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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 667 records · Page 37
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1957

Minimum Wave Drag for Arbitrary Arrangements of Wings and Bodies

Studies of various arrangements of wings and bodies designed to provide favorable wave interference at supersonic speeds lead to the problem of determining the minimum possible valve of the wave resistance obtainable by any disposition of the elements of an aircraft within a definitely prescribed region. Under the assumptions that the total lift and the total volume of the aircraft are given, conditions that must be satisfied if the drag is to be a minimum are found. The report concludes with a discussion of recent developments of the theory which lead to an improved understanding of the drag associated with the production of lift.

Jones, Robert T↗
NASA NTRS2012

Parametric Deformation of Discrete Geometry for Aerodynamic Shape Design

We present a versatile discrete geometry manipulation platform for aerospace vehicle shape optimization. The platform is based on the geometry kernel of an open-source modeling tool called Blender and offers access to four parametric deformation techniques: lattice, cage-based, skeletal, and direct manipulation. Custom deformation methods are implemented as plugins, and the kernel is controlled through a scripting interface. Surface sensitivities are provided to support gradient-based optimization. The platform architecture allows the use of geometry pipelines, where multiple modelers are used in sequence, enabling manipulation difficult or impossible to achieve with a constructive modeler or deformer alone. We implement an intuitive custom deformation method in which a set of surface points serve as the design variables and user-specified constraints are intrinsically satisfied. We test our geometry platform on several design examples using an aerodynamic design framework based on Cartesian grids. We examine inverse airfoil design and shape matching and perform lift-constrained drag minimization on an airfoil with thickness constraints. A transport wing-fuselage integration problem demonstrates the approach in 3D. In a final example, our platform is pipelined with a constructive modeler to parabolically sweep a wingtip while applying a 1-G loading deformation across the wingspan. This work is an important first step towards the larger goal of leveraging the investment of the graphics industry to improve the state-of-the-art in aerospace geometry tools.

Anderson, George R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Dynamic process intensification: Fundamentals and implementation to ternary distillation

Distillation remains a key technology for separating liquid mixtures. Its versatility comes with the disadvantage of high energy consumption. We previously used empirical arguments to introduce dynamic process intensification (DPI) as a strategy for improving the energy efficiency of binary distillation. In this article, we focus on ternary distillation; we begin by providing a rigorous basis for DPI, then formulate the problem of identifying the operating states for DPI as a nonlinear optimization problem. Via an extensive case study considering a hydrocarbon mixture, we demonstrate that reboiler energy use can be reduced by more than 2.3% relative to an equivalent column operating at steady state. Here, we prove that this result is due to the fact that DPI aims to satisfy product flow and quality constraints on average in time, affording broader opportunities for optimizing column economics than steady-state operation, where constraints are met strictly at all times.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Structure preserving and energy dissipative contact approaches for implicit dynamics

In this work, several structure preserving and energy dissipative contact approaches are proposed and evaluated. The time integration schemes considered are general with regard to the version of constraint type, but here the emphasis was on mortar contact. The proposed mortar contact approach conserves both linear and angular momentum for mortar contact in a novel way. The proposed time integration scheme can conserve energy or provide strict contact dissipation. In addition, the proposed scheme enforces both gap constraints and gap velocity constraints (i.e., persistency). Using a midstep time integrator often causes energy dissipation during initial impact, here this energy can be recovered in a novel way. Enforcing the gap velocity constraint mitigates the contact chatter of the contact pressure and nodes in many problems. Whereas some approaches enforce the persistency condition and gap constraints simultaneously during the solution of the equations of motion (EOM) requiring multipliers for both constraints included in the equation set, here the gap constraint is solved through the equations of motion and the persistency condition is satisfied in the time integration scheme by the velocity update after the equations of motion. It is shown that this approach is strictly dissipative in that a plastic contact condition can be achieved. Analogous to a coefficient of restitution for rigid bodies, any dissipated energy can then be returned upon release if energy conservation is desired. Structure preserving methods are good for long-time dynamics simulations and energy conserving and strictly dissipative methods can overcome stability issues associated with standard time integration algorithms such as the Newmark method.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Designs for scalable construction of hybrid quantum photonic cavities

Nanophotonic resonators are central to numerous applications, from efficient spin–photon interfaces to laser oscillators and precision sensing. A leading approach consists of photonic crystal (PhC) cavities, which have been realized in a wide range of dielectric materials. However, translating proof-of-concept devices into a functional system entails a number of additional challenges, inspiring new approaches that combine resonators with wavelength-scale confinement and high quality factors; scalable integration with integrated circuits and photonic circuits; electrical or mechanical cavity tuning; and, in many cases, a need for heterogeneous integration with functional materials such as III–V semiconductors or diamond color centers for spin–photon interfaces. Here we introduce a concept that generates a finely tunable PhC cavity at a selected wavelength between two heterogeneous optical materials whose properties satisfy the above requirements. The cavity is formed by stamping a hard-to-process material with simple waveguide geometries on top of an easy-to-process material consisting of dielectric grating mirrors and active tuning capability. We simulate our concept for the particularly challenging design problem of multiplexed quantum repeaters based on arrays of cavity-coupled diamond color centers, achieving theoretically calculated unloaded quality factors of 106, mode volumes as small as 1.2(λ/neff)3, and maintaining >60% total on-chip collection efficiency of fluorescent photons. We further introduce a method of low-power piezoelectric tuning of these hybrid diamond cavities, simulating optical resonance shifts up to ∼760 GHz and color center fluorescence tuning of 5 GHz independent of cavity tuning. These results will motivate integrated photonic cavities toward larger scale systems-compatible designs.

Greenspon, Andrew S. (ORCID:0000000296317568)↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Time-Domain Protection Approach for AC Transmission Systems With Grid-Forming Resources

Ac transmission protection must reliably detect, classify, and locate short-circuit faults from voltage and current measurements. At present, these functionalities, which have been classically engineered using phasors approaches, are being challenged by the dynamic behavior and fault-current limits of converter-based generation. This paper tackles these challenges by engineering a time-domain protection approach that leverages the classical Bergeron model in a new manner. Low- and high-impedance faults are detected and classified by ascertaining how well line voltage and current measurements match the Bergeron equations. Faults are located by posing a novel one-variable optimization problem, whereas voltage and current waveforms at the fault location are estimated by unveiling rigorous relationships. The proposed elements are secure against external faults, measurement errors, and variation of line parameters and sampling time. Furthermore, these advances are tested via electromagnetic transient simulations and are significant to satisfy IEEE and North American Electric Reliability Corporation requirements.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS1972

The DOPEX Code: an Application of the Method of Steepest Descent to Laminated-Shield-Weight Optimization with Several Constraints

A two- or three-constraint, two-dimensional radiation shield weight optimization procedure and a computer program, DOPEX, is described. The DOPEX code uses the steepest descent method to alter a set of initial (input) thicknesses for a shield configuration to achieve a minimum weight while simultaneously satisfying dose constaints. The code assumes an exponential dose-shield thickness relation with parameters specified by the user. The code also assumes that dose rates in each principal direction are dependent only on thicknesses in that direction. Code input instructions, FORTRAN 4 listing, and a sample problem are given. Typical computer time required to optimize a seven-layer shield is about 0.1 minute on an IBM 7094-2.

Lahti, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Tantalum/Copper X-Ray Targets

Lewis Research Center developed unique solution to subsidiary problem of fabrication of x-ray target. Plasma spraying enabled fabrication of lightweight, high-performance targets. Power settings, atmosphere-control settings, rate of deposition, and other spraying parameters developed. Thin coats of tantalum successfully deposited on copper targets. Targets performed successfully in tests and satisfied all criteria expressed in terms of critical parameters. Significantly reduces projected costs of fabrication of targets and contributes to development of improved, long-lived, lightweight x-ray system.

Waters, William J.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Piezoelectrically Actuated Shutter for High Vacuum

A piezoelectrically actuated shutter is undergoing development for use in experiments on laser cooling of atoms. The shutter is required to be compatible with ultrahigh vacuum [pressure of 10(exp -9) torr (.1.3 x 10(exp -7) Pa) or less] and to be capable of performing reliably in the vacuum for at least one year. In operation, the shutter would enable the collection and launch of successive samples of cold atoms and would enable the interrogation of the immediately preceding sample while preventing disturbance of the atoms of that sample by light from the collection region. A major constraint is imposed on the design and operation of the shutter by a requirement that it not generate a magnetic field large enough to perturb an atomic clock. An electromagnetically actuated shutter could satisfy all requirements except this one. Hence, it was decided to use piezoelectric instead of electromagnetic actuation. The shutter (see figure) includes two commercial piezoelectrically driven flexure stages that produce a travel of 0.5 mm. Levers mechanically amplify the travel to the required level of 1 cm. Problems that remained to be addressed at the time of reporting the information for this article included lifetime testing and correction of a tendency for shutter blades to bounce open.

Thompson, Robert↗
DOE OSTI2022

Flutter behavior of highly flexible blades for two- and three-bladed wind turbines

Abstract. With the progression of novel design, material, and manufacturing technologies, the wind energy industry has successfully produced larger and larger wind turbine rotor blades while driving down the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Though the benefits of larger turbine blades are appealing, larger blades are prone to aeroelastic instabilities due to their long, slender, highly flexible nature, and this effect is accentuated as rotors further grow in size. In addition to the trend of larger rotors, non-traditional rotor concepts are emerging including two-bladed rotors and downwind configurations. In this work, we introduce a comprehensive evaluation of flutter behavior including classical flutter, edgewise vibration, and flutter mode characteristics for two-bladed, downwind rotors. Flutter speed trends and characteristics for a series of both two- and three-bladed rotors are analyzed and compared in order to illustrate the flutter behavior of two-bladed rotors relative to more well-known flutter characteristics of three-bladed rotors. In addition, we examine the important problem of blade design to mitigate flutter and present a solution to mitigate flutter in the structural design process. A study is carried out evaluating the effect of leading edge and trailing edge reinforcement on flutter speed and hence demonstrates the ability to increase the flutter speed and satisfy structural design requirements (such as fatigue) while maintaining or even reducing blade mass.

Chetan, Mayank (ORCID:0000000241978801)↗
NASA NTRS1985

A Study on the Control of Third Generation Spacecraft

An overview of some studies which have recently been carried out on the control of third generation spcecraft, as modelled by the MSAT space vehicle configuration, is made. This spacecraft is highly nonsymmetrical and has appendages which cannot in general be assumed to be rigid. In particular, it is desired to design a controller for MSAT which stabilizes the system and satisfies certain attitude control, shape control, and possibly stationkeeping requirements; in addition, it is desired that the resultant controller should be robust and avoid any undesirable spill over effects. In addition, the controller obtained should have minimum complexity. The method of solution adopted to solve this class of problems is to formulate the problem as a robust servomechanism problem, and thence to obtain existence conditions and a controller characterization to solve the problem. The final controller obtained for MSAT has a distributed control configuration and appears to be quite satisfactory.

Davison, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Trimodal interpretation of constraints for planning

Constraints are used in the CAMPS knowledge based planning system to represent those propositions that must be true for a plan to be acceptable. CAMPS introduces the make-mode for interpreting a constraint. Given an unsatisfied constraint, make evaluation mode suggests planning actions which, if taken, would result in a modified plan in which the constraint in question may be satisfied. These suggested planning actions, termed delta-tuples, are the raw material of intelligent plan repair. They are used both in debugging an almost-right plan and in replanning due to changing situations. Given a defective plan in which some set of constraints are violated, a problem solving strategy selects one or more constraints as a focus of attention. These selected constraints are evaluated in the make-mode to produce delta-tuples. The problem solving strategy then reviews the delta-tuples according to its application and problem-specific criteria to find the most acceptable change in terms of success likelihood and plan disruption. Finally, the problem solving strategy makes the suggested alteration to the plan and then rechecks constraints to find any unexpected consequences.

Krieger, David↗
NASA NTRS1990

Global optimization methods for engineering design

The problem is to find a global minimum for the Problem P. Necessary and sufficient conditions are available for local optimality. However, global solution can be assured only under the assumption of convexity of the problem. If the constraint set S is compact and the cost function is continuous on it, existence of a global minimum is guaranteed. However, in view of the fact that no global optimality conditions are available, a global solution can be found only by an exhaustive search to satisfy Inequality. The exhaustive search can be organized in such a way that the entire design space need not be searched for the solution. This way the computational burden is reduced somewhat. It is concluded that zooming algorithm for global optimizations appears to be a good alternative to stochastic methods. More testing is needed; a general, robust, and efficient local minimizer is required. IDESIGN was used in all numerical calculations which is based on a sequential quadratic programming algorithm, and since feasible set keeps on shrinking, a good algorithm to find an initial feasible point is required. Such algorithms need to be developed and evaluated.

Arora, Jasbir S.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Robust controllers for the Middeck Active Control Experiment using Popov controller synthesis

Recent work in robust control with real parameter uncertainties has focused on absolute stability and its connections to real mu theory. In particular, the research has investigated the Popov stability criterion and its associated Lur'e-Postnikov Liapunov functions. State space representations of this Popov stability analysis tests are included in an H2 design formulation to provide a powerful technique for robust controller synthesis. This synthesis approach uses a state space optimization procedure to design controllers that minimize an overbound of an H2 cost functional and satisfy stability analysis tests based on the Popov multiplier. The controller and stability multiplier coefficients are optimized simultaneously, which avoids the iteration and curve-fitting procedures required by the D-K algorithm of mu synthesis. While previous work has demonstrated this synthesis approach on benchmark control problems, the purpose of this paper is to use Popov controller synthesis to design robust compensators for the Middeck Active Control Experiment (MACE).

How, Jonathan P.↗
NASA NTRS2000

A Parallel Approach To Optimum Actuator Selection With a Genetic Algorithm

Recent discoveries in smart technologies have created a variety of aerodynamic actuators which have great potential to enable entirely new approaches to aerospace vehicle flight control. For a revolutionary concept such as a seamless aircraft with no moving control surfaces, there is a large set of candidate locations for placing actuators, resulting in a substantially larger number of combinations to examine in order to find an optimum placement satisfying the mission requirements. The placement of actuators on a wing determines the control effectiveness of the airplane. One approach to placement Maximizes the moments about the pitch, roll, and yaw axes, while minimizing the coupling. Genetic algorithms have been instrumental in achieving good solutions to discrete optimization problems, such as the actuator placement problem. As a proof of concept, a genetic has been developed to find the minimum number of actuators required to provide uncoupled pitch, roll, and yaw control for a simplified, untapered, unswept wing model. To find the optimum placement by searching all possible combinations would require 1,100 hours. Formulating the problem and as a multi-objective problem and modifying it to take advantage of the parallel processing capabilities of a multi-processor computer, reduces the optimization time to 22 hours.

Rogers, James L.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Incorporate day-ahead robustness and real-time incentives for electricity market design

In this paper, we propose a two-stage electricity market framework to explore the participation of distributed energy resources (DERs) in a day-ahead (DA) market and a real-time (RT) market. The objective is to determine the optimal bidding strategies of the aggregated DERs in the DA market and generate online incentive signals for DER-owners to optimize the social-welfare taking into account network operational constraints. Distributionally robust optimization is used to explicitly incorporate data-based statistical information of renewable forecasts into the supply/demand decisions in the DA market. We evaluate the conservativeness of bidding strategies distinguished by different risk aversion settings. In the RT market, a bi-level time-varying optimization problem is proposed to design the online incentive signals to tradeoff the RT imbalance penalty for distribution system operators (DSOs) and the costs of individual DER-owners. This enables tracking their optimal dispatch to provide fast balancing services, in the presence of time-varying network states while satisfying the voltage regulation requirement. Simulation results on both DA wholesale market and RT balancing market demonstrate the necessity of this two-stage design, and its robustness to uncertainties, the performance of convergence, the tracking ability and the feasibility of the resulting network operations.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

GFINNs: GENERIC formalism informed neural networks for deterministic and stochastic dynamical systems

Here we propose the GENERIC formalism informed neural networks (GFINNs) that obey the symmetric degeneracy conditions of the GENERIC formalism. GFINNs comprise two modules, each of which contains two components. We model each component using a neural network whose architecture is designed to satisfy the required conditions. The component-wise architecture design provides flexible ways of leveraging available physics information into neural networks. We prove theoretically that GFINNs are sufficiently expressive to learn the underlying equations, hence establishing the universal approximation theorem. We demonstrate the performance of GFINNs in three simulation problems: gas containers exchanging heat and volume, thermoelastic double pendulum and the Langevin dynamics. In all the examples, GFINNs outperform existing methods, hence demonstrating good accuracy in predictions for both deterministic and stochastic systems.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1973

Flight investigation of a structural mode control system for the XB-70 aircraft

A flight investigation of a structural mode control system termed identical location of accelerometer and force (ILAF) was conducted on the XB-70-1 airplane. During the first flight tests, the ILAF system encountered localized structural vibration problems requiring a revision of the compensating network. After modification, successful structural mode control that did not adversely affect the rigid body dynamics was demonstrated. The ILAF system was generally more effective in supersonic than subsonic flight, because the conditions for which the system was designed were more nearly satisfied at supersonic speeds. The results of a turbulence encounter at a Mach number of 1.20 and an altitude of 9754 meters indicated that the ILAF system was effective in reducing the vehicle's response at this flight condition. An analytical study showed that the addition of a small canard to the modal suppression system would greatly improve the automatic control of the higher frequency symmetric modes.

Lock, W. P.↗