Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “CASE METHOD”

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 181 records · Page 10

Design of Composite Structures Using Knowledge-Based and Case Based Reasoning

A method of using knowledge based and case based reasoning to assist designers during conceptual design tasks of composite structures was proposed. The cooperative use of heuristics, procedural knowledge, and previous similar design cases suggests a potential reduction in design cycle time and ultimately product lead time. The hypothesis of this work is that the design process of composite structures can be improved by using Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) and Knowledge-Based (KB) reasoning in the early design stages. The technique of using knowledge-based and case-based reasoning facilitates the gathering of disparate information into one location that is easily and readily available. The method suggests that the inclusion of downstream life-cycle issues into the conceptual design phase reduces potential of defective, and sub-optimal composite structures. Three industry experts were interviewed extensively. The experts provided design rules, previous design cases, and test problems. A Knowledge Based Reasoning system was developed using the CLIPS (C Language Interpretive Procedural System) environment and a Case Based Reasoning System was developed using the Design Memory Utility For Sharing Experiences (MUSE) xviii environment. A Design Characteristic State (DCS) was used to document the design specifications, constraints, and problem areas using attribute-value pair relationships. The DCS provided consistent design information between the knowledge base and case base. Results indicated that the use of knowledge based and case based reasoning provided a robust design environment for composite structures. The knowledge base provided design guidance from well defined rules and procedural knowledge. The case base provided suggestions on design and manufacturing techniques based on previous similar designs and warnings of potential problems and pitfalls. The case base complemented the knowledge base and extended the problem solving capability beyond the existence of limited well defined rules. The findings indicated that the technique is most effective when used as a design aid and not as a tool to totally automate the composites design process. Other areas of application and implications for future research are discussed.

Lambright, Jonathan Paul↗

SU-E-T-129: Dosimetric Evaluation of the Impact of Density Correction On Dose Calculation of Breast Cancer Treatment: A Study Based On RTOG 1005 Cases

Purpose: RTOG 1005 requires density correction in the dose calculation of breast cancer radiation treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of density correction on the dose calculation. Methods: Eight cases were studied, which were planned on an XiO treatment planning system with pixel-by-pixel density correction using a superposition algorithm, following RTOG 1005 protocol requirements. Four were protocol Arm 1 (standard whole breast irradiation with sequential boost) cases and four were Arm 2 (hypofractionated whole breast irradiation with concurrent boost) cases. The plans were recalculated with the same monitor units without density correction. Dose calculations with and without density correction were compared. Results: Results of Arm 1 and Arm 2 cases showed similar trends in the comparison. The average differences between the calculations with and without density correction (difference = Without - With) among all the cases were: -0.82 Gy (range: -2.65∼−0.18 Gy) in breast PTV Eval D95, −0.75 Gy (range: −1.23∼0.26 Gy) in breast PTV Eval D90, −1.00 Gy (range: −2.46∼−0.29 Gy) in lumpectomy PTV Eval D95, −0.78 Gy (range: −1.30∼0.11 Gy) in lumpectomy PTV Eval D90, −0.43% (range: −0.95∼−0.14%) in ipsilateral lung V20, −0.81% (range: −1.62∼−0.26%) in V16, −1.95% (range: −4.13∼−0.84%) in V10, −2.64% (−5.55∼−1.04%) in V8, −4.19% (range: −6.92∼−1.81%) in V5, and −4.95% (range: −7.49∼−2.01%) in V4, respectively. The differences in other normal tissues were minimal. Conclusion: The effect of density correction was observed in breast target doses (an average increase of ∼1 Gy in D95 and D90, compared to the calculation without density correction) and exposed ipsilateral lung volumes in low dose region (average increases of ∼4% and ∼5% in V5 and V4, respectively)

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Advances in the electron diffraction characterization of atomic clusters and nanoparticles

Nanoparticles and metallic clusters continue to make a remarkable impact on novel and emerging technologies. In recent years, there have been impressive advances in the controlled synthesis of clusters and their advanced characterization. One of the most common ways to determine the structures of nanoparticles and clusters is by means of X-ray diffraction methods. However, this requires the clusters to crystallize in a similar way to those used in protein studies, which is not possible in many cases. Novel methods based on electron diffraction have been used to efficiently study individual nanoparticles and clusters and these can overcome the obstacles commonly encountered during X-ray diffraction methods without the need for large crystals. These novel methodologies have improved with advances in electron microscopy instrumentation and electron detection. Here, we review advanced methodologies for characterizing metallic nanoparticles and clusters using a variety of electron diffraction procedures. These include selected area electron diffraction, nanobeam diffraction, coherent electron diffraction, precession electron diffraction, scanning transmission electron microcopy diffraction, and high throughput data analytics, which leverage deep learning to reduce the propensity for data errors and translate nanometer and atomic scale measurements into material data.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Solar constraints on hidden photons re-visited

We re-examine solar emission of hidden photons γ' (mass m) caused by kinetic γ–γ' mixing. We calculate the emission rate with thermal field theory methods and with a kinetic equation that includes γ–γ' ''flavor oscillations'' and γ absorption and emission by the thermal medium. In the resonant case both methods yield identical emission rates which, in the longitudinal channel, are enhanced by a factor ω{sub P}{sup 2}/m{sup 2} (plasma frequency ω{sub P}) in agreement with An, Pospelov and Pradler (2013). The Sun must not emit more energy in a ''dark channel'' than allowed by solar neutrino measurements, i.e., not more than 10% of its photon luminosity. Together with the revised emission rate, this conservative requirement implies χ < 4 × 10{sup −12}(eV/m) for the kinetic mixing parameter. This is the most restrictive stellar limit below m ∼ 3eV, whereas for larger masses the transverse channel dominates together with limits from other stars. A recent analysis of XENON10 data marginally improves the solar limit, leaving open the opportunity to detect solar hidden photons with future large-scale dark matter experiments. Detecting low-mass hidden photons with the ALPS-II photon-regeneration experiment also remains possible.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Complex Correlation Calculation of e(-) - H Total Cross Sections

Calculation of e(-) - H total and elastic partial wave cross sections is being carried out using the complex correlation variational T-matrix method. In this preliminary study, elastic partial wave phase shifts are calculated with the correlation functions which are confined to be real. In that case the method reduces to the conventional optical potential approach with 2 projection operators. The number of terms in the Hylleraas-type wave function for the S-1 phase shifts is 95 while for the S-3 it is 56, except for k = 0.8 where it is 84. Our results, which are rigorous lower bounds, are seen to be in general agreement with those of Schwartz, but they are of greater accuracy and outside of his error limits for k = 0.3 and 0.4 for S-1. The main aim of this approach is the application to higher energy scattering. By virtue of the complex correlation functions, the T-matrix is not unitary so that elastic and total scattering cross sections are independent of each other. Our results will be compared specifically with those of Bray and Stelbovics.

Bhatia, A. K.↗

Complex Correlation Calculation of e-H Total Cross Sections

Calculation of e - H total and elastic partial wave cross sections is being carried out using the complex correlation variational T-matrix method. In this preliminary study, elastic partial wave phase shifts are calculated with the correlation functions which are confined to be real. In that case the method reduces to the conventional optical potential approach with projection operators.

Bhatia, A. K.↗

Complex Correlation Calculation of e-H Total Cross Sections

Calculation of e-H total and elastic partial wave cross sections is being carried out using the complex correlation variational T-matrix method. In this preliminary study, elastic partial wave phase shifts are calculated with the correlation functions which are confined to be real. In that case the method reduces to the conventional optical potential approach with projection operators. The number of terms in the Hylleraas-type wave function for the S phase shifts is 95 while for the S it is 56, except for k=0.8 where it is 84. Our results, which are rigorous lower bounds, are given. They are seen to be in general agreement with those of Schwartz, but they are of 0 greater accuracy and outside of his error limits for k=0.3 and 0.4 for S. The main aim of this approach' is the application to higher energy scattering. By virtue of the complex correlation functions, the T matrix is not unitary so that elastic and total scattering cross sections are independent of each other. Our results will be compared specifically with those of Bray and Stelbovics.

Bhatia, A. K.↗

Probabilistic Parameter Uncertainty Analysis of Single Input Single Output Control Systems

The current standards for handling uncertainty in control systems use interval bounds for definition of the uncertain parameters. This approach gives no information about the likelihood of system performance, but simply gives the response bounds. When used in design, current methods of m-analysis and can lead to overly conservative controller design. With these methods, worst case conditions are weighted equally with the most likely conditions. This research explores a unique approach for probabilistic analysis of control systems. Current reliability methods are examined showing the strong areas of each in handling probability. A hybrid method is developed using these reliability tools for efficiently propagating probabilistic uncertainty through classical control analysis problems. The method developed is applied to classical response analysis as well as analysis methods that explore the effects of the uncertain parameters on stability and performance metrics. The benefits of using this hybrid approach for calculating the mean and variance of responses cumulative distribution functions are shown. Results of the probabilistic analysis of a missile pitch control system, and a non-collocated mass spring system, show the added information provided by this hybrid analysis.

Smith, Brett A.↗

Pitch paper pilot revisited

Two methods are described for predicting the handling qualities of an aircraft in pitch. Both methods are based on minimizing a pilot rating expression with respect to free pilot parameters. In one case the pilot rating expression was developed from a set of moving base simulation data. In the other case, the pilot rating expression was developed from a set of fixed base simulation data. In both cases pilot rating is primarily a function of pitch attitude and pitch rate; however, in the moving base case, the pilot rating is more sensitive to pitch rate than in the fixed base case. For each method, predicted pilot ratings and performance measures agree well with the measured data corresponding to that case. Both methods are used to predict pilot ratings for a set of flight test configurations and the results of the two methods agree to within one half a rating unit. The predicted ratings in both cases correlate well with the actual pilot ratings from the flight tests.

Arnold, J. D.↗

Learning from many collider events at once

There have been a number of recent proposals to enhance the performance of machine learning strategies for collider physics by combining many distinct events into a single ensemble feature. To evaluate the efficacy of these proposals, we study the connection between single-event classifiers and multievent classifiers under the assumption that collider events are independent and identically distributed. We show how one can build optimal multievent classifiers from single-event classifiers, and we also show how to construct multievent classifiers such that they produce optimal single-event classifiers. This is illustrated for a Gaussian example as well as for classification tasks relevant for searches and measurements at the Large Hadron Collider. We extend our discussion to regression tasks by showing how they can be phrased in terms of parametrized classifiers. Empirically, we find that training a single-event (per-instance) classifier is more effective than training a multievent (per-ensemble) classifier, as least for the cases we studied, and we relate this fact to properties of the loss function gradient in the two cases. While we did not identify a clear benefit from using multievent classifiers in the collider context, we speculate on the potential value of these methods in cases involving only approximate independence, as relevant for jet substructure studies.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Hover performance analysis of advanced rotor blades

This is an effort aimed at validating recent hover prediction methods. The experimental basis for this validation work is an extensive set of loads, wake and performance data, which were obtained from a pressure instrumented model UH-60 rotor tested at the Sikorsky hover test facility and at Duits-Nederlandse Windtunnel (DNW). This model was equipped with replaceable tips - including a tapered and a BERP-type tip - which permitted studies of the effects of rotor geometry. The central prediction method studied is a free-wake, vortex embedded, full-potential CFD method - called HELIX-I. It is found that the HELIX-I code produces very good comparisons with the data including wake, surface pressure and performance. Comparisons with the measured radial load distributions have permitted an improved understanding of the wake resolution modelling requirements of CFD methods. Since HELIX-I is a combined Eulerian/Lagrangian method, limited comparisons are also made with a Lagrangian boundary element code (called EHPIC) and an Eulerian Navier-Stokes code (called TURNS). In most cases all methods produce good comparisons with the data. It is found that the HELIX-I code provides a good compromise between the speed of boundary integral methods and the comprehensive nature of Navier-Stokes methods.

Tung, C.↗

A watershed-based method for environmental vulnerability assessment with a case study of the Mid-Atlantic region

The paper presents a method for environmental vulnerability assessment with a case study of the Mid-Atlantic region. The method is based on the concept of &#x27;self-/peer-appraisal&#x27; of a watershed in term of vulnerability. The self-/peer-appraisal process is facilitated by two separate linear optimization programs. The analysis provided insights on the environmental conditions, in general, and the relative vulnerability pattern, in particular, of the Mid-Atlantic region. The suggested method offers a simple but effective and objective way to perform a regional environmental vulnerability assessment. Consequently the method can be used in various steps in environmental assessment and planning. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We present a method for regional environmental vulnerability assessment. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It is based on the self-/peer-appraisal concept in term of vulnerability. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The analysis is facilitated by two separate linear optimization programs. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The method provides insights on the regional relative vulnerability pattern.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Arrival and departure impulsive Delta V determination for precessing Mars parking orbits

An attempt is made to develop a method for realistic estimation of the initial LEO mass. The method takes into account the actual geometry between the inbound and outbound hyperbolic asymptotes and the parking orbit, along with precession effects caused by the oblateness of Mars, in calculating the arrival and departure Delta V values. Three mission scenarios alternative to the arbitrarily assumed two tangential periapsis burns are described: a tangential periapsis arrival and an in-plane departure; an in-plane arrival and in-plane departure; and a tangential periapsis arrival and a 3D departure. Results obtained by the method under consideration compared well with a trajectory integration code, where the differences in the initial LEO orbit mass were within one percent, for all three cases. The method is considered to be an ideal tool for preliminary mission design, since it reduces the analysis computation time with minimal loss in accuracy.

Desai, Prasun N.↗

Optical Sensor/Actuator Locations for Active Structural Acoustic Control

Researchers at NASA Langley Research Center have extensive experience using active structural acoustic control (ASAC) for aircraft interior noise reduction. One aspect of ASAC involves the selection of optimum locations for microphone sensors and force actuators. This paper explains the importance of sensor/actuator selection, reviews optimization techniques, and summarizes experimental and numerical results. Three combinatorial optimization problems are described. Two involve the determination of the number and position of piezoelectric actuators, and the other involves the determination of the number and location of the sensors. For each case, a solution method is suggested, and typical results are examined. The first case, a simplified problem with simulated data, is used to illustrate the method. The second and third cases are more representative of the potential of the method and use measured data. The three case studies and laboratory test results establish the usefulness of the numerical methods.

Piezoelectric actuators↗

Standard Methods for Bolt-Bearing Testing of Textile Composites

The response of three 2-D braided materials to bolt bearing loading was evaluated using data generated by Boeing Defense and Space Group in Philadelphia, PA. Three test methods, stabilized single shear, unstabilized single shear, and double shear, were compared. In general, these textile composites were found to be sensitive to bolt bearing test methods. The stabilized single shear method yielded higher strengths than the unstabilized single shear method in all cases. The double shear test method always produced the highest strengths but these results may be somewhat misleading. It is therefore recommended that standard material comparisons be made using the stabilized single shear test method. The effects of two geometric parameters, W/D and e/D, were also studied. An evaluation of the effect of the specimen width (W) to hole diameter (D) ratio concluded that bolt bearing responses were consistent with open hole tension results. A W/D ratio of 6 or greater should be maintained. The proximity of the hole to the specimen edge significantly affected strength. In all cases, strength was improved by increasing the ratio of the distance from the hole center to the specimen edge (e) to the hole diameter (D) above 2. An e/D ratio of 3 or greater is recommended.

Portanova, M. A.↗

Resolving the percentage of component terrains within single resolution elements

An approximate maximum likelihood technique employing a widely available discriminant analysis program is discussed that has been developed for resolving the percentage of component terrains within single resolution elements. The method uses all four channels of Landsat data simultaneously and does not require prior knowledge of the percentage of components in mixed pixels. It was tested in five cases that were chosen to represent mixtures of outcrop, soil and vegetation which would typically be encountered in geologic studies with Landsat data. For all five cases, the method proved to be superior to single band weighted average and linear regression techniques and permitted an estimate of the total area occupied by component terrains to within plus or minus 6% of the true area covered. Its major drawback is a consistent overestimation of the pixel component percent of the darker materials (vegetation) and an underestimation of the pixel component percent of the brighter materials (sand).

Marsh, S. E.↗

Perfectly Matched Layers versus discrete transparent boundary conditions in quantum device simulations

Discrete transparent boundary conditions (DTBC) and the Perfectly Matched Layers (PML) method for the realization of open boundary conditions in quantum device simulations are compared, based on the stationary and time-dependent Schrödinger equation. The comparison includes scattering state, wave packet, and transient scattering state simulations in one and two space dimensions. The Schrödinger equation is discretized by a second-order Crank–Nicolson method in case of DTBC. For the discretization with PML, symmetric second-, fourth-, and sixth-order spatial approximations as well as Crank–Nicolson and classical Runge–Kutta time-integration methods are employed. In two space dimensions, a ring-shaped quantum waveguide device is simulated in the stationary and transient regime. As an application, a simulation of the Aharonov–Bohm effect in this device is performed, showing the excitation of bound states localized in the ring region. The numerical experiments show that the results obtained from PML are comparable to those obtained using DTBC, while keeping the high numerical efficiency and flexibility as well as the ease of implementation of the former method. -- Highlights: •In-depth comparison between discrete transparent boundary conditions (DTBC) and PML. •First 2-D transient scattering state simulations using DTBC. •First 2-D transient scattering state simulations of the Aharonov–Bohm effect.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Lensing simulations by Taylor expansion — not so inefficient after all

Cosmic Microwave Background lensing simulation by Taylor expansion has long been considered impractical due to slow convergence, but a recent flat-sky implementation shows that a simple trick eliminates this problem, making Taylor lensing a fast and simple lensing algorithm for the flat sky. Here we generalize the method to the full sky, and study its convergence and performance relative to a commonly used numerical code, Lenspix, with extensive benchmarks of both. Compared to the flat sky case, the method takes a speed hit due to the slow speed of spherical harmonic transforms compared to fast Fourier transforms, resulting in speeds of 1/3 to 2/3 of Lenspix for similar accuracy.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗