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Results for “Computational Efficiency”

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 397 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Desmearing two-dimensional small-angle neutron scattering data by central moment expansions

Resolution smearing is a critical challenge in the quantitative analysis of two-dimensional small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) data, particularly in studies of soft-matter flow and deformation using SANS. Here, we present a central moment expansion technique to address smearing in anisotropic scattering spectra, offering a model-free desmearing methodology. By accounting for directional variations in resolution smearing and enhancing computational efficiency, this approach reconstructs desmeared intensity distributions from smeared experimental data. Computational benchmarks using interacting hard-sphere fluids and Gaussian chain models validate the accuracy of the method, while simulated noise analyses confirm its robustness under experimental conditions. Experimental validation using rheological SANS data from shear-induced micellar structures demonstrates the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The desmearing technique provides a powerful tool for advancing the quantitative analysis of anisotropic scattering patterns, enabling precise insights into the interplay between material microstructure and macroscopic flow behavior.

anisotropic scattering spectra↗
DOE OSTI2025

Emerging applications: Neuromorphic computing and reservoir computing

The emergence of doped hafnium oxide (HfO 2 )-based ferroelectric films has enabled highly scalable and silicon-compatible ferroelectric devices, opening new frontiers in neuromorphic and reservoir computing. Among these, ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs) are particularly promising due to their analog memory characteristics and unique polarization dynamics. These properties make FeFETs ideal candidates for artificial synapses in neuromorphic architectures, supporting deep neural networks and spiking neural networks based on leaky-integrate-and-fire (LIF) mechanisms. Beyond neuromorphic computing, FeFETs also play a crucial role in physical reservoir computing, leveraging their intrinsic nonlinear and history-dependent behavior for efficient real-time learning. This approach offers significant advantages for time-series processing and edge artificial intelligence (AI) applications, addressing the growing need for energy-efficient computing. As a result, this article explores the principles, key demonstrations, and future potential of FeFET-based neuromorphic and reservoir computing, highlighting their impact on next-generation AI hardware.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1983

Enhancement of the CAVE computer code

The computer code CAVE (Conduction Analysis via Eigenvalues) is a convenient and efficient computer code for predicting two dimensional temperature histories within thermal protection systems for hypersonic vehicles. The capabilities of CAVE were enhanced by incorporation of the following features into the code: real gas effects in the aerodynamic heating predictions, geometry and aerodynamic heating package for analyses of cone shaped bodies, input option to change from laminar to turbulent heating predictions on leading edges, modification to account for reduction in adiabatic wall temperature with increase in leading sweep, geometry package for two dimensional scramjet engine sidewall, with an option for heat transfer to external and internal surfaces, print out modification to provide tables of select temperatures for plotting and storage, and modifications to the radiation calculation procedure to eliminate temperature oscillations induced by high heating rates. These new features are described.

Rathjen, K. A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Predicting performance of parallel computations

An accurate and computationally efficient method for predicting the performance of a class of parallel computations running on concurrent systems is described. A parallel computation is modeled as a task system with precedence relationships expressed as a series-parallel directed acyclic graph. Resources in a concurrent system are modeled as service centers in a queuing network model. Using these two models as inputs, the method outputs predictions of expected execution time of the parallel computation and the concurrent system utilization. The method is validated against both detailed simulation and actual execution on a commercial multiprocessor. Using 100 test cases, the average error of the prediction when compared to simulation statistics is 1.7 percent, with a standard deviation of 1.5 percent; the maximum error is about 10 percent.

Mak, Victor W.↗
NASA NTRS1993

3D Euler flow solutions using unstructured Cartesian and prismatic grids

A hyperbolic prismatic grid generation technique is combined with a background Cartesian grid for the study of inviscid three-dimensional flows. The mathematics of the hyperbolic prismatic grid generation algorithm are described, and some simple inviscid demonstration cases are presented. By combining the simplicity of the Cartesian background grid with the geometric flexibility and computational efficiencies inherent to prismatic grids, this approach shows promise for improving computational aerodynamic simulations.

Melton, John E.↗
NASA NTRS2005

MER-DIMES : a planetary landing application of computer vision

During the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) landings, the Descent Image Motion Estimation System (DIMES) was used for horizontal velocity estimation. The DIMES algorithm combines measurements from a descent camera, a radar altimeter and an inertial measurement unit. To deal with large changes in scale and orientation between descent images, the algorithm uses altitude and attitude measurements to rectify image data to level ground plane. Feature selection and tracking is employed in the rectified data to compute the horizontal motion between images. Differences of motion estimates are then compared to inertial measurements to verify correct feature tracking. DIMES combines sensor data from multiple sources in a novel way to create a low-cost, robust and computationally efficient velocity estimation solution, and DIMES is the first use of computer vision to control a spacecraft during planetary landing. In this paper, the detailed implementation of the DIMES algorithm and the results from the two landings on Mars are presented.

landing systems↗
DOE OSTI2026

HDSense: An efficient method for ranking observable sensitivity

Identifying which observables most effectively constrain model parameters can be computationally prohibitive when considering full likelihoods of many correlated observables. This is especially important for, e.g., hadronization models, where high precision is required to interpret the results of collider experiments. We introduce the High-Dimensional Sensitivity (HDSense) score, a computationally efficient metric for ranking observable sets using only one-dimensional histograms. Derived by profiling over unknown correlations in the Fisher information framework, the score balances total information content against redundancy between observables. We apply HDSense to rank a set observables in terms of their constraining power with respect to five parameters of the Lund string model of hadronization implemented in Pythia using simulated leptonic collider events at the $Z$ pole. Validation against machine-learning--based full-likelihood approximations demonstrates that HDSense successfully identifies near-optimal observable subsets. The framework naturally handles data from multiple experiments with different acceptances and incorporates detector effects. While demonstrated on hadronization models, the methodology applies broadly to generic parameter estimation problems where correlations are unknown or difficult to model.

Assi, Benoît [Cincinnati U.] (ORCID:00000003092433↗
DOE OSTI2024

Efficient simulation of low-temperature physics in one-dimensional gapless systems

Here, we discuss the computational efficiency of the finite-temperature simulation with minimally entangled typical thermal states (METTS). To argue that METTS can be efficiently represented as matrix product states, we present an analytic upper bound for the average entanglement Rényi entropy of METTS for a Rényi index 0 < q ≤ 1. In particular, for one-dimensional (1D) gapless systems described by conformal field theories, the upper bound scales as O⁡(cN 0 ⁢log⁡β) where c is the central charge and N is the system size. Furthermore, we numerically find that the average Rényi entropy exhibits a universal behavior characterized by the central charge and is roughly given by half of the analytic upper bound. Based on these results, we show that METTS can provide a speedup compared to employing the purification method to analyze thermal equilibrium states at low temperatures in 1D gapless systems.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1976

On the interpretation of least squares collocation

A demonstration is given of the strict mathematical equivalence between the least squares collocation and the classical minimum variance estimates. It is shown that the least squares collocation algorithms are a special case of the modified minimum variance estimates. The computational efficiency of several forms of the general minimum variance estimation algorithm is discussed. It is pointed out that for certain geodetic applications the least square collocation algorithm may provide a more efficient formulation of the results from the point of view of the computations required.

Tapley, B. D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Prediction of sound radiated from different practical jet engine inlets

Existing computer codes for calculating the far field radiation patterns surrounding various practical jet engine inlet configurations under different excitation conditions were upgraded. The computer codes were refined and expanded so that they are now more efficient computationally by a factor of about three and they are now capable of producing accurate results up to nondimensional wave numbers of twenty. Computer programs were also developed to help generate accurate geometrical representations of the inlets to be investigated. This data is required as input for the computer programs which calculate the sound fields. This new geometry generating computer program considerably reduces the time required to generate the input data which was one of the most time consuming steps in the process. The results of sample runs using the NASA-Lewis QCSEE inlet are presented and comparison of run times and accuracy are made between the old and upgraded computer codes. The overall accuracy of the computations is determined by comparison of the results of the computations with simple source solutions.

Zinn, B. T.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Performance prediction of concurrent systems

Concurrent systems are computers that use multiple processors to solve a single problem. A means to predict the application performance on these systems is a useful tool in many areas of concurrent system research. A computationally efficient and accurate method to predict performance for a class of parallel computations on concurrent systems is described. A parallel computation is modeled as a task system with precedence relationships expressed as a series parallel directed acyclic graph. Resources in concurrent systems are modeled as service centers in queueing network models. Using these two models as inputs, the method outputs predictions of both the time to complete the computation and the concurrent system utilization. The algorithm used is based on the approximate Mean Value Analysis in queueing network modeling with extensions to model concurrency in the computation. The new algorithm was validated against both detailed simulation and actual execution on a commercial multiprocessor.

Mak, Victor W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Adaptive defuzzification for fuzzy systems modeling

We propose a new parameterized method for the defuzzification process based on the simple M-SLIDE transformation. We develop a computationally efficient algorithm for learning the relevant parameter as well as providing a computationally simple scheme for doing the defuzzification step in the fuzzy logic controllers. The M-SLIDE method results in a particularly simple linear form of the algorithm for learning the parameter which can be used both off- and on-line.

Yager, Ronald R.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Space Radiation Transport Methods Development

Improved spacecraft shield design requires early entry of radiation constraints into the design process to maximize performance and minimize costs. As a result, we have been investigating high-speed computational procedures to allow shield analysis from the preliminary design concepts to the final design. In particular, we will discuss the progress towards a full three-dimensional and computationally efficient deterministic code for which the current HZETRN evaluates the lowest order asymptotic term. HZETRN is the first deterministic solution to the Boltzmann equation allowing field mapping within the International Space Station (ISS) in tens of minutes using standard Finite Element Method (FEM) geometry common to engineering design practice enabling development of integrated multidisciplinary design optimization methods. A single ray trace in ISS FEM geometry requires 14 milliseconds and severely limits application of Monte Carlo methods to such engineering models. A potential means of improving the Monte Carlo efficiency in coupling to spacecraft geometry is given in terms of reconfigurable computing and could be utilized in the final design as verification of the deterministic method optimized design.

Wilson, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Evaluation of a Multigrid Scheme for the Incompressible Navier-Stokes Equations

A fast multigrid solver for the steady, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations is presented. The multigrid solver is based upon a factorizable discrete scheme for the velocity-pressure form of the Navier-Stokes equations. This scheme correctly distinguishes between the advection-diffusion and elliptic parts of the operator, allowing efficient smoothers to be constructed. To evaluate the multigrid algorithm, solutions are computed for flow over a flat plate, parabola, and a Karman-Trefftz airfoil. Both nonlifting and lifting airfoil flows are considered, with a Reynolds number range of 200 to 800. Convergence and accuracy of the algorithm are discussed. Using Gauss-Seidel line relaxation in alternating directions, multigrid convergence behavior approaching that of O(N) methods is achieved. The computational efficiency of the numerical scheme is compared with that of Runge-Kutta and implicit upwind based multigrid methods.

Swanson, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1996

DSMC Grid Methodologies for Computing Low-Density, Hypersonic Flows About Reusable Launch Vehicles

Two different grid methodologies are studied for application to DSMC simulations about reusable launch vehicles. One method uses an unstructured, tetrahedral grid while the other uses a structured, variable-resolution Cartesian grid. The relative merits of each method are discussed in terms of accuracy, computational efficiency, and overall ease of use. Both methods are applied to the computation of a low-density, hypersonic flow about a winged single-stage-to-orbit reusable launch vehicle concept at conditions corresponding to an altitude of 120 km. Both methods are shown to give comparable results for both surface and flowfield quantities as well as for the overall aerodynamic behavior. For the conditions simulated, the flowfield about the vehicle is very rarefied but the DSMC simulations show significant departure from free-molecular predictions for the surface friction and heat transfer as well as certain aerodynamic quantities.

Wilmoth, Richard G.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Criteria for Modeling in LES of Multicomponent Fuel Flow

A report presents a study addressing the question of which large-eddy simulation (LES) equations are appropriate for modeling the flow of evaporating drops of a multicomponent liquid in a gas (e.g., a spray of kerosene or diesel fuel in air). The LES equations are obtained from the direct numerical simulation (DNS) equations in which the solution is computed at all flow length scales, by applying a spatial low-pass filter. Thus, in LES the small scales are removed and replaced by terms that cannot be computed from the LES solution and instead must be modeled to retain the effect of the small scales into the equations. The mathematical form of these models is a subject of contemporary research. For a single-component liquid, there is only one LES formulation, but this study revealed that for a multicomponent liquid, there are two non-equivalent LES formulations for the conservation equations describing the composition of the vapor. Criteria were proposed for selecting the multicomponent LES formulation that gives the best accuracy and increased computational efficiency. These criteria were applied in examination of filtered DNS databases to compute the terms in the LES equations. The DNS databases are from mixing layers of diesel and kerosene fuels. The comparisons resulted in the selection of one of the multicomponent LES formulations as the most promising with respect to all criteria.

Bellan, Josette↗
NASA NTRS2015

Microstructural Influence on Deformation and Fatigue Life of Composites Using the Generalized Method of Cells

A fully coupled deformation and damage approach to modeling the response of composite materials and composite laminates is presented. It is based on the semi-­‐analytical generalized method of cells (GMC) micromechanics model as well as its higher fidelity counterpart, HFGMC, both of which provide closed-form constitutive equations for composite materials as well as the micro scale stress and strain fields in the composite phases. The provided constitutive equations allow GMC and HFGMC to function within a higher scale structural analysis (e.g., finite element analysis or lamination theory) to represent a composite material point, while the availability of the micro fields allow the incorporation of lower scale sub­‐models to represent local phenomena in the fiber and matrix. Further, GMC's formulation performs averaging when applying certain governing equations such that some degree of microscale field accuracy is surrendered in favor of extreme computational efficiency, rendering the method quite attractive as the centerpiece in a integrated computational material engineering (ICME) structural analysis; whereas HFGMC retains this microscale field accuracy, but at the price of significantly slower computational speed. Herein, the sensitivity of deformation and the fatigue life of graphite/epoxy PMC composites, with both ordered and disordered microstructures, has been investigated using this coupled deformation and damage micromechanics based approach. The local effects of fiber breakage and fatigue damage are included as sub‐models that operate on the microscale for the individual composite phases. For analysis of laminates, classical lamination theory is employed as the global or structural scale model, while GMC/HFGMC is embedded to operate on the microscale to simulate the behavior of the composite material within each laminate layer. A key outcome of this study is the statistical influence of microstructure and micromechanics idealization (GMC or HFGMC) on the overall accuracy of unidirectional and laminated composite deformation and fatigue response.

Microscale Models↗