplex Delta tape recorders, which are used at Stennis Space Center. The original software could be activated by a command- line interface only; the present software offers the option of a command-line or graphical user interface. The present software also offers the option of batch-file operation (activation by a file that contains command lines for operations performed consecutively). The present software is also more reliable than was the original software: The original software was plagued by several deficiencies that made it difficult to execute, modify, and test. In addition, when using the original software to extract data that had been recorded within specified intervals of time, the resolution with which one could control starting and stopping times was no finer than about a second (or, in some cases, several seconds). In contrast, the present software is capable of controlling playback times to within 1/100 second of times specified by the user, assuming that the tape-recorder clock is accurate to within 1/100 second.

Cheng, Chiu-Fu↗

Green Computing Opportunities & Strategy

Computation is critical to emerging fields of data intensive research, enabling new methodologies, approaches and tools. As the rate of hardware efficiency gains slows, computational time and energy costs increase. To match pace with computation demand, new approaches are needed to keep the opportunity for impact open. Charles Tripp, lead of the Green Computing Catalyzer, discusses research efforts to improve software efficiency to enable faster, less energy-intensive computing.

algorithmic efficiency↗

Review of Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) strategies for hybrid directed energy deposition

Hybrid additive manufacturing intertwines both additive and subtractive manufacturing layer by layer to digitally fabricate parts with complex geometries, improved surface finish and tight dimensional accuracies, the sum of which is difficult to obtain with any single process. Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software is required to orchestrate the machine toolpathing for both the deposition as well as the machining processes and is crucial for the successful fabrication of high quality structures. Additionally, CAM requires substantial operator input to account for challenging aspects of each fabricated structure. For example, deciding at which layer of deposition will the machining process continue to maintain access to complex cavities for finishing - internal features that would otherwise be unfinishable due to reach limitations or obstructions. Moreover, of the many commercially-available hybrid systems, each has a unique kinematic environment which can benefit from specific optimization of toolpath planning and substantial research has directly correlated toolpathing with the microstructure evolution, mechanical properties, porosity and residual stress state of the final fabricated part. This review explores the available strategies for CAM in the context of hybrid direct energy deposition, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each and considers future CAM trends for this transformational digital manufacturing technology.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Implementation of tritium transport in a gas-liquid contactor CFD simulation of tritium extraction from lead-lithium in ANSYS fluent

Modifications to the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) software ANSYS Fluent were done to quantify and characterize tritium transport in Gas-Liquid Contactors (GLCs). A double-slit, Ergun-like equation was employed for the porous media model, with Ergun coefficients validated with Sulzer’s Sulcol software. Tritium transport from PbLi within the GLC was verified against analytical models. The geometry of the CFD model was based on the MELODIE GLC experiment. The hydrodynamic CFD pressure drop results align well with SulCol estimations and fall between the predictions of the analytical Delft-Olujic and Billet & Schultes models. In terms of mass transfer efficiency, traditional mass transfer models showed a significant deviation from experimental results when using varying values of H solubility in PbLi. A saturation phenomenon occurred when utilizing high solubility values for hydrogen in PbLi. In conclusion, a modified film theory mass transfer coefficient, incorporating either the Delft-Olujic or Billet & Schultes wettability model, yielded CFD-predicted extraction efficiencies that closely matched experimental measurements.

70 - PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

The software analysis project for the Office of Human Resources

There were two major sections of the project for the Office of Human Resources (OHR). The first section was to conduct a planning study to analyze software use with the goal of recommending software purchases and determining whether the need exists for a file server. The second section was analysis and distribution planning for retirement planning computer program entitled VISION provided by NASA Headquarters. The software planning study was developed to help OHR analyze the current administrative desktop computing environment and make decisions regarding software acquisition and implementation. There were three major areas addressed by the study: current environment new software requirements, and strategies regarding the implementation of a server in the Office. To gather data on current environment, employees were surveyed and an inventory of computers were produced. The surveys were compiled and analyzed by the ASEE fellow with interpretation help by OHR staff. New software requirements represented a compilation and analysis of the surveyed requests of OHR personnel. Finally, the information on the use of a server represents research done by the ASEE fellow and analysis of survey data to determine software requirements for a server. This included selection of a methodology to estimate the number of copies of each software program required given current use and estimated growth. The report presents the results of the computing survey, a description of the current computing environment, recommenations for changes in the computing environment, current software needs, management advantages of using a server, and management considerations in the implementation of a server. In addition, detailed specifications were presented for the hardware and software recommendations to offer a complete picture to OHR management. The retirement planning computer program available to NASA employees will aid in long-range retirement planning. The intended audience is the NASA civil service employee with several years until retirement. The employee enters current salary and savings information as well as goals concerning salary at retirement, assumptions on inflation, and the return on investments. The program produces a picture of the employee's retirement income from all sources based on the assumptions entered. A session showing features of the program was conducted for key personnel at the Center. After analysis, it was decided to offer the program through the Learning Center starting in August 1994.

Tureman, Robert L., Jr.↗

Software For Development Of Expert Systems

Modular software system helps create efficient artificial-intelligence computer programs. STAR*TOOL system: Set of high-level software tools; assists programmers in creation of efficient knowledge-based software systems. Provides language and capabilities for compilation of application programs written in Common LISP. Features modularity enabling elimination of unnecessary capabilities from final application program and achieves greater computing performance. Runs on any computer that supports Common LISP and has sufficient memory. Provides programmer with necessary software tools to build wide variety of reasoning and inference engines for such applications as planning, diagnosis and analysis, and simulation.

James, Mark L.↗

Program For Generating Interactive Displays

Sun/Unix version of Transportable Applications Environment Plus (TAE+) computer program provides integrated, portable software environment for developing and running interactive window, text, and graphical-object-based application software systems. Enables programmer or nonprogrammer to construct easily custom software interface between user and application program and to move resulting interface program and its application program to different computers. Plus viewed as productivity tool for application developers and application end users, who benefit from resultant consistent and well-designed user interface sheltering them from intricacies of computer. Available in form suitable for following six different groups of computers: DEC VAX station and other VMS VAX computers, Macintosh II computers running AUX, Apollo Domain Series 3000, DEC VAX and reduced-instruction-set-computer workstations running Ultrix, Sun 3- and 4-series workstations running Sun OS and IBM RT/PC and PS/2 compute

Costenbader, Jay↗

Another Program For Generating Interactive Graphics

VAX/Ultrix version of Transportable Applications Environment Plus (TAE+) computer program provides integrated, portable software environment for developing and running interactive window, text, and graphical-object-based application software systems. Enables programmer or nonprogrammer to construct easily custom software interface between user and application program and to move resulting interface program and its application program to different computers. When used throughout company for wide range of applications, makes both application program and computer seem transparent, with noticeable improvements in learning curve. Available in form suitable for following six different groups of computers: DEC VAX station and other VMS VAX computers, Macintosh II computers running AUX, Apollo Domain Series 3000, DEC VAX and reduced-instruction-set-computer workstations running Ultrix, Sun 3- and 4-series workstations running Sun OS and IBM RT/PC's and PS/2 computers running AIX, and HP 9000 S

Costenbader, Jay↗

Digital echocardiography 2002: now is the time

The ability to acquire echocardiographic images digitally, store and transfer these data using the DICOM standard, and routinely analyze examinations exists today and allows the implementation of a digital echocardiography laboratory. The purpose of this review article is to outline the critical components of a digital echocardiography laboratory, discuss general strategies for implementation, and put forth some of the pitfalls that we have encountered in our own implementation. The major components of the digital laboratory include (1) digital echocardiography machines with network output, (2) a switched high-speed network, (3) a high throughput server with abundant local storage, (4) a reliable low-cost archive, (5) software to manage information, and (6) support mechanisms for software and hardware. Implementation strategies can vary from a complete vendor solution providing all components (hardware, software, support), to a strategy similar to our own where standard computer and networking hardware are used with specialized software for management of image and measurement information.

Review↗

Reuse research plans at Langley Research Center

The reuse activities at Langley have centered on the development of the Eli System by SPS. The development of a computer systems design environment at Langley was described as a target application for the future Eli system. This environment combines software development tools with an architecture design and analysis tool. Specifically, a Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) system, under development at Charles Stark Draper Laboratory for Langley, is being used to generate Ada code for use in architecture functional simulations using the Architecture Design and Assessment System (ADAS). The Eli system will be included in this tool set and will be used to organize and promote reuse of the functional simulation code modules.

Voigt, Susan J.↗

CCD camera system for cometary research

The objective is to upgrade the NASA/GSFC 36 inch telescope instrumentation, primarily with a new charge coupled device (CCD) camera system, to permit an effective monitoring program of cometary activity by means of narrowband imaging and spectroscopic techniques. Researchers have twice taken delivery of the CCD camera system from Princeton Scientific Instruments and twice returned it within six weeks for repair. During the times they had the camera system in the lab, they measured the instrumental performance of the TEK 512 x 512 CCD chip (e.g., readout noise, dark current, etc) and developed the complete operational software for the camera system plus several useful observing and data reduction routines for use at the telescope. The CCD camera system is controlled by an IBM-AT computer. The peripheral equipment and software to permit the efficient transfer of large amounts of data to the LASP's computers (VAXs) and subsequent timely reductions are also in place. The Io torus (S II) emission was monitored with a Fabry-Perot scanning spectrometer, in conjunction with the International Jupiter Watch. The CCD camera system will be coupled to a narrowband interference filter imager and a long-slit spectrograph to provide regular and well-calibrated spatial and spectral observations of comets.

Oliversen, R. J.↗

Averting Denver Airports on a Chip

As a result of recent advances in software engineering capabilities, we are now in a more stable environment. De-facto hardware and software standards are emerging. Work on software architecture and design patterns signals a consensus on the importance of early system-level design decisions, and agreements on the uses of certain paradigmatic software structures. We now routinely build systems that would have been risky or infeasible a few years ago. Unfortunately, technological developments threaten to destabilize software design again. Systems designed around novel computing and peripheral devices will spark ambitious new projects that will stress current software design and engineering capabilities. Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and related technologies provide the physical basis for new systems with the potential to produce this kind of destabilizing effect. One important response to anticipated software engineering and design difficulties is carefully directed engineering-scientific research. Two specific problems meriting substantial research attention are: A lack of sufficient means to build software systems by generating, extending, specializing, and integrating large-scale reusable components; and a lack of adequate computational and analytic tools to extend and aid engineers in maintaining intellectual control over complex software designs.

Sullivan, Kevin J.↗

A Framework for Integrating Quantum Simulation and High Performance Computing

Scientific applications are starting to explore the viability of quantum computing. This exploration typically begins with quantum simulations that can run on existing classical platforms, albeit without the performance advantages of real quantum resources. In the context of high-performance computing (HPC), the incorporation of simulation software can often take advantage of the powerful resources to help scale-up the simulation size. The configuration, installation and operation of these quantum simulation packages on HPC resources can often be rather daunting and increases friction for experimentation by scientific application developers. We describe a framework to help streamline access to quantum simulation software running on HPC resources. This includes an interface for circuit-based quantum computing tasks, as well as the necessary resource management infrastructure to make effective use of the underlying HPC resources. The primary contributions of this work include a classification of different usage models for quantum simulation in an HPC context, a review of the software architecture for our approach and a detailed description of the prototype implementation to experiment with these ideas using two different simulators (TNQVM & NWQ-Sim). We include initial experimental results running on the Frontier supercomputer at the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF) using a synthetic workload generated via the SupermarQ quantum benchmarking framework.

Shehata, Amir [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000224531426)↗

Enabling Modular Autonomous Feedback‐Loops in Materials Science through Hierarchical Experimental Laboratory Automation and Orchestration

Abstract Materials acceleration platforms (MAPs) operate on the paradigm of integrating combinatorial synthesis, high‐throughput characterization, automatic analysis, and machine learning. Within a MAP, one or multiple autonomous feedback loops may aim to optimize materials for certain functional properties or to generate new insights. The scope of a given experiment campaign is defined by the range of experiment and analysis actions that are integrated into the experiment framework. Herein, the authors present a method for integrating many actions within a hierarchical experimental laboratory automation and orchestration (HELAO) framework. They demonstrate the capability of orchestrating distributed research instruments that can incorporate data from experiments, simulations, and databases. HELAO interfaces laboratory hardware and software distributed across several computers and operating systems for executing experiments, data analysis, provenance tracking, and autonomous planning. Parallelization is an effective approach for accelerating knowledge generation provided that multiple instruments can be effectively coordinated, which the authors demonstrate with parallel electrochemistry experiments orchestrated by HELAO. Efficient implementation of autonomous research strategies requires device sharing, asynchronous multithreading, and full integration of data management in experimental orchestration, which to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is demonstrated for the first time herein.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Open source implementation of glued sphere discrete element method and nonspherical biomass fast pyrolysis simulation

Here, in this research, a glued-sphere Discrete Element Method (DEM) method was implemented in the open-source, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software MFiX. The implementation was verified using a cylinder-wall collision and then validated by simulating the packing and fluidization of non-spherical particles. The validated code was applied to simulate fast pyrolysis of non-spherical biomass particles in a bubbling fluidized bed. The glued sphere occupancy ratio was proposed to quantify the quality of shape resolution using glued sphere. Shape resolution showed significant influence on the packing height in the simulation of particle packing and an occupancy ratio of 80 % was recommended. Its influence is minor in fully fluidized bed but can be 8 times higher in fixed fluidized bed. Three tested heat transfer models predicted similar yields of elongated biomass fast pyrolysis. The solver developed in this research can be used to simulate other multiphase reacting flows involving non-spherical particles.

42 ENGINEERING↗

blocks_3d: software for general 3d conformal blocks

We introduce the software blocks_3d for computing four-point conformal blocks of operators with arbitrary Lorentz representations in 3d CFTs. It uses Zamolodchikov-like recursion relations to numerically compute derivatives of blocks around a crossing-symmetric configuration. It is implemented as a heavily optimized, multi-threaded, C++ application. We give performance benchmarks for correlators containing scalars, fermions, and stress tensors. As an example application, we recompute bootstrap bounds on four-point functions of fermions and study whether a previously observed sharp jump can be explained using the “fake primary” effect. We conclude that the fake primary effect cannot fully explain the jump and the possible existence of a “dead-end” CFT near the jump merits further study.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗