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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 325 records · Page 18

An implicit factored scheme for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations

An implicit finite difference scheme is developed for the numerical solution of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations in conservation-law form. The algorithm is second-order-time accurate, noniterative, and spatially factored. In order to obtain an efficient factored algorithm, the spatial cross-derivatives are evaluated explicitly. However, the algorithm is unconditionally stable and, although a three-time-level scheme, requires only two-time-levels of data storage. The algorithm is constructed in a 'delta' form (i.e., increments of the conserved variables and fluxes) that provides a direct derivation of the scheme and leads to an efficient computational algorithm. In addition, the delta form has the advantageous property of a steady-state (if one exists) independent of the size of the time step. Numerical results are presented for a two-dimensional shock boundary-layer interaction problem.

Beam, R. M.↗

Contact Graph Routing

Contact Graph Routing (CGR) is a dynamic routing system that computes routes through a time-varying topology of scheduled communication contacts in a network based on the DTN (Delay-Tolerant Networking) architecture. It is designed to enable dynamic selection of data transmission routes in a space network based on DTN. This dynamic responsiveness in route computation should be significantly more effective and less expensive than static routing, increasing total data return while at the same time reducing mission operations cost and risk. The basic strategy of CGR is to take advantage of the fact that, since flight mission communication operations are planned in detail, the communication routes between any pair of bundle agents in a population of nodes that have all been informed of one another's plans can be inferred from those plans rather than discovered via dialogue (which is impractical over long one-way-light-time space links). Messages that convey this planning information are used to construct contact graphs (time-varying models of network connectivity) from which CGR automatically computes efficient routes for bundles. Automatic route selection increases the flexibility and resilience of the space network, simplifying cross-support and reducing mission management costs. Note that there are no routing tables in Contact Graph Routing. The best route for a bundle destined for a given node may routinely be different from the best route for a different bundle destined for the same node, depending on bundle priority, bundle expiration time, and changes in the current lengths of transmission queues for neighboring nodes; routes must be computed individually for each bundle, from the Bundle Protocol agent's current network connectivity model for the bundle s destination node (the contact graph). Clearly this places a premium on optimizing the implementation of the route computation algorithm. The scalability of CGR to very large networks remains a research topic. The information carried by CGR contact plan messages is useful not only for dynamic route computation, but also for the implementation of rate control, congestion forecasting, transmission episode initiation and termination, timeout interval computation, and retransmission timer suspension and resumption.

Burleigh, Scott C.↗

Reduced order feedback control equations for linear time and frequency domain analysis

An algorithm was developed which can be used to obtain the equations. In a more general context, the algorithm computes a real nonsingular similarity transformation matrix which reduces a real nonsymmetric matrix to block diagonal form, each block of which is a real quasi upper triangular matrix. The algorithm works with both defective and derogatory matrices and when and if it fails, the resultant output can be used as a guide for the reformulation of the mathematical equations that lead up to the ill conditioned matrix which could not be block diagonalized.

Frisch, H. P.↗

Using Agent Base Models to Optimize Large Scale Network for Large System Inventories

The aim of this paper is to use Agent Base Models (ABM) to optimize large scale network handling capabilities for large system inventories and to implement strategies for the purpose of reducing capital expenses. The models used in this paper either use computational algorithms or procedure implementations developed by Matlab to simulate agent based models in a principal programming language and mathematical theory using clusters, these clusters work as a high performance computational performance to run the program in parallel computational. In both cases, a model is defined as compilation of a set of structures and processes assumed to underlie the behavior of a network system.

Shameldin, Ramez Ahmed↗

Singular perturbation techniques for real time aircraft trajectory optimization and control

The usefulness of singular perturbation methods for developing real time computer algorithms to control and optimize aircraft flight trajectories is examined. A minimum time intercept problem using F-8 aerodynamic and propulsion data is used as a baseline. This provides a framework within which issues relating to problem formulation, solution methodology and real time implementation are examined. Theoretical questions relating to separability of dynamics are addressed. With respect to implementation, situations leading to numerical singularities are identified, and procedures for dealing with them are outlined. Also, particular attention is given to identifying quantities that can be precomputed and stored, thus greatly reducing the on-board computational load. Numerical results are given to illustrate the minimum time algorithm, and the resulting flight paths. An estimate is given for execution time and storage requirements.

Calise, A. J.↗

High gain antenna pointing on the Mars Exploration Rovers

This paper describes the algorithm used to point the high gain antennae on NASA/JPL's Mars Exploration Rovers. The gimballed antennae must track the Earth as it moves across the Martian sky during communication sessions. The algorithm accounts for (1) gimbal range limitations, (2) obstructions both on the rover and in the surrounding environment, (3) kinematic singularities in the gimbal design, and (4) up to two joint-space solutions for a given pointing direction. The algorithm computes the intercept-times for each of the occlusions and chooses the jointspace solution that provides the longest track time before encountering an occlusion. Upon encountering an occlusion, the pointing algorithm automatically switches to the other joint-space solution if it is not also occluded. The algorithm has successfully provided flop-free pointing for both rovers throughout the mission.

motion planning↗

Quantum Computing for Energy-Related Applications

Growing interest in quantum computing and simulations have created opportunities for its deployment to improve processes pertaining to energy production, distribution, and consumption. While quantum computing is considered as a paradigm shift in our basic understanding of physical computation, effective implementation of quantum computing in energy applications also depends on progress and development in the dimensions of both quantum computing hardware and quantum computing algorithms. To fully address the status and future challenges of quantum information science (QIS) applied within the energy sector, in this presentation, we firstly summarize recent advancements on the applications of quantum computing to energy infrastructure and materials, complex energy system processes, advanced manufacturing, and energy system security. Then, we will demonstrate the results of quantum computing both on a simulator and a quantum device accessing from OLCF. Our first example is to use the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) with a unitary coupled cluster with singles and doubles (UCCSD) ansatz to simulate a series of LixHyq molecules (q=-1, 0, +1). The obtained results showed that the quantum computing VQE-UCCSD is comparable to classical CCSD for small systems like LiH with respect to full configuration interaction (FCI). Targeting on CO2 capture application, our second example is to use VQE to quantify molecular vibrational energies and reaction pathways between CO2 and a simplified amine-based solvent model—NH3 to form H2NCOOH. This research showcases quantum computing applications in the study of CO2 capture reactions.

Duan, Yuhua↗

Digital-computer normal shock position and restart control of a Mach 2.5 axisymmetric mixed-compression inlet

Digital computer control of a mixed-compression inlet is discussed. The inlet was terminated with a choked orifice at the compressor face station to dynamically simulate a turbojet engine. Inlet diffuser exit airflow disturbances were used. A digital version of a previously tested analog control system was used for both normal shock and restart control. Digital computer algorithms were derived using z-transform and finite difference methods. Using a sample rate of 1000 samples per second, the digital normal shock and restart controls essentially duplicated the inlet analog computer control results. At a sample rate of 100 samples per second, the control system performed adequately but was less stable.

Neiner, G. H.↗

Formally biorthogonal polynomials and a look-ahead Levinson algorithm for general Toeplitz systems

Systems of linear equations with Toeplitz coefficient matrices arise in many important applications. The classical Levinson algorithm computes solutions of Toeplitz systems with only O(n(sub 2)) arithmetic operations, as compared to O(n(sub 3)) operations that are needed for solving general linear systems. However, the Levinson algorithm in its original form requires that all leading principal submatrices are nonsingular. An extension of the Levinson algorithm to general Toeplitz systems is presented. The algorithm uses look-ahead to skip over exactly singular, as well as ill-conditioned leading submatrices, and, at the same time, it still fully exploits the Toeplitz structure. In our derivation of this algorithm, we make use of the intimate connection of Toeplitz matrices with formally biorthogonal polynomials.

Freund, Roland W.↗

Singularity-free extraction of a quaternion from a direction-cosine matrix

A computer algorithm for extracting a quaternion from a direction-cosine matrix (DCM) is described. The quaternion provides a four-parameter representation of rotation, as against the nine-parameter representation afforded by a DCM. Commanded attitude in space shuttle steering is conveniently computed by DCM, while actual attitude is computed most compactly as a quaternion, as is attitude error. The unit length of the rotation quaternion, and interchangeable of a quaternion and its negative, are used to advantage in the extraction algorithm. Protection of the algorithm against square root failure and division overflow are considered. Necessary and sufficient conditions for handling the rotation vector element of largest magnitude are discussed

Klumpp, A. R.↗

Algorithm for "Bang-Bang" Control Laws

Switching times updated to minimize errors in final positions. Algorithm computes "bang-bang" control laws for single- or multiple-input systems, both those describable by linear dynamical equations and those describable by nonlinear dynamical equations that are linear in control vectors. Algorithm needed because analytical solutions of "bang-bang" control problems intractable for all but simplest systems.

Wen, John Ting-Yung↗

Automated Propellant Blending

An automated propellant blending apparatus and method uses closely metered addition of countersolvent to a binder solution with propellant particles dispersed therein to precisely control binder precipitation and particle aggregation. A profile of binder precipitation versus countersolvent-solvent ratio is established empirically and used in a computer algorithm to establish countersolvent addition parameters near the cloud point for controlling the transition of properties of the binder during agglomeration and finishing of the propellant composition particles. The system is remotely operated by computer for safety, reliability and improved product properties, and also increases product output.

Hohmann, Carl W.↗

Automated Propellant Blending

An automated propellant blending apparatus and method that uses closely metered addition of countersolvent to a binder solution with propellant particles dispersed therein to precisely control binder precipitation and particle aggregation is discussed. A profile of binder precipitation versus countersolvent-solvent ratio is established empirically and used in a computer algorithm to establish countersolvent addition parameters near the cloud point for controlling the transition of properties of the binder during agglomeration and finishing of the propellant composition particles. The system is remotely operated by computer for safety, reliability and improved product properties, and also increases product output.

Hohmann, Carl W.↗

Advances in Numerical Boundary Conditions for Computational Aeroacoustics

Advances in Computational Aeroacoustics (CAA) depend critically on the availability of accurate, nondispersive, least dissipative computation algorithm as well as high quality numerical boundary treatments. This paper focuses on the recent developments of numerical boundary conditions. In a typical CAA problem, one often encounters two types of boundaries. Because a finite computation domain is used, there are external boundaries. On the external boundaries, boundary conditions simulating the solution outside the computation domain are to be imposed. Inside the computation domain, there may be internal boundaries. On these internal boundaries, boundary conditions simulating the presence of an object or surface with specific acoustic characteristics are to be applied. Numerical boundary conditions, both external or internal, developed for simple model problems are reviewed and examined. Numerical boundary conditions for real aeroacoustic problems are also discussed through specific examples. The paper concludes with a description of some much needed research in numerical boundary conditions for CAA.

Tam, Christopher K. W.↗

Incompressible Navier-Stokes Solvers in Primative Variables and their Applications to Steady and Unsteady Flow Simulations

This paper reviews recent progress made in incompressible Navier-Stokes simulation procedures and their application to problems of engineering interest. Discussions are focused on the methods designed for complex geometry applications in three dimensions, and thus are limited to primitive variable formulation. A summary of efforts in flow solver development is given followed by numerical studies of a few example problems of current interest. Both steady and unsteady solution algorithms and their salient features are discussed. Solvers discussed here are based on a structured-grid approach using either a finite -difference or a finite-volume frame work. As a grand-challenge application of these solvers, an unsteady turbopump flow simulation procedure has been developed which utilizes high performance computing platforms. In the paper, the progress toward the complete simulation capability of the turbo-pump for a liquid rocket engine is reported. The Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) turbo-pump is used as a test case for evaluation of two parallel computing algorithms that have been implemented in the INS3D code. The relative motion of the grid systems for the rotorstator interaction was obtained using overact grid techniques. Unsteady computations for the SSME turbo-pump, which contains 114 zones with 34.5 million grid points, are carried out on SCSI Origin 3000 systems at NASA Ames Research Center. The same procedure has been extended to the development of NASA-DeBakey Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) that is based on an axial blood pump. Computational, and clinical analysis of this device are presented.

Kiris, Cetin C.↗

CFD - Mature Technology?

Over the past 30 years, numerical methods and simulation tools for fluid dynamic problems have advanced as a new discipline, namely, computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Although a wide spectrum of flow regimes are encountered in many areas of science and engineering, simulation of compressible flow has been the major driver for developing computational algorithms and tools. This is probably due to a large demand for predicting the aerodynamic performance characteristics of flight vehicles, such as commercial, military, and space vehicles. As flow analysis is required to be more accurate and computationally efficient for both commercial and mission-oriented applications (such as those encountered in meteorology, aerospace vehicle development, general fluid engineering and biofluid analysis) CFD tools for engineering become increasingly important for predicting safety, performance and cost. This paper presents the author's perspective on the maturity of CFD, especially from an aerospace engineering point of view.

Kwak, Dochan↗

Algorithm and code development for unsteady three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations

A streamwise upwind algorithm for solving the unsteady 3-D Navier-Stokes equations was extended to handle the moving grid system. It is noted that the finite volume concept is essential to extend the algorithm. The resulting algorithm is conservative for any motion of the coordinate system. Two extensions to an implicit method were considered and the implicit extension that makes the algorithm computationally efficient is implemented into Ames's aeroelasticity code, ENSAERO. The new flow solver has been validated through the solution of test problems. Test cases include three-dimensional problems with fixed and moving grids. The first test case shown is an unsteady viscous flow over an F-5 wing, while the second test considers the motion of the leading edge vortex as well as the motion of the shock wave for a clipped delta wing. The resulting algorithm has been implemented into ENSAERO. The upwind version leads to higher accuracy in both steady and unsteady computations than the previously used central-difference method does, while the increase in the computational time is small.

Obayashi, Shigeru↗

A Polynomial-Time Classical Algorithm for Noisy Quantum Circuits

We provide a polynomial-time classical algorithm for noisy quantum circuits. The algorithm computes the expectation value of any observable for any circuit, with a small average error over input states drawn from an ensemble (e.g., the computational basis). Our approach is based upon the intuition that noise exponentially damps nonlocal correlations relative to local correlations. This enables one to classically simulate a noisy quantum circuit by keeping track of only the dynamics of local quantum information. Our algorithm also enables sampling from the output distribution of a circuit in quasipolynomial time, so long as the distribution anticoncentrates. A number of implications are discussed, including a fundamental limit on the efficacy of noise mitigation strategies: For constant noise rates, any quantum circuit for which error mitigation succeeds in polynomial-time on most input states can also be classically simulated in polynomial-time on most input states. Our algorithms scale exponentially in the inverse noise rate, which is fundamental and makes them impractical for current quantum devices.

decoherence↗