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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 91 records · Page 5

A Multipole Expansion Method for Analyzing Lightning Field Changes

Changes in the surface electric field are frequently used to infer the locations and magnitudes of lightning-caused changes in thundercloud charge distributions. The traditional procedure is to assume that the charges that are effectively deposited by the flash can be modeled either as a single point charge (the Q model) or a point dipole (the P model). The Q model has four unknown parameters and provides a good description of many cloud-to-ground (CG) flashes. The P model has six unknown parameters and describes many intracloud (IC) discharges. In this paper we introduce a new analysis method that assumes that the change in the cloud charge can be described by a truncated multipole expansion, i.e., there are both monopole and dipole terms in the unknown source distribution, and both terms are applied simultaneously. This method can be used to analyze CG flashes that are accompanied by large changes in the cloud dipole moment and complex IC discharges. If there is enough information content in the measurements, the model can also be generalized to include quadrupole and higher order terms. The parameters of the charge moments are determined using a dme-dimensional grid search in combination with a linear inversion, and because of this, local minima in the error function and the associated solution ambiguities are avoided. The multipole method has been tested on computer-simulated sources and on natural lightning at the NASA Kennedy Space Center and U.S. Air Force Eastern Range.

Koshak, William J.↗

A Multipole Expansion Method for Analyzing Lightning Field Changes

Changes in the surface electric field are frequently used to infer the locations and magnitudes of lightning-caused changes in thundercloud charge distributions. The traditional procedure is to assume that the charges that are effectively deposited by the flash can be modeled either as a single point charge (the Q-model) or a point dipole (the P-model). The Q-model has 4 unknown parameters and provides a good description of many cloud-to-ground (CG) flashes. The P-model has 6 unknown parameters and describes many intracloud (IC) discharges. In this paper, we introduce a new analysis method that assumes that the change in the cloud charge can be described by a truncated multipole expansion, i.e., there are both monopole and dipole terms in the unknown source distribution, and both terms are applied simultaneously. This method can be used to analyze CG flashes that are accompanied by large changes in the cloud dipole moment and complex IC discharges. If there is enough information content in the measurements, the model can also be generalized to include quadrupole and higher order terms. The parameters of the charge moments are determined using a 3-dimensional grid search in combination with a linear inversion, and because of this, local minima in the error function and the associated solution ambiguities are avoided. The multipole method has been tested on computer simulated sources and on natural lightning at the NASA Kennedy Space Center and USAF Eastern Range.

Koshak, William J.↗

Practical Aspects of Stabilized FEM Discretizations of Nonlinear Conservation Law Systems with Convex Extension

This talk considers simplified finite element discretization techniques for first-order systems of conservation laws equipped with a convex (entropy) extension. Using newly developed techniques in entropy symmetrization theory, simplified forms of the Galerkin least-squares (GLS) and the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element method have been developed and analyzed. The use of symmetrization variables yields numerical schemes which inherit global entropy stability properties of the POE system. Central to the development of the simplified GLS and DG methods is the Degenerative Scaling Theorem which characterizes right symmetrizes of an arbitrary first-order hyperbolic system in terms of scaled eigenvectors of the corresponding flux Jacobean matrices. A constructive proof is provided for the Eigenvalue Scaling Theorem with detailed consideration given to the Euler, Navier-Stokes, and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations. Linear and nonlinear energy stability is proven for the simplified GLS and DG methods. Spatial convergence properties of the simplified GLS and DO methods are numerical evaluated via the computation of Ringleb flow on a sequence of successively refined triangulations. Finally, we consider a posteriori error estimates for the GLS and DG demoralization assuming error functionals related to the integrated lift and drag of a body. Sample calculations in 20 are shown to validate the theory and implementation.

Barth, Timothy↗

Multi-Agent Methods for the Configuration of Random Nanocomputers

As computational devices continue to shrink, the cost of manufacturing such devices is expected to grow exponentially. One alternative to the costly, detailed design and assembly of conventional computers is to place the nano-electronic components randomly on a chip. The price for such a trivial assembly process is that the resulting chip would not be programmable by conventional means. In this work, we show that such random nanocomputers can be adaptively programmed using multi-agent methods. This is accomplished through the optimization of an associated high dimensional error function. By representing each of the independent variables as a reinforcement learning agent, we are able to achieve convergence must faster than with other methods, including simulated annealing. Standard combinational logic circuits such as adders and multipliers are implemented in a straightforward manner. In addition, we show that the intrinsic flexibility of these adaptive methods allows the random computers to be reconfigured easily, making them reusable. Recovery from faults is also demonstrated.

Lawson, John W.↗

Advanced Dispersed Fringe Sensing Algorithm for Coarse Phasing Segmented Mirror Telescopes

Segment mirror phasing, a critical step of segment mirror alignment, requires the ability to sense and correct the relative pistons between segments from up to a few hundred microns to a fraction of wavelength in order to bring the mirror system to its full diffraction capability. When sampling the aperture of a telescope, using auto-collimating flats (ACFs) is more economical. The performance of a telescope with a segmented primary mirror strongly depends on how well those primary mirror segments can be phased. One such process to phase primary mirror segments in the axial piston direction is dispersed fringe sensing (DFS). DFS technology can be used to co-phase the ACFs. DFS is essentially a signal fitting and processing operation. It is an elegant method of coarse phasing segmented mirrors. DFS performance accuracy is dependent upon careful calibration of the system as well as other factors such as internal optical alignment, system wavefront errors, and detector quality. Novel improvements to the algorithm have led to substantial enhancements in DFS performance. The Advanced Dispersed Fringe Sensing (ADFS) Algorithm is designed to reduce the sensitivity to calibration errors by determining the optimal fringe extraction line. Applying an angular extraction line dithering procedure and combining this dithering process with an error function while minimizing the phase term of the fitted signal, defines in essence the ADFS algorithm.

Spechler, Joshua A.↗

Turbulence Model Validation Through Joint Experimental /Computational Studies of Separated Flow Over A Three-Dimensional Tapered Bump: Part I - Experimental Investigation

The results of a three-year experimental campaign aimed at comprehensively documenting the separated flow over a three-dimensional bump are presented with the purpose of generating a benchmark experimental database useful in validating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) flow simulations. The bump model geometry was designed to provide well-defined and repeatable smooth-body flow separation conditions that were suitable for both experiments and simulations. The bump had a Gaussian streamwise profile with a constant height equal to 8.5% of its width over the central 60% of the test section width. The remaining 40% were outboard spanwise portions that gradually taper to zero using an error function profile to minimize side-wall boundary layer effects. The model was immersed in a turbulent boundary layer that was developed on a suspended flat plate in the Notre Dame Mach 0.6 Wind Tunnel. In order to document the effect of the incoming boundary layer thickness on the flow separation, the bump model could be located at two streamwise positions. The mean velocity and turbulence intensity of the wind tunnel freestream flow field and approaching turbulent boundary layer were fully documented. The measurements of the flow separation region included surface visualization, wall shear stress using oil-film interferometry, mean and dynamic surface pressure, and planar and stereoscopic particle image velocimetry. The experiments were conducted over a range of Mach numbers from 0.05 to 0.2 corresponding to a range of Reynolds numbers based on the test section spanwise dimension (0.914m) of 1.0 × 10 6 ≤ Re L = U ∞ L/ν ≤ 4.0 × 10 6 . The bulk of the results are presented for the higher Mach number conditions of 0.1 and 0.2 with Re L = 2.0 × 10 6 and 4.0 × 10 6 , respectively. Extensive uncertainty analysis of the data was performed. The data is archived in the NASA Langley Turbulence Modeling Resource website at https://turbmodels.larc.nasa.gov/Other_exp_Data/speedbump_sep_exp.html. In addition to the experiments, a computational effort was made in parallel by the CFD group at Boeing Research & Technology highlighting the usefulness of the data set, which is outlined in the accompanying CFD report.

Flow separation↗

Optimized Auxiliary Functions for Robust Mitigation of Finite-Size Errors in Periodic Hybrid Density Functional Theory

When calculating properties of periodic systems at the thermodynamic limit (TDL), the dominant source of finite size error (FSE) arises from the long-range Coulomb interaction, and can manifest as a slowly converging quadrature error when approximating an integral in the reciprocal space by a finite sum. The singularity subtraction (SS) method offers a systematic approach for reducing this quadrature error and thus the FSE. Here, in this work, we first investigate the performance of the SS method in the simplest setting, aiming at reducing the FSE in exact exchange calculations by subtracting the Coulomb contribution with a single, adjustable Gaussian auxiliary function. We demonstrate that a simple fitting method can robustly estimate the optimal Gaussian width and leads to rapid convergence toward the TDL. Furthermore, we suggest new forms of the auxiliary function, whose optimal parameters could also be determined through least-squares fitting. For a range of semiconductors and insulators, the proposed auxiliary functions achieve robust, millihartree-level accuracy in hybrid density functional theory calculations, including cases with sparse k-meshes and large basis sets.

Quiton, Stephen Jon [University of California, Ber↗

Performance of a finite phase state bit-synchronization loop with and without sequential filters

A discrete phase state bit-synchronization loop is proposed for synchronization and detection of a binary nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ) process. The general loop model is developed for 11 and 17 phase states with optional sequential loop filter. Loop performance is considered in terms of the phase error density function, rms phase error, and mean time to bit slippage. It is shown that satisfactory loop performance can be achieved at -3 dB SNR through use of sequential loop filters.

Ransom, J. J.↗

Anisotropic Goal-Based Mesh Adaptation Metric Clarification and Development

Adaptive unstructured mesh techniques have a limited, but growing impact on production analysis workflows to control discretization error for reliable simulation results. Multiple independent implementations of flow solvers, anisotropic metric construction methods, and anisotropic mesh adaptation mechanics have matured. Goal-based metrics target estimated error in output functions, such as lift and drag, through the guidance of an adjoint solution. A unification of goal-based anisotropic metrics is presented for steady viscous flows, which is an active area of research. These goal-based metrics drive robust and efficient anisotropic mesh adaptation for the calculation of output functions. The super-convergent functional output error behavior of stabilized finite-element methods is exploited without a formal proof, and evidence of super-convergence is shown in numerical experiments. Mesh adapted drag and lift outputs for two simple bodies in compressible viscous flow show convergence of error to less than a single drag count. Asymptotic behavior established for relatively coarse meshes shows the efficiency of this goal-based metric when compared to solution interpolation error control and expert-guided meshing. Anisotropic mesh adaptation techniques are applied to a transport aircraft in a high-lift configuration where variation between approaches decreases with mesh refinement, but asymptotic behavior is not observed with available resources.

goal-based↗

Putting error bars on density functional theory dataset

This dataset contains submission files and raw output files from high-throughput DFT simulations to analyze the systemic errors in lattice constant, bulk moduli and formation energy predictions for a range of binary and ternary oxides using four exchange correlation functionals (LDA, PBE, PBEsol and vdW-DF-C09). This data was then used as the basis for employing materials informatics methods to predict the expected errors in the lattice constants of the studied compounds. Predicted errors were also used to better the DFT-predicted lattice parameters. Our results emphasize the link between the computed errors and the electron density and hybridization errors of a functional. In essence, these results provide “error bars” for choosing a functional for the creation of high-accuracy, high-throughput datasets as well as avenues for the development of XC functionals with enhanced performance, thereby enabling the accelerated discovery and design of new materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Computerized Design and Generation of Low-noise Helical Gears with Modified Surface Topology

An approach for design and generation of low-noise helical gears with localized bearing contact is proposed. The approach is applied to double circular arc helical gears and modified involute helical gears. The reduction of noise and vibration is achieved by application of a predesigned parabolic function of transmission errors that is able to absorb a discontinuous linear function of transmission errors caused by misalignment. The localization of the bearing contact is achieved by the mismatch of pinion-gear tooth surfaces. Computerized simulation of meshing and contact of the designed gears demonstrated that the proposed approach will produce a pair of gears that has a parabolic transmission error function even when misalignment is present. Numerical examples for illustration of the developed approach are given.

Litvin, F. L.↗

Monopulse receiver

A time division multiplexing and a quadraphase combining dual channel system were analyzed, designed, and tested. Analyses performed include the following: (1) boresight error as a function of the error channel bandwidth; (2) error channel interference with the sum channel functions; (3) threshold performance; and (4) error channel crosstalk, linearity, and drift as a function of signal level, Doppler, and environment. Test results indicate that the time division multiplexing system meets the design goals of the program. However, careful selection and alignment of all gain controlled amplifiers are required along with temperature compensation of the angle channel gain. The quadraphase system crosstalk performance is comparatively poor (-15 dB) with respect to the -30 dB requirements and this consequently affects gain tracking performance. Gain tracking was found to be + or - 20 percent rather than the + or - 5 percent specification. Data for the two systems is compared and recommendations are presented.

Source record↗

Automated measurement of the bit-error rate as a function of signal-to-noise ratio for microwave communications systems

The performance of microwave systems and components for digital data transmission can be characterized by a plot of the bit-error rate as a function of the signal to noise ratio (or E sub b/E sub o). Methods for the efficient automated measurement of bit-error rates and signal-to-noise ratios, developed at NASA Lewis Research Center, are described. Noise measurement considerations and time requirements for measurement accuracy, as well as computer control and data processing methods, are discussed.

Kerczewski, Robert J.↗

Computerized Design and Generation of Low-Noise Gears with Localized Bearing Contact

The results of research projects directed at the reduction of noise caused by misalignment of the following gear drives: double-circular arc helical gears, modified involute helical gears, face-milled spiral bevel gears, and face-milled formate cut hypoid gears are presented. Misalignment in these types of gear drives causes periodic, almost linear discontinuous functions of transmission errors. The period of such functions is the cycle of meshing when one pair of teeth is changed for the next. Due to the discontinuity of such functions of transmission errors high vibration and noise are inevitable. A predesigned parabolic function of transmission errors that is able to absorb linear discontinuous functions of transmission errors and change the resulting function of transmission errors into a continuous one is proposed. The proposed idea was successfully tested using spiral bevel gears and the noise was reduced a substantial amount in comparison with the existing design. The idea of a predesigned parabolic function is applied for the reduction of noise of helical and hypoid gears. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been investigated by developed TCA (tooth contact analysis) programs. The bearing contact for the mentioned gears is localized. Conditions that avoid edge contact for the gear drives have been determined. Manufacturing of helical gears with new topology by hobs and grinding worms has been investigated.

Litvin, Faydor L.↗

Error latency estimation using functional fault modeling

A complete modeling of faults at gate level for a fault tolerant computer is both infeasible and uneconomical. Functional fault modeling is an approach where units are characterized at an intermediate level and then combined to determine fault behavior. The applicability of functional fault modeling to the FTMP is studied. Using this model a forecast of error latency is made for some functional blocks. This approach is useful in representing larger sections of the hardware and aids in uncovering system level deficiencies.

Manthani, S. R.↗