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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 415 records · Page 23

Graph-based linear scaling electronic structure theory

We show how graph theory can be combined with quantum theory to calculate the electronic structure of large complex systems. The graph formalism is general and applicable to a broad range of electronic structure methods and materials, including challenging systems such as biomolecules. The methodology combines well-controlled accuracy, low computational cost, and natural low-communication parallelism. This combination addresses substantial shortcomings of linear scaling electronic structure theory, in particular with respect to quantum-based molecular dynamics simulations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Structure-aware graph neural network based deep transfer learning framework for enhanced predictive analytics on diverse materials datasets

Abstract Modern data mining methods have demonstrated effectiveness in comprehending and predicting materials properties. An essential component in the process of materials discovery is to know which material(s) will possess desirable properties. For many materials properties, performing experiments and density functional theory computations are costly and time-consuming. Hence, it is challenging to build accurate predictive models for such properties using conventional data mining methods due to the small amount of available data. Here we present a framework for materials property prediction tasks using structure information that leverages graph neural network-based architecture along with deep-transfer-learning techniques to drastically improve the model’s predictive ability on diverse materials (3D/2D, inorganic/organic, computational/experimental) data. We evaluated the proposed framework in cross-property and cross-materials class scenarios using 115 datasets to find that transfer learning models outperform the models trained from scratch in 104 cases, i.e., ≈90%, with additional benefits in performance for extrapolation problems. We believe the proposed framework can be widely useful in accelerating materials discovery in materials science.

Chemistry↗

Spectral partitioning with blends of eigenvectors

We report many common methods for data analysis rely on linear algebra. We provide new results connecting data analysis error to numerical accuracy in the context of spectral graph partitioning. We provide pointwise convergence guarantees so that spectral blends (linear combinations of eigenvectors) can be employed to solve data analysis problems with confidence in their accuracy. We apply this theory to an accessible model problem, the ring of cliques, by deriving the relevant eigenpairs and finding necessary and sufficient solver tolerances. Analysis of the ring of cliques provides an upper bound on eigensolver tolerances for graph partitioning problems. These results bridge the gap between linear algebra based data analysis methods and the convergence theory of iterative approximation methods. These results explain how the combinatorial structure of a problem can be recovered much faster than numerically accurate solutions to the associated linear algebra problem.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Scalable Distributed Memory Community Detection Using Vite

Graph clustering, popularly known as community detection, is a fundamental graph operation used in several applications of relevance for network analysis and cybersecurity. Community detection is an operation of partitioning a network into an arbitrary number of “communities” such that each com munity represents a tightly-knit group of nodes with relatively sparser connections to the rest of the nodes in the network. The need to compute clustering on large-scale networks necessitates the development of efficient parallel algorithms capable of exploiting modern parallel architectures. However, due to their irregular and inherently sequential nature, many of the current algorithms for community detection are challenging to parallelize. In response to the 2018 Graph Challenge, we present Vite which is a distributed-memory parallel community detection method. Vite is a parallelization of the algorithmic template provided by a widely-used serial method (Louvain). Alongside, it uses several heuristics aimed at significantly improving parallelism and performance, while preserving output quality. Using the inputs from the 2018 Graph Challenge (static and streaming), we demonstrate superior performance and high quality solutions based on four parallelization heuristics.

community detection↗

Unsteady aerodynamic characterization of a military aircraft in vertical gusts

The effects of 2.5-m/sec vertical gusts on the flight characteristics of a 1:8.6 scale model of a Mirage 2000 aircraft in free flight at 35 m/sec over a distance of 30 m are investigated. The wind-tunnel setup and instrumentation are described; the impulse-response and local-coefficient-identification analysis methods applied are discussed in detail; and the modification and calibration of the gust-detection probes are reviewed. The results are presented in graphs, and good general agreement is obtained between model calculations using the two analysis methods and the experimental measurements.

Lebozec, A.↗

3D liver segmentation using multiple region appearances and graph cuts

Purpose: Efficient and accurate 3D liver segmentations from contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images play an important role in therapeutic strategies for hepatic diseases. However, inhomogeneous appearances, ambiguous boundaries, and large variance in shape often make it a challenging task. The existence of liver abnormalities poses further difficulty. Despite the significant intensity difference, liver tumors should be segmented as part of the liver. This study aims to address these challenges, especially when the target livers contain subregions with distinct appearances. Methods: The authors propose a novel multiregion-appearance based approach with graph cuts to delineate the liver surface. For livers with multiple subregions, a geodesic distance based appearance selection scheme is introduced to utilize proper appearance constraint for each subregion. A special case of the proposed method, which uses only one appearance constraint to segment the liver, is also presented. The segmentation process is modeled with energy functions incorporating both boundary and region information. Rather than a simple fixed combination, an adaptive balancing weight is introduced and learned from training sets. The proposed method only calls initialization inside the liver surface. No additional constraints from user interaction are utilized. Results: The proposed method was validated on 50 3D CT images from three datasets, i.e., Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention (MICCAI) training and testing set, and local dataset. On MICCAI testing set, the proposed method achieved a total score of 83.4 ± 3.1, outperforming nonexpert manual segmentation (average score of 75.0). When applying their method to MICCAI training set and local dataset, it yielded a mean Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 97.7% ± 0.5% and 97.5% ± 0.4%, respectively. These results demonstrated the accuracy of the method when applied to different computed tomography (CT) datasets. In addition, user operator variability experiments showed its good reproducibility. Conclusions: A multiregion-appearance based method is proposed and evaluated to segment liver. This approach does not require prior model construction and so eliminates the burdens associated with model construction and matching. The proposed method provides comparable results with state-of-the-art methods. Validation results suggest that it may be suitable for the clinical use.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

An open source knowledge graph ecosystem for the life sciences

Translational research requires data at multiple scales of biological organization. Advancements in sequencing and multi-omics technologies have increased the availability of these data, but researchers face significant integration challenges. Knowledge graphs (KGs) are used to model complex phenomena, and methods exist to construct them automatically. However, tackling complex biomedical integration problems requires flexibility in the way knowledge is modeled. Moreover, existing KG construction methods provide robust tooling at the cost of fixed or limited choices among knowledge representation models. PheKnowLator (Phenotype Knowledge Translator) is a semantic ecosystem for automating the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) construction of ontologically grounded KGs with fully customizable knowledge representation. The ecosystem includes KG construction resources (e.g., data preparation APIs), analysis tools (e.g., SPARQL endpoint resources and abstraction algorithms), and benchmarks (e.g., prebuilt KGs). We evaluated the ecosystem by systematically comparing it to existing open-source KG construction methods and by analyzing its computational performance when used to construct 12 different large-scale KGs. With flexible knowledge representation, PheKnowLator enables fully customizable KGs without compromising performance or usability.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗

Graph Neural Networks for low-energy event classification & reconstruction in IceCube

IceCube, a cubic-kilometer array of optical sensors built to detect atmospheric and astrophysical neutrinos between 1 GeV and 1 PeV, is deployed 1.45 km to 2.45 km below the surface of the ice sheet at the South Pole. The classification and reconstruction of events from the in-ice detectors play a central role in the analysis of data from IceCube. Reconstructing and classifying events is a challenge due to the irregular detector geometry, inhomogeneous scattering and absorption of light in the ice and, below 100 GeV, the relatively low number of signal photons produced per event. To address this challenge, it is possible to represent IceCube events as point cloud graphs and use a Graph Neural Network (GNN) as the classification and reconstruction method. The GNN is capable of distinguishing neutrino events from cosmic-ray backgrounds, classifying different neutrino event types, and reconstructing the deposited energy, direction and interaction vertex. Based on simulation, we provide a comparison in the 1 GeV–100 GeV energy range to the current state-of-the-art maximum likelihood techniques used in current IceCube analyses, including the effects of known systematic uncertainties. For neutrino event classification, the GNN increases the signal efficiency by 18% at a fixed background rate, compared to current IceCube methods. Alternatively, the GNN offers a reduction of the background (i.e. false positive) rate by over a factor 8 (to below half a percent) at a fixed signal efficiency. For the reconstruction of energy, direction, and interaction vertex, the resolution improves by an average of 13%–20% compared to current maximum likelihood techniques in the energy range of 1 GeV–30 GeV. The GNN, when run on a GPU, is capable of processing IceCube events at a rate nearly double of the median IceCube trigger rate of 2.7 kHz, which opens the possibility of using low energy neutrinos in online searches for transient events.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Exact reconstruction of gene regulatory networks using compressive sensing

We consider the problem of reconstructing a gene regulatory network structure from limited time series gene expression data, without any a priori knowledge of connectivity. We assume that the network is sparse, meaning the connectivity among genes is much less than full connectivity. We develop a method for network reconstruction based on compressive sensing, which takes advantage of the network’s sparseness. For the case in which all genes are accessible for measurement, and there is no measurement noise, we show that our method can be used to exactly reconstruct the network. For the more general problem, in which hidden genes exist and all measurements are contaminated by noise, we show that our method leads to reliable reconstruction. In both cases, coherence of the model is used to assess the ability to reconstruct the network and to design new experiments. We demonstrate that it is possible to use the coherence distribution to guide biological experiment design effectively. By collecting a more informative dataset, the proposed method helps reduce the cost of experiments. For each problem, a set of numerical examples is presented. The method provides a guarantee on how well the inferred graph structure represents the underlying system, reveals deficiencies in the data and model, and suggests experimental directions to remedy the deficiencies.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

E3SM Water Cycle Visualization Project (Final Report)

Motivated by the need to improve visualizations of Earth's complex water cycle, this team embarked on non-trivial tasks to push from traditional methods of viewing data from simulations as static line graphs and contour plots into new realms with multiple dimensions (three spatial dimensions and the time component) viewable at once. To do this, we chose to feature the extremes in the general circulation of the atmosphere because these Earth system elements are short-lived, but impactful events. We used simulation data produced by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM),which is designed to answer DOE science questions using DOE computing facilities. The E3SM project includes three sets of simulation experiments: cryosphere, bio-geochemical cycles, and the water cycle. The water cycle experiment campaign includes a set of simulations designed to understand how the water cycle will change in coming decades under a changing climate.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

LLMs for Mfg.—On the State of Large Language Models and Applications to Manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing (AM), referred to as 3D printing, has emerged as a key pillar of Industry 4.0 enabling layer-by-layer fabrication of intricate geometries from CAD models. In parallel, Large Language Models (LLMs), deep learning models for natural language generation trained on vast text corpora, have demonstrated unprecedented capabilities in understanding and generating human-like text. The convergence of these trends opens new opportunities at the intersection of AM and AI/ML, where LLMs can assist engineers and researchers in design, manufacture planning, and knowledge discovery. Recent academic work has begun to explore LLM applications in AM and adjacent fields, such as material science, mechanical engineering, and design for additive manufacturing. This exploration ranges from intelligent process planning to domain-specific knowledge retrieval. This survey provides a comprehensive review of current developments, focusing on peer-reviewed literature contributions that apply, adapt, and advance LLMs in general and domain-specific domains. We analyze state-of-the-art (SOTA) techniques, such as fine-tuning foundational models for specific domains, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines, knowledge graph integration, and delve into the architectures and evaluation methods employed. The goal of this survey is to inform researchers and practitioners of the current capabilities and limitations of LLMs in general and in domain-specific applications, and to outline how these models are being tailored to meet the requirements of these applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Performance evaluation of a liquid solar collector

Report describes thermal performance and structural-load tests on commercial single glazed flat-plate solar collector with gross area of 63.5 sq ft that uses water as heat-transfer medium. Report documents test instrumentation and procedures and presents data as tables and graphs. Results are analyzed by standard data-reduction methods.

Source record↗

Development of acceptance criteria for batches of silane primer for external tank thermal protection system bonding applications

Silane primers for use as thermal protection on external tanks were subjected to various analytic techniques to determine the most effective testing method for silane lot evaluation. The analytic methods included high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, thermogravimetry (TGA), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It is suggested that FTIR be used as the method for silane lot evaluation. Chromatograms, TGA profiles, bar graphs showing IR absorbances, and FTIR spectra are presented.

Mikes, F.↗

Universal amplitude ratios and the interfacial tension near consolute points of binary liquid mixtures

The interfacial tension of the binary liquid mixtures triethylamine/heavy water, triethylamine/water, and cyclohexane/methanol near their consolute temperatures is determined experimentally by measuring the densities of the phases and the capillary lengths. The results are presented in tables and graphs and compared with published data obtained by other methods and with theoretical predictions. The findings are shown to be in good agreement with previous experiments, confirming the discrepancy between temperature-independent universal amplitude ratios calculated from such data and those predicted by renormalization-group calculations or Monte Carlo simulations of Ising models.

Moldover, M. R.↗

The role of damage-softened material behavior in the fracture of composites and adhesives

The failure mechanism of polymer composites and adhesives with high strain in the zone near and ahead of the crack tip is investigated analytically, summarizing the findings of Ungsuwarungsri (1986). A double-cantilever-beam specimen with the nonlinear material confined to a thin strip between two wedge-loaded elastic beams is modeled as a beam on a nonlinear foundation; the two-point boundary-value problem for stationary and propagating cracks is solved numerically; and an FEM approach is applied to study the behavior of the nonlinear strip in detail. Typical results are presented in extensive graphs, and the accuracy and efficiency of the present method are shown to be superior to those of the Berry (1963) procedure.

Ungsuwarungsri, T.↗

Transonic unsteady aerodynamic and aeroelastic calculations about airfoils and wings

Recent advances in the numerical simulation of unsteady transonic flow around airfoils and wings are surveyed, with an emphasis on the treatment of aeroelastic effects. The fundamental physical principles involved are discussed, and the numerical implementation of the methods is considered. Typical results are presented in extensive graphs and diagrams and briefly characterized, with reference to experimental data.

Goorjian, Peter M.↗

Bipolar supernova remnants and the obliquity dependence of shock acceleration

The diffusive shock acceleration mechanism proposed to explain the bipolarity observed in the synchrotron radio emission of young adiabatically expanding shell SNRs is investigated by means of numerical simulations. The theoretical basis of the SNR models and the numerical computation methods are explained, and the results are presented in graphs and synthetic radio maps and discussed in detail. It is found that the efficiency of the acceleration process depends on the obliquity angle theta(Bn) between the shock normal and the uniform magnetic field: models with theta(Bn) of about 90 deg can reproduce the observed azimuthal intensity ratios in most cases, but models with theta(Bn) near 0 deg cannot.

Fulbright, Michael S.↗

Translating expert system rules into Ada code with validation and verification

The purpose of this ongoing research and development program is to develop software tools which enable the rapid development, upgrading, and maintenance of embedded real-time artificial intelligence systems. The goals of this phase of the research were to investigate the feasibility of developing software tools which automatically translate expert system rules into Ada code and develop methods for performing validation and verification testing of the resultant expert system. A prototype system was demonstrated which automatically translated rules from an Air Force expert system was demonstrated which detected errors in the execution of the resultant system. The method and prototype tools for converting AI representations into Ada code by converting the rules into Ada code modules and then linking them with an Activation Framework based run-time environment to form an executable load module are discussed. This method is based upon the use of Evidence Flow Graphs which are a data flow representation for intelligent systems. The development of prototype test generation and evaluation software which was used to test the resultant code is discussed. This testing was performed automatically using Monte-Carlo techniques based upon a constraint based description of the required performance for the system.

Becker, Lee↗