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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 253 records · Page 14

Direct Comparisons Between GPM-DPR and CloudSat Snowfall Retrievals

Two spaceborne radars currently in orbit enable the sampling of snowfall near the surface and throughout the atmospheric column, namely, CloudSat’s Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) and the Global Precipitation Measurement mission’s Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (GPM-DPR). In this paper, a direct comparison of the CPR’s 2C-SNOW-PROFILE (2CSP), the operational GPM-DPR algorithm (2ADPR) and a neural network (NN) retrieval applied to the GPM-DPR data is performed using coincident observations between both radars. Examination of over 3500 profiles within moderate to strong precipitation (Ka band ≥ 18 dBZ) show that the NN retrieval provides the closest retrieval of liquid equivalent precipitation rate R immediately above the melting level to the R retrieved just below the melting layer, agreeing within 5%. Meanwhile, 2CSP retrieves a maximum value of R at −15°C, decreases by 35% just above the melting layer, and is about 50% smaller than the GPM-DPR retrieved R below the melting layer. CPR-measured reflectivity shows median reduction of 2–3 dB from −15° to −2.5°C, likely the reason for the 2CSP retrieval reduction of R . Two case studies from NASA field campaigns [i.e., Olympic Mountains Experiment (OLYMPEX) and Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Snowstorms (IMPACTS)] provide analogs to the type of precipitating systems found in the comparison between retrieval products. For the snowfall events that GPM-DPR can observe, this work suggests that the 2CSP retrieval is likely underestimating the unattenuated reflectivity, resulting in a potential negative, or low, bias in R . Future work should investigate how frequently the underestimated reflectivity profiles occur within the CPR record and quantify its potential effects on global snowfall accumulation estimation.

Atmosphere↗

Observing Supraglacial Lakes Using Deep Learning and PlanetScope Imagery

Supraglacial lakes (SGL)s result from melt water accumulation in topographic depressions on the surface of glaciers. SGLs primarily affect glacial dynamics through a positive feedback loop in which the albedo-lowering effect of SGLs can escalate surface melt leading to increases in lake extent and depth, amplifying the afore mentioned albedo-lowering effect. The implications of accelerated glacial melt include increased sea level rise and modifications to ocean primary productivity. SGLs are critical indicators of surface melt and its downstream impacts and should be monitored efficiently. In situ observations and measurements of SGLs are time consuming, cost-prohibitive and difficult to scale. Earth observation data and machine learning enable scalable monitoring of SGLs through pattern detection and quantification of lake evolution over time [1]. This work presents a model developed by training a convolutional neural network with imagery and labels from NASA Operation IceBridge and predicting SGLs in high temporal and spatial resolution PlanetScope imagery.

Supraglacial lake↗

Two Unipolar Terminal-Attractor-Based Associative Memories

Two unipolar mathematical models of electronic neural network functioning as terminal-attractor-based associative memory (TABAM) developed. Models comprise sets of equations describing interactions between time-varying inputs and outputs of neural-network memory, regarded as dynamical system. Simplifies design and operation of optoelectronic processor to implement TABAM performing associative recall of images. TABAM concept described in "Optoelectronic Terminal-Attractor-Based Associative Memory" (NPO-18790). Experimental optoelectronic apparatus that performed associative recall of binary images described in "Optoelectronic Inner-Product Neural Associative Memory" (NPO-18491).

Liu, Hua-Kuang↗

Validation of Image-Based Neural Network Controllersthrough Adaptive Stress Testing

Neural networks have become state-of-the-art for computer vision problems because of their ability to efficiently model complex functions from large amounts of data. While neural networks can be shown to perform well empirically fora variety of tasks, their performance is difficult to guarantee.Neural network verification tools have been developed that can certify robustness with respect to a given input image; however,for neural network systems used in closed-loop controllers,robustness with respect to individual images does not address multi-step properties of the neural network controller and itsenvironment. Furthermore, neural network systems interacting in the physical world and using natural images are operating in a black-box environment, making formal verification in-tractable. This work combines the adaptive stress testing (AST)framework with neural network verification tools to search for the most likely sequence of image disturbances that cause the neural network controlled system to reach a failure. Anautonomous aircraft taxi application is presented, and results show that the AST method finds failures with more likely image disturbances than baseline methods. Further analysis of AST results revealed an explainable cause of the failure, giving insight into the problematic scenarios that should be addressed.

Adaptive Stress Testing, Marabou, Deep Neural Netw↗

Neural networks for calibration tomography

Artificial neural networks are suitable for performing pattern-to-pattern calibrations. These calibrations are potentially useful for facilities operations in aeronautics, the control of optical alignment, and the like. Computed tomography is compared with neural net calibration tomography for estimating density from its x-ray transform. X-ray transforms are measured, for example, in diffuse-illumination, holographic interferometry of fluids. Computed tomography and neural net calibration tomography are shown to have comparable performance for a 10 degree viewing cone and 29 interferograms within that cone. The system of tomography discussed is proposed as a relevant test of neural networks and other parallel processors intended for using flow visualization data.

Decker, Arthur↗

Machine Learning for Anomaly Detection in Neural Network Security and SRF Cavities

This dissertation explores the development and deployment of machine learning approaches to address critical challenges in anomaly detection across two distinct domains: neural network security in federated learning settings and cavity behavior analysis in particle accelerator operations at Jefferson Lab in Newport News, Virginia. Anomaly detection identifies deviations from expected patterns, safeguarding systems in cybersecurity, industry, and research against malicious activities and failures. This dissertation demonstrates how our machine learning approaches enhance detection accuracy and efficiency in both neural network security and industrial applications. First, we investigate vulnerabilities in deep neural networks deployed in federated learning. Although federated learning preserves user privacy by training models locally, it remains vulnerable to backdoor attacks, in which malicious participants embed hidden triggers that induce targeted misbehavior. We propose a self-supervised contrastive learning framework to detect and mitigate such backdoor attacks. In our experiments, this method achieves higher detection accuracy and lower false positive rates than existing defenses, while operating without access to local model updates or original training data and thus preserving the privacy guarantees of the federated setting. Second, we address the operational reliability of superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities at the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF). Our research leverages an unsupervised learning approach, combined with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and k-means clustering, to identify anomalous behaviors in SRF cavities. Our method detects subtle anomalous behavior by analyzing SRF signal data. This knowledge allows for the early detection and resolution of potential faults, significantly improving the efficiency and reliability of operations. Third, we extend these insights to time-series anomaly detection more broadly. We design a contrastive-learning based model tailored to increasingly dynamic environments and academic research. This model improves detection accuracy in settings that require real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. Our research underscores the broader applicability and impact of advanced machine learning techniques in anomaly detection. By extracting meaningful patterns from complex data, machine learning can significantly enhance security in distributed neural networks and improve the efficiency of particle accelerator operations. This dissertation serves as a stepping stone for future investigations into the vast possibilities of anomaly detection, inspiring further exploration and development of machine learning techniques in this field.

Ferguson, Hal [Old Dominion University]↗

One-shot learning for solution operators of partial differential equations

Learning and solving governing equations of a physical system, represented by partial differential equations (PDEs), from data is a central challenge in many areas of science and engineering. Traditional numerical methods can be computationally expensive for complex systems and require complete governing equations. Existing data-driven machine learning methods require large datasets to learn a surrogate solution operator, which could be impractical. Here, we propose a solution operator learning method that requires only one PDE solution, i.e., one-shot learning, along with suitable initial and boundary conditions. Leveraging the locality of derivatives, we define a local solution operator in small local domains, train it using a neural network, and use it to predict solutions of new input functions via mesh-based fixed-point iteration or meshfree neural-network based approaches. We test our method on various PDEs, complex geometries, and a practical spatial infection spread application, demonstrating its effectiveness and generalization capabilities.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Autonomy @ NASA for Aeronautics

NASA has been exploring the use of artificial intelligence technologies to improve vehicle and airspace capabilities for over 20 years. This research has ranged from the use of neural nets to allow adaptive control, to autonomous rotorcraft operations, to real-time prognostics, to an eventual goal of autonomous vehicles operating in an autonomous airspace, in the context of smart communities. Examples of past research and future directions in autonomy for aeronautics will be presented.

Van Dalsem, William R.↗

Neural Network Modeling of UH-60A Pilot Vibration

Full-scale flight-test pilot floor vibration is modeled using neural networks and full-scale wind tunnel test data for low speed level flight conditions. Neural network connections between the wind tunnel test data and the tlxee flight test pilot vibration components (vertical, lateral, and longitudinal) are studied. Two full-scale UH-60A Black Hawk databases are used. The first database is the NASMArmy UH-60A Airloads Program flight test database. The second database is the UH-60A rotor-only wind tunnel database that was acquired in the NASA Ames SO- by 120- Foot Wind Tunnel with the Large Rotor Test Apparatus (LRTA). Using neural networks, the flight-test pilot vibration is modeled using the wind tunnel rotating system hub accelerations, and separately, using the hub loads. The results show that the wind tunnel rotating system hub accelerations and the operating parameters can represent the flight test pilot vibration. The six components of the wind tunnel N/rev balance-system hub loads and the operating parameters can also represent the flight test pilot vibration. The present neural network connections can significandy increase the value of wind tunnel testing.

Kottapalli, Sesi↗

Research In Nonlinear Flight Control for Tiltrotor Aircraft Operating in the Terminal Area

The research during the first year of the effort focused on the implementation of the recently developed combination of neural net work adaptive control and feedback linearization. At the core of this research is the comprehensive simulation code Generic Tiltrotor Simulator (GTRS) of the XV-15 tilt rotor aircraft. For this research the GTRS code has been ported to a Fortran environment for use on PC. The emphasis of the research is on terminal area approach procedures, including conversion from aircraft to helicopter configuration. This report focuses on the longitudinal control which is the more challenging case for augmentation. Therefore, an attitude command attitude hold (ACAH) control augmentation is considered which is typically used for the pitch channel during approach procedures. To evaluate the performance of the neural network adaptive control architecture it was necessary to develop a set of low order pilot models capable of performing such tasks as, follow desired altitude profiles, follow desired speed profiles, operate on both sides of powercurve, convert, including flaps as well as mastangle changes, operate with different stability and control augmentation system (SCAS) modes. The pilot models are divided in two sets, one for the backside of the powercurve and one for the frontside. These two sets are linearly blended with speed. The mastangle is also scheduled with speed. Different aspects of the proposed architecture for the neural network (NNW) augmented model inversion were also demonstrated. The demonstration involved implementation of a NNW architecture using linearized models from GTRS, including rotor states, to represent the XV-15 at various operating points. The dynamics used for the model inversion were based on the XV-15 operating at 30 Kts, with residualized rotor dynamics, and not including cross coupling between translational and rotational states. The neural network demonstrated ACAH control under various circumstances. Future efforts will include the implementation into the Fortran environment of GTRS, including pilot modeling and NNW augmentation for the lateral channels. These efforts should lead to the development of architectures that will provide for fully automated approach, using similar strategies.

Calise, A. J.↗

Optimal Estimation Framework for Ocean Color Atmospheric Correction and Pixel-level Uncertainty Quantification

Ocean color remote sensing requires compensation for atmospheric scattering and absorption (aerosol, Rayleigh, and trace gases), referred to as atmospheric correction (AC). AC allows inference of parameters such as spectrally resolved remote sensing reflectance ( R rs )(λ) ; sr 1 ) at the ocean surface from the top-of-atmosphere reflectance. Often, the uncertainty of this process is not fully explored. Bayesian inference techniques provide a simultaneous AC and uncertainty assessment via a full posterior distribution of the relevant variables, given the prior distribution of those variables and the radiative transfer (RT) likelihood function. Given uncertainties in the algorithm inputs, the Bayesian framework enables better constraints on the AC process by using the complete spectral information compared to traditional approaches that use only a subset of bands for AC. This paper investigates a Bayesian inference research method (Optimal Estimation, OE) for ocean color AC by simultaneously retrieving atmospheric and ocean properties using all visible and near-infrared spectral bands. The OE algorithm analytically approximates the posterior distribution of parameters based on normality assumptions and provides a potentially viable operational algorithm with a reduced computational expense. We developed a Neural Network (NN) RT forward model look-up-table-based emulator to increase algorithm efficiency further and thus speed up the likelihood computations. We then applied the OE algorithm to synthetic data and observations from the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua spacecraft. We compared the R rs )(λ) retrieval and its uncertainty estimates from the OE method with in-situ validation data from the SeaWiFS Bio-optical Archive and Storage System (SeaBASS) and Aerosol Robotic Network Ocean Color (AERONET-OC) datasets. The OE algorithm improved R rs )(λ) estimates relative to the NASA standard operational algorithm by improving all statistical metrics at 443, 555, and 667 nm. Unphysical negative R rs )(λ) , which often appear in complex water conditions, was reduced by a factor of 3. The OE-derived pixel-level R rs )(λ) uncertainty estimates were also assessed relative to in-situ data and were shown to have skill.

Atmospheric correction↗

Physics-informed heterogeneous graph neural networks for DC blocker placement

The threat of geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs) to the reliable operation of the bulk energy system has spurred the development of effective strategies for mitigating their impacts. One such approach involves placing transformer neutral blocking devices, which interrupt the path of geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) to limit their impact. The high cost of these devices and the sparsity of transformers that experience high GICs during GMD events, however, calls for a sparse placement strategy that involves high computational cost. To address this challenge, we developed a physics-informed heterogeneous graph neural network (PIHGNN) for solving the graph-based dc-blocker placement problem. Our approach combines a heterogeneous graph neural network (HGNN) with a physics-informed neural network (PINN) to capture the diverse types of nodes and edges in ac/dc networks and incorporates the physical laws of the power grid. We train the PIHGNN model using a surrogate power flow model and validate it using case studies. Results demonstrate that PIHGNN can effectively and efficiently support the deployment of GIC dc-current blockers, ensuring the continued supply of electricity to meet societal demands. Furthermore, our approach has the potential to contribute to the development of more reliable and resilient power grids capable of withstanding the growing threat that GMDs pose.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Active Learning of Microgrid Frequency Dynamics Using Neural Ordinary Differential Equations

Accurate frequency modelling of inverter‐based resource (IBR)‐dominated power systems is crucial for ensuring stable, reliable and resilient operations, particularly given their inherent low‐inertia characteristics and fast dynamics that traditional swing equation‐based models inadequately capture. This paper explores neural ordinary differential equations (Neural ODEs) as a computationally efficient, data‐driven framework for modelling power system frequency dynamics, specifically within microgrids integrating high penetrations of distributed energy resources (DERs). The developed neural ODEs framework incorporates a neural network architecture designed to capture input dynamics. By actively perturbing the system with a known signal, the Python‐based neural ODEs framework was trained using measured system states and inputs, without the need for detailed system information. The framework, tested on a model of the Cordova, AK, microgrid, achieved a goodness of fit ranging from 60% to 99% across different state variables and maintained a mean square error in the 10 -6 p.u. range under square and step excitation signals. The proposed approach demonstrated robustness to measurement noise and initial condition variations while maintaining low computational complexity suitable for real‐time power system control applications. Furthermore, transfer learning enabled the neural ODEs model to adapt to the following changes in system topology or generator dispatch, highlighting its effectiveness for dynamic microgrids with frequently evolving configurations and diverse DERs.

Aryal, Tara [South Dakota State Univ., Brookings, ↗

On-Line Tracking Controller for Brushless DC Motor Drives Using Artificial Neural Networks

A real-time control architecture is developed for time-varying nonlinear brushless dc motors operating in a high performance drives environment. The developed control architecture possesses the capabilities of simultaneous on-line identification and control. The dynamics of the motor are modeled on-line and controlled using an artificial neural network, as the system runs. The control architecture combines the experience and dependability of adaptive tracking systems with potential and promise of the neural computing technology. The sensitivity of real-time controller to parametric changes that occur during training is investigated. Such changes are usually manifested by rapid changes in the load of the brushless motor drives. This sudden change in the external load is simulated for the sigmoidal and sinusoidal reference tracks. The ability of the neuro-controller to maintain reasonable tracking accuracy in the presence of external noise is also verified for a number of desired reference trajectories.

Rubaai, Ahmed↗

Distributed-Memory Sparse Deep Neural Network Inference Using Global Arrays

Partitioned Global Address Space (PGAS) models exhibit tremendous promise in developing efficient and productive distributed-memory parallel applications. They have been used extensively in scientific computations due to conveniently offering a ``shared-memory''-like model and convenient interfaces that separate communication with synchronization. Traditionally, PGAS communication models have been applied to dense/contiguously distributed data, but most modern applications depict varied levels of sparsity. Existing PGAS models require certain adaptations to support distributed sparse computations, since associated computations often require matrix arithmetic, in addition to data movement. The Global Arrays toolkit from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is one of the earliest PGAS models to combine one-sided data communication and distributed matrix operations and is still used in the popular NWChem quantum chemistry suite. Recently, we have expanded the Global Arrays toolkit to support common sparse operations, like sparse matrix-dense matrix multiplies (SpMM), sparse matrix-sparse matrix multiplication (SpGEMM) and Sampled Dense-Dense Matrix Multiplication (SDDMM). As it turns out, these operations are the bedrock of sparse Deep Learning (DL); sparse deep neural networks and Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have gained increasing attention recently in achieving speedups on training and inference with reduced memory footprints. Unlike scientific applications in High Performance Computing (HPC), modern (distributed-memory capable) DL toolkits often rely on non-standardized and closed-source vendor software optimizations, creating challenges in software-hardware co-design at scale. Our goal is to support a variety of distributed-memory sparse matrix operations and helper functions in the newly created Sparse Global Arrays (SGA), such that it is possible to build portable and productive Machine Learning scenarios for algorithm/software and hardware codesign purposes. Contemporary data-parallel schemes for training/inference are undergoing a major overhaul since model replication limits scalability and causes resource inefficiencies. As such, we have adopted tensor parallelism in decomposing the model and inputs, to mitigate memory issues. Current implementation is built on top of MPI and uses CPUs to maximize the portability across the platforms.

Distributed computing, machine learning↗

Parallel-in-Time Solution of Allen-Cahn Equations by Integrating Operator Learning into the Parareal Method

While recent advances in deep learning have shown promising efficiency gains in solving time-dependent partial differential equations (PDEs), matching the accuracy of conventional numerical solvers still remains a challenge. One strategy to improve the accuracy of deep learning-based solutions for time-dependent PDEs is to use the learned model as the coarse propagator in the Parareal method and a traditional numerical method as the fine solver. However, successful integration of deep learning into the Parareal method requires consistency between the coarse and fine solvers, particularly for PDEs exhibiting rapid changes such as sharp transitions. Here, to ensure this consistency, we propose using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to learn the fully discrete time-stepping operator defined by the same numerical scheme employed as the fine solver. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in solving the classical and mass-conservative Allen–Cahn (AC) equations. Through iterative updates in the Parareal algorithm, our approach achieves a significant computational speedup compared to traditional fine solvers while converging to high-accuracy solutions. Our results highlight that the proposed hybrid Parareal algorithm effectively accelerates simulations, particularly when implemented on multiple GPUs, and converges to the desired accuracy in only a few iterations. Another advantage of our method is that the CNN model is trained on trajectory-based data generated from random initial conditions, such that the trained model can be used to solve the AC equations with various initial conditions without retraining. This work demonstrates the potential of integrating neural network methods into parallel-in-time frameworks for efficient and accurate simulations of time-dependent PDEs.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

A Module for Assimilating Hyperspectral Infrared Retrieved Profiles into the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation System for Unique Forecasting Applications

Hyperspectral infrared sounder radiance data are assimilated into operational modeling systems however the process is computationally expensive and only approximately 1% of available data are assimilated due to data thinning as well as the fact that radiances are restricted to cloud-free fields of view. In contrast, the number of hyperspectral infrared profiles assimilated is much higher since the retrieved profiles can be assimilated in some partly cloudy scenes due to profile coupling other data, such as microwave or neural networks, as first guesses to the retrieval process. As the operational data assimilation community attempts to assimilate cloud-affected radiances, it is possible that the use of retrieved profiles might offer an alternative methodology that is less complex and more computationally efficient to solve this problem. The NASA Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center has assimilated hyperspectral infrared retrieved profiles into Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) simulations using the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) System. Early research at SPoRT demonstrated improved initial conditions when assimilating Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) thermodynamic profiles into WRF (using WRF-Var and assigning more appropriate error weighting to the profiles) to improve regional analysis and heavy precipitation forecasts. Successful early work has led to more recent research utilizing WRF and GSI for applications including the assimilation of AIRS profiles to improve WRF forecasts of atmospheric rivers and assimilation of AIRS, Cross-track Infrared and Microwave Sounding Suite (CrIMSS), and Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) profiles to improve model representation of tropopause folds and associated non-convective wind events. Although more hyperspectral infrared retrieved profiles can be assimilated into model forecasts, one disadvantage is the retrieved profiles have traditionally been assigned the same error values as the rawinsonde observations when assimilated with GSI. Typically, satellitederived profile errors are larger and more difficult to quantify than traditional rawinsonde observations (especially in the boundary layer), so it is important to appropriately assign observation errors within GSI to eliminate potential spurious innovations and analysis increments that can sometimes arise when using retrieved profiles. The goal of this study is to describe modifications to the GSI source code to more appropriately assimilate hyperspectral infrared retrieved profiles and outline preliminary results that show the differences between a model simulation that assimilated the profiles as rawinsonde observations and one that assimilated the profiles in a module with the appropriate error values.

Berndt, Emily↗

Application of a neural network as a potential aid in predicting NTF pump failure

The National Transonic Facility has three centrifugal multi-stage pumps to supply liquid nitrogen to the wind tunnel. Pump reliability is critical to facility operation and test capability. A highly desirable goal is to be able to detect a pump rotating component problem as early as possible during normal operation and avoid serious damage to other pump components. If a problem is detected before serious damage occurs, the repair cost and downtime could be reduced significantly. A neural network-based tool was developed for monitoring pump performance and aiding in predicting pump failure. Once trained, neural networks can rapidly process many combinations of input values other than those used for training to approximate previously unknown output values. This neural network was applied to establish relationships among the critical frequencies and aid in predicting failures. Training pairs were developed from frequency scans from typical tunnel operations. After training, various combinations of critical pump frequencies were propagated through the neural network. The approximated output was used to create a contour plot depicting the relationships of the input frequencies to the output pump frequency.

Rogers, James L.↗