Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “differentiable programming”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 397 records · Page 22

Development of a Coherent Differential Absorption Lidar for Range Resolved Atmospheric CO2 Measurements

A pulsed, 2-m coherent Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) / Integrated Path Differential Absorption (IPDA) transceiver, developed under the Laser Risk Reduction Program (LRRP) at NASA, is integrated into a fully functional lidar instrument. This instrument will measure atmospheric CO2 profiles (by DIAL) initially from a ground platform, and then be prepared for aircraft installation to measure the atmospheric CO2 column densities in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and lower troposphere. The airborne prototype CO2 lidar can measure atmospheric CO2 column density in a range bin of 1km with better than 1.5% precision at horizontal resolution of less than 50km. It can provide the image of the pooling of CO2 in lowlying areas and performs nighttime mass balance measurements at landscape scale. This sensor is unique in its capability to study the vertical ABL-free troposphere exchange of CO2 directly. It will allow the investigators to pursue subsequent in science-driven deployments, and provides a unique tool for Active Sensing of CO2 Emissions over Night, Days, and Seasons (ASCENDS) validation that was strongly advocated in the recent ASCENDS Workshop.

Yu, Jirong↗

Determination of flow areas for series-parallel compartment venting to satisfy pressure differential requirements.

A unique method for solving the design problem of determining the areas required to meet an imposed pressure differential limit is presented. The associated analytical technique for determining the transient pressure differentials in a multicompartment series-parallel connected system is also presented. In an effort to verify the results obtained by using the analytical methods presented, a test was conducted using a seven compartment system. It was found in the investigations that a computer program based on the analytical model described can determine the pressure, temperature, pressure differentials, and mass flow rates into and out of each compartment at subsonic or sonic velocities.

Kirby, C. E.↗

Spacecraft charging investigation - A joint research and technology program

A jointly planned U.S. Air Force-NASA program has been established to investigate the spacecraft charging phenomenon that has caused electronic anomalies in satellites in geosynchronous orbits. The objectives of this program are to provide design criteria, techniques, and test methods to insure control of absolute and differential charging of spacecraft surfaces. These objectives will be updated continuously over the next four years as data become available from the combined contractual and in-house programs. The geosynchronous altitude environment will be defined, ground and flight tests will be conducted, and materials and charge control techniques will be developed as required. The ultimate output of the program will be a spacecraft charging design criteria and test specification document. The program will be coordinated by a spacecraft charging program review group which has both Air Force and NASA representation.

Lovell, R. R.↗

Solving differential‐algebraic equations in power system dynamic analysis with quantum computing

Abstract Power system dynamics are generally modeled by high dimensional non‐linear differential‐algebraic equations (DAEs) given a large number of components forming the network. These DAEs' complexity can grow exponentially due to the increasing penetration of distributed energy resources, whereas their computation time becomes sensitive due to the increasing interconnection of the power grid with other energy systems. This paper demonstrates the use of quantum computing algorithms to solve DAEs for power system dynamic analysis. We leverage a symbolic programming framework to equivalently convert the power system's DAEs into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using index reduction methods and then encode their data into qubits using amplitude encoding. The system non‐linearity is captured by Hamiltonian simulation with truncated Taylor expansion so that state variables can be updated by a quantum linear equation solver. Our results show that quantum computing can solve the power system's DAEs accurately with a computational complexity polynomial in the logarithm of the system dimension. We also illustrate the use of recent advanced tools in scientific machine learning for implementing complex computing concepts, that is, Taylor expansion, DAEs/ODEs transformation, and quantum computing solver with abstract representation for power engineering applications.

computational complexity↗

Comparative evaluation of analogue front-end designs for the CMS Inner Tracker at the High Luminosity LHC

The CMS Inner Tracker, made of silicon pixel modules, will be entirely replaced prior to the start of the High Luminosity LHC period. One of the crucial components of the new Inner Tracker system is the readout chip, being developed by the RD53 Collaboration, and in particular its analogue front-end, which receives the signal from the sensor and digitizes it. Three different analogue front-ends (Synchronous, Linear, and Differential) were designed and implemented in the RD53A demonstrator chip. A dedicated evaluation program was carried out to select the most suitable design to build a radiation tolerant pixel detector able to sustain high particle rates with high efficiency and a small fraction of spurious pixel hits. The test results showed that all three analogue front-ends presented strong points, but also limitations. The Differential front-end demonstrated very low noise, but the threshold tuning became problematic after irradiation. Moreover, a saturation in the preamplifier feedback loop affected the return of the signal to baseline and thus increased the dead time. The Synchronous front-end showed very good timing performance, but also higher noise. For the Linear front-end all of the parameters were within specification, although this design had the largest time walk. This limitation was addressed and mitigated in an improved design. The analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the three front-ends in the context of the CMS Inner Tracker operation requirements led to the selection of the improved design Linear front-end for integration in the final CMS readout chip.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

NCSP Nuclear Data Program [Slides]

This talk covers wide-ranging information on the Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP) Data Program. The Lecture includes slides on the history and mission of the NCSP along with charts and graphs on budgets from 2005 onwards. This lecture additionally mentions NCSP critical assemblies, differential experiments, and data measurements and evaluation work. The talk concludes with a gaze into NCSP benefits and successes.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Minimum fuel coplanar aeroassisted orbital transfer using collocation and nonlinear programming

The fuel optimal control problem arising in coplanar orbital transfer employing aeroassisted technology is addressed. The mission involves the transfer from high energy orbit (HEO) to low energy orbit (LEO) without plane change. The basic approach here is to employ a combination of propulsive maneuvers in space and aerodynamic maneuvers in the atmosphere. The basic sequence of events for the coplanar aeroassisted HEO to LEO orbit transfer consists of three phases. In the first phase, the transfer begins with a deorbit impulse at HEO which injects the vehicle into a elliptic transfer orbit with perigee inside the atmosphere. In the second phase, the vehicle is optimally controlled by lift and drag modulation to satisfy heating constraints and to exit the atmosphere with the desired flight path angle and velocity so that the apogee of the exit orbit is the altitude of the desired LEO. Finally, the second impulse is required to circularize the orbit at LEO. The performance index is maximum final mass. Simulation results show that the coplanar aerocapture is quite different from the case where orbital plane changes are made inside the atmosphere. In the latter case, the vehicle has to penetrate deeper into the atmosphere to perform the desired orbital plane change. For the coplanar case, the vehicle needs only to penetrate the atmosphere deep enough to reduce the exit velocity so the vehicle can be captured at the desired LEO. The peak heating rates are lower and the entry corridor is wider. From the thermal protection point of view, the coplanar transfer may be desirable. Parametric studies also show the maximum peak heating rates and the entry corridor width are functions of maximum lift coefficient. The problem is solved using a direct optimization technique which uses piecewise polynomial representation for the states and controls and collocation to represent the differential equations. This converts the optimal control problem into a nonlinear programming problem which is solved numerically by using a modified version of NPSOL. Solutions were obtained for the described problem for cases with and without heating constraints. The method appears to be more robust than other optimization methods. In addition, the method can handle complex dynamical constraints.

Shi, Yun Yuan↗

Computer program for the load and trajectory analysis of two DOF bodies connected by an elastic tether: Users manual

The derivation of the differential equations of motion of a 3 Degrees of Freedom body joined to a 3 Degrees of Freedom body by an elastic tether. The tether is represented by a spring and dashpot in parallel. A computer program which integrates the equations of motion is also described. Although the derivation of the equations of motions are for a general system, the computer program is written for defining loads in large boosters recovered by parachutes.

Doyle, G. R., Jr.↗

Random harmonic analysis program, L221 (TEV156). Volume 2: Supplemental system design and maintenenace document

Volume 2 of a two volume document is presented. A computer program, L222 (TEV 156), available for execution on the CDC 6600 computer is described. The program is capable of calculating steady-state solutions for linear second-order differential equations due to sinusoidal forcing functions. From this, steady-state solutions, generalized coordinates, and load frequency responses may be determined. Statistical characteristics of loads for the forcing function spectral shape may also be calculated using random harmonic analysis techniques. The particular field of application of the program is the analysis of airplane response and loads due to continuous random air turbulence.

Graham, M. L.↗

Dynamics of early planetary gear trains

A method to analyze the static and dynamic loads in a planetary gear train was developed. A variable-variable mesh stiffness (VVMS) model was used to simulate the external and internal spur gear mesh behavior, and an equivalent conventional gear train concept was adapted for the dynamic studies. The analysis can be applied either involute or noninvolute spur gearing. By utilizing the equivalent gear train concept, the developed method may be extended for use for all types of epicyclic gearing. The method is incorporated into a computer program so that the static and dynamic behavior of individual components can be examined. Items considered in the analysis are: (1) static and dynamic load sharing among the planets; (2) floating or fixed Sun gear; (3) actual tooth geometry, including errors and modifications; (4) positioning errors of the planet gears; (5) torque variations due to noninvolute gear action. A mathematical model comprised of power source, load, and planetary transmission is used to determine the instantaneous loads to which the components are subjected. It considers fluctuating output torque, elastic behavior in the system, and loss of contact between gear teeth. The dynamic model has nine degrees of freedom resulting in a set of simultaneous second order differential equations with time varying coefficients, which are solved numerically. The computer program was used to determine the effect of manufacturing errors, damping and component stiffness, and transmitted load on dynamic behavior. It is indicated that this methodology offers the designer/analyst a comprehensive tool with which planetary drives may be quickly and effectively evaluated.

August, R.↗

A users guide for A344: A program using a finite difference method to analyze transonic flow over oscillating airfoils

The design and usage of a pilot program for calculating the pressure distributions over harmonically oscillating airfoils in transonic flow are described. The procedure used is based on separating the velocity potential into steady and unsteady parts and linearizing the resulting unsteady differential equations for small disturbances. The steady velocity potential which must be obtained from some other program, was required for input. The unsteady equation, as solved, is linear with spatially varying coefficients. Since sinusoidal motion was assumed, time was not a variable. The numerical solution was obtained through a finite difference formulation and either a line relaxation or an out of core direct solution method.

Weatherill, W. H.↗

Scientific programming

Scientific programming of transformations of direction fields and autonomous systems of ordinary differential equations - Optimization of electron-optical potential for star tracker

STAR TRACKER↗

Feasibility study of a bidirectional jet flap device for application to helicopter rotor blades. Phase 2: Lift controller development

A bidirectional jet flap device called the variable deflection thruster (VDT) has been investigated for possible application to helicopter rotors. This investigation included the development and testing of a fluidic lift control system for the VDT-blade model making use of the test result that VDT-blade lift can be sensed from the differential pressure at midchord. This study constitutes a long-range program to develop blown control techniques for stabilizing the higher harmonic modes of helicopter rotors. Wind tunnel tests were conducted using a three-sectioned, two-dimensional VDT-blade model having individually controlled VDT jet flaps in each section. Steady-state tests were conducted without the fluidic lift controller (open loop) for both full-span blowing and for the model center section blowing only. Steady-state tests were conducted with the center section blowing only using the fluidic lift controller (close-loop) to control the lift on the model center section. Dynamic tests were conducted using the complete model with the VDT jet in the model center section oscillating at various frequencies and also using the model center section alone on a single endplate to obtain finite-aspect-ratio effects. Fair agreement was obtained between theory and experimental results.

Rose, R. E.↗

Integral-matrix procedure for boundary-layer problems

Program, BLIMP, provides fast, highly accurate solution to general class of gas-phase boundary layer flow problems encompassing broad range of boundary conditions. Program is capable of obtaining accurate and economical solutions to governing differential equations of momentum, energy, and species.

Gross, K. W.↗

Programmable controller for solar heating

Versatile microprocessor-based unit accepts sensor inputs and generates programmed control signals. Typical of possible applications would be to monitor differential temperature measurements in solar-heating systems, to turn on pumps and backup systems, and off-peak control for backup systems.

Source record↗

Calculation of sheath and wake structure about a pillbox-shaped spacecraft in a flowing plasma

A computer program was used for studies of the disturbed zones around bodies in flowing plasmas, particularly spacecraft and their associated sheaths and wakes. The program solved a coupled Poisson-Vlasov system of nonlinear partial differential integral equations to obtain distributions of electric potential and ion and electron density about a finite length cylinder in a plasma flow at arbitrary ion Mach numbers. The approach was applicable to a larger range of parameters than other available approaches. In sample calculations, bodies up to 100 Debye lengths in radius were treated, that is, larger than any previously treated realistically. Applications were made to in-situ satellite experiments.

Parker, L. W.↗

Exact differential equation for the density and ionization energy of a many-particle system

The present investigation is concerned with relations studied by Hohenberg and Kohn (1964) and Kohn and Sham (1965). The properties of a ground-state many-electron system are determined by the electron density. The correct differential equation for the density, as dictated by density-functional theory, is presented. It is found that the ground-state density n of a many-electron system obeys a Schroedinger-like differential equation which may be solved by standard Kohn-Sham programs. Results are connected to the traditional exact Kohn-Sham theory. It is pointed out that the results of the current investigations are readily extended to spin-density functional theory.

Levy, M.↗

A Meteorological (humidity, temperature, aerosols)) mobile dial system: Concepts and design

Since 1982 a program was conducted to develop a mobile meteorological (humidity, temperature, aerosols) Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) devoted to the studies of the nuclear power plant atmospheric surroundings. The measurement objectives are defined according to the user needs and the lidar feasibility. The concepts and design adopted to meet both the requirement and the measurement objectives are described. Each sub-system is addressed sequentially: transmitting system, receiving system, detection system, and post detection.

Cahen, C.↗