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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.

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At least 217 records · Page 12

An experimental investigation of fault tolerant software structures in an avionics application

The objective of this experimental investigation is to compare the functional performance and software reliability of competing fault tolerant software structures utilizing software diversity. In this experiment, three versions of the redundancy management software for a skewed sensor array have been developed using three diverse failure detection and isolation algorithms and incorporated into various N-version, recovery block and hybrid software structures. The empirical results show that, for maximum functional performance improvement in the selected application domain, the results of diverse algorithms should be voted before being processed by multiple versions without enforced diversity. Results also suggest that when the reliability gain with an N-version structure is modest, recovery block structures are more feasible since higher reliability can be obtained using an acceptance check with a modest reliability.

Caglayan, Alper K.↗

Reduction of blocking effects for the JPEG baseline image compression standard

Transform coding has been chosen for still image compression in the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) standard. Although transform coding performs superior to many other image compression methods and has fast algorithms for implementation, it is limited by a blocking effect at low bit rates. The blocking effect is inherent in all nonoverlapping transforms. This paper presents a technique for reducing blocking while remaining compatible with the JPEG standard. Simulations show that the system results in subjective performance improvements, sacrificing only a marginal increase in bit rate.

Zweigle, Gregary C.↗

Some Experiences with Nonoverlapping Schur Complement Parallel Preconditioning for CFD Calculations

In this work we consider solving matrices which arise from the discretization of advection-diffusion field equations on arbitrary triangulated domains using stabilized numerical methods. The talk will discuss several candidate matrix preconditioning algorithms based on the 2 x 2 block factorization induced by an apriori partitioning of the triangulated domain. Application of the 2 x 2 block preconditioner requires the formation and inversion of the Schur complement submatrix. We consider several strategies for simplifying this task: incomplete Schur complement factorizations, drop tolerance element filling, Schur complement probing, and localized Schur complement inversion. Numerical results will be shown comparing performance and efficiency of these approximations. The matrix preconditioner has also been embedded into a Newton algorithm for solving the nonlinear Euler and Navier-Stokes equations governing compressible flow. The remainder of the talk will show numerous examples in CFD to demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the techniques.

Barth, Timothy J.↗

Block segmentation in feature space for realtime object detection in high granularity images

Computer vision has applications in object detection, image recognition and classification, and object tracking. One of the challenges of computer vision is the presence of useful information at multiple distance scales. Filtering techniques may sacrifice details at small scales in order to prioritize the analysis of large-scale features of the image. We present a strategy for coarse-graining multidimensional data while maintaining fine-grained detail for subsequent analysis. The algorithm is based on fixed-size block segmentation in the feature space. We apply this strategy to solve the long-standing challenge of detecting particle trajectories at the Large Hadron Collider in real time.

Computer vision↗

Parallel O(log n) algorithms for open- and closed-chain rigid multibody systems based on a new mass matrix factorization technique

In this paper, parallel O(log n) algorithms for computation of rigid multibody dynamics are developed. These parallel algorithms are derived by parallelization of new O(n) algorithms for the problem. The underlying feature of these O(n) algorithms is a drastically different strategy for decomposition of interbody force which leads to a new factorization of the mass matrix (M). Specifically, it is shown that a factorization of the inverse of the mass matrix in the form of the Schur Complement is derived as M(exp -1) = C - B(exp *)A(exp -1)B, wherein matrices C, A, and B are block tridiagonal matrices. The new O(n) algorithm is then derived as a recursive implementation of this factorization of M(exp -1). For the closed-chain systems, similar factorizations and O(n) algorithms for computation of Operational Space Mass Matrix lambda and its inverse lambda(exp -1) are also derived. It is shown that these O(n) algorithms are strictly parallel, that is, they are less efficient than other algorithms for serial computation of the problem. But, to our knowledge, they are the only known algorithms that can be parallelized and that lead to both time- and processor-optimal parallel algorithms for the problem, i.e., parallel O(log n) algorithms with O(n) processors. The developed parallel algorithms, in addition to their theoretical significance, are also practical from an implementation point of view due to their simple architectural requirements.

Fijany, Amir↗

Integrated G and C Implementation within IDOS: A Simulink Based Reusable Launch Vehicle Simulation

The implementation of multiple Integrated Guidance and Control (IG&C) algorithms per flight phase within a vehicle simulation poses a daunting task to coordinate algorithm interactions with the other G&C components and with vehicle subsystems. Currently being developed by Universal Space Lines LLC (USL) under contract from NASA, the Integrated Development and Operations System (IDOS) contains a high fidelity Simulink vehicle simulation, which provides a means to test cutting edge G&C technologies. Combining the modularity of this vehicle simulation and Simulink s built-in primitive blocks provide a quick way to implement algorithms. To add discrete-event functionality to the unfinished IDOS simulation, Vehicle Event Manager (VEM) and Integrated Vehicle Health Monitoring (IVHM) subsystems were created to provide discrete-event and pseudo-health monitoring processing capabilities. Matlab's Stateflow is used to create the IVHM and Event Manager subsystems and to implement a supervisory logic controller referred to as the Auto-commander as part of the IG&C to coordinate the control system adaptation and reconfiguration and to select the control and guidance algorithms for a given flight phase. Manual creation of the Stateflow charts for all of these subsystems is a tedious and time-consuming process. The Stateflow Auto-builder was developed as a Matlab based software tool for the automatic generation of a Stateflow chart from information contained in a database. This paper describes the IG&C, VEM and IVHM implementations in IDOS. In addition, this paper describes the Stateflow Auto-builder.

Fisher, Joseph E.↗

A cell-centered AMR-ALE framework for 3D multi-material hydrodynamics. Part II: linesweep ALE rezoning for nonconformal block-structured AMR meshes

The simulation of flows presenting contact discontinuities, vorticity, and large variations in spatial scales can be performed in a framework coupling Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) algorithms and Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR). This coupling requires adaptation of ALE rezoning techniques to meshes containing nonconformal nodes arising from both the AMR topology and the junction of mesh blocks. Here, in this paper, we present an ALE rezoning strategy that is compatible with such meshes, and that can also act as a disentangling algorithm. Emphasis is put on an algorithm that respects intrinsic Lagrangian mesh properties in order to preserve accuracy around discontinuities. To that end, we adapt the weighted linesweep algorithm to nonconformal block-structured AMR meshes. Then, we present control parameters introduced in the method for it to be applicable in practical situations. Notably, the method is coupled to a specific metric optimization in order to palliate some shortcomings of the linesweep method. Finally, numerical test cases are presented that feature the capabilities of the ALE-AMR algorithm for flows that present discontinuities, vorticity, and a variety of scales. Notably, we show that our ALE-AMR algorithm gives results at least similar to Euler-AMR, but provides better accuracy in cases where discontinuities are involved, thanks to a method that respects the Lagrangian features of the mesh. Additionally, it enables Euler-AMR-like computations on domains with temporally varying domain boundaries.

Adaptive mesh refinement↗

Inverse Design of Nacelles Using Multi-Block Navier Stokes Codes

The objective of this work is to reshape a nacelle to achieve a specified nacelle pressure distribution. The nacelle may be either isolated or installed on an airplane. There are no restrictions on the attitude (toe, incidence, and roll) and position of the nacelle. The design algorithm is coupled to two different multi-block 3-D Navier Stokes flow solvers. The coupling between design and analysis is automated to the point where the design proceeds with minimal user input.

Naik, D. A.↗

Efficient algorithms for robust feature matching

One of the basic building blocks in any point-based registration scheme involves matching feature points that are extracted from the sensed image to their counterparts in the reference image. This leads to the fundamental problem of point matching: given two sets of points, find the affine transformation that transforms one point set so that its distance from the other point set is minimized. Because of measurement errors and the presence of outlying data points, it is important that the distance measure between two point sets be robust to these effects. We measure distances using the generalized Hausdorff distance. Point matching can be a computationally intensive task, and there have been a number of algorithms and approaches proposed for solving this problem both theoretical and applied. We present two approaches to the point matching problem, in an attempt to reduce the computational complexity of the problem, while still providing guarantees on the quality of the final match. Our first method is an approximation algorithm, which is loosely based on a branch-and-bound approach due to Huttenlocher and Rucklidge. We show that by varying the approximation error bounds, it is possible to achieve a tradeoff between the quality of the match and the running time of the algorithm. Our second method involves a Monte Carlo method for accelerating the search process used in the first algorithm. With high probability this method succeeds in finding an approximately optimal match. We establish the efficiency of our approaches empirically.

Mount, David M.↗

Space–time reduced order model for large-scale linear dynamical systems with application to Boltzmann transport problems

A classical reduced order model for dynamical problems involves spatial reduction of the problem size. However, temporal reduction accompanied by the spatial reduction can further reduce the problem size without losing much accuracy, which results in a considerably more speed-up than the spatial reduction only. Recently, a novel space–time reduced order model for dynamical problems has been developed [17], where the space–time reduced order model shows an order of a hundred speed-up with a relative error of 10 –4 for small academic problems. However, in order for the method to be applicable to a large-scale problem, an efficient space–time reduced basis construction algorithm needs to be developed. Here we present the incremental space–time reduced basis construction algorithm. The incremental algorithm is fully parallel and scalable. Additionally, the block structure in the space–time reduced basis is exploited, which enables the avoidance of constructing the reduced space–time basis. These novel techniques are applied to a large-scale particle transport simulation with million and billion degrees of freedom. The numerical example shows that the algorithm is scalable and practical. Also, it achieves a tremendous speed-up, maintaining a good accuracy. Finally, error bounds for space-only and space–time reduced order models are derived.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Closed Loop Guidance Trade Study for Space Launch System Block-1B Vehicle

The Space Launch System (SLS) Block-1B vehicle includes a low thrust-to-weight upper stage, which presents challenges to heritage ascent guidance algorithms. A trade study was conducted to evaluate two alternative guidance algorithms: 1) Powered Explicit Guidance (PEG), based on a modified implementation of PEG used on the Block-1 vehicle, and 2) Optimal Guidance (OPGUID), an algorithm developed for Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and used on Constellation and other Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GN&C) projects. The design criteria, approach, and results of the trade study are given, as well as other impacts and considerations for Block-1B type missions.

Ahmad, Naeem↗

Holographic interferometry of transparent media with reflection from imbedded test objects

In applying holographic interferometry, opaque objects blocking a portion of the optical beam used to form the interferogram give rise to incomplete data for standard computer tomography algorithms. An experimental technique for circumventing the problem of data blocked by opaque objects is presented. The missing data are completed by forming an interferogram using light backscattered from the opaque object, which is assumed to be diffuse. The problem of fringe localization is considered.

Prikryl, I.↗

Transonic Navier-Stokes wing solution using a zonal approach. Part 1: Solution methodology and code validation

A fast diagonalized Beam-Warming algorithm is coupled with a zonal approach to solve the three dimensional Euler/Navier-Stokes equations. The computer code, called Transonic Navier-Stokes (TNS), uses a total of four zones for wing configurations (or can be extended to complete aircraft configurations by adding zones). In the inner blocks near the wing surface, the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations are solved, while in the outer two blocks the Euler equations are solved. The diagonal algorithm yields a speedup of as much as a factor of 40 over the original algorithm/zonal method code. The TNS code, in addition, has the capability to model wind tunnel walls. Transonic viscous solutions are obtained on a 150,000-point mesh for a NACA 0012 wing. A three-order-of-magnitude drop in the L2-norm of the residual requires approximately 500 iterations, which takes about 45 min of CPU time on a Cray-XMP processor. Simulations are also conducted for a different geometrical wing called WING C. All cases show good agreement with experimental data.

Flores, J.↗

Transonic Navier-Stokes wing solution using a zonal approach. Part 1: Solution methodology and code validation

A fast diagonalized Beam-Warming algorithm is coupled with a zonal approach to solve the three-dimensional Euler/Navier-Stokes equations. The computer code, called Transonic Navier-Stokes (TNS), uses a total of four zones for wing configurations (or can be extended to complete aircraft configurations by adding zones). In the inner blocks near the wing surface, the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations are solved, while in the outer two blocks the Euler equations are solved. The diagonal algorithm yields a speedup of as much as a factor of 40 over the original algorithm/zonal method code. The TNS code, in addition, has the capability to model wind tunnel walls. Transonic viscous solutions are obtained on a 150,000-point mesh for a NACA 0012 wing. A three-order-of-magnitude drop in the L2-norm of the residual requires approximately 500 iterations, which takes about 45 min of CPU time on a Cray-XMP processor. Simulations are also conducted for a different geometrical wing called WING C. All cases show good agreement with experimental data.

Flores, J.↗

Encoders for block-circulant LDPC codes

In this paper, we present two encoding methods for block-circulant LDPC codes. The first is an iterative encoding method based on the erasure decoding algorithm, and the computations required are well organized due to the block-circulant structure of the parity check matrix. The second method uses block-circulant generator matrices, and the encoders are very similar to those for recursive convolutional codes. Some encoders of the second type have been implemented in a small Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and operate at 100 Msymbols/second.

encoders↗

Algebraic compression of quantum circuits for Hamiltonian evolution

Here unitary evolution under a time-dependent Hamiltonian is a key component of simulation on quantum hardware. Synthesizing the corresponding quantum circuit is typically done by breaking the evolution into small time steps, also known as Trotterization, which leads to circuits the depth of which scales with the number of steps. When the circuit elements are limited to a subset of SU(4) - or equivalently, when the Hamiltonian may be mapped onto free fermionic models - several identities exist that combine and simplify the circuit. Based on this, we present an algorithm that compresses the Trotter steps into a single block of quantum gates using algebraic relations between adjacent circuit elements. This results in a fixed depth time evolution for certain classes of Hamiltonians. We explicitly show how this algorithm works for several spin models, and demonstrate its use for adiabatic state preparation of the transverse field Ising model.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Advanced Reference Counting Pointers for Better Performance

A computer program implements reference counting pointers (RCPs) that are lock-free, thread-safe, async-safe, and operational on a multiprocessor computer. RCPs are powerful and convenient means of managing heap memory in C++ software. Most prior RCP programs use locks to ensure thread safety and manage concurrency. The present program was developed in a continuing effort to explore ways of using the C++ programming language to develop safety-critical and mission- critical software. This effort includes exploration of lock-free algorithms because they offer potential to avoid some costly and difficult verification problems. Unlike previously published RCP software, the present program does not use locks (meaning that no thread can block progress on another thread): Instead, this program implements algorithms that exploit capabilities of central-processing- unit hardware so as to avoid locks. Once locks are eliminated, it becomes possible to realize the other attributes mentioned in the first sentence. In addition to the abovementioned attributes, this program offers several advantages over other RCP programs that use locks: It is smaller (and, hence, is faster and uses less memory), it is immune to priority inversion, and there is no way for it to cause a C++ exception.

Reinholtz, William↗

A Nonlinear Schur Complement Solver for CFD-Based Multidisciplinary Models

CFD-based multidisciplinary models are the fundamental building blocks of multidis- ciplinary design optimization frameworks. Linear and nonlinear solutions of these coupled models are difficult, especially when the Jacobian matrices represent a saddle point problem, where a block-diagonal corresponding to a discipline is non-invertible. These scenarios necessitate the use of a coupled solver algorithm such as the Newton’s method instead of the popular block Gauss– Seidel-based methods because of this non-invertible block. To address this challenge, we introduce a nonlinear Schur complement solver suitable for CFD-based multidisciplinary models. The solver leverages the specialized linear and nonlinear solvers of the CFD code, and therefore, does not require the solution of a large coupled linear system as the coupled Newton’s method. Further- more, because the solver primarily uses the specialized linear and nonlinear solvers of the CFD code, it does not suffer from the same robustness limitations as the coupled Newton’s method. In this work, we will implement this solver in NASA’s OpenMDAO framework and demonstrate its effectiveness using a CFD-based aeropropulsive model. The solver will contribute to the develop- ment of aeropropulsive design optimization and CFD-based design optimization methods with the ultimate goal of accelerating the design and integration of advanced propulsion systems.

Nonlinear Solvers↗