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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 523 records · Page 29

HYBRID NEURAL NETWORK AND SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE METHOD FOR OPTIMIZATION

System and method for optimization of a design associated with a response function, using a hybrid neural net and support vector machine (NN/SVM) analysis to minimize or maximize an objective function, optionally subject to one or more constraints. As a first example, the NN/SVM analysis is applied iteratively to design of an aerodynamic component, such as an airfoil shape, where the objective function measures deviation from a target pressure distribution on the perimeter of the aerodynamic component. As a second example, the NN/SVM analysis is applied to data classification of a sequence of data points in a multidimensional space. The NN/SVM analysis is also applied to data regression.

Rai, Man Mohan↗

Hybrid Neural Network and Support Vector Machine Method for Optimization

System and method for optimization of a design associated with a response function, using a hybrid neural net and support vector machine (NN/SVM) analysis to minimize or maximize an objective function, optionally subject to one or more constraints. As a first example, the NN/SVM analysis is applied iteratively to design of an aerodynamic component, such as an airfoil shape, where the objective function measures deviation from a target pressure distribution on the perimeter of the aerodynamic component. As a second example, the NN/SVM analysis is applied to data classification of a sequence of data points in a multidimensional space. The NN/SVM analysis is also applied to data regression.

Rai, Man Mohan↗

Selected Flight Test Results for Online Learning Neural Network-Based Flight Control System

The NASA F-15 Intelligent Flight Control System project team has developed a series of flight control concepts designed to demonstrate the benefits of a neural network-based adaptive controller. The objective of the team is to develop and flight-test control systems that use neural network technology to optimize the performance of the aircraft under nominal conditions as well as stabilize the aircraft under failure conditions. Failure conditions include locked or failed control surfaces as well as unforeseen damage that might occur to the aircraft in flight. This report presents flight-test results for an adaptive controller using stability and control derivative values from an online learning neural network. A dynamic cell structure neural network is used in conjunction with a real-time parameter identification algorithm to estimate aerodynamic stability and control derivative increments to the baseline aerodynamic derivatives in flight. This set of open-loop flight tests was performed in preparation for a future phase of flights in which the learning neural network and parameter identification algorithm output would provide the flight controller with aerodynamic stability and control derivative updates in near real time. Two flight maneuvers are analyzed a pitch frequency sweep and an automated flight-test maneuver designed to optimally excite the parameter identification algorithm in all axes. Frequency responses generated from flight data are compared to those obtained from nonlinear simulation runs. An examination of flight data shows that addition of the flight-identified aerodynamic derivative increments into the simulation improved the pitch handling qualities of the aircraft.

Williams, Peggy S.↗

Advances in Modeling Solar System Internet Structures and their Data Flows

With an ever-increasing presence in space, there is also an increasing burden on existing communications infrastructure. We are heading towards an inflection point where the traditional approach of scheduled, single-path communications for space will no longer be viable. One answer is Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN), which takes the once disparate system of point-to-point links and unifies them in a networked architecture, thereby making communications more scalable. However, much work remains for discovering and harnessing the underlying theory of DTN. For example, in the terrestrial setting the interplay between routing domains is well-understood, however this is not the case in DTNs. In this paper, we build up the fundamental foundations of DTN, with an emphasis on modeling time varying networks and data flows across them, with examples of cross-domain routing in a DTN. A lofty goal of DTN is to enable the so-called Solar System Internet (SSI), which implies a standardized and robust suite of protocols. These protocols include routing across disconnected networks using store, carry, and forward mechanisms, which is necessary due to the disconnections, delays, and mobility intrinsic to space networks. Due to these factors, each of which generalize traditional networking, there is a deep and rich theory of DTNs. Here we build off of past successes to broaden this theory while striving to keep actionable results a goal for future implementations and operations. The approach includes modeling the unicast, broadcast, and multicast communications using the language of hypergraphs, which capture the geometric properties of such networked communications algebraically. Also inherent to these networks is their time-varying nature, particularly given mobility, and hence we also cultivate modeling techniques that respect this time dependence. This leads us to develop models using tools from category theory and algebraic geometry, which provide a language well-suited to describing synchronization and optimization over such networks. We also introduce and study a novel generalization of curvature applicable to time-evolving networks, which provides quantitative controls on diffusion processes on the network. Because an interplanetary network would feature links with propagation delays the preclude discovery (feedback) mechanisms, they will always feature a scheduled component. However, it is beneficial to support discovery where possible. While DTNs do not yet have strong definitions for their analogues of autonomous systems or network areas, we show how to join dynamic and schedule-based routing domains, using the language of sheaves, which marks progress towards such definitions. We conclude with a discussion of the progress made, as well as suggestions for future work.

Delay Tolerant Networking↗

Efficient Network Partitioning: Application for Decentralized State Estimation in Power Distribution Grids: Preprint

Increase in the proliferation of DERs requires real-time situational awareness for efficient grid operations. State estimation plays an important role for real time control and management of the power grid. As the sensing infrastructure grows, aggregating and handling high volumes of data at a centralized location is extremely difficult. To address this challenge, this paper first proposes a novel and efficient hierarchical spectral clustering-based network partition algorithm followed by a decentralized compressive sensing (DCS) based state estimation. The applicability of the proposed network partitioning algorithm is tested on IEEE-123 bus, IEEE-8500 node, and a 6204-node distribution network. The results shows that the proposed approach efficiently divides the network into multiple sub-networks with the minimum edge connections among the neighbors. Then, we perform DCS-based state estimation on the 6204-node distribution network after dividing the network into 18 optimal partitions. Simulation results show that DCS-based state estimation recovers the system states with high accuracy and low complexity.

ADMM↗

Ps and Qs: Quantization-Aware Pruning for Efficient Low Latency Neural Network Inference

Efficient machine learning implementations optimized for inference in hardware have wide-ranging benefits, depending on the application, from lower inference latency to higher data throughput and reduced energy consumption. Two popular techniques for reducing computation in neural networks are pruning, removing insignificant synapses, and quantization, reducing the precision of the calculations. In this work, we explore the interplay between pruning and quantization during the training of neural networks for ultra low latency applications targeting high energy physics use cases. Techniques developed for this study have potential applications across many other domains. We study various configurations of pruning during quantization-aware training, which we term quantization-aware pruning, and the effect of techniques like regularization, batch normalization, and different pruning schemes on performance, computational complexity, and information content metrics. We find that quantization-aware pruning yields more computationally efficient models than either pruning or quantization alone for our task. Further, quantization-aware pruning typically performs similar to or better in terms of computational efficiency compared to other neural architecture search techniques like Bayesian optimization. Surprisingly, while networks with different training configurations can have similar performance for the benchmark application, the information content in the network can vary significantly, affecting its generalizability.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Reinforcement Learning Approach to Cybersecurity in Space (RELACSS)

Securing satellite groundstations against cyber-attacks is vital to national security missions. However, these cyber threats are constantly evolving. As vulnerabilities are discovered and patched, new vulnerabilities are discovered and exploited. In order to automate the process of discovering existing vulnerabilities and the means to exploit them, a reinforcement learning framework is presented in this report. We demonstrate that this framework can learn to successfully navigate an unknown network and detect nodes of interest despite the presence of a moving target defense. The agent then exfiltrates a file of interest from the node as quickly as possible. This framework also incorporates a defensive software agent that learns to impede the attacking agents progress. This setup allows for the agents to work against each other and improve their abilities. We anticipate that this capability will help uncover unforeseen vulnerabilities and the means to mitigate them. The modular nature of the framework enables users to swap out learning algorithms and modify the reward functions in order to adapt the learning tasks to various use cases and environments. Several algorithms, viz., tabular Q learning, deep Q networks, proximal policy optimization, advantage actor-critic, generative adversarial imitation learning, are explored for the agents and the results highlighted. The agent learns to solve the tasks in a light-weight abstract environment. Once the agent learns to perform sufficiently well, it can be deployed in a minimega virtual machine environment (or a real network) with wrappers that map abstract actions to software commands. The agent also uses a local representation of the actions called a ‘slot-mechanism’. This allows the agent to learn in a certain network and generalize it to different networks. The defensive agent learns to predict the actions taken by an offensive agent and uses that information to anticipate the threat. This information can then either be used to raise an alarm or to take actions to thwart the attack. We believe that with the appropriate reward design, a representative environment, and action set, this framework can be generalized to tackle other cybersecurity tasks. By sufficiently training these agents, we can anticipate vulnerabilities leading to robust future designs. We can also deploy automated defensive agents that can help secure satellite groundstation and their vital national security missions.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

Science Uses Deployment Operations-Advanced Wireless: Exploring Open Radio Access Network Technologies for Energy Science

Open Radio Access Network is emerging as a solution to the increasing demand for more flexible, cost-effective, and advanced mobile network infrastructures. This evolution is driven by advancements in wireless technologies and the growing complexity of deploying and managing these networks. O-RAN represents a significant shift in wireless technology, building upon the 3rd Generation Partnership Project framework to foster openness, flexibility, and interoperability. By decoupling hardware and software components, Open Radio Access Network enables a multi-vendor ecosystem that encourages innovation and diverse solutions. Open Radio Access Network's potential extends beyond traditional wireless applications, with growing interest in its role in advancing energy systems, particularly in the context of smart grids, microgrids, and the integration of renewable energy sources. While the role of open-wireless technologies in driving energy transformation is increasingly recognized, further exploration is needed. Vendors and utilities are investigating how Open Radio Access Network technologies can optimize energy use cases and improve the performance of 5G and beyond applications. This report outlines efforts under the Science Uses Deployment Operations Advance Wireless project, a collaboration between the National Laboratory of the Rockies' Cybersecurity Research Center, Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the Department of Energy's Energy Science Network research and operations staff. The focus of this project is on due diligence, through testing and evaluation, preparing for the deployment of advanced wireless infrastructure for scientific use cases, with an emphasis on Open Radio Access Network technology, its components, integrations, and its ability to support vertical stack application across the energy sector. Additionally, the report highlights the value cases for utilities, underscoring how adopting open wireless standards can accelerate the evolution of energy systems, foster innovation, and improve the integration of critical energy technologies.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Hydrogen bond arrangements in (H 2 O) 20, 24, 28 clathrate hydrate cages: Optimization and many-body analysis

Here we provide a detailed study of hydrogen bonding arrangements, relative stability, residual entropy, and an analysis of the many-body effects in the (H 2 O) 20 (D-cage), (H 2 O) 24 (T-cage), and (H 2 O) 28 (H-cage) hollow cages making up structures I (sI) and II (sII) of clathrate hydrate lattices. Based on the enumeration of the possible hydrogen bonding networks for a fixed oxygen atom scaffold, the residual entropy (S 0 ) of these three gas phase cages was estimated at 0.754 82, 0.754 44, and 0.754 17 · Nk b , where N is the number of molecules and k b is Boltzmann’s constant. A previously identified descriptor of enhanced stability based on the relative arrangement and connectivity of nearest-neighbor fragments on the polyhedral water cluster [strong-weak-effective-bond model] also applies to the larger hollow cages. The three cages contain a maximum of 7, 9, and 11 such preferable arrangements of trans nearest dimer pairs with one “free” OH bond on the donor molecule (t1d dimers). The Many-Body Expansion (MBE) up to the 4-body suggests that the many-body terms vary nearly linearly with the cluster binding energy. Using a hierarchical approach of screening the relative stability of networks starting from optimizations with the TIP4P, TTM2.1-F, and MB-pol classical potentials, subsequently refining at more accurate levels of electronic structure theory (DFT and MP2), and finally correcting for zero-point energy, we were able to identify a group of four low-lying isomers of the (H 2 O) 24 T-cage, two of which are antisymmetric and the other two form a pair of antipode configurations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Optimal Co-Design of Integrated Thermal-Electrical Networks and Control Systems for Grid-interactive Efficient District (GED) Energy Systems

This project advances a unified, open-source framework for the optimal co-design of thermal, electrical, and control systems in grid-interactive efficient districts (GEDs). As communities integrate growing levels of distributed energy resources, traditional approaches that model thermal and electrical networks independently lead to reduced efficiency, limited flexibility, and missed opportunities for coordinated operation. To address these challenges, the research team developed a comprehensive suite of physics-based models, control algorithms, and software tools that enable holistic simulation, optimization, and demonstration of district-scale energy systems.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Efficient Network Partitioning: Application for Decentralized State Estimation in Power Distribution Grids

Increase in the proliferation of distributed energy resources require real-time situational awareness for efficient grid operations. State estimation plays an important role for the real-time control and management of the power grid. As the sensing infrastructure grows, aggregating and handling high volumes of data at a centralized location is extremely difficult. To address this challenge, this paper first proposes a novel and efficient hier-archical spectral clustering-based network partitioning algorithm followed by a decentralized compressive sensing (DCS)-based state estimation. The applicability of the proposed network partitioning algorithm is tested on an IEEE 123-bus network, an IEEE 8,500-node system, and a 6,000+ node distribution network. The results shows that the proposed approach efficiently divides the network into multiple sub-networks with the minimum number of edge connections among the neighbors. Then, we perform DCS-based state estimation on the 6,000+ node distribution network after dividing the network into 18 optimal partitions. Simulation results show that the DCS-based state estimation recovers the system states with high accuracy and low complexity.

alternating direction method of multipliers↗

A unified acquisition system for acoustic data

A multichannel, acoustic AM carrier system was developed for a wide variety of applications, particularly for aircraft noise and sonic boom measurements. Each data acquisition channel consists of a condenser microphone, an acoustic signal converter, and a Zero Drive amplifier, along with peripheral supporting equipment. A control network insures continuous optimal tuning of the converter and permits remote calibration of the condenser microphone. With a 12.70-mm (1/2-in.) condenser microphone, the converter/Zero Drive amplifier combination has a frequency response from 0 Hz to 20 kHz (-3 db), a dynamic range exceeding 70 db, and a minimum noise floor of 50 db ref. 20 micro Pa) in the band 22.4 Hz to 22.4 kHz. The system requires no external impedance matching networks and is insensitive to cable length, at least up to 900 m (3,000 ft). System gain varies only + or - 1 db over the temperature range 4 to 54 C (40 to 130 F). Adapters are available to accommodate 23.77-mm (1-in.) and 6.35-mm (1/4-in.) microphones and to provide 30-db attenuation. A field test to obtain the acoustical time history of a helicopter flyover proved successful.

Zuckerwar, A. J.↗

Network-Control Algorithm

Algorithm developed for optimal routing of packets of data along links of multilink, multinode digital communication network. Algorithm iterative and converges to cost-optimal assignment independent of initial assignment. Each node connected to other nodes through links, each containing number of two-way channels. Algorithm assigns channels according to message traffic leaving and arriving at each node. Modified to take account of different priorities among packets belonging to different users by using different delay constraints or imposing additional penalties via cost function.

Chan, Hak-Wai↗

Learning Optimal Aerodynamic Designs

This project created a framework for efficient, accurate, and scalable deep neural network representations of design optimization problem solutions. The inputs to these DNN representations are the vector of design requirement parameters, the outputs are the optimal design variables, and the goal is to learn the map from inputs to outputs (i.e., inverse design). The team addressed the problem of the optimal shape design of aerodynamic lifting surfaces—in particular aircraft wings—using a Reynolds-Average Navier Stokes model to govern the CFD-based aerodynamic shape optimization. The inverse design map for such problems is very complex and high-dimensional, involving inputs and outputs on the order of 1000s. To approximate this inverse design map, the team developed algorithms to construct parsimonious DNN architectures, which automatically identify low-dimensional manifolds in which design requirements affect optimal shape parameters, and trained these architectures with multifidelity optimization methods. The resulting methodology accurately and automatically designs optimal aerodynamic lifting surfaces with very high accuracy (99%) at interactive speeds, of the order of milliseconds, resulting in factors of one million or more speedup relative to CFD-based design optimization.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Vertex finding in neutrino-nucleus interaction: a model architecture comparison

We compare different neural network architectures for machine learning algorithms designed to identify the neutrino interaction vertex position in the MINERvA detector. The architectures developed and optimized by hand are compared with the architectures developed in an automated way using the package “Multi-node Evolutionary Neural Networks for Deep Learning” (MENNDL), developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. While the domain-expert hand-tuned network was the best performer, the differences were negligible and the auto-generated networks performed as well. There is always a trade-off between human, and computer resources for network optimization and this work suggests that automated optimization, assuming resources are available, provides a compelling way to save significant expert time.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

The use of the Regier number in the structural design with flutter constraints

This preliminary investigation introduces the use of the Regier number as a flutter constraint criterion for aeroelastic structural optimization. Artificial neural network approximations are used to approximate the flutter criterion requirements as a function of the design Mach number and the parametric variables defining the aspect ratio, center of gravity, taper ratio, mass ratio, and pitch inertia of the wing. The presented approximations are simple enough to be used in the preliminary design stage without a well defined structural model. An example problem for a low-speed, high-aspect-ratio, light-aircraft wing is presented. The example problem is analyzed for the flutter Mach number using doublet lattice aerodynamics and the PK solution method. The use of the Regier number constraint criterion to optimize the example problem for minimum structural mass while maintaining a constant flutter Mach number is demonstrated.

Dunn, H. J.↗