Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Feature engineering”

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 289 records · Page 16

A Full-Stack Exploration of Language-Based Parallelism in Fortran 2023

This poster explores native parallel features in Fortran 2023 through the lens of supporting applications with libraries, compilers, and parallel runtimes. The language revision informally named Fortran 2008 introduced parallelism in the form of Single Program Multiple Data (SPMD) execution with two broad feature sets: (1) loop-level parallelism via do concurrent and (2) a Partitioned Global Address Space (PGAS) comprised of distributed “coarray” data structures. Fortran’s native parallelism has demonstrated high performance [1] and reduced the burden of inserting what sometimes amounts to more directives than code. Several compilers support both feature sets, typically by translating do concurrent into serial do loops annotated by parallel directives and by translating SPMD/PGAS features into direct calls to a communication library. Our research focuses primarily on two questions: (1) can the compiler’s parallel runtime library be developed in the language being compiled (Fortran) and (2) can we define an interface to the runtime that liberates compilers from being hardwired to one runtime and vice versa. We are answering these questions by developing the Parallel Runtime Interface for Fortran (PRIF) [2] and the Co-Array Fortran Framework of Efficient Interfaces to Network Environments (Caffeine) [3]. Caffeine is initially targeting adoption by LLVM Flang, a new open-source Fortran compiler developed by a broad community in industry, academia, and government labs. We are also exploring the use of these features in Inference-Engine, a deep learning library designed to facilitate neural network training and inference for high-performance computing applications written in modern Fortran.

Rasmussen, Katherine↗

Development of a digital control system for a spacecraft propulsion test facility

A digital computer control and abort system which is used at NASA-Lewis research center is described. The system was designed to control test operations such as rocket engine testing, structure testing, and wind tunnel tests. Because of the nature of spacecraft system testing, particularly rocket engine testing, the unique features of the system are, control function updating at a 20 millisecond rate, continuous abort monitoring and a software system designed for short duration tests rather than continuous on-line control. To accomplish these system requirements, special hardware was designed. The presentation includes a description of the computer system and special interface hardware as well as a general description of the software used.

Smalley, R. R.↗

Development of a digital control system for a spacecraft propulsion test facility.

A digital computer control and abort system which is used at NASA-Lewis Research Center's Plum Brook Test Facilities is described. The system was designed by NASA personnel to control test operations such as rocket engine testing, structure testing, and wind tunnel tests. Because of the nature of spacecraft system testing, particularly rocket engine testing, the unique features of the system are, control function updating at a 20 millisecond rate, continuous abort monitoring and a software system designed for short duration tests rather than continuous on-line control. To accomplish these system requirements, special hardware was designed. The presentation will include a description of the computer system including special interface hardware as well as a general description of the software used.

Smalley, R. R.↗

Development of a digital control system for a spacecraft propulsion test facility.

Description of a digital computer control and abort system designed by NASA personnel to control test operations such as rocket engine testing, structure testing, and wind tunnel tests. Because of the nature of spacecraft system testing, particularly rocket engine testing, the unique features of the system are, control function updating at a 20 millisecond rate, continuous abort monitoring, and a software system designed for short duration tests rather than continuous on-line control. The presentation includes a description of the computer system and special interface hardware as well as a general description of the software used.

Smalley, R. R.↗

Performance of an annual combustor designed for a low-cost turbojet engine

Performance tests were conducted on a combustor designed for use in a low-cost turbojet engine. Low-cost features included the use of very inexpensive simplex fuel nozzles and combustor liners of perforated sheet material. Combustion efficiencies at the altitude-cruise and sea-level design points were approximately 94 and 96 percent, respectively. The combustor isothermal total-pressure loss was 8.8 percent at the altitude-cruise-condition diffuser-inlet Mach number of 0.335. The combustor-exit temperature pattern factor was less than 0.3 at the altitude-cruise, sea-level-cruise, and sea-level-static design conditions. The combustor-exit average radial temperature profiles at all conditions were in very good agreement with the design profile. The intense mixing required because of the very high combustor heat-release rate had an adverse effect on ignition capability at altitude windmilling design conditions.

Fear, J. S.↗

Statistical identification of structures.

A method is formulated for systematically using experimental measurements of the natural frequencies and mode shapes of a structure to modify stiffness and mass characteristics of a finite element model. Throughout the modification process, which does not require complete data, the finite element model remains consistent. An additional feature is that the engineer's confidence in the modeling of the various finite elements is quantified and incorporated into the revision procedure. Examples demonstrate the convergence and versatility of the method.

Collins, J. D.↗

Unsteady flow in cavitating turbopumps

Unsteady flow in a cavitating axial inducer pump is analyzed with the help of a simple two-dimensional cascade model. This problem was motivated by a desire to study the effect of unsteady cavitation on the so-called POGO instability in the operation of liquid rocket engines. Here, an important feature is a closed loop coupling between several different modes of oscillation, one of which is due to the basic unsteady characteristics of the cavitation itself. The approaching and leaving flow velocities up- and downstream of the inducer oscillate, and the cavity-blade system participates dynamically with the basic pulsating flow. In the present work, attention is focused on finding a transfer matrix that relates the set of upstream variables to those downstream. This quantity, which is essentially equivalent to cavitation compliance in the quasi-static analyses, is found to be complex and frequency dependent.

Kim, J. H.↗

The U.S. 2.5-Meter Cryogenic High Reynolds Number Tunnel

The U.S. 2.5-Meter Cryogenic High Reynolds Number Tunnel is a fan-driven transonic wind tunnel scheduled for operation in 1981. It will operate at Mach numbers from 0.1 to 1.2, stagnation pressures from 1 to 9 bars, and stagnation temperatures from 352 to 80 Kelvin. The maximum Reynolds number capability will be 120 million at a Mach number of 1.0 based on a reference length of 0.25 meter. This paper describes the basis for the conceptual approach, the engineering design including unique features, and the performance operating envelopes for the tunnel.

Howell, R. R.↗

Combustion rig durability testing of turbine ceramics

A test facility for cyclic exposure of ceramic test bars to 1370 C has been designed as a means of the evaluation of the material durability under high-temperature cycling, particularly in heat-engine applications. The principal features of the test rig and test procedures are briefly discussed, and test results are presented for several commercial ceramics, including hot-pressed silicon nitride, carborundum sintered alpha-SiC, siliconized SiC, and reaction-bonded silicon nitride.

Carruthers, W. D.↗

Some solutions to the problems and pitfalls of laser velocimetry in a large transonic wind tunnel

Attention is given to engineering design and development features of a two-component, coaxial backscatter laser velocimetry system which attempts to realize the long-recognized desirability of this technique's use for nonintrusive flow measurement. The design of the optics for the present 16-foot transonic wind tunnel device, and problems associated with the installation of the system in the hostile, test section plenum chamber environment are discussed.

Reubush, D. E.↗

Carbon/Carbon Pistons for Internal Combustion Engines

Carbon/carbon piston performs same function as aluminum pistons in reciprocating internal combustion engines while reducing weight and increasing mechanical and thermal efficiencies of engine. Carbon/carbon piston concept features low piston-to-cylinder wall clearance - so low piston rings and skirts unnecessary. Advantages possible by negligible coefficient of thermal expansion of carbon/carbon.

Taylor, A. H.↗

Solar Thermoelectric Converters

Existing technologies combined to exploit solar power. Report discusses design concepts for alkali metal thermoelectric power converters heated by Sun. Several alternative configurations of equipment presented, with brief analyses of engineering problems and important features of each.

Selcuk, M. Kudret↗

Space Shuttle redesign status

NASA has conducted an extensive redesign effort for the Space Shutle in the aftermath of the STS 51-L Challenger accident, encompassing not only Shuttle vehicle and booster design but also such system-wide factors as organizational structure, management procedures, flight safety, flight operations, sustainable flight rate, and maintenance safeguards. Attention is presently given to Solid Rocket Booster redesign features, the Shuttle Main Engine's redesigned high pressure fuel and oxidizer turbopumps, the Shuttle Orbiter's braking and rollout (landing gear) system, the entry control mode of the flight control system, a 'split-S' abort maneuver for the Orbiter, and crew escape capsule proposals.

Brand, Vance D.↗

Description of an oscillating flow pressure drop test rig

A test rig designed to generate heat exchanger pressure drop information under oscillating flow conditions is described. This oscillating flow rig is based on a variable stroke and variable frequency linear drive motor. A frequency capability of 120 hertz and a mean test pressure up to 15 mPA (2200 psi) allows for testing at flow conditions found in modern high specific power Stirling engines. An important design feature of this rig is that it utilizes a single close coupled dynamic pressure transducer to measure the pressure drop across the test sample. This eliminates instrumentation difficulties associated with the pressure sensing lines common to differential pressure transducers. Another feature of the rig is that it utilizes a single displacement piston. This allows for testing of different sample lengths and configurations without hardware modifications. All data acquisition and reduction for the rig is performed with a dedicated personal computer. Thus the overall system design efficiently integrates the testing and data reduction procedures. The design methodology and details of the test rig is described.

Wood, J. Gary↗

Description of an oscillating flow pressure drop test rig

A test rig designed to generate heat exchanger pressure drop information under oscillating flow conditions is described. This oscillating flow rig is based on a variable stroke and variable frequency linear drive motor. A frequency capability of 120 hertz and a mean test pressure up to 15 mPA (2200 psi) allows for testing at flow conditions found in modern high specific power Stirling engines. An important design feature of this rig is that it utilizes a single close coupled dynamic pressure transducer to measure the pressure drop across the test sample. This eliminates instrumentation difficulties associated with the pressure sensing lines common to differential pressure transducers. Another feature of the rig is that it utilizes a single displacement piston. This allows for testing of different sample lengths and configurations without hardware modifications. All data acquisition and reduction for the rig is performed with a dedicated personal computer. Thus the overall system design efficiently integrates the testing and data reduction procedures. The design methodology and details of the test rig are described.

Wood, J. Gary↗

Systems engineering and integration: Advanced avionics laboratories

In order to develop the new generation of avionics which will be necessary for upcoming programs such as the Lunar/Mars Initiative, Advanced Launch System, and the National Aerospace Plane, new Advanced Avionics Laboratories are required. To minimize costs and maximize benefits, these laboratories should be capable of supporting multiple avionics development efforts at a single location, and should be of a common design to support and encourage data sharing. Recent technological advances provide the capability of letting the designer or analyst perform simulations and testing in an environment similar to his engineering environment and these features should be incorporated into the new laboratories. Existing and emerging hardware and software standards must be incorporated wherever possible to provide additional cost savings and compatibility. Special care must be taken to design the laboratories such that real-time hardware-in-the-loop performance is not sacrificed in the pursuit of these goals. A special program-independent funding source should be identified for the development of Advanced Avionics Laboratories as resources supporting a wide range of upcoming NASA programs.

Source record↗

Simplified Modeling Of A Helicopter

Report discusses development of minimum-complexity mathematical model of helicopter for use in flight simulator. Development motivated by computational delays, costs, long development times, and inflexibility of sophisticated models now in use. New model overcomes these disadvantages and provides better engineering understanding of those features pertaining to handling qualities apparent to pilot who uses simulator.

Heffley, Robert K.↗