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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 631 records · Page 35

Visualizing Organizational Influence on Energy Infrastructure

Energy Infrastructure components depend on an evolving, interdependent business ecosystem exposed to long-term, legal, adversarial tactics. An INL-Naval Postgraduate School partnership was designed to support INL Lab Directed Research and Development, NPS graduate research projects, and joint publications. The Technology, Organization, and Person of interest Graph Extraction, Analysis, and Reporting (TOP GEAR) enumerates networks of organizations and people that own, operate, and maintain regional infrastructure assets. TOP GEAR allows analysts to model current and future state what-if scenarios that include technological and policy mitigations.

29 - ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY↗

Neural networks: Application to medical imaging

The research mission is the development of computer assisted diagnostic (CAD) methods for improved diagnosis of medical images including digital x-ray sensors and tomographic imaging modalities. The CAD algorithms include advanced methods for adaptive nonlinear filters for image noise suppression, hybrid wavelet methods for feature segmentation and enhancement, and high convergence neural networks for feature detection and VLSI implementation of neural networks for real time analysis. Other missions include (1) implementation of CAD methods on hospital based picture archiving computer systems (PACS) and information networks for central and remote diagnosis and (2) collaboration with defense and medical industry, NASA, and federal laboratories in the area of dual use technology conversion from defense or aerospace to medicine.

Clarke, Laurence P.↗

Error analysis for earth orientation recovery from GPS data

The use of GPS navigation satellites to study earth-orientation parameters in real-time is examined analytically with simulations of network geometries. The Orbit Analysis covariance-analysis program is employed to simulate the block-II constellation of 18 GPS satellites, and attention is given to the budget for tracking errors. Simultaneous solutions are derived for earth orientation given specific satellite orbits, ground clocks, and station positions with tropospheric scaling at each station. Media effects and measurement noise are found to be the main causes of uncertainty in earth-orientation determination. A program similar to the Polaris network using single-difference carrier-phase observations can provide earth-orientation parameters with accuracies similar to those for the VLBI program. The GPS concept offers faster data turnaround and lower costs in addition to more accurate determinations of UT1 and pole position.

Zelensky, N.↗

Unified Approach to Modeling and Simulation of Space Communication Networks and Systems

Network simulator software tools are often used to model the behaviors and interactions of applications, protocols, packets, and data links in terrestrial communication networks. Other software tools that model the physics, orbital dynamics, and RF characteristics of space systems have matured to allow for rapid, detailed analysis of space communication links. However, the absence of a unified toolset that integrates the two modeling approaches has encumbered the systems engineers tasked with the design, architecture, and analysis of complex space communication networks and systems. This paper presents the unified approach and describes the motivation, challenges, and our solution - the customization of the network simulator to integrate with astronautical analysis software tools for high-fidelity end-to-end simulation. Keywords space; communication; systems; networking; simulation; modeling; QualNet; STK; integration; space networks

Barritt, Brian↗

Fluid System Stability Analysis Techniques

Fluid systems, or networks, consist of multiple components that work together to achieve some desired thermofluid state. For any generic application, this fluid state can be a combination of the fluid pressure, flow rate, enthalpy, or species concentration. Fluid system components, such as pumps and valves, are often governed by nonlinear differential equations, resulting in complex component-to-component interactions. System-level fluid network stability occurs when the flow through the system can maintain a steady-state solution in the presence of small perturbations, which depends on these component interactions. System instability, however, can go undetected until issues arise during integrated system testing. This presentation explores a method for system designers to think of the fluid network as an assembly of components, each with their own thermofluid surfaces of partial stability, called nullclines. The intersections of all nullclines yields system-level solutions, called equilibrium points. When designers define operating points, they are tuning system parameters so that these equilibrium points move to the desired location in the thermofluid state plane. However, linearization theory shows us that the dynamic behavior around these points can be unstable. The local stability of these equilibrium points can be assessed analytically with eigen-analysis, or numerically by propagating state-plane samples to construct a phase portrait. Investigating a phase portrait can help designers gain a qualitative understanding of a system’s dynamic performance. This understanding can then help inform requirement definitions, component selection, and operational procedures. This presentation includes an example of the phase portrait technique on a system featuring a centrifugal pump and a back-pressure regulator (BPR). Numerical modeling of this system suggests that equilibrium points on the left-hand side of the pump curve are dynamically unstable.

Fluid System↗

Observations of the Interaction and Transport of Fine Mode Aerosols With Cloud and/or Fog in Northeast Asia From Aerosol Robotic Network and Satellite Remote Sensing

Analysis of Sun photometer measured and satellite retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) datahas shown that major aerosol pollution events with very highfine mode AOD (>1.0 in midvisible) in theChina/Korea/Japan region are often observed to be associated with significant cloud cover. This makesremote sensing of these events difficult even for high temporal resolution Sun photometer measurements.Possible physical mechanisms for these events that have high AOD include a combination of aerosolhumidification, cloud processing, and meteorological covariation with atmospheric stability andconvergence. The new development of Aerosol Robotic Network Version 3 Level 2 AOD with improved cloudscreening algorithms now allow for unprecedented ability to monitor these extremefine mode pollutionevents. Further, the spectral deconvolution algorithm (SDA) applied to Level 1 data (L1; no cloud screening)provides an even more comprehensive assessment offine mode AOD than L2 in current and previous dataversions. Studying the 2012 winter-summer period, comparisons of Aerosol Robotic Network L1 SDA dailyaveragefine mode AOD data showed that Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellite remotesensing of AOD often did not retrieve and/or identify some of the highestfine mode AOD events in thisregion. Also, compared to models that include data assimilation of satellite retrieved AOD, the L1 SDAfinemode AOD was significantly higher in magnitude, particularly for the highest AOD events that were oftenassociated with significant cloudiness.

Eck, T. F.↗

Fluid System Stability Analysis Techniques

Fluid systems, or networks, consist of multiple components that work together to achieve some desired thermofluid state. For any generic application, this fluid state can be a combination of the fluid pressure, flow rate, enthalpy, or species concentration. Fluid system components, such as pumps and valves, are often governed by nonlinear differential equations, resulting in complex component-to-component interactions. System-level fluid network stability occurs when the flow through the system can maintain a steady-state solution in the presence of small perturbations, which depends on these component interactions. System instability, however, can go undetected until issues arise during integrated system testing. This presentation explores a method for system designers to think of the fluid network as an assembly of components, each with their own thermofluid surfaces of partial stability, called nullclines. The intersections of all nullclines yields system-level solutions, called equilibrium points. When designers define operating points, they are tuning system parameters so that these equilibrium points move to the desired location in the thermofluid state plane. However, linearization theory shows us that the dynamic behavior around these points can be unstable. The local stability of these equilibrium points can be assessed analytically with eigen-analysis, or numerically by propagating state-plane samples to construct a phase portrait. Investigating a phase portrait can help designers gain a qualitative understanding of a system’s dynamic performance. This understanding can then help inform requirement definitions, component selection, and operational procedures. This presentation includes an example of the phase portrait technique on a system featuring a centrifugal pump and a back-pressure regulator (BPR). Numerical modeling of this system suggests that equilibrium points on the left-hand side of the pump curve are dynamically unstable.

Fluid System↗

The impact of data boundaries upon a successive corrections objective analysis of limited-area datasets

The effects of data boundaries on objective analysis are examined. Data from limited-area networks are studied using the objective analysis technique of Barnes (1964). The impact of the data boundaries on the amplitudes of long waves and phases of short waves is described. The relation between the weight function shape parameter and the distance that boundary effects intrude into the interior of the grid is investigated. Examples displaying the influence of data field boundaries on the analyses of limited-area data sets are presented.

Achtemeier, G. L.↗

Lunar Navigation Performance Using the Deep Space Network and Alternate Solutions to Support Precision Landing

As human exploration once again targets the surface of the Moon, questions continue to emerge regarding the necessity of Earth-based tracking systems, such as the Deep Space Network, for spacecraft navigation in support of lunar descent and landing. This paper will derive an extensive Deep Space Network sensor model for use in linear covariance analysis and demonstrate the resulting trajectory dispersions and navigation performance in comparison with alternate solutions, such as terrain relative navigation. An in-depth trade study with considerations for various trajectory profiles, time allocated to ground tracking, number of active ground stations, and interaction with other sensors will be conducted to shed significant insight into sensor suite requirements to ensure safe and precise landing on the Moon.

Navigation↗

Autonomous image data reduction by analysis and interpretation

Image data is a critical component of the scientific information acquired by space missions. Compression of image data is required due to the limited bandwidth of the data transmission channel and limited memory space on the acquisition vehicle. This need becomes more pressing when dealing with multispectral data where each pixel may comprise 300 or more bytes. An autonomous, real time, on-board image analysis system for an exploratory vehicle such as a Mars Rover is developed. The completed system will be capable of interpreting image data to produce reduced representations of the image, and of making decisions regarding the importance of data based on current scientific goals. Data from multiple sources, including stereo images, color images, and multispectral data, are fused into single image representations. Analysis techniques emphasize artificial neural networks. Clusters are described by their outlines and class values. These analysis and compression techniques are coupled with decision making capacity for determining importance of each image region. Areas determined to be noise or uninteresting can be discarded in favor of more important areas. Thus limited resources for data storage and transmission are allocated to the most significant images.

Eberlein, Susan↗

Autonomous image data reduction by analysis and interpretation

Image data is a critical component of the scientific information acquired by space missions. Compression of image data is required due to the limited bandwidth of the data transmission channel and limited memory space on the acquisition vehicle. This need becomes more pressing when dealing with multispectral data where each pixel may comprise 300 or more bytes. An autonomous, real time, on-board image analysis system for an exploratory vehicle such as a Mars Rover is developed. The completed system will be capable of interpreting image data to produce reduced representations of the image, and of making decisions regarding the importance of data based on current scientific goals. Data from multiple sources, including stereo images, color images, and multispectral data, are fused into single image representations. Analysis techniques emphasize artificial neural networks. Clusters are described by their outlines and class values. These analysis and compression techniques are coupled with decision-making capacity for determining importance of each image region. Areas determined to be noise or uninteresting can be discarded in favor of more important areas. Thus limited resources for data storage and transmission are allocated to the most significant images.

Eberlein, Susan↗

The Rondonia Lightning Detection Network: Network Description, Science Objectives, Data Processing Archival/Methodology, and Results

A four station Advanced Lightning Direction Finder (ALDF) network was established in the state of Rondonia in western Brazil in 1999 through a collaboration of U.S. and Brazilian participants from NASA, INPE, INMET, and various universities. The network utilizes ALDF IMPACT (Improved Accuracy from Combined Technology) sensors to provide cloud-to-ground lightning observations (i.e., stroke/flash locations, signal amplitude, and polarity) using both time-of- arrival and magnetic direction finding techniques. The observations are collected, processed and archived at a central site in Brasilia and at the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Initial, non-quality assured quick-look results are made available in near real-time over the Internet. The network, which is still operational, was deployed to provide ground truth data for the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite that was launched in November 1997. The measurements are also being used to investigate the relationship between the electrical, microphysical and kinematic properties of tropical convection. In addition, the long-time series observations produced by this network will help establish a regional lightning climatological database, supplementing other databases in Brazil that already exist or may soon be implemented. Analytic inversion algorithms developed at the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center have been applied to the Rondonian ALDF lightning observations to obtain site error corrections and improved location retrievals. The data will also be corrected for the network detection efficiency. The processing methodology and the results from the analysis of four years of network operations will be presented.

Blakeslee, R. J.↗

A Tool for Verification and Validation of Neural Network Based Adaptive Controllers for High Assurance Systems

High reliability of mission- and safety-critical software systems has been identified by NASA as a high-priority technology challenge. We present an approach for the performance analysis of a neural network (NN) in an advanced adaptive control system. This problem is important in the context of safety-critical applications that require certification, such as flight software in aircraft. We have developed a tool to measure the performance of the NN during operation by calculating a confidence interval (error bar) around the NN's output. Our tool can be used during pre-deployment verification as well as monitoring the network performance during operation. The tool has been implemented in Simulink and simulation results on a F-15 aircraft are presented.

Gupta, Pramod↗

SPIKE-Dx : A Low-Power High-Throughput Fault Diagnostics Tool using Spiking Neural Networks for Constrained Systems

Diagnostic systems are important for many aerospace systems, which are severely limited in available power, like cubesats or UAVs. Therefore, traditional diagnostics systems cannot be used due to their substantial footprint and constraints. In this paper, we present our very low power diagnostic tool SPIKE-DX to monitor critical systems with constrained computational and energy resources. This is made possible through spiking neural networks (SNNs), which are executable within optimized simulation environments and further implemented on on cutting-edge neuromorphic hardware. Based upon FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) framework, Diagnostic Bayesian Networks (DBNs) can be constructed that provide powerful means for diagnostic reasoning. In this paper, we describe such DBNs and a method to automatically translate the DBN into highly structured networks of spiking neurons for execution in SPIKE-DX.

Spiking Neural Networks↗

Precise time and time interval applications to electric power systems

There are many applications of precise time and time interval (frequency) in operating modern electric power systems. Many generators and customer loads are operated in parallel. The reliable transfer of electrical power to the consumer partly depends on measuring power system frequency consistently in many locations. The internal oscillators in the widely dispersed frequency measuring units must be syntonized. Elaborate protection and control systems guard the high voltage equipment from short and open circuits. For the highest reliability of electric service, engineers need to study all control system operations. Precise timekeeping networks aid in the analysis of power system operations by synchronizing the clocks on recording instruments. Utility engineers want to reproduce events that caused loss of service to customers. Precise timekeeping networks can synchronize protective relay test-sets. For dependable electrical service, all generators and large motors must remain close to speed synchronism. The stable response of a power system to perturbations is critical to continuity of electrical service. Research shows that measurement of the power system state vector can aid in the monitoring and control of system stability. If power system operators know that a lightning storm is approaching a critical transmission line or transformer, they can modify operating strategies. Knowledge of the location of a short circuit fault can speed the re-energizing of a transmission line. One fault location technique requires clocks synchronized to one microsecond. Current research seeks to find out if one microsecond timekeeping can aid and improve power system control and operation.

Robert E. Wilson↗