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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

Registration of interferometric SAR images

Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (INSAR) is a new way of performing topography mapping. Among the factors critical to mapping accuracy is the registration of the complex SAR images from repeated orbits. A new algorithm for registering interferometric SAR images is presented. A new figure of merit, the average fluctuation function of the phase difference image, is proposed to evaluate the fringe pattern quality. The process of adjusting the registration parameters according to the fringe pattern quality is optimized through a downhill simplex minimization algorithm. The results of applying the proposed algorithm to register two pairs of Seasat SAR images with a short baseline (75 m) and a long baseline (500 m) are shown. It is found that the average fluctuation function is a very stable measure of fringe pattern quality allowing very accurate registration.

Lin, Qian↗

Round-off errors in cutting plane algorithms based on the revised simplex procedure

This report statistically analyzes computational round-off errors associated with the cutting plane approach to solving linear integer programming problems. Cutting plane methods require that the inverse of a sequence of matrices be computed. The problem basically reduces to one of minimizing round-off errors in the sequence of inverses. Two procedures for minimizing this problem are presented, and their influence on error accumulation is statistically analyzed. One procedure employs a very small tolerance factor to round computed values to zero. The other procedure is a numerical analysis technique for reinverting or improving the approximate inverse of a matrix. The results indicated that round-off accumulation can be effectively minimized by employing a tolerance factor which reflects the number of significant digits carried for each calculation and by applying the reinversion procedure once to each computed inverse. If 18 significant digits plus an exponent are carried for each variable during computations, then a tolerance value of 0.1 x 10 to the minus 12th power is reasonable.

Moore, J. E.↗

Novel measurement techniques (development and analysis of silicon solar cells near 20% effciency)

Work in identifying, developing, and analyzing techniques for measuring bulk recombination rates, and surface recombination velocities and rates in all regions of high-efficiency silicon solar cells is presented. The accuracy of the previously developed DC measurement system was improved by adding blocked interference filters. The system was further automated by writing software that completely samples the unkown solar cell regions with data of numerous recombination velocity and lifetime pairs. The results can be displayed in three dimensions and the best fit can be found numerically using the simplex minimization algorithm. Also described is a theoretical methodology to analyze and compare existing dynamic measurement techniques.

Wolf, M.↗

A Comparison of Trajectory Optimization Methods for the Impulsive Minimum Fuel Rendezvous Problem

In this paper we present a comparison of optimization approaches to the minimum fuel rendezvous problem. Both indirect and direct methods are compared for a variety of test cases. The indirect approach is based on primer vector theory. The direct approaches are implemented numerically and include Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP), Quasi-Newton, Simplex, Genetic Algorithms, and Simulated Annealing. Each method is applied to a variety of test cases including, circular to circular coplanar orbits, LEO to GEO, and orbit phasing in highly elliptic orbits. We also compare different constrained optimization routines on complex orbit rendezvous problems with complicated, highly nonlinear constraints.

Hughes, Steven P.↗

Advanced control concepts

The problems of excess control devices and insufficient trim control capability on shuttle ascent vehicles were investigated. The trim problem is solved at all time points of interest using Lagrangian multipliers and a Simplex based iterative algorithm developed as a result of the study. This algorithm has the capability to solve any bounded linear problem with physically realizable constraints, and to minimize any piecewise differentiable cost function. Both solution methods also automatically distribute the command torques to the control devices. It is shown that trim requirements are unrealizable if only the orbiter engines and the aerodynamic surfaces are used.

Sharp, J. B.↗

Parallel optimization algorithms and their implementation in VLSI design

Two new parallel optimization algorithms based on the simplex method are described. They may be executed by a SIMD parallel processor architecture and be implemented in VLSI design. Several VLSI design implementations are introduced. An application example is reported to demonstrate that the algorithms are effective.

Lee, G.↗

Orion Orbit Control Design and Analysis

The analysis of candidate thruster configurations for the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) is presented. Six candidate configurations were considered for the prime contractor baseline design. The analysis included analytical assessments of control authority, control precision, efficiency and robustness, as well as simulation assessments of control performance. The principles used in the analytic assessments of controllability, robustness and fuel performance are covered and results provided for the configurations assessed. Simulation analysis was conducted using a pulse width modulated, 6 DOF reaction system control law with a simplex-based thruster selection algorithm. Control laws were automatically derived from hardware configuration parameters including thruster locations, directions, magnitude and specific impulse, as well as vehicle mass properties. This parameterized controller allowed rapid assessment of multiple candidate layouts. Simulation results are presented for final phase rendezvous and docking, as well as low lunar orbit attitude hold. Finally, on-going analysis to consider alternate Service Module designs and to assess the pilot-ability of the baseline design are discussed to provide a status of orbit control design work to date.

Jackson, Mark↗

Efficient generation of grids and traversal graphs in compositional spaces towards exploration and path planning

Abstract Diverse disciplines across science and engineering deal with problems related to compositions, which exist in non-Euclidean simplex spaces, rendering many standard tools inaccurate or inefficient. This work explores such spaces conceptually in the context of materials discovery, quantifies their computational feasibility, and implements several essential methods specific to simplex spaces through a new high-performance open-source library . Most significantly, we derive and implement an algorithm for constructing a novel n-dimensional simplex graph data structure, containing all discretized compositions and possible neighbor-to-neighbor transitions. Critically, no distance or neighborhood calculations are performed, instead leveraging pure combinatorics and order in procedurally generated simplex grids, keeping the algorithm $${\mathcal{O}}(N)$$ O ( N ) , with minimal memory, enabling rapid construction of graphs with billions of transitions in seconds. Additionally, we demonstrate how such graph representations can be combined to homogeneously express complex path-planning problems, while facilitating efficient deployment of existing high-performance gradient descent, graph traversal, and other optimization algorithms.

Krajewski, Adam M. (ORCID:0000000222660099)↗

Space Shuttle Main Engine component assembly, assignment, and scheduling expert system

The SSME's Component Assembly and Life Management Expert System (CALMES) assists the engine assembly and scheduling process, ensuring that these activities utilize available resources with the greatest possible efficiency. On the basis of parts inventories and a proposed flight schedule, CALMES (1) determined how components may be optimally assembled from the parts inventory, (2) assigns components to flights, (3) schedules component testing, and (4) schedules component assembly. A graph-theoretical optimal matching algorithm, based on a modified simplex method, is applied to the major functions required by the SSME component assembly and scheduling processes.

Dietz, W. E.↗

Multivariate Spline Algorithms for CAGD

Two special polyhedra present themselves for the definition of B-splines: a simplex S and a box or parallelepiped B, where the edges of S project into an irregular grid, while the edges of B project into the edges of a regular grid. More general splines may be found by forming linear combinations of these B-splines, where the three-dimensional coefficients are called the spline control points. Univariate splines are simplex splines, where s = 1, whereas splines over a regular triangular grid are box splines, where s = 2. Two simple facts render the development of the construction of B-splines: (1) any face of a simplex or a box is again a simplex or box but of lower dimension; and (2) any simplex or box can be easily subdivided into smaller simplices or boxes. The first fact gives a geometric approach to Mansfield-like recursion formulas that express a B-spline in B-splines of lower order, where the coefficients depend on x. By repeated recursion, the B-spline will be expressed as B-splines of order 1; i.e., piecewise constants. In the case of a simplex spline, the second fact gives a so-called insertion algorithm that constructs the new control points if an additional knot is inserted.

Boehm, W.↗

Optimization of Geometric Perturbations on a Rod Moving Through a High Explosive Target

After completing a study to ensure the simulation results were converged, several high resolution 3D Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic (SPH) simulations of copper rods impacting a high explosive (LX14) target were performed. This was then formulated into an optimization problem: I wanted to find the optimum shape and location of a perturbation on the rod that would maximize its erosion after it left the target. The shape of the perturbation was modeled as a 2D Gaussian bump and parameterized by its location along the rod axis (z 0 ) and amplitude (A). The final mass of the coherent part of the rod as it leaves the target was used as a metric to represent the erosion of the rod, and the optimization was formulated to maximize this metric with respect to the aforementioned design variables. Due to the expensive nature of the high-fidelity 3D SPH simulations, a surrogate model needed to be chosen so that many function calls to the optimizer would be feasible. Thus, a strategic full factorial sampling plan was chosen to build a dataset, which consisted of 24 high-fidelity simulations. Two surrogate models, a third order polynomial regression model and a Gaussian Process Model, were analyzed using a 14%/86% test/train holdout technique. The root mean square and R2 score of the test set was used to determine the best model, and the third order polynomial regression model was chosen as the surrogate model. Finally, the Nelder-Mead Simplex and Basin-hopping optimization algorithms were implemented, and it was found that the two algorithms gave slightly different optimum values. Nelder-Mead gave an optimum point of [z* 0 ;A*] = [9:9;0:4] and Basin-Hopping gave an optimum value of x* = [z* 0 ;A*] = [9:2;0:1].

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

Interpolation of compound semiconductor alloy parameters from those of their constituents

Several methods have been proposed for interpolation of the value of physical parameters of quaternary alloys from those of their constituent ternary and binary sub-alloys. These expressions agree when non-linear bowing terms are not required; they differ in how the bowing terms of the bounding ternaries should be utilized. Common interpolation expressions for quaternaries can be generalized into two groups: (1) those that use a linear interpolation of the nearest ternary parameter values and (2) those that interpolate over binary values with a bowing term derived from the bounding ternaries. The second group of methods is equivalent to a polynomial expansion over the alloy’s interpolation space. For compound semiconductor alloys, the geometry of the composition space is the direct sum of the group-III and group-V mixture sub-spaces. The mixture sub-spaces are best described using barycentric coordinates on a regular simplex. A general polynomial expansion of the value of an alloy parameter using barycentric coordinates for the group-III and group-V simplex spaces is described along with an algorithm to generate interpolation expressions for alloys with arbitrary numbers of elements, including quinary and senary alloys. It is shown that a polynomial expansion produces values in closer agreement with the direct gap of quaternaries lattice-matched to common substrates than do approaches using an interpolation of the ternary values, despite a prominent recommendation to the contrary. Finally, a quaternary correction term is described that improves the predicted direct bandgap energies of GaInAsSb for compositions near those lattice matched to InP, InAs, and GaSb.

Olesberg, Jonathon T. [Sandia National Laboratorie↗

Determining Spacecraft Reaction Wheel Friction Parameters

Software was developed to characterize the drag in each of the Cassini spacecraft's Reaction Wheel Assemblies (RWAs) to determine the RWA friction parameters. This tool measures the drag torque of RWAs for not only the high spin rates (greater than 250 RPM), but also the low spin rates (less than 250 RPM) where there is a lack of an elastohydrodynamic boundary layer in the bearings. RWA rate and drag torque profiles as functions of time are collected via telemetry once every 4 seconds and once every 8 seconds, respectively. Intermediate processing steps single-out the coast-down regions. A nonlinear model for the drag torque as a function of RWA spin rate is incorporated in order to characterize the low spin rate regime. The tool then uses a nonlinear parameter optimization algorithm based on the Nelder-Mead simplex method to determine the viscous coefficient, the Dahl friction, and the two parameters that account for the low spin-rate behavior.

Sarani, Siamak↗

Modeling of the WSTF frictional heating apparatus in high pressure systems

In order to develop a computer program able to model the frictional heating of metals in high pressure oxygen or nitrogen a number of additions have been made to the frictional heating model originally developed for tests in low pressure helium. These additions include: (1) a physical property package for the gases to account for departures from the ideal gas state; (2) two methods for spatial discretization (finite differences with quadratic interpolation or orthogonal collocation on finite elements) which substantially reduce the computer time required to solve the transient heat balance; (3) more efficient programs for the integration of the ordinary differential equations resulting from the discretization of the partial differential equations; and (4) two methods for determining the best-fit parameters via minimization of the mean square error (either a direct search multivariable simplex method or a modified Levenburg-Marquardt algorithm). The resulting computer program has been shown to be accurate, efficient and robust for determining the heat flux or friction coefficient vs. time at the interface of the stationary and rotating samples.

Skowlund, Christopher T.↗

A Fast Algorithm for Computing Zigzag Representatives

Zigzag filtrations of simplicial complexes generalize the usual filtrations by allowing simplex deletions in addition to simplex insertions. The barcodes computed from zigzag filtrations encode the evolution of homological features. Although one can locate a particular feature at any index in the filtration using existing algorithms, the resulting representatives may not be compatible with the zigzag: a representative cycle at one index may not map into a representative cycle at its neighbor. For this, one needs to compute compatible representative cycles along each bar in the barcode. It is known that the barcode for a zigzag filtration with m insertions and deletions can be computed $O(m^ω)$ in time, where $ω < 2.373$ is the matrix multiplication exponent. However, it is not known how to compute the compatible representatives so efficiently. For a non-zigzag filtration, the classical matrix-based algorithm provides representatives in $O(m^3)$ time, which can be improved to $O(m^ω)$. However, no known algorithm for zigzag filtrations computes the representatives with the $O(m^3)$ time bound. We present an $O(m^3 n)$ time algorithm for this problem, where $n ≤ m$ is the size of the largest complex in the filtration.

Persistent homology↗

Design of a composite filter realizable on practical spatial light modulators

Hybrid optical correlator systems use two spatial light modulators (SLM's), one at the input plane and the other at the filter plane. Currently available SLM's such as the deformable mirror device (DMD) and liquid crystal television (LCTV) SLM's exhibit arbitrarily constrained operating characteristics. The pattern recognition filters designed with the assumption that the SLM's have ideal operating characteristic may not behave as expected when implemented on the DMD or LCTV SLM's. Therefore it is necessary to incorporate the SLM constraints in the design of the filters. In this report, an iterative method is developed for the design of an unconstrained minimum average correlation energy (MACE) filter. Then using this algorithm a new approach for the design of a SLM constrained distortion invariant filter in the presence of input SLM is developed. Two different optimization algorithms are used to maximize the objective function during filter synthesis, one based on the simplex method and the other based on the Hooke and Jeeves method. Also, the simulated annealing based filter design algorithm proposed by Khan and Rajan is refined and improved. The performance of the filter is evaluated in terms of its recognition/discrimination capabilities using computer simulations and the results are compared with a simulated annealing optimization based MACE filter. The filters are designed for different LCTV SLM's operating characteristics and the correlation responses are compared. The distortion tolerance and the false class image discrimination qualities of the filter are comparable to those of the simulated annealing based filter but the new filter design takes about 1/6 of the computer time taken by the simulated annealing filter design.

Rajan, P. K.↗

The CORSAIR Turbomachinery Code: Status and Plans

This viewgraph presentation gives an overview of the CORSAIR turbomachinery code's status and plans. Details are provided on the CORSAIR algorithms, full- and partial-admission turbine simulations, the Simplex turbine, instantaneous Mach number, unsteady pressure admission graphs, variable fluid property RLV-133 simulations, instantaneous entropy function, pumps and inducers, and future plans.

Dorney, Daniel J.↗

A parallel algorithm for global routing

A Parallel Hierarchical algorithm for Global Routing (PHIGURE) is presented. The router is based on the work of Burstein and Pelavin, but has many extensions for general global routing and parallel execution. Main features of the algorithm include structured hierarchical decomposition into separate independent tasks which are suitable for parallel execution and adaptive simplex solution for adding feedthroughs and adjusting channel heights for row-based layout. Alternative decomposition methods and the various levels of parallelism available in the algorithm are examined closely. The algorithm is described and results are presented for a shared-memory multiprocessor implementation.

Brouwer, Randall J.↗