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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 361 records · Page 20

Method and apparatus for routing data in an inter-nodal communications lattice of a massively parallel computer system by routing through transporter nodes

A massively parallel computer system contains an inter-nodal communications network of node-to-node links. An automated routing strategy routes packets through one or more intermediate nodes of the network to reach a destination. Some packets are constrained to be routed through respective designated transporter nodes, the automated routing strategy determining a path from a respective source node to a respective transporter node, and from a respective transporter node to a respective destination node. Preferably, the source node chooses a routing policy from among multiple possible choices, and that policy is followed by all intermediate nodes. The use of transporter nodes allows greater flexibility in routing.

Archer, Charles Jens↗

Method and apparatus for routing data in an inter-nodal communications lattice of a massively parallel computer system by dynamic global mapping of contended links

A massively parallel nodal computer system periodically collects and broadcasts usage data for an internal communications network. A node sending data over the network makes a global routing determination using the network usage data. Preferably, network usage data comprises an N-bit usage value for each output buffer associated with a network link. An optimum routing is determined by summing the N-bit values associated with each link through which a data packet must pass, and comparing the sums associated with different possible routes.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Towards a Real-Time Cluster Computing Infrastructure

Real-time computing has traditionally been considered largely in the context of single-processor and embedded systems, and indeed, the terms real-time computing, embedded systems, and control systems are often mentioned in closely related contexts. However, real-time computing in the context of multinode systems, specifically high-performance, cluster-computing systems, remains relatively unexplored, largely due to the fact that until now, there has not been a need for such an environment. In this paper, we motivate the need for a cluster computing infrastructure capable of supporting computation over large datasets in real-time. Our motivating example is an analytical framework to support the next generation North American power grid, which is growing both in size and complexity. With streaming sensor data in the future power grid potentially reaching rates on the order of terabytes per day, the task of analyzing this data subject to real-time guarantees becomes a daunting task which will require the power of high-performance cluster computing capable of functioning under real-time constraints. One specific challenge that such an environment presents is the need for real-time networked communication between cluster nodes. In this paper, we discuss the need for real-time high-performance cluster computation, along with our work-in-progress towards an infrastructure which will ultimately enable such an environment.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Addressing the Challenges of Anomaly Detection for Cyber Physical Energy Grid Systems

The consolidation of cyber communications networks and physical control systems within the energy smart grid introduces a number of new risks. Unfortunately, these risks are largely unknown and poorly understood, yet include very high impact losses from attack and component failures. One important aspect of risk management is the detection of anomalies and changes. However, anomaly detection within cyber security remains a difficult, open problem, with special challenges in dealing with false alert rates and heterogeneous data. Furthermore, the integration of cyber and physical dynamics is often intractable. And, because of their broad scope, energy grid cyber-physical systems must be analyzed at multiple scales, from individual components, up to network level dynamics. We describe an improved approach to anomaly detection that combines three important aspects. First, system dynamics are modeled using a reduced order model for greater computational tractability. Second, a probabilistic and principled approach to anomaly detection is adopted that allows for regulation of false alerts and comparison of anomalies across heterogeneous data sources. Third, a hierarchy of aggregations are constructed to support interactive and automated analyses of anomalies at multiple scales.

Anomaly Detection↗

Data-Intensive Visual Analysis for Cyber Security

Protecting communications networks against attacks where the aim is to steal information, disrupt order, or harm critical infrastructure can require the collection and analysis of staggering amounts of data. The ability to detect and respond to threats quickly is a paramount concern across sectors, and especially for critical government, utility and financial networks. Yet detecting emerging or incipient threats in immense volumes of network traffic requires new computational and analytic approaches. Network security increasingly requires cooperation between human analysts able to spot suspicious events through means such as data visualization and automated systems that process streaming network data in near real-time to triage events so that human analysts are best able to focus their work.

Pike, William A.↗

Administering truncated receive functions in a parallel messaging interface

Administering truncated receive functions in a parallel messaging interface (`PMI`) of a parallel computer comprising a plurality of compute nodes coupled for data communications through the PMI and through a data communications network, including: sending, through the PMI on a source compute node, a quantity of data from the source compute node to a destination compute node; specifying, by an application on the destination compute node, a portion of the quantity of data to be received by the application on the destination compute node and a portion of the quantity of data to be discarded; receiving, by the PMI on the destination compute node, all of the quantity of data; providing, by the PMI on the destination compute node to the application on the destination compute node, only the portion of the quantity of data to be received by the application; and discarding, by the PMI on the destination compute node, the portion of the quantity of data to be discarded.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Fencing data transfers in a parallel active messaging interface of a parallel computer

Fencing data transfers in a parallel active messaging interface (`PAMI`) of a parallel computer, the PAMI including data communications endpoints, each endpoint comprising a specification of data communications parameters for a thread of execution on a compute node, including specifications of a client, a context, and a task, the compute nodes coupled for data communications through the PAMI and through data communications resources including a deterministic data communications network, including initiating execution through the PAMI of an ordered sequence of active SEND instructions for SEND data transfers between two endpoints, effecting deterministic SEND data transfers; and executing through the PAMI, with no FENCE accounting for SEND data transfers, an active FENCE instruction, the FENCE instruction completing execution only after completion of all SEND instructions initiated prior to execution of the FENCE instruction for SEND data transfers between the two endpoints.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

A Simple Evacuation Modeling and Simulation Tool for First Responders

Although modeling and simulation of mass evacuations during a natural or man-made disaster is an on-going and vigorous area of study, tool adoption by front-line first responders is uneven. Some of the factors that account for this situation include cost and complexity of the software. For several years, Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been actively developing the free Incident Management Preparedness and Coordination Toolkit (IMPACT) to address these issues. One of the components of IMPACT is a multi-agent simulation module for area-based and path-based evacuations. The user interface is designed so that anyone familiar with typical computer drawing tools can quickly author a geospatially-correct evacuation visualization suitable for table-top exercises. Since IMPACT is designed for use in the field where network communications may not be available, quick on-site evacuation alternatives can be evaluated to keep pace with a fluid threat situation. Realism is enhanced by incorporating collision avoidance into the simulation. Statistics are gathered as the simulation unfolds, including most importantly time-to-evacuate, to help first responders choose the best course of action.

data fusion↗

Fencing data transfers in a parallel active messaging interface of a parallel computer

Fencing data transfers in a parallel active messaging interface (`PAMI`) of a parallel computer, the PAMI including data communications endpoints, each endpoint comprising a specification of data communications parameters for a thread of execution on a compute node, including specifications of a client, a context, and a task, the compute nodes coupled for data communications through the PAMI and through data communications resources including a deterministic data communications network, including initiating execution through the PAMI of an ordered sequence of active SEND instructions for SEND data transfers between two endpoints, effecting deterministic SEND data transfers; and executing through the PAMI, with no FENCE accounting for SEND data transfers, an active FENCE instruction, the FENCE instruction completing execution only after completion of all SEND instructions initiated prior to execution of the FENCE instruction for SEND data transfers between the two endpoints.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Space Weather Data Drop

Space weather data collected via instruments on GPS satellites has been made available to researchers for the first time. The instruments were developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory and ride aboard 23 of the nation’s more than 30 on-orbit GPS satellites. When you multiply the number of satellites collecting data with the number of years they’ve been doing it, it totals more than 167 years. This data gives researchers a treasure trove of measurements that they can use to better understand how space weather works and how best to protect critical infrastructure, such as the nation’s satellites, aircraft, communications networks, navigation systems, and the electric power grid.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

The Perils of Space Weather

The Sun’s continuous bombardment of the Earth with high-energy electrons, protons, and other nuclei results in space weather that can wreak havoc on the nation’s satellites, aircraft, communications networks, navigation systems, and the electric power grid. Because of the potential for space weather to so critically impact national security, Los Alamos National Laboratory has been studying it for decades, designing and building space-based sensors to detect emissions from potential nuclear events here on Earth and to study natural and man-made radiation in space.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Development Of A Parallel Performance Model For The THOR Neutral Particle Transport Code

The THOR neutral particle transport code enables simulation of complex geometries for various problems from reactor simulations to nuclear non-proliferation. It is undergoing a thorough V&V requiring computational efficiency. This has motivated various improvements including angular parallelization, outer iteration acceleration, and development of peripheral tools. For guiding future improvements to the code’s efficiency, better characterization of its parallel performance is useful. A parallel performance model (PPM) can be used to evaluate the benefits of modifications and to identify performance bottlenecks. Using INL’s Falcon HPC, the PPM development incorporates an evaluation of network communication behavior over heterogeneous links and a functional characterization of the per-cell/angle/group runtime of each major code component. After evaluating several possible sources of variability, this resulted in a communication model and a parallel portion model. The former’s accuracy is bounded by the variability of communication on Falcon while the latter has an error on the order of 1%.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Empirical Study of Simulation Fidelity in Geographically Distributed Real-Time Simulations

Interconnection of digital real-time simulators over wide-area communication networks is an innovative approach to extend local simulation capabilities. Furthermore it allows for integration of geographically dispersed (Power) Hardware-in-the-Loop resources, thus providing a flexible framework for creating large-scale and unique experiments. An empirical characterization of simulation fidelity is provided in this paper. We analyze different sources of fidelity degradation in geographically distributed real-time simulation of transmission-distribution case study.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

On Success Probability of Eavesdropping Attack in 802.11ad mmWave WLAN

Next generation wireless communication networks utilizing 60 GHz millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency bands are expected to achieve multi-gigabit throughput with the use of highly directional phased-array antennas. These directional signal beams provide enhanced security to the legitimate networks due to the increased difficulties of eavesdropping. However, there still exists significant possibility of eavesdropping since (i) the reflections of the signal beam from ambient reflectors enables opportunistic stationary eavesdropping attacks; and (ii) carefully designed beam exploration strategy enables active nomadic eavesdropping attack. This paper discusses eavesdropper attack strategies for 802.11ad mmWave systems and provides the first analytical model to characterize the success possibility of eavesdropping in both opportunistic stationary attacks and active nomadic attacks.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Communication enabled fast-acting imbalance reserve

A system and method for control of dispatchable resources on an electrical power distribution grid is disclosed. The disclosed method provides improved response to power imbalance based on a communications signal independent of system frequency. The communication signal provides a feed-forward control of dispatchable power resources. A communications network is employed to generate a signal to dispatchable resources that a power imbalance has occurred. Due to fast response power transmission network interfaces associated with the dispatchable resources, the respective resources respond in significantly less time than feedback controlled conventional generators which depend on line frequency sensing. The rapid response mitigates the impact of power imbalances and enables greater penetrations of converter-interfaced power generation units such as renewable energy sources to be connected to the grid.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

From Long-distance Entanglement to Building a Nationwide Quantum Internet: Report of the DOE Quantum Internet Blueprint Workshop

A Quantum Path Forward. Today, many scientific experts recognize that building and scaling quantum-protected and enhanced communication networks are among the most important technological frontiers of the 21st century. The international research community perceives the construction of a first prototype global quantum network-the Quantum Internet-to be within reach over the next decade. In February 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research hosted the Quantum Internet Blueprint workshop to define a potential roadmap toward building the first nationwide quantum Internet. The workshop participants included representatives from DOE national laboratories, universities, industry, and other U.S. agencies with serious interests in quantum networking. The goal was to provide an outline of the essential research needed, detail any engineering and design barriers, and suggest a path forward to move from today's limited local network experiments to a viable, secure quantum Internet.

Peters, Nicholas↗

Resolution system that provides access to remote data locally

A system and method that provides access to remote data locally by identifying and downloading linked content from a plurality of remote sources through a communication network; decomposing the downloaded content into local content elements by intercepting links between the content elements and mapping the intercepted links to redirected links that locate the same download content in a local cache or a local server proxy; identifying remote devices requesting access to the local cache or the local server proxy and the device's functionality through a tracking code stored on the remote devices and a probabilistic tracking; and providing access to the local cache or the local server proxy in response to authorizations associated with the identified devices and a user.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Emergency Voltage Regulation in Power Systems via Ripple-Type Control: Preprint

With increasing penetration of volatile renewable generation and cyber-physical disruptions, ensuring safe operation of bulk power systems has become unprecedentedly challenging. Since communication and computational costs restrict centralized system dispatch to be called upon every few minutes; and purely local schemes are shown to be insufficient, distributed controls have been advocated for handling unanticipated system conditions in real time. However, the applicability of distributed control schemes is fundamentally limited by their need for widespread communication and model cognizance. In this con-text, we put forth a hybrid low-communication saturation-driven protocol for the coordination of control agents that are distributed over a physical system and are allowed to communicate with peers over a ‘hotline’ communication network. Under this protocol, when agents observe a constraint violation based on local measurements, they respond locally until their control resources saturate, in which case they send a beacon for assistance to peer agents. The scheme ensures that minor violations are efficiently mitigated via fast local controls, while severe violations may be handled by a collaboration of a relatively small set of agents. We evaluate the performance of this scheme via extensive numerical tests on the IEEE 14-bus test feeder, where agents act upon noisy measurements under diverse scenarios of random load variations and severe low/high voltage events.

distributed control↗