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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 37 records · Page 2

A post-processing system for automated rectification and registration of spaceborne SAR imagery

An automated post-processing system has been developed that interfaces with the raw image output of the operational digital SAR correlator. This system is designed for optimal efficiency by using advanced signal processing hardware and an algorithm that requires no operator interaction, such as the determination of ground control points. The standard output is a geocoded image product (i.e. resampled to a specified map projection). The system is capable of producing multiframe mosaics for large-scale mapping by combining images in both the along-track direction and adjacent cross-track swaths from ascending and descending passes over the same target area. The output products have absolute location uncertainty of less than 50 m and relative distortion (scale factor and skew) of less than 0.1 per cent relative to local variations from the assumed geoid.

Curlander, John C.↗

Advanced power system protection and incipient fault detection and protection of spaceborne power systems

This research concentrated on the application of advanced signal processing, expert system, and digital technologies for the detection and control of low grade, incipient faults on spaceborne power systems. The researchers have considerable experience in the application of advanced digital technologies and the protection of terrestrial power systems. This experience was used in the current contracts to develop new approaches for protecting the electrical distribution system in spaceborne applications. The project was divided into three distinct areas: (1) investigate the applicability of fault detection algorithms developed for terrestrial power systems to the detection of faults in spaceborne systems; (2) investigate the digital hardware and architectures required to monitor and control spaceborne power systems with full capability to implement new detection and diagnostic algorithms; and (3) develop a real-time expert operating system for implementing diagnostic and protection algorithms. Significant progress has been made in each of the above areas. Several terrestrial fault detection algorithms were modified to better adapt to spaceborne power system environments. Several digital architectures were developed and evaluated in light of the fault detection algorithms.

Russell, B. Don↗

SFAI and Related Technologies

Researchers at Los Alamos have developed Swept-Frequency Acoustic Interferometry (SFAI) a technology that enables businesses to have greater control over their industrial processes, allowing for significantly improved efficiency by giving operators vital composition and flow rate information in real-time. This technology fills the information gap by providing this data non-invasively and at a fraction of the cost of traditional composition meters. SFAI uses engineered ultrasound and advanced signal processing to characterize multiphase flow (e.g., liquids, gasses, multi-phase mixtures) and other flows inside sealed containers and flow pipes. By being both low-cost and non-invasive, this technology is set to disrupt the current oil field monitoring state-of-the-art by providing individual well-level composition data, compared to the multi-well macroscopic information that is currently available. We are seeking a commercialization partner to license the technology or fund us through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to a further develop a usable product for commercial purposes.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Application of Hybrid K-Edge Densitometry in Reprocessing Facilities

During reprocessing operations, accurately determining the elemental concentrations of uranium and plutonium is critical for nuclear security. Reprocessing facilities processes hundreds of tons of nuclear material annually, requiring accurate measurements to ensure effective nuclear material control and accountability. Hybrid K-edge densitometry (HKED) system combines K-edge absorption densitometry with x-ray fluorescence to measure actinide elemental concentrations with a low uncertainty. This system uses high-purity germanium gamma-ray detectors and advanced signal processing equipment to detect x-ray accurately. This document provides guidance on how to achieve effective performance from an HKED system for measuring uranium and plutonium concentrations in reprocessing facilities. It includes best practices for the setup and operation of an HKED system, while highlighting factors influencing uncertainties.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Third International Workshop on Ion Mobility Spectrometry

Basic research in ion mobility spectrometry has given rise to rapid advancement in hardware development and applications. The Third International Workshop on Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) was held October 16-19, 1994, at Johnson Space Center to provide a forum for investigators to present the most recent results of both basic and applied IMS research. Presenters included manufacturers and various users, including military research organizations and drug enforcement agencies. Thirty papers were given in the following five sessions: Fundamental IMS Studies, Instrument Development, Hyphenated IMS Techniques, Applications, and Data Reduction and Signal Processing. Advances in hardware development, software development, and user applications are described.

Cross, John H.↗

A machine learning framework for accurate and robust analysis of radiation detector pulses

The microscopic properties of atomic nuclei are used to study various scientific questions. They are essential for understanding the fundamental forces of nature and the chemical evolution of the universe. Detecting decay radiation from radioactive nuclei makes it possible to probe these fundamental nuclear properties. Detector waveform traces may contain additional information about the radiation. Generally, advanced signal processing techniques are needed to extract this additional information, often involving fitting the waveform with model response functions using non-linear least-squares optimization with second-order gradient methods. While this is a powerful technique, it is also computationally expensive, leading to slow processing time, which scales with the volume of data. To address this problem, we have developed a machine learning (ML) approach that infers the characteristics of traces from a model detector response function. In particular, we are interested in classifying whether a single recorded trace consists of one or two pulse constituents and estimating the pulse parameters. Furthermore, our proposed ML method can precisely extract the pulses’ parameters, such as energy and timing information, and accurately classify the pulse multiplicity of a trace. Unlike non-learning-based approaches, our ML approach uses neural networks that are significantly faster at inference, as they do not require any optimization during this stage.

Curve fitting↗

Stabilizing dynamic subsea power cables using Bi-stable nonlinear energy sinks

This study investigates vibration mitigation of dynamic subsea cables through passive bi-stable nonlinear energy sinks (B-NESs). These devices suppress vibration energy in a broadband way, and can be regarded as extensions of classical linear tuned mass dampers (TMDs) which are narrowband devices. Through the open-source MoorDyn library, we simulated the vibrations of a vertical subsea cable equipped with a set of B-NESs. Multi-objective optimization was performed to detect the B-NES parameters for optimal mitigation of the cable vibrations. Advanced signal processing verified the efficacy of the optimized B-NESs not only to rapidly absorb and locally dissipate vibration energy, but also to nonlinearly scatter vibration energy from low to high frequencies within the cable itself. This last feature is especially beneficial for vibration mitigation of the undersea cable, as at higher frequencies the cable vibrations exhibit drastically reduced amplitudes and are more effectively dissipated by inherent structural damping and hydrodynamic radiation damping. This contrasts with traditional TMDs which can mitigate vibration only at a single frequency. Furthermore, our robustness study confirms the B-NES's effectiveness under even varying environmental conditions. Overall, the B-NES's capacity for broadband vibration mitigation renders it a promising retrofit solution for improving the performance and operational safety of dynamic power cables in offshore wind farms and other marine applications.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Tuning Exciton Emission via Ferroelectric Polarization at a Heterogeneous Interface between a Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenide and a Perovskite Oxide Membrane

Here we demonstrate the integration of a thin BaTiO 3 (BTO) membrane with monolayer MoSe 2 in a dual gate device that enables in-situ manipulation of the BTO ferroelectric polarization with a voltage pulse. While two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) offer remarkable adaptability, their hybrid integration with other families of functional materials beyond the realm of 2D materials has been challenging. Released functional oxide membranes offer a solution for 2D/3D integration via stacking. 2D TMD excitons can serve as a local probe of the ferroelectric polarization in BTO at a heterogeneous interface. Using photoluminescence (PL) of MoSe 2 excitons to optically readout the doping level, we find that the relative population of charge carriers in MoSe 2 depends sensitively on the ferroelectric polarization. This finding points to a promising avenue for future-generations versatile sensing devices with high sensitivity, fast read-out, and diverse applicability for advanced signal processing.

42 ENGINEERING↗

A generalized tool for accurate time-domain separation of excited modes in spin-torque oscillators

We propose and develop an advanced signal processing technique that, combined with micromagnetic simulations, is able to deeply describe the non-stationary behavior of spin-torque oscillators, both in terms of time domain and spatial distribution of the magnetization dynamics. The Hilbert-Huang Transform is used for the identification of the time traces of each oscillation in a multimode excitation and enhanced with masking signals and the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition. We emphasize that the technique developed here is general and can be used for any physical non-linear system in the presence of multimode dynamical excitation or intermittence.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

A Harmonics Interferometric Doppler Sensor With a Neon Lamp Detector

A cost-effective harmonic interferometric Doppler sensor has been developed to obtain both amplitude and phase of the micro-Doppler signatures of moving objects. A phase chopper is used to generate the harmonics of the interferometry signal. For cost-effectiveness, a Gunn diode source is used for signal generation and a neon lamp is employed as a broadband detector. An advanced signal processing algorithm has been developed to extract both amplitude and phase Doppler signatures. A prototype has been built to demonstrate the effectiveness of the harmonic interferometric Doppler sensor at 35 GHz, with Doppler objects such as human hand and metal objects. In addition, the broadband detection capability of the neon lamp allows the Doppler sensor to work up to the millimeter-wave regime and potentially beyond the terahertz (THz) wave regime. Due to the ruggedness of the neon lamp detector, it is expected that the Doppler sensor has important applications of sensing and wireless communication in harsh environment such as high-temperature, high-power and radioactive conditions.

Doppler sensor↗

Detecting Anomalies for Fire Prevention in Distribution Systems: Challenges and Analytical Techniques

Electric utilities in California have historically been linked to up to 10% of wildfires. To mitigate this risk, Southern California Edison has invested significantly in wildfire prevention strategies, including undergrounding cables and enhancing equipment inspections. This article explores a novel approach to fire prevention by detecting anomalies in the distribution system that may indicate potential fire hazards. The focus is on identifying arcing conditions through high-resolution point-on-wave (POW) measurements. Arcing, a precursor to fires, is challenging to detect due to its subtle transients and complex system topology. The article discusses the use of advanced signal processing and machine learning techniques, such as spectral correlation function and discrete wavelet transform, to extract features from POW data and accurately identify arcing events. The study demonstrates a high accuracy rate in detecting arcing, paving the way for improved fire prevention measures in electric distribution systems.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program Potential to Extend the Range of Established Online Monitoring Technologies, Such as Guided Waves in Nuclear Power Plant Systems

The Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program began to evaluate technologies that could be used to perform online monitoring of piping and other secondary system structural components in commercial NPPs. These online monitoring systems have the potential to identify when a more detailed inspection is needed using real-time measurements, rather than at a pre-determined inspection interval. This transition to condition-based, risk informed automated maintenance will contribute to a significant reduction of operations and maintenance costs that account for most nuclear power generation costs. This report describes the current state of research related to ultrasonic guided wave testing and its application to defect detection in commercial nuclear power plants. The report analyses the applicability of the guided wave technology to secondary piping systems and also study the potential for expanding the range of guided wave technology to include bent piping and other piping components. The ultrasonic guided waves can inspect long stretches of straight piping, however more complex geometries such as elbows, welds, and tees are causing spurious reflections and coherent noise which significantly decrease the sensitivity of the technique. The report analyses two approaches to suppression of coherent noise in guided wave systems: advanced signal processing and pattern recognition based on independent component analysis and blind source separation and hardware-based technique of piezoelectric paint which can be used to facilitate the propagation of mechanical stress waves through piping. It is demonstrated on simulated guided wave data that the independent component analysis is capable of separating different coherent noise components and segregating them from useful signal. The piezoelectric paint approach seem to be a viable alternative to the signal processing methods, however it requires significantly more complicated logistics and initial financial outlay. The future efforts will be concentrated on applying the independent component analysis to real-world guided wave data recorded by the guided wave monitoring system installed on the shell of the low-pressure feedwater heater 13A at Exelon Corporation’s Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station. Also, the joint EPRI-INL research efforts will focus on experimental evaluation of piezoelectric paint as a technique to extend the range of guided wave technology.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Active Time-Domain Reflectometry for Unattended Safeguards Systems: FY16 Report

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to expand its use of unattended measurement systems. An increasing number of systems and an expanding family of instruments create challenges in terms of deployment efficiency and the implementation of data authentication measures. Traditional data security measures, for example tamper-indicating (TI) conduit, are impractical for the long separation distances (often 100 meters or more) between unattended monitoring system (UMS) components. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is studying the viability of active time-domain reflectometry (TDR) for the detection of cable tampering in unattended radiation detection systems. The instrument concept under investigation would allow for unmanned cable integrity measurements, remote surveillance reporting and locating of cable faults and/or tampers. This report describes PNNL’s FY16 progress and includes: an overview of the TDR methods under investigation; description of the TDR evaluation testbed developed by PNNL; development and testing of advanced signal processing algorithms to extract weak signals from relatively high noise levels; and initial testing of a laboratory prototype intended for IAEA UMS applications and based on a commercially available TDR module. Preliminary viability findings and recommendations for the next stage of development and testing are provided.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

Radar clutter suppression

I have been working on something called clutter, which is an amount of “noise” caused by the surrounding environment in a radar system photo or image. The radar system is called “synthetic aperture radar” or SAR. Our group is trying to clarify the photo and hence data of an SAR image by removing clutter (and noise) from the photograph. This is done by utilizing advanced signal processing techniques and the MATLAB programming language on our computer.

Evans, Bradley [External Affiliation]↗

Shuttle wave experiments

Wave experiments on shuttle are needed to verify dispersion relations, to study nonlinear and exotic phenomena, to support other plasma experiments, and to test engineering designs. Techniques based on coherent detection and bistatic geometry are described. New instrumentation required to provide modules for a variety of missions and to incorporate advanced signal processing and control techniques is discussed. An experiment for Z to 0 coupling is included.

Calvert, W.↗

Acoustooptic linear algebra processors - Architectures, algorithms, and applications

Architectures, algorithms, and applications for systolic processors are described with attention to the realization of parallel algorithms on various optical systolic array processors. Systolic processors for matrices with special structure and matrices of general structure, and the realization of matrix-vector, matrix-matrix, and triple-matrix products and such architectures are described. Parallel algorithms for direct and indirect solutions to systems of linear algebraic equations and their implementation on optical systolic processors are detailed with attention to the pipelining and flow of data and operations. Parallel algorithms and their optical realization for LU and QR matrix decomposition are specifically detailed. These represent the fundamental operations necessary in the implementation of least squares, eigenvalue, and SVD solutions. Specific applications (e.g., the solution of partial differential equations, adaptive noise cancellation, and optimal control) are described to typify the use of matrix processors in modern advanced signal processing.

Casasent, D.↗

Eddy current jet engine disk-crack monitor

A disk-crack monitor is described that is suitable for use on the ground or in flight. The system consists of an engine-mounted eddy current sensor, a series capacitance in each leg of the sensor circuit, and a capacitance-conductance bridge followed by an oscilloscope capable of advanced signal processing. It was applied to the detection of service-induced cracks in the first-stage turbine wheel of a helicopter engine. A 3.5 mm long radial fatigue crack plus smaller cracks, all located in the blade root region of the wheel, were detected during engine test stand operation at ground idle speed and temperature. The calculation of the value of series capacitance is also presented.

Barranger, J. P.↗

Medical ultrasound - From inner space to outer space

During the last decade, medical ultrasound has rapidly become a widely accepted imaging modality used in many medical specialties. It has the advantages that it is noninvasive, does not use ionizing radiation, is relatively inexpensive and is easy to use. Future trends in ultrasound include expanded areas of use, advanced signal processing and digital image analysis including tissue characterization and three-dimensional reconstructions.

Rooney, J. A.↗