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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

Crystal mechanics-based thermo-elastic constitutive modeling of orthorhombic uranium using generalized spherical harmonics and first-order bounding theories

In earlier works, a mathematical procedure for invertible microstructure-property linkages was developed using computationally efficient spectral methods for polycrystalline cubic and hexagonal metals. This paper formulates such invertible microstructure–property linkages for orthorhombic polycrystalline metals relying on the generalized spherical harmonics (GSH) spectral basis. The procedure is used to compute property closures of orthorhombic polycrystals. The closures represent the complete set of theoretically possible combinations of effective properties for a selected material. The procedure relies on the first-order bounding theories and considers orientation distribution functions (ODFs) as the main microstructural descriptor influencing homogenized properties. Numerous examples of these closures involving second-rank thermal expansion and fourth-rank elastic stiffness tensorial properties over a broad range of temperatures are presented for α-uranium (α-U). In doing so, certain key properties of these closures are exploited to facilitate their computation with drastically reduced computational effort. Along with the recently developed GSH-based interpolation procedure for ODFs from coarsely spaced experimental measurement grids to finely spaced finite element mesh resolution grids presented in Barrett et al., the developed computationally efficient ODF-effective property linkages are used to establish a crystal mechanics-based simulation framework coupled with the finite element method (FEM). The ODF dependent thermal expansion and elastic stiffness tensors are efficiently calculated at every integration point and used by the FEM to predict the overall distortion of a hemispherical part made of α-U during heating. In conclusion, it is shown that the developed framework can be used to simulate microstructurally heterogeneous components under thermo-mechanical loadings in a computationally efficient manner.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Three-dimensional radiative transfer using a Fourier-transform matrix-operator method

The three-dimensional equation of transfer for a scattering medium with planar geometry is solved by using a spatial Fourier transform and extending matrix-operator techniques developed previously for the one-dimensional equation. Doubling and adding algorithms were derived by means of an interaction principle for computing the Fourier-transformed radiation field. The resulting expressions fully describe the radiative transfer process in a scattering medium, inhomogeneous in the x-, y- and z-directions, illuminated from above by an arbitrarily general intensity field and bounded from below by a surface with completely general reflection properties.

Martonchik, J. V.↗

New perspectives on QFT and gravity from quantum entanglement

The work accomplished by the PI as part of this award included studying the fundamental as- pects of quantum field theory (QFT) and the nature of space-time and gravity via the patterns of quantum entanglement present in these theories. By following these patterns the PI attacked basic questions on the nature of quantum gravity and found new constraints on the dynamical content of QFT. These topics find a natural home within the holographic dualiy, a deep mathemat- ical correspondence discovered in string theory where a gravitational system can be described by a quantum system without gravity. By studying the spatial distribution of quantum correlation, or entanglement, in various quantum systems the PI managed to directly observe the holographic emergence of quantum gravity within this mathematical framework. The PI also characterized the space-time structure that emerges via the duality. In achieving these aims the project shed light on the thermodynamic nature of gravity and had considerable impact on understanding of the uni- fication of gravity with quantum mechanics. Additionally, this work shed light on the structure of quantum entanglement in QFT and in so doing used powerful constraints satisfied by entanglement and it’s generalizations to place bounds on the basic data of the QFT. The project also related these bounds to causality constraints and quantum energy conditions in field theory.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Resonant two-photon photoelectron imaging and adiabatic detachment processes from bound vibrational levels of dipole-bound states

Anions cannot have Rydberg states, but anions with polar neutral cores can support highly diffuse dipole-bound states (DBSs) as a class of interesting electronically excited states below the electron detachment threshold. The binding energies of DBSs are extremely small, ranging from a few to few hundred wavenumbers and generally cannot support bound vibrational levels below the detachment threshold. Thus, vibrational excitations in the DBS are usually above the electron detachment threshold and they have been used to conduct resonant photoelectron spectroscopy, which is dominated by state-specific autodetachment. Here we report an investigation of a cryogenically-cooled complex anion, the enantiopure (R)-(–)-1-(9-anthryl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethanolate (R-TFAE–). The neutral R-TFAE radical is relatively complex and highly polar with a non-planar structure (C 1 symmetry). Photodetachment spectroscopy reveals a DBS 209 cm–1 below the detachment threshold of R-TFAE– and seven bound and eight above-threshold vibrational levels of the DBS. Resonant two-photon detachment (R2PD) via the bound vibrational levels of the DBS exhibits strictly adiabatic photodetachment behaviors by the second photon, in which the vibrational energies in the DBS are carried to the neutral final states, because of the parallel potential energy surfaces of the DBS and the corresponding neutral ground electronic state. Relaxation processes from the bound DBS levels to the ground and low-lying electronically excited states of R-TFAE– are also observed in the R2PD photoelectron spectra. Finally, the combination of photodetachment and resonant photoelectron spectroscopy yields frequencies for eight vibrational modes of the R-TFAE radical.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

AveBoost2: Boosting for Noisy Data

AdaBoost is a well-known ensemble learning algorithm that constructs its constituent or base models in sequence. A key step in AdaBoost is constructing a distribution over the training examples to create each base model. This distribution, represented as a vector, is constructed to be orthogonal to the vector of mistakes made by the pre- vious base model in the sequence. The idea is to make the next base model's errors uncorrelated with those of the previous model. In previous work, we developed an algorithm, AveBoost, that constructed distributions orthogonal to the mistake vectors of all the previous models, and then averaged them to create the next base model s distribution. Our experiments demonstrated the superior accuracy of our approach. In this paper, we slightly revise our algorithm to allow us to obtain non-trivial theoretical results: bounds on the training error and generalization error (difference between training and test error). Our averaging process has a regularizing effect which, as expected, leads us to a worse training error bound for our algorithm than for AdaBoost but a superior generalization error bound. For this paper, we experimented with the data that we used in both as originally supplied and with added label noise-a small fraction of the data has its original label changed. Noisy data are notoriously difficult for AdaBoost to learn. Our algorithm's performance improvement over AdaBoost is even greater on the noisy data than the original data.

Oza, Nikunj C.↗

A new algorithm for constrained nonlinear least-squares problems, part 1

A Gauss-Newton algorithm is presented for solving nonlinear least squares problems. The problem statement may include simple bounds or more general constraints on the unknowns. The algorithm uses a trust region that allows the objective function to increase with logic for retreating to best values. The computations for the linear problem are done using a least squares system solver that allows for simple bounds and linear constraints. The trust region limits are defined by a box around the current point. In its current form the algorithm is effective only for problems with small residuals, linear constraints and dense Jacobian matrices. Results on a set of test problems are encouraging.

Hanson, R. J.↗

Veneziano variations: how unique are string amplitudes?

String theory offers an elegant and concrete realization of how to consistently couple states of arbitrarily high spin. But how unique is this construction? In this paper we derive a novel, multi-parameter family of four-point scattering amplitudes exhibiting i) polynomially bounded high-energy behavior and ii) exchange of an infinite tower of high-spin modes, albeit with a finite number of states at each resonance. These amplitudes take an infinite-product form and, depending on parameters, exhibit mass spectra that are either unbounded or bounded, thus corresponding to generalizations of the Veneziano and Coon amplitudes, respectively. For the bounded case, masses converge to an accumulation point, a peculiar feature seen in the Coon amplitude but more recently understood to arise naturally in string theory [1]. Importantly, our amplitudes contain free parameters allowing for the customization of the slope and offset of the spin-dependence in the Regge trajectory. We compute all partial waves for this multi-parameter class of amplitudes and identify unitary regions of parameter space. For the unbounded case, we apply similar methods to derive new deformations of the Veneziano and Virasoro-Shapiro amplitudes.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Vortex motion in wall-bounded viscous flow

A factor of general interest in a broad class of wall-bounded flows is the dynamic evolution of vortical structures through the flow. The structures are three-dimensional, and an overall mathematical description of such entities has not yet been formulated. One of the objectives of the present investigation is concerned with the establishment of a framework, based on first principles, which may form a basis for more detailed analytical studies. Another aim is related to the establishment of boundary and initial conditions in numerical experiments. The mathematical framework employed involves the method of matched asymptotic expansions, and an inner solution field is constructed which consists of a two-dimensional vortical structure. The outer solution field is taken to be an otherwise undisturbed laminar two-dimensional parallel or self-similar viscous flowfield.

Gatski, T. B.↗

Model-based quantification of margins and uncertainties in metal additive manufacturing for process design and qualification

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) Additive Manufacturing (AM) has the potential to enable the production of components with novel designs and material properties unachievable otherwise. However, process repeatability is a challenge, making qualification ill-defined and greatly reducing the utility of what could be an important manufacturing technology. In this work, a combination of modeling, uncertainty quantification (UQ), and experimentation are used in an effort to predict and bound the range of possible outcomes of the LPBF process. Quantities of interest predicted are melt pool dimensions, microstructure features, and mechanical distortions. A combination of high fidelity thermal-fluid models, microstructure growth models, and reduced fidelity, rapid thermal and mechanical models are used. Uncertainty propagation techniques are used to predict probability distributions of quantities of interest from estimates of process uncertainties. Repeated experiments are done to quantify observed probability distributions and compared to predicted distributions to determine if predictions are precise and accurate. Novel modeling methods are microstrucutre characterization techniques are also discussed. It is found that high fidelity models do a generally good job bounding experimentally observed melt pool morphologies for both bead-on-plate and powder bed cases. Microstructure models are able to bound a number of experimentally observed microstructure statistics, but with low precision due to challenges with calibrating the microstructure growth model parameters. A developed modified inherent strain distortion model does not accurately predict observed distortions. A lumped laser distortion model shows promise in being both accurately and precisely bounding observed outcomes from the deflection comb build, but requires further evaluation on more builds and geometries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Heat exchanger

A heat exchanger that includes first and second headers, a first flow conduit fluidly connecting the first and second headers to allow for a flow of a first fluid through the heat exchanger, the first flow conduit being bounded by a first generally planar wall section extending between the first and second headers, a second flow conduit to allow for a flow of the second fluid through the heat exchanger, the second flow conduit being bounded by a second generally planar wall section spaced apart from the first generally planar wall section to define a gap therebetween, and a thermally conductive structure arranged within the gap and joined to the first and second generally planar wall sections to transfer heat therebetween. The thermally conductive structure is isolated from the first fluid by the first generally planar wall section and from the second fluid by the second generally planar wall section.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Erosion of Terrestrial Rift Flank Topography: A Quantitative Study

Many rifted or passive continental margins feature a seaward-facing erosional escarpment which abruptly demarcates deeply weathered, low relief, interior uplands from a deeply incised, high relief coastal zone. It is generally accepted that these escarpments originate at the time of continental rifting and propagate inland through the elevated rift flank topography at rates on the order of 1 km/Myr over the course of a margin's history. Considering the length of passive margins worldwide and an average rift flank plateau height of several hundred meters, it is clear that sediment eroded from passive margins is an important component of the mass flux from continents to oceans through geologic time. The overall goal of the research reported here is to develop a quantitative understanding of the kinematics of escarpment propagation across passive margins and the underlying geological processes responsible for this behavior. Plateau-bounding escarpments in general exhibit two basic forms depending on the direction of surface water drainage on the plateau interior relative to the escarpment. Where surface water flows away from the escarpment, the escarpment takes the form of subdued embayments and promontories, such that its overall trend remains fairly straight as it evolves with time. Where upland streams flow across the escarpment, it takes the form of dramatic, narrow gorges whose heads appear to propagate up the plateau drainage systems as large-scale knickpoints. From work on the Colorado Plateau, Schmidt (1987) noted that the Colorado River is located much closer to the Grand Canyon's south rim, a drainage divide escarpment, than to the north rim, which is a gorge-like escarpment. The main implication is that the gorge-like form might be associated with higher long-term average erosion rates compared to the drainage divide escarpment type.

Weissel, Jeffrey K.↗

Quantifying the generalization error in deep learning in terms of data distribution and neural network smoothness

We report the accuracy of deep learning, i.e., deep neural networks, can be characterized by dividing the total error into three main types: approximation error, optimization error, and generalization error. Whereas there are some satisfactory answers to the problems of approximation and optimization, much less is known about the theory of generalization. Most existing theoretical works for generalization fail to explain the performance of neural networks in practice. To derive a meaningful bound, we study the generalization error of neural networks for classification problems in terms of data distribution and neural network smoothness. We introduce the cover complexity (CC) to measure the difficulty of learning a data set and the inverse of the modulus of continuity to quantify neural network smoothness. A quantitative bound for expected accuracy/error is derived by considering both the CC and neural network smoothness. Although most of the analysis is general and not specific to neural networks, we validate our theoretical assumptions and results numerically for neural networks by several data sets of images. The numerical results confirm that the expected error of trained networks scaled with the square root of the number of classes has a linear relationship with respect to the CC. We also observe a clear consistency between test loss and neural network smoothness during the training process. In addition, we demonstrate empirically that the neural network smoothness decreases when the network size increases whereas the smoothness is insensitive to training dataset size.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Toho-1 β-lactamase: backbone chemical shift assignments and changes in dynamics upon binding with avibactam

Backbone chemical shift assignments for the Toho-1 β-lactamase (263 amino acids, 28.9 kDa) are reported based on triple resonance solution-state NMR experiments performed on a uniformly 2 H, 13 C, 15 N-labeled sample. These assignments allow for subsequent site-specific characterization at the chemical, structural, and dynamical levels. At the chemical level, titration with the non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor avibactam is found to give chemical shift perturbations indicative of tight covalent binding that allow for mapping of the inhibitor binding site. At the structural level, protein secondary structure is predicted based on the backbone chemical shifts and protein residue sequence using TALOS-N and found to agree well with structural characterization from X-ray crystallography. At the dynamical level, model-free analysis of 15 N relaxation data at a single field of 16.4 T reveals well-ordered structures for the ligand-free and avibactam-bound enzymes with generalized order parameters of ~0.85. Complementary relaxation dispersion experiments indicate that there is an escalation in motions on the millisecond timescale in the vicinity of the active site upon substrate binding. The combination of high rigidity on short timescales and active site flexibility on longer timescales is consistent with hypotheses for achieving both high catalytic efficiency and broad substrate specificity: the induced active site dynamics allows variously sized substrates to be accommodated and increases the probability that the optimal conformation for catalysis will be sampled.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Modifying the Asynchronous Jacobi Method for Data Corruption Resilience

Moving scientific computation from high-performance computing (HPC) and cloud computing (CC) environments to devices on the edge, i.e., physically near instruments of interest, has received tremendous interest in recent years. Such edge computing environments can operate on data in situ, offering enticing benefits over data aggregation to HPC and CC facilities that include avoiding costs of transmission, increased data privacy, and real-time data analysis. Because of the inherent unreliability of edge computing environments, new fault-tolerant approaches must be developed before the benefits of edge computing can be realized. Motivated by algorithm-based fault tolerance, a variant of the asynchronous Jacobi (ASJ) method is developed that achieves resilience to data corruption by rejecting solution approximations from neighbor devices according to a bound derived from convergence theory. Numerical results on a two-dimensional Poisson problem show that the new rejection criterion, along with a novel approximation to the shortest path length on which the criterion depends, restores convergence for the ASJ variant in the presence of certain types data corruption. Numerical results are obtained for when the singular values in the analytic bound are approximated. Additional linear systems are also explored, one with a more dense sparsity pattern and one that includes advection. All results indicate that successful resilience to data corruption depends on whether the bound tightens fast enough to reject corrupted data before the iteration evolution deviates significantly from that predicted by the convergence theory defining the bound. This observation generalizes to future work on algorithm-based fault tolerance for other asynchronous algorithms, including upcoming approaches that leverage Krylov subspaces.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

On optimal modeling of systems.

A procedure for modeling a linear system by an optimal finite-dimensional approximation is developed on the basis of Sard's (1967) generalized spline. Error bounds are given, and the application of the procedure is illustrated by two presented examples. The procedure may be employed, not only in the modeling of conventional lumped-parameter and distributed-parameter continuous dynamical systems, but also in mathematical operations such as those involved in pattern recognition and picture enhancement problems.

De Figueiredo, R. J. P.↗

Free distance bounds for convolutional codes

The best asymptotic bounds presently known on free distance for convolutional codes are presented from a unified point of view. Upper and lower bounds for both time-varying and fixed codes are obtained. A comparison is made between bounds for nonsystematic and systematic codes which shows that more free distance is available with nonsystematic codes. This result is important when selecting codes for use with sequential or maximum-likelihood (Viterbi) decoding since the probability of decoding error is closely related to the free distance of the code. An ancillary result, used in proving the lower bound on free distance for time-varying nonsystematic codes, furnishes a generalization of two earlier bounds on the definite decoding minimum distance of convolutional codes.

Costello, D. J., Jr.↗

Lectures on the scattering of light

The exact (Mie) theory for the scattering of a plane wave by a dielectric sphere is presented. Since this infinite series solution is computationally impractical for large spheres, another formulation is given in terms of an integral equation valid for a bounded, but otherwise general array of scatterers. This equation is applied to the scattering by a single sphere, and several methods are suggested for approximating the scattering cross section in closed form. A tensor scattering matrix is introduced, in terms of which some general scattering theorems are derived. The application of the formalism to multiple scattering is briefly considered.

Saxon, D. S.↗