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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 271 records · Page 15

APPLICATION OF THE FAVOR-OCI FRACTURE MECHANICS COMPUTER PROGRAM TO ASME CODE SECTION XI, IWB-3610 FLAW ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA EVALUATIONS

This paper presents an overview of added features in a new version of the FAVOR (Fracture Analysis of Vessels Oak Ridge) computer code called FAVOR-OCI. The original FAVOR code was developed at the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) under the sponsorship of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). FAVOR is applied by US and international nuclear power industries to perform deterministic and probabilistic fracture mechanics analyses of commercial nuclear reactor pressure vessels (RPVs). Appli-cations of FAVOR are focused on insuring that the structural integrity of aging, and increasingly embrittled, RPVs is main-tained throughout their licensed service life. Based on the final ORNL release of FAVOR, v16.1, FAVOR-OCI extends existing deterministic features of FAVOR while preserving all prev-iously-existing probabilistic capabilities of FAVOR.The objective of this paper is to describe new deterministic features in FAVOR-OCI that can be applied to analytical evaluations of planar flaws. These evaluations are consistent with the acceptance criteria of ASME Code, Section XI, Article IWB-3610, including Subarticles IWB-3611 (acceptance based on flaw size) and IWB-3612 (acceptance based on applied stress intensity factor). The linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) capabilities of FAVOR-OCI also incorporate the analytical procedures presented in the Nonmandatory Appendix A, Analysis of Flaws, Article A-3000, Method of KI Determination, for both surface and subsurface (embedded) flaws.The paper describes a computational methodology for determining critical values of fracture-related parameters that satisfy ASME Code Section XI acceptance criteria for flaws exposed to multiple thermal-hydraulic transients. These com-pute-intensive analyses can be carried out with a single execution of FAVOR-OCI. The new methodology determines critical values by solving for either the point of tangency or point of intersection between applied KI versus time histories and a user-selected fracture toughness material property (e.g., ASME KIc, FAVOR Weibull KIc, or Master Curve Weibull KJc) for surface or subsurface flaws. Situations where warm prestress conditions apply can also be addressed. The paper highlights a need for this new capability via applications to a recent independent review of safety cases for RPVs in two Belgian nuclear power plants (NPPs). That review required ASME Section XI assessments of several thousand embedded, quasi-laminar flaws in the wall of each RPV. Analysis results provided by the new capability contributed to the technical bases compiled from several sources by the Belgian nuclear regulatory agency (FANC) and eventually used by FANC to justify the restart of these NPPs.

Dickson, Terry L.↗

An efficient and numerically stable procedure for generating sextic force fields in normal mode coordinates

In this paper, we outline a general, scalable, and black-box approach for calculating high-order strongly coupled force fields in rectilinear normal mode coordinates, based upon constructing low order expansions in curvilinear coordinates with naturally limited mode-mode coupling, and then transforming between coordinate sets analytically. The optimal balance between accuracy and efficiency is achieved by transforming from 3 mode representation quartic force fields in curvilinear normal mode coordinates to 4 mode representation sextic force fields in rectilinear normal modes. Using this reduced mode-representation strategy introduces an error of only 1 cm{sup −1} in fundamental frequencies, on average, across a sizable test set of molecules. We demonstrate that if it is feasible to generate an initial semi-quartic force field in curvilinear normal mode coordinates from ab initio data, then the subsequent coordinate transformation procedure will be relatively fast with modest memory demands. This procedure facilitates solving the nuclear vibrational problem, as all required integrals can be evaluated analytically. Our coordinate transformation code is implemented within the extensible PyPES library program package, at http://sourceforge.net/projects/pypes-lib-ext/.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A precise non-invasive blood glucose measurement system using NIR spectroscopy and Huber’s regression model

Diabetes is one of the prominent diseases around the world. Presently, invasive techniques need a finger prick blood sample . A repetitively painful procedure that produces the chance of infection. To resolve this issue, non-invasive measurement approach is proposed. In this paper, an efficient NIR wave based optical detection system is proposed with optimized post-processing regression model. After real-time data analysis, it has been found that the coefficient of determination (R{sup 2}) is improved with the value of 0.9084 using proposed regression model. Mean absolute derivative is also increased with 3.87 mg/dl corresponding to predicted blood glucose concentration. Mean absolute relative difference has exceeded to 3.25%, and average error is improved with 3.77% using proposed regression model. Average accuaracy has been analyzed 94–95% for predicted blood glucose concentration.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

IS THERE AN UNACCOUNTED FOR EXCESS IN THE EXTRAGALACTIC COSMIC RADIO BACKGROUND?

Analyses of the distribution of absolute brightness temperature over the radio sky have recently led to suggestions that there exists a substantial unexplained extragalactic radio background. Consequently, there have been numerous attempts to place constraints on plausible origins of this 'excess'. We suggest here that this expectation of a large extragalactic background, over and above that contributed by the sources observed in the surveys, is based on an extremely simple geometry adopted to model the Galactic emission and the procedure adopted in the estimation of the extragalactic contribution. In this paper, we derive the extragalactic radio background from wide-field radio images using a more realistic modeling of the Galactic emission and decompose the sky maps at 150, 408, and 1420 MHz into anisotropic Galactic and isotropic extragalactic components. The anisotropic Galactic component is assumed to arise from a highly flattened spheroid representing the thick disk, embedded in a spherical halo, both centered at the Galactic center, along with Galactic sources, filamentary structures, and Galactic loops and spurs. All components are constrained to be positive and the optimization scheme minimizes the sky area occupied by the complex filaments. We show that in contrast with simple modeling of Galactic emission as a plane parallel slab, the more realistic modeling yields estimates for the uniform extragalactic brightness that are consistent with expectations from known extragalactic radio source populations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Evaluation of Landsat image registration accuracy

The Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment (LACIE) is an attempt to demonstrate the capability to forecast the annual production of major crops such as wheat and corn. Good image registration of data acquired on different dates is one of the key assumptions made in LACIE. This paper describes an algorithm to measure the accuracy of the current registration procedure. This algorithm employs a modified version of sequential similarity detection algorithm (SSDA). Based on over 264 registration checks, it was found that the root-mean-square of registration errors was 1.0 pixel. The failure rate of our registration checking algorithm was less than 10 per cent and the standard deviation of the accuracy of this algorithm was less than 0.2 picture element.

Kaneko, T.↗

Gamma-Ray Observatory

The Gamma-Ray Observatory (GRO) will be placed in orbit by the Space Shuttle in the latter part of 1988. This large observatory weighs approximately 34,000 pounds, and the main body measures 25-feet long and 15-feet high and wide. The GRO will carry four scientific instruments that measure the gamma-ray spectrum from the end of the X-ray spectrum to the very high energy gamma. This paper primarily discusses the GRO's design and the procedures that relate to on-orbit servicing and maintenance. The original design of GRO was based on using some of the multimission modules from the Solar-Maximum Mission (SMM). The use of these modules and the increased use of astronauts in space activities has resulted in designs that, hopefully, will make GRO a more versatile observatory.

Madden, J. J.↗

The Electronic Documentation Project in the NASA mission control center environment

NASA's space programs like many other technical programs of its magnitude is supported by a large volume of technical documents. These documents are not only diverse but also abundant. Management, maintenance, and retrieval of these documents is a challenging problem by itself; but, relating and cross-referencing this wealth of information when it is all on a medium of paper is an even greater challenge. The Electronic Documentation Project (EDP) is to provide an electronic system capable of developing, distributing and controlling changes for crew/ground controller procedures and related documents. There are two primary motives for the solution. The first motive is to reduce the cost of maintaining the current paper based method of operations by replacing paper documents with electronic information storage and retrieval. And, the other is to improve the efficiency and provide enhanced flexibility in document usage. Initially, the current paper based system will be faithfully reproduced in an electronic format to be used in the document viewing system. In addition, this metaphor will have hypertext extensions. Hypertext features support basic functions such as full text searches, key word searches, data retrieval, and traversal between nodes of information as well as speeding up the data access rate. They enable related but separate documents to have relationships, and allow the user to explore information naturally through non-linear link traversals. The basic operational requirements of the document viewing system are to: provide an electronic corollary to the current method of paper based document usage; supplement and ultimately replace paper-based documents; maintain focused toward control center operations such as Flight Data File, Flight Rules and Console Handbook viewing; and be available NASA wide.

Wang, Lui↗

Sensor Fusion for a Network of Processes/Systems with Highly Autonomous Sensors

This paper describes a distributed sensor-data-fusion paradigm and theory based on a previously developed theory to model sensors as highly autonomous units. Generic procedures are defined to reason and make decisions at the qualitative level. This facilitates distribution of intelligence ( code and hardware) to the sensor level and peer-to-peer communication among sensors, controllers, and other devices in the system.

Figueroa, Fernando↗

Comparison of Grammar-Based and Statistical Language Models Trained on the Same Data

This paper presents a methodologically sound comparison of the performance of grammar-based (GLM) and statistical-based (SLM) recognizer architectures using data from the Clarissa procedure navigator domain. The Regulus open source packages make this possible with a method for constructing a grammar-based language model by training on a corpus. We construct grammar-based and statistical language models from the same corpus for comparison, and find that the grammar-based language models provide better performance in this domain. The best SLM version has a semantic error rate of 9.6%, while the best GLM version has an error rate of 6.0%. Part of this advantage is accounted for by the superior WER and Sentence Error Rate (SER) of the GLM (WER 7.42% versus 6.27%, and SER 12.41% versus 9.79%). The rest is most likely accounted for by the fact that the GLM architecture is able to use logical-form-based features, which permit tighter integration of recognition and semantic interpretation.

Hockey, Beth Ann↗

Developing Collective Training for Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Employment

The projected use of small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) in military operations will produce training requirements which go beyond current capabilities. The paper describes the development of prototype training procedures and accompanying research simulations to address this need. We initially constructed a testbed to develop simulation-based training for an SUAS operator equipped with a simulated vertical-lift and land SUAS. However, the required training will go beyond merely training an operator how to pilot an SUAS. In addition to tactics, techniques, and procedures for employment of SUASs, collective training methods must be trained. Moreover, the leader of a unit equipped with SUAS will need to learn how to plan missions which incorporate the SUAS, and take into account air space and frequency management considerations. The demands of the task require the leader to allocate personnel to the SUAS mission, communicate and coordinate with those personnel during the mission, and make use of the information provided. To help address these training issues, we expanded our research testbed to include a command and control node (C2 node), to enable communications between a leader and the SUAS operator. In addition, we added a virtual environment in which dismounted infantry missions can be conducted. This virtual environment provides the opportunity for interactions among human-controlled avatars and non-player characters (NPCs), plus authoring tools to construct scenarios. Using these NPCs, a collective exercise involving friendly, enemy, and civilian personnel can be conducted without the need for a human role-player for every entity. We will describe the results of our first experiment, which examined the ability of players to negotiate use of the C2 node and the virtual environment at the same time, in order to see if this is a feasible combination of tools for training development.

Durlach, Paula J.↗

A Systematic Approach for Real-Time Operator Functional State Assessment

A task overload condition often leads to high stress for an operator, causing performance degradation and possibly disastrous consequences. Just as dangerous, with automated flight systems, an operator may experience a task underload condition (during the en-route flight phase, for example), becoming easily bored and finding it difficult to maintain sustained attention. When an unexpected event occurs, either internal or external to the automated system, the disengaged operator may neglect, misunderstand, or respond slowly/inappropriately to the situation. In this paper, we discuss an approach for Operator Functional State (OFS) monitoring in a typical aviation environment. A systematic ground truth finding procedure has been designed based on subjective evaluations, performance measures, and strong physiological indicators. The derived OFS ground truth is continuous in time compared to a very sparse estimation of OFS based on an expert review or subjective evaluations. It can capture the variations of OFS during a mission to better guide through the training process of the OFS assessment model. Furthermore, an OFS assessment model framework based on advanced machine learning techniques was designed and the systematic approach was then verified and validated with experimental data collected in a high fidelity Boeing 737 simulator. Preliminary results show highly accurate engagement/disengagement detection making it suitable for real-time applications to assess pilot engagement.

Zhang, Guangfan↗

Cassini Ring Plane Crossings: Hypervelocity Impact Risks to Sun Sensor Assemblies

For both F/G and D-ring crossings: Probability of a penetration damage of the SSH (Sun Sensor Head) window glass is very low; Optical attenuation due to craters on the surface of the window glass caused by direct HVI (Hyper-Velocity Impact) by dust particle is estimated to be less than 1 percent; Optical attenuation due to secondary debris cloud generated by the disintegrated ring dust particles is estimated to be less than 1 percent. To better manage the Sun sensor damage risk during selected proximal orbit crossings, it is highly desirable to follow the contingency procedures mentioned in Section VII of the paper: Details of this contingency procedure are given in the paper entitled "Cassini Operational Sun Sensor Risk Management During Proximal Orbit Saturn Ring Plane Crossings" authored by David M. Bates. Based on results of risk analyses documented in this work and contingency planning work described in the paper mentioned above, we judge that the proximal orbit campaign will be safe from the viewpoint of dust HVI hazard.

dust particles↗

Development of a Turbofan Engine Simulation in a Graphical Simulation Environment

This paper presents progress on the development of a generic component level model of a turbofan engine simulation, with a digital controller, in an advanced graphical simulation environment. The goal of this effort is to develop and demonstrate a flexible simulation platform for future research in propulsion system control and diagnostic technology. A FORTRAN-based model of a modem, high performance, military-type turbofan engine is being used to validate the platform development. The implementation process required the development of various innovative procedures, which are discussed in the paper. Open-loop and closed-loop comparisons are made between the two simulations. Future enhancements that are to be made to the modular engine simulation are summarized.

Parker, Khary I.↗

Development of a Turbofan Engine Simulation in a Graphical Simulation Environment

This paper presents progress on the development of a generic component level model of a turbofan engine simulation, with a digital controller, in an advanced graphical simulation environment. The goal of this effort is to develop and demonstrate a flexible simulation platform for future research in propulsion system control and diagnostic technology. A FORTRAN-based model of a modern, high- performance, military-type turbofan engine is being used to validate the platform development. The implementation process required the development of various innovative procedures, which are discussed in the paper. Open-loop and closed-loop comparisons are made between the two simulations. Future enhancements that are to be made to the modular engine simulation are summarized.

Parker, Khary I.↗

Study on main control room and human-system interface of generation III in China - 313

This paper focuses on the study on Main Control Room (MCR) and Human-System Interface (HSI) of Generation III in China. An intelligent HSI has been developed to enhance the safety and availability of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) by improving operational reliability. The key elements of the proposed HSI such as Advanced Alarm System, State Oriented Procedures (SOP), Large Display Panel (LDP), Computerized-base procedures..., that affects what information the operator sees or the system's response to a control input must be empirically evaluated to ensure that the new design does not compromise HSI effectiveness. Based on CPR1000's experience in China, this paper presents the approach used as well as the most relevant aspects of this kind of project for the next generation. This approach will be used in new Generation III nuclear power plant, and also used in modernizing I and C system in currently operative nuclear power plants, in addition to meeting safety requirements and the plant's operational requirements, to improve cost-effective plant and human performance and to reduce likelihood of human errors, to gain maximum benefit of the implemented technology and to increase the performance, resulting in improved plant safety, availability, reliability, and cost-effective operation. The proposed HSI has been validated and demonstrated using the CPR1000 simulator of National Key Laboratory. After sufficient validation, the characteristic design features of the proposed HSI will be reflected in the design of the main control room of the next generation reactors in China. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Subsurface Stress Fields In Single Crystal (Anisotropic) Contacts

Single crystal superalloy turbine blades used in high pressure turbomachinery are subject to conditions of high temperature, triaxial steady and alternating stresses, fretting stresses in the blade attachment and damper contact locations, and exposure to high-pressure hydrogen. The blades are also subjected to extreme variations in temperature during start-up and shutdown transients. The most prevalent HCF failure modes observed in these blades during operation include crystallographic crack initiation/propagation on octahedral planes, and noncrystallographic initiation with crystallographic growth. Numerous cases of crack initiation and crack propagation at the blade leading edge tip, blade attachment regions, and damper contact locations have been documented. Understanding crack initiation/propagation under mixed-mode loading conditions is critical for establishing a systematic procedure for evaluating HCF life of single crystal turbine blades. This paper presents analytical and numerical techniques for evaluating two and three dimensional subsurface stress fields in anisotropic contacts. The subsurface stress results are required for evaluating contact fatigue life at damper contacts and dovetail attachment regions in single crystal nickel-base superalloy turbine blades. An analytical procedure is , presented, for evaluating the subsurface stresses in the elastic half-space, using a complex potential method outlined by Lekhnitskii. Numerical results are presented for cylindrical and spherical anisotropic contacts, using finite element analysis. Effects of crystal orientation on stress response and fatigue life are examined.

Arakere, Nagaraj K.↗

Subsurface Stress Fields in FCC Single Crystal Anisotropic Contacts

Single crystal superalloy turbine blades used in high pressure turbomachinery are subject to conditions of high temperature, triaxial steady and alternating stresses, fretting stresses in the blade attachment and damper contact locations, and exposure to high-pressure hydrogen. The blades are also subjected to extreme variations in temperature during start-up and shutdown transients. The most prevalent high cycle fatigue (HCF) failure modes observed in these blades during operation include crystallographic crack initiation/propagation on octahedral planes, and non-crystallographic initiation with crystallographic growth. Numerous cases of crack initiation and crack propagation at the blade leading edge tip, blade attachment regions, and damper contact locations have been documented. Understanding crack initiation/propagation under mixed-mode loading conditions is critical for establishing a systematic procedure for evaluating HCF life of single crystal turbine blades. This paper presents analytical and numerical techniques for evaluating two and three dimensional subsurface stress fields in anisotropic contacts. The subsurface stress results are required for evaluating contact fatigue life at damper contacts and dovetail attachment regions in single crystal nickel-base superalloy turbine blades. An analytical procedure is presented for evaluating the subsurface stresses in the elastic half-space, based on the adaptation of a stress function method outlined by Lekhnitskii. Numerical results are presented for cylindrical and spherical anisotropic contacts, using finite element analysis (FEA). Effects of crystal orientation on stress response and fatigue life are examined. Obtaining accurate subsurface stress results for anisotropic single crystal contact problems require extremely refined three-dimensional (3-D) finite element grids, especially in the edge of contact region. Obtaining resolved shear stresses (RSS) on the principal slip planes also involves considerable post-processing work. For these reasons it is very advantageous to develop analytical solution schemes for subsurface stresses, whenever possible.

Arakere, Nagaraj K.↗

Knowledge Engineering for Temporal Dependency Networks as Operations Procedures

This paper presents a case study of the knowledge engineering process employed to support the Link Monitor & Control Operator Assistant (LMCOA). The LMCOA is a prototype system which automates equipment used to support space-ground communication with deep space spacecraft in NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN). The primary knowledge base in the LMCOA is the Temporal Dependency Network (TDN). The paper provides a brief background on the DSN, and describes the evolution of the TDN and supporting knowledge bases, the process used for knowledge engineering, and an analysis of the successes--and problems--of the knowledge engineering effort.

operations↗