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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 595 records · Page 33

Learning to Unknot

We introduce natural language processing into the study of knot theory, as made natural by the braid word representation of knots. We study the UNKNOT problem of determining whether or not a given knot is the unknot. After describing an algorithm to randomly generate N-crossing braids and their knot closures and discussing the induced prior on the distribution of knots, we apply binary classification to the UNKNOT decision problem. We find that the Reformer and shared-QK Transformer network architectures outperform fully-connected networks, though all perform at 95% accuracy. Perhaps surprisingly, we find that accuracy increases with the length of the braid word, and that the networks learn a direct correlation between the confidence of their predictions and the degree of the Jones polynomial. Finally, we utilize reinforcement learning (RL) to find sequences of Markov moves and braid relations that simplify knots and can identify unknots by explicitly giving the sequence of unknotting actions. Trust region policy optimization (TRPO) performs consistently well, reducing 80% of the unknots with up to 96 crossings we tested to the empty braid word, and thoroughly outperformed other RL algorithms and random walkers. Studying these actions, we find that braid relations are more useful in simplifying to the unknot than one of the Markov moves.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Performance Prediction of Big Data Transfer Through Experimental Analysis and Machine Learning

Big data transfer in next-generation scientific applications is now commonly carried out over connections with guaranteed bandwidth provisioned in High-performance Networks (HPNs) through advance bandwidth reservation. To use HPN resources efficiently, provisioning agents need to carefully schedule data transfer requests and allocate appropriate bandwidths. Such reserved bandwidths, if not fully utilized by the requesting user, could be simply wasted or cause extra overhead and complexity in management due to exclusive access. This calls for the capability of performance prediction to reserve bandwidth resources that match actual needs. Towards this goal, we employ machine learning algorithms to predict big data transfer performance based on extensive performance measurements, which are collected over a span of several years from a large number of data transfer tests using different protocols and toolkits between various end sites on several real-life physical or emulated HPN testbeds. We first identify a comprehensive list of attributes involved in a typical big data transfer process, including end host system configurations, network connection properties, and control parameters of data transfer methods. We then conduct an in-depth exploratory analysis of their impacts on application-level throughput, which provides insights into big data transfer performance and motivates the use of machine learning. We also investigate the applicability of machine learning algorithms and derive their general performance bounds for performance prediction of big data transfer in HPNs. Experimental results show that, with appropriate data preprocessing, the proposed machine learning-based approach achieves 95% or higher prediction accuracy in up to 90% of the cases with very noisy real-life performance measurements.

Yun, Daqing↗

Innovations in Sensors and Controls for Building Energy Management: Research and Development Opportunities Report for Emerging Technologies

Sensors, actuators, and controllers, which collectively serve as the backbone of cyberphysical systems for building energy management, are one of the core technical areas of investment for achieving the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Technologies Office's (BTO's) goals for energy affordability in the national building stock - both commercial and residential. In fact, an aggregated annual energy savings of 29% is estimated in the commercial sector alone through the implementation of efficiency measures using current state-of-the-art sensors and controls to retune buildings by optimizing programmable settings based on occupant schedules and comfort requirements, as well as detecting and diagnosing equipment operation and installation problems (Fernandez et al. 2017). Monitoring and control of building conditions and operations has advanced significantly, from the invention of the modern thermostat just before the start of the 20th century to the midcentury incorporation of direct digital control into devices, the introduction of open protocols and network communications at the end of the century, and finally the invention of cloud-based computing and additional advancements that have enabled remote operation and a proliferation of connected and intelligent devices in building automation. Despite this potential, however, two main challenges hinder widespread adoption of sensors and controls in building operations that can ensure savings for high-efficiency components and equipment (e.g., heat pumps, windows, and lighting devices), as well as additional savings from more sophisticated control architectures and algorithms. energy savings of 29% is estimated in the commercial sector alone through the implementation of efficiency measures using current state-of-the-art sensors and controls to retune buildings by optimizing programmable settings based on occupant schedules and comfort requirements, as well as detecting and diagnosing equipment operation and installation problems (Fernandez et al. 2017). Monitoring and control of building conditions and operations has advanced significantly, from the invention of the modern thermostat just before the start of the 20th century to the midcentury incorporation of direct digital control into devices, the introduction of open protocols and network communications at the end of the century, and finally the invention of cloud-based computing and additional advancements that have enabled remote operation and a proliferation of connected and intelligent devices in building automation. Despite this potential, however, two main challenges hinder widespread adoption of sensors and controls in building operations that can ensure savings for high-efficiency components and equipment (e.g., heat pumps, windows, and lighting devices), as well as additional savings from more sophisticated control architectures and algorithms.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Not so HOT Triangulations

Here, we propose primal–dual mesh optimization algorithms that overcome shortcomings of the standard algorithm while retaining some of its desirable features. “Hodge-Optimized Triangulations” defines the “HOT energy” as a bound on the discretization error of the diagonalized Delaunay Hodge star operator. HOT energy is a natural choice for an objective function, but unstable for both mathematical and algorithmic reasons: it has minima for collapsed edges, and its extrapolation to non-regular triangulations is inaccurate and has unbounded minima. We propose a different extrapolation with a stronger theoretical foundation, and avoid extrapolation by recalculating the objective just beyond the flip threshold. We propose new objectives, based on normalizations of the HOT energy, with barriers to edge collapses and other undesirable configurations. We propose mesh improvement algorithms coupling these. When HOT optimization nearly collapses an edge, we actually collapse the edge. Otherwise, we use the barrier objective to update positions and weights and remove vertices. By combining discrete connectivity changes with continuous optimization, we more fully explore the space of possible meshes and obtain higher quality solutions.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Online and Offline Identification of False Data Injection Attacks in Battery Sensors Using a Single Particle Model

The cells in battery energy storage systems are monitored, protected, and controlled by battery management systems whose sensors are susceptible to cyberattacks. False data injection attacks (FDIAs) targeting batteries’ voltage sensors affect cell protection functions and the estimation of critical battery states like the state of charge (SoC). Inaccurate SoC estimation could result in battery overcharging and over discharging, which can have disastrous consequences on grid operations. This paper proposes a three-pronged online and offline method to detect, identify, and classify FDIAs corrupting the voltage sensors of a battery stack. To accurately model the dynamics of the series-connected cells a single particle model is used and to estimate the SoC, the unscented Kalman filter is employed. FDIA detection, identification, and classification was accomplished using a tuned cumulative sum (CUSUM) algorithm, which was compared with a baseline method, the chi-squared error detector. Online simulations and offline batch simulations were performed to determine the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Throughout the batch simulations, the CUSUM algorithm detected attacks, with no false positives, in 99.83% of cases, identified the corrupted sensor in 97% of cases, and determined if the attack was positively or negatively biased in 97% of cases.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Representations of Materials for Machine Learning

High-throughput data generation methods and machine learning (ML) algorithms have given rise to a new era of computational materials science by learning the relations between composition, structure, and properties and by exploiting such relations for design. However, to build these connections, materials data must be translated into a numerical form, called a representation, that can be processed by an ML model. Data sets in materials science vary in format (ranging from images to spectra), size, and fidelity. Predictive models vary in scope and properties of interest. Here, we review context-dependent strategies for constructing representations that enable the use of materials as inputs or outputs for ML models. Furthermore, we discuss how modern ML techniques can learn representations from data and transfer chemical and physical information between tasks. Finally, we outline high-impact questions that have not been fully resolved and thus require further investigation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

5G Enabled Transformative Co-design and Co-simulation Framework for Grid Decarbonization and Modernization

5G is a breakthrough technology to enable a fully mobile and connected society, and a 5G-enabled digital continuum will be one of the critical foundations for clean energy economy and grid modernization. The clean energy transformation not only requires innovative manufacturing, algorithm, application, and cross-domain co-simulation, but also a systematic evaluation and comprehensive support on the microelectronic and architectural computing customization to enable and maximize the high renewable penetration in the future power grid. The co-design of decarbonized grid, reliable yet efficient communication, and affordable yet ubiquitous computing will unlock the potential of almost any available tools for the undergoing clean energy transformation. 5G is also an opportunity to rethink the paradigm of infrastructure planning, as computing will be one of the core services for society alongside electricity and communication services.

5G↗

Estimation of coefficients and boundary parameters in hyperbolic systems

Semi-discrete Galerkin approximation schemes are considered in connection with inverse problems for the estimation of spatially varying coefficients and boundary condition parameters in second order hyperbolic systems typical of those arising in 1-D surface seismic problems. Spline based algorithms are proposed for which theoretical convergence results along with a representative sample of numerical findings are given.

Banks, H. T.↗

Analog hardware for delta-backpropagation neural networks

This is a fully parallel analog backpropagation learning processor which comprises a plurality of programmable resistive memory elements serving as synapse connections whose values can be weighted during learning with buffer amplifiers, summing circuits, and sample-and-hold circuits arranged in a plurality of neuron layers in accordance with delta-backpropagation algorithms modified so as to control weight changes due to circuit drift.

Eberhardt, Silvio P.↗

Evaluation of Technology Concepts for Traffic Data Management and Relevant Audio for Datalink in Commercial Airline Flight Decks

Datalink is currently operational for departure clearances and in oceanic environments and is currently being tested in high altitude domestic enroute airspace. Interaction with even simple datalink clearances may create more workload for flight crews than the voice system they replace if not carefully designed. Datalink may also introduce additional complexity for flight crews with hundreds of uplink messages now defined for use. Finally, flight crews may lose airspace awareness and operationally relevant information that they normally pickup from Air Traffic Control (ATC) voice communications with other aircraft (i.e., “party-line” transmissions). Once again, automation may be poised to increase workload on the flight deck for incremental benefit. Datalink implementation to support future air traffic management concepts needs to be carefully considered, understanding human communication norms and especially, the change from voice- to text-based communications modality and its effect on pilot workload and situation awareness. Increasingly autonomous systems, where autonomy is designed to support human-autonomy teaming, may be suited to solve these issues. NASA is conducting research and development of increasingly autonomous systems, utilizing machine-learning algorithms seamlessly integrated with humans whereby task performance of the combined system is significantly greater than the individual components. Increasingly autonomous systems offer the potential for significantly improved levels of performance and safety that are superior to either human or automation alone. Two increasingly autonomous systems concepts - a traffic data manager and a conversational co-pilot - were developed to intelligently address the datalink issues in a complex, future state environment with significant levels of traffic. The system was tested for suitability of datalink usage for terminal airspace. The traffic data manager allowed for automated declutter of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) display. The system determined relevant traffic for display based on machine learning algorithms trained by experienced human pilot behaviors. The conversational co-pilot provided relevant audio air traffic control messages based on context and proximity to ownship. Both systems made use of the connected aircraft concepts to provide intelligent context to determine relevancy above and beyond proximity to ownship. A human-in-the-loop test was conducted in NASA Langley Research Center’s Integration Flight Deck B-737-800 simulator to evaluate the traffic data manager and the conversational co-pilot. Twelve airline crews flew various normal and non-normal procedures and their actions and performance were recorded in response to the procedural events. This paper details the flight crew performance and evaluation during the events.

Etherington, Timothy↗

Performance Prediction of Big Data Transfer Through Experimental Analysis and Machine Learning

Big data transfer in next-generation scientific ap- plications is now commonly carried out over connections with guaranteed bandwidth provisioned in High-performance Net- works (HPNs) through advance bandwidth reservation. To use HPN resources efficiently, provisioning agents need to carefully schedule data transfer requests and allocate appropriate band- widths. Such reserved bandwidths, if not fully utilized by the requesting user, could be simply wasted or cause extra overhead and complexity in management due to exclusive access. This calls for the capability of performance prediction to reserve bandwidth resources that match actual needs. Towards this goal, we employ machine learning algorithms to predict big data transfer perfor- mance based on extensive performance measurements, which are collected over a span of several years from a large number of data transfer tests using different protocols and toolkits between various end sites on several real-life physical or emulated HPN testbeds. We first identify a comprehensive list of attributes involved in a typical big data transfer process, including end host system configurations, network connection properties, and control parameters of data transfer methods. We then conduct an in-depth exploratory analysis of their impacts on application- level throughput, which provides insights into big data transfer performance and motivates the use of machine learning. We also investigate the applicability of machine learning algorithms and derive their general performance bounds for performance prediction of big data transfer in HPNs. Experimental results show that, with appropriate data preprocessing, the proposed machine learning-based approach achieves 95% or higher pre- diction accuracy in up to 90% of the cases with very noisy real-life performance measurements.

Yun, Daqing↗

Quantum computing for fusion energy science applications

This is a review of recent research exploring and extending present-day quantum computing capabilities for fusion energy science applications. We begin with a brief tutorial on both ideal and open quantum dynamics, universal quantum computation, and quantum algorithms. Then, we explore the topic of using quantum computers to simulate both linear and nonlinear dynamics in greater detail. Because quantum computers can only efficiently perform linear operations on the quantum state, it is challenging to perform nonlinear operations that are generically required to describe the nonlinear differential equations of interest. In this work, we extend previous results on embedding nonlinear systems within linear systems by explicitly deriving the connection between the Koopman evolution operator, the Perron–Frobenius evolution operator, and the Koopman–von Neumann evolution (KvN) operator. We also explicitly derive the connection between the Koopman and Carleman approaches to embedding. Extension of the KvN framework to the complex-analytic setting relevant to Carleman embedding, and the proof that different choices of complex analytic reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces depend on the choice of Hilbert space metric are covered in the appendixes. Finally, we conclude with a review of recent quantum hardware implementations of algorithms on present-day quantum hardware platforms that may one day be accelerated through Hamiltonian simulation. We discuss the simulation of toy models of wave–particle interactions through the simulation of quantum maps and of wave–wave interactions important in nonlinear plasma dynamics.

Joseph, I. (ORCID:0000000255400840)↗

State predictive information bottleneck

We report the ability to make sense of the massive amounts of high-dimensional data generated from molecular dynamics simulations is heavily dependent on the knowledge of a low-dimensional manifold (parameterized by a reaction coordinate or RC) that typically distinguishes between relevant metastable states, and which captures the relevant slow dynamics of interest. Methods based on machine learning and artificial intelligence have been proposed over the years to deal with learning such low-dimensional manifolds, but they are often criticized for a disconnect from more traditional and physically interpretable approaches. To deal with such concerns, in this work we propose a deep learning based state predictive information bottleneck approach to learn the RC from high-dimensional molecular simulation trajectories. We demonstrate analytically and numerically how the RC learnt in this approach is connected to the committor in chemical physics and can be used to accurately identify transition states. A crucial hyperparameter in this approach is the time delay or how far into the future the algorithm should make predictions about. Through careful comparisons for benchmark systems, we demonstrate that this hyperparameter choice gives useful control over how coarse-grained we want the metastable state classification of the system to be. We thus believe that this work represents a step forward in systematic application of deep learning based ideas to molecular simulations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

1.2 Mfps standalone X-ray detector for Time-Resolved Experiments

We present a standalone and autonomous X-ray detector capable of operation with the speed of up to1.2Mfps. The detector utilizes UFXC32k hybrid pixel detectors for sensing X-rays, Spartan-6 LX45 FPGA placed in commercially available sbRIO 9628 controller for data acquisition and processing including a compression with zero-suppression algorithm. A Linux-RT system working on the 400 MHz Dual-Core CPU is used for FPGA control and data streaming to the higher-level system over 1 Gbps Ethernet connection. 1.2 M frames per second is achieved in so-called burst mode of operation while in zerodead-time mode 70 kfps is possible. Due to efficient data compression in FPGA there’s no need of using high-speed transceivers and Frame-Grabber cards on the data server side and the detector can stream the data infinitely over standard 1 Gbps network connection. Operation modes were tested at Advanced Photon Source Synchrotron at Argonne National Laboratory.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

A berthing and fastening strategy for orbital replacement units

Research in the area of berthing of Orbital Replacement Units (ORU's) at the GSFC consists of two major parts. First, we concentrate on the development of a comprehensive fastening strategy that can provide both mechanical as well as electrical connection to the ORU. Second, our efforts in robot collision avoidance and motion planning have led to the development of a state-of-the-art capacitive proximity sensor with associated motion control algorithms. These efforts combine to produce a system that allows safe and reliable machine assisted berthing. Although our main emphasis was on berthing of ORU's, we believe that some of our results can also be applied to docking.

Vranish, John↗

A Comprehensive Plan for the Long-Term Calibration and Validation of Oceanic Biogeochemical Satellite Data

The primary objective of this planning document is to establish a long-term capability and validating oceanic biogeochemical satellite data. It is a pragmatic solution to a practical problem based primarily o the lessons learned from prior satellite missions. All of the plan's elements are seen to be interdependent, so a horizontal organizational scheme is anticipated wherein the overall leadership comes from the NASA Ocean Biology and Biogeochemistry (OBB) Program Manager and the entire enterprise is split into two components of equal sature: calibration and validation plus satellite data processing. The detailed elements of the activity are based on the basic tasks of the two main components plus the current objectives of the Carbon Cycle and Ecosystems Roadmap. The former is distinguished by an internal core set of responsibilities and the latter is facilitated through an external connecting-core ring of competed or contracted activities. The core elements for the calibration and validation component include a) publish protocols and performance metrics; b) verify uncertainty budgets; c) manage the development and evaluation of instrumentation; and d) coordinate international partnerships. The core elements for the satellite data processing component are e) process and reprocess multisensor data; f) acquire, distribute, and archive data products; and g) implement new data products. Both components have shared responsibilities for initializing and temporally monitoring satellite calibration. Connecting-core elements include (but are not restricted to) atmospheric correction and characterization, standards and traceability, instrument and analysis round robins, field campaigns and vicarious calibration sites, in situ database, bio-optical algorithm (and product) validation, satellite characterization and vicarious calibration, and image processing software. The plan also includes an accountability process, creating a Calibration and Validation Team (to help manage the activity), and a discussion of issues associated with the plan's scientific focus.

Hooker, Stanford B.↗

"Smart" Sensor Module

An assembly that contains a sensor, sensor-signal-conditioning circuitry, a sensor-readout analog-to-digital converter (ADC), data-storage circuitry, and a microprocessor that runs special-purpose software and communicates with one or more external computer(s) has been developed as a prototype of "smart" sensor modules for monitoring the integrity and functionality (the "health") of engineering systems. Although these modules are now being designed specifically for use on rocket-engine test stands, it is anticipated that they could also readily be designed to be incorporated into health-monitoring subsystems of such diverse engineering systems as spacecraft, aircraft, land vehicles, bridges, buildings, power plants, oilrigs, and defense installations. The figure is a simplified block diagram of the "smart" sensor module. The analog sensor readout signal is processed by the ADC, the digital output of which is fed to the microprocessor. By means of a standard RS-232 cable, the microprocessor is connected to a local personal computer (PC), from which software is downloaded into a randomaccess memory in the microprocessor. The local PC is also used to debug the software. Once the software is running, the local PC is disconnected and the module is controlled by, and all output data from the module are collected by, a remote PC via an Ethernet bus. Several smart sensor modules like this one could be connected to the same Ethernet bus and controlled by the single remote PC. The software running in the microprocessor includes driver programs for operation of the sensor, programs that implement self-assessment algorithms, programs that implement protocols for communication with the external computer( s), and programs that implement evolutionary methodologies to enable the module to improve its performance over time. The design of the module and of the health-monitoring system of which it is a part reflects the understanding that the main purpose of a health-monitoring system is to detect damage and, therefore, the health-monitoring system must be able to function effectively in the presence of damage and should be capable of distinguishing between damage to itself and damage to the system being monitored. A major benefit afforded by the self-assessment algorithms is that in the output of the module, the sensor data indicative of the health of the engineering system being monitored are coupled with a confidence factor that quantifies the degree of reliability of the data. Hence, the output includes information on the health of the sensor module itself in addition to information on the health of the engineering system being monitored.

Mahajan, Ajay↗

Rapid Switching and Modulation by use of Coupled VCSELs

Devices incorporating coupled vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) have been proposed as means to effect unprecedentedly rapid modulation and/or switching of light beams in advanced optical communication and information-processing systems. A basic device according to the proposal would comprise two or more VCSELs (1) positioned so close to each other that they are coupled and (2) connected to a current source that biases them at a steady current above the threshold current for lasing. The operation of VCSELs under the conditions stated above has been simulated computationally with an algorithm that solves an approximation of the Maxwell-Bloch equations. (These are nonlinear coupled partial differential equations that model the relevant aspects of the physics of semiconductor lasers.) The results of the simulations show that the intensities of the beams oscillate, out of phase relative to each other, at a frequency that is typically of the order of tens of gigahertz. In particular, one simulation was performed for two coupled VCSELs, each having a circular aperture 5.6 microns in diameter, operating at a wavelength of 980 nm. The results of the simulation showed that the intensities of the two beams oscillated in opposite phase (see Figure 1) at a frequency of 42 GHz. In the far field, the beams were found to be separated by an angle of approx.=8deg. The intensities of the beams were also found to oscillate in the near field, 90deg out of phase with the oscillation in the far field. Figure 2 depicts a simple near-field switching device in which an assembly of microlenses would couple the two oscillating beams to two receivers.

Goorjian, Peter M.↗