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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 901 records · Page 50

High-Fidelity Roadway Modeling and Simulation

Roads are an essential feature in our daily lives. With the advances in computing technologies, 2D and 3D road models are employed in many applications, such as computer games and virtual environments. Traditional road models were generated by professional artists manually using modeling software tools such as Maya and 3ds Max. This approach requires both highly specialized and sophisticated skills and massive manual labor. Automatic road generation based on procedural modeling can create road models using specially designed computer algorithms or procedures, reducing the tedious manual editing needed for road modeling dramatically. But most existing procedural modeling methods for road generation put emphasis on the visual effects of the generated roads, not the geometrical and architectural fidelity. This limitation seriously restricts the applicability of the generated road models. To address this problem, this paper proposes a high-fidelity roadway generation method that takes into account road design principles practiced by civil engineering professionals, and as a result, the generated roads can support not only general applications such as games and simulations in which roads are used as 3D assets, but also demanding civil engineering applications, which requires accurate geometrical models of roads. The inputs to the proposed method include road specifications, civil engineering road design rules, terrain information, and surrounding environment. Then the proposed method generates in real time 3D roads that have both high visual and geometrical fidelities. This paper discusses in details the procedures that convert 2D roads specified in shape files into 3D roads and civil engineering road design principles. The proposed method can be used in many applications that have stringent requirements on high precision 3D models, such as driving simulations and road design prototyping. Preliminary results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Wang, Jie↗

Structure Factors for Hot Neutron Matter from Ab Initio Lattice Simulations with High-Fidelity Chiral Interactions

We present the first ab initio lattice calculations of spin and density correlations in hot neutron matter using high-fidelity interactions at next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order in chiral effective field theory. These correlations have a large impact on neutrino heating and shock revival in core-collapse supernovae and are encapsulated in functions called structure factors. Unfortunately, calculations of structure factors using high-fidelity chiral interactions were well out of reach using existing computational methods. In this Letter, we solve the problem using a computational approach called the rank-one operator (RO) method. The RO method is a general technique with broad applications to simulations of fermionic many-body systems. It solves the problem of exponential scaling of computational effort when using perturbation theory for higher-body operators and higher-order corrections. Using the RO method, we compute the vector and axial static structure factors for hot neutron matter as a function of temperature and density. Here, the ab initio lattice results are in good agreement with virial expansion calculations at low densities but are more reliable at higher densities. Random phase approximation codes used to estimate neutrino opacity in core-collapse supernovae simulations can now be calibrated with ab initio lattice calculations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

A High-Fidelity Approach for the Simulation of Flow-Induced Vibration

Flow-induced vibration (FIV) is a widespread problem in energy systems becausethey rely on fluid movement for energy conversion. Vibrating structures may be damaged as fatigue or wear occur. Given the importance of reliable components in the nuclear industry, flow-induced vibrations have long been a major concern in the safety and operation of nuclear reactors. In particular,nuclear fuel and steam generators have been known to suffer from flow-induced vibrations and related failures. Over the past five years, the Nuclear EnergyAdvanced Modeling and Simulation program has developed the integrated multiphysics code suite SHARP. The goal of developing such a tool is to perform multiphysics modeling of the components inside a reactor core, the full reactor core or portions of it, and be able to achieve that with various levelsof fidelity. This flexibility allows users to select the appropriate level of fidelity for their computational resources and design constraints.In particular SHARP contains high-fidelity single-physics codes for structural mechanics and fluid mechanics calculations: the structural mechanics implicit code Diablo and the computational fluid dynamics spectral element code Nek5000. Both codes are state-of-the-art.highly scalable (up to millions of processors in the case of Nek5000) tools that have been extensively validated. These tools form a strong basis on which to build an FIV modeling capability.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Vision 2030 Aircraft Propulsion Grand Challenge Problem: Full-engine CFD Simulations with High Geometric Fidelity and Physics Accuracy

2014 NASA published the outcome of the 2030 CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Vision study: “CFD Vision 2030: A path to Revolutionary Computational Aerosciences” . The study provided a comprehensive review of the state of the art of CFD in 2014 for aerospace applications including, but not limited to, numerical algorithms, physics models, MDAO (Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization) and HPC (High Performance Computing) hardware. The study also proposed four conceptual ideas of Grand Challenge problems that would build on and benefit from advances outlined in the roadmap. The proposed challenges were meant to foster more detailed descriptions of grand challenge problems for specific disciplines. One of the proposed challenges was in the gas turbine propulsion area, focusing on transient full engine simulations. The current paper addresses detailed technical aspects of that challenge, and proposes a plan to approach it in a gradual manner, which includes high fidelity modeling of components, component coupling, and targeted experimental campaigns relying on common research models.

turbine engine↗

Towards an Automated Full-Turbofan Engine Numerical Simulation

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the high-fidelity numerical simulation of a modern high-bypass turbofan engine. The simulation utilizes the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) thermodynamic cycle modeling system coupled to a high-fidelity full-engine model represented by a set of coupled three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) component models. Boundary conditions from the balanced, steady-state cycle model are used to define component boundary conditions in the full-engine model. Operating characteristics of the three-dimensional component models are integrated into the cycle model via partial performance maps generated automatically from the CFD flow solutions using one-dimensional meanline turbomachinery programs. This paper reports on the progress made towards the full-engine simulation of the GE90-94B engine, highlighting the generation of the high-pressure compressor partial performance map. The ongoing work will provide a system to evaluate the steady and unsteady aerodynamic and mechanical interactions between engine components at design and off-design operating conditions.

Reed, John A.↗

Effects of Motion Fidelity on Pilot Performance Using Mixed-Reality Visuals

This paper investigates the effects of simulator motion fidelity on pilot performance using mixed-reality visuals. In NASA’s Vertical Motion Simulator, eleven pilots flew a lift-plus-cruise electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle in a vertiport approach and landing task under four different motion conditions: no motion, small hexapod motion, large hexapod motion, and full motion. The simulator motion condition statistically significantly affected: 1) the severity of cybersickness, 2) motion ratings, 3) final approach and take-off boundary crossing groundspeeds, 4) longitudinal touchdown point, and 5) battery time remaining after landing. These results suggest that the use of motion systems in simulators with virtual- or mixed-reality visuals is warranted.

simulation↗

The Impact of Different Absolute Solar Irradiance Values on Current Climate Model Simulations

Simulations of the preindustrial and doubled CO2 climates are made with the GISS Global Climate Middle Atmosphere Model 3 using two different estimates of the absolute solar irradiance value: a higher value measured by solar radiometers in the 1990s and a lower value measured recently by the Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment. Each of the model simulations is adjusted to achieve global energy balance; without this adjustment the difference in irradiance produces a global temperature change of 0.48C, comparable to the cooling estimated for the Maunder Minimum. The results indicate that by altering cloud cover the model properly compensates for the different absolute solar irradiance values on a global level when simulating both preindustrial and doubled CO2 climates. On a regional level, the preindustrial climate simulations and the patterns of change with doubled CO2 concentrations are again remarkably similar, but there are some differences. Using a higher absolute solar irradiance value and the requisite cloud cover affects the model's depictions of high-latitude surface air temperature, sea level pressure, and stratospheric ozone, as well as tropical precipitation. In the climate change experiments it leads to an underestimation of North Atlantic warming, reduced precipitation in the tropical western Pacific, and smaller total ozone growth at high northern latitudes. Although significant, these differences are typically modest compared with the magnitude of the regional changes expected for doubled greenhouse gas concentrations. Nevertheless, the model simulations demonstrate that achieving the highest possible fidelity when simulating regional climate change requires that climate models use as input the most accurate (lower) solar irradiance value.

climate change↗

Adaptive mesh based combustion simulations of direct fuel injection effects in a supersonic cavity flame-holder

Here, we present high-fidelity reacting simulations of a supersonic cavity flame-holder configuration. The focus of this work is on flame stabilization brought about by varying the location of fuel injection in a cavity stabilized supersonic flow of air. Central to our approach is a compressible multi-species reacting flow solver that uses adaptive-mesh-refinement (AMR), enabling the resolution of flame, shock-waves, boundary-layers, and small-scale structures in the computational domain. Our analysis indicates that fuel injection closer to the ramp at the aft end of the cavity allows for greater mixing and lower peak temperatures compared to fuel injection upstream that is closer to the backward facing step of the cavity. This difference is mainly due to greater turbulent fluctuations generated from the shear-layer towards the cavity ramp, thereby enhancing the mixing of fuel and air. A low frequency oscillatory behaviour in heat-release and pressure was also observed for the upstream injection case while a much higher-frequency phenomena was observed in the near-ramp injection case. By identifying the important physical determinants of the combustion processes, this study illustrates a promising pathway to design and optimize direct fuel injection strategies in supersonic cavity flame-holders that can improve flame stability, combustion efficiency, and reduce emissions.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Vision 2030 Aircraft Propulsion Grand Challenge Problem: Full-engine CFD Simulations with High Geometric Fidelity and Physics Accuracy

In 2014 NASA published the outcome of the 2030 CFD Vision study: “CFD Vision 2030: A path to Revolutionary Computational Aerosciences” (Slotnick et al., 2014). The study provided a comprehensive review of the state of the art of CFD in 2014 for aerospace applications including, but not limited to, numerical algorithms, physics models, MDAO and HPC hardware. The study also proposed four conceptual ideas of Grand Challenge problems that would benefit from advances outlined in the roadmap including “off-design turbofan engine transient simulation”. The proposed challenges served as a starting point for more detailed problem descriptions that would benefit from advances in simulation. The objective of this paper is to build upon the NASA 2030 CFD Vision study and provide a detailed overview of what needs to take place to enable accurate and efficient simulation of flow through an aircraft engine at off-design condition for transient operation . Execution of the proposed roadmap would significantly advance aircraft engine development by reducing program cost, reducing program development timelines and enabling design objectives associated with Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC), noise, weight and durability.

compressor↗

Prediction of Cognitive States During Flight Simulation Using Multimodal Psychophysiological Sensing

The Commercial Aviation Safety Team found the majority of recent international commercial aviation accidents attributable to loss of control inflight involved flight crew loss of airplane state awareness (ASA), and distraction was involved in all of them. Research on attention-related human performance limiting states (AHPLS) such as channelized attention, diverted attention, startle/surprise, and confirmation bias, has been recommended in a Safety Enhancement (SE) entitled "Training for Attention Management." To accomplish the detection of such cognitive and psychophysiological states, a broad suite of sensors was implemented to simultaneously measure their physiological markers during a high fidelity flight simulation human subject study. Twenty-four pilot participants were asked to wear the sensors while they performed benchmark tasks and motion-based flight scenarios designed to induce AHPLS. Pattern classification was employed to predict the occurrence of AHPLS during flight simulation also designed to induce those states. Classifier training data were collected during performance of the benchmark tasks. Multimodal classification was performed, using pre-processed electroencephalography, galvanic skin response, electrocardiogram, and respiration signals as input features. A combination of one, some or all modalities were used. Extreme gradient boosting, random forest and two support vector machine classifiers were implemented. The best accuracy for each modality-classifier combination is reported. Results using a select set of features and using the full set of available features are presented. Further, results are presented for training one classifier with the combined features and for training multiple classifiers with features from each modality separately. Using the select set of features and combined training, multistate prediction accuracy averaged 0.64 +/- 0.14 across thirteen participants and was significantly higher than that for the separate training case. These results support the goal of demonstrating simultaneous real-time classification of multiple states using multiple sensing modalities in high fidelity flight simulators. This detection is intended to support and inform training methods under development to mitigate the loss of ASA and thus reduce accidents and incidents.

Harrivel, Angela R.↗

Distributed heterogeneous compute infrastructure for the study of additive manufacturing systems

We present the current status of a large-scale computing framework to address the need of the multidisciplinary effort to study chemical dynamics. Specifically, we are enabling scientists to process and store experimental data, run large-scale computationally expensive high-fidelity physical simulation, and analyze these results using the state-of-the-art data analytics tools, machine learning, and uncertainty quantification methods using heterogeneous computing resources, such as CPU and GPU cluster. The framework can integrate or abstract out multiple domains based on roles. In order to develop this framework, we have leveraged an existing framework coupled with in-house heterogeneous computing resources. We present the results of using this framework on a single metadata triggered workflow to accelerate an additive manufacturing use case.

heterogeneous computing, hpc, workflows, reproduci↗

Effects of Motion Fidelity on Pilot Performance Using Mixed-Reality Visuals

This paper investigates the effects of simulator motion fidelity on pilot performance using mixed-reality visuals. In NASA’s Vertical Motion Simulator, eleven pilots flew a lift-plus-cruise electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle in a vertiport approach and landing task with four different motion conditions: no motion, small hexapod motion, large hexapod motion, and full motion. The simulator motion condition statistically significantly affected: 1) the severity of cybersickness, 2) motion ratings, 3) final approach and take-off boundary crossing groundspeed, 4) longitudinal touchdown point, and 5) battery time remaining after landing. The findings suggest that motion systems are essential in simulators with virtual- or mixed-reality visuals when it is required to have pilot flying performance similar to that in real flight.

mixed reality↗

Leveraging observed soil heterotrophic respiration fluxes as a novel constraint on global-scale models

Microbially-explicit models may improve understanding and projections of carbon dynamics in response to future climate change, but their fidelity in simulating global-scale soil heterotrophic respiration (RH), a stringent test for soil biogeochemical models, has never been evaluated. We used statistical global RH products, as well as 7,821 daily site-scale RH measurements, to evaluate the spatio-temporal performance of one first-order decay model (CASA-CNP) and two microbially-explicit biogeochemical models (CORPSE and MIMICS) that were forced by two different climate datasets. CORPSE and MIMICS did not provide any measurable performance improvement; instead, the models were highly sensitive to the meteorological input data used to drive them. Spatial RH variability was generally well simulated except in the northern middle latitudes (~50°N) and arid regions; models captured the seasonal variability of RH well, but showed more divergence in tropic and arctic regions. Our results demonstrate that the next generation of biogeochemical models shows promise, but also needs to be improved for realistic spatio-temporal variability of RH. Finally, we emphasize the importance of net primary production, soil moisture, and soil temperature inputs, and that jointly evaluating soil models for their spatial (global scale) and temporal (site scale) performance provides crucial benchmarks for improving biogeochemical models.

Jian, Jinshi↗

Psychophysiological Sensing and State Classification for Attention Management in Commercial Aviation

Attention-related human performance limiting states (AHPLS) can cause pilots to lose airplane state awareness (ASA), and their detection is important to improving commercial aviation safety. The Commercial Aviation Safety Team found that the majority of recent international commercial aviation accidents attributable to loss of control inflight involved flight crew loss of airplane state awareness, and that distraction of various forms was involved in all of them. Research on AHPLS, including channelized attention, diverted attention, startle / surprise, and confirmation bias, has been recommended in a Safety Enhancement (SE) entitled "Training for Attention Management." To accomplish the detection of such cognitive and psychophysiological states, a broad suite of sensors has been implemented to simultaneously measure their physiological markers during high fidelity flight simulation human subject studies. Pilot participants were asked to perform benchmark tasks and experimental flight scenarios designed to induce AHPLS. Pattern classification was employed to distinguish the AHPLS induced by the benchmark tasks. Unimodal classification using pre-processed electroencephalography (EEG) signals as input features to extreme gradient boosting, random forest and deep neural network multiclass classifiers was implemented. Multi-modal classification using galvanic skin response (GSR) in addition to the same EEG signals and using the same types of classifiers produced increased accuracy with respect to the unimodal case (90 percent vs. 86 percent), although only via the deep neural network classifier. These initial results are a first step toward the goal of demonstrating simultaneous real time classification of multiple states using multiple sensing modalities in high-fidelity flight simulators. This detection is intended to support and inform training methods under development to mitigate the loss of ASA and thus reduce accidents and incidents.

Harrivel, Angela R.↗

ClimSim: A large multi-scale dataset for hybrid physics-ML climate emulation

Modern climate projections lack adequate spatial and temporal resolution due to computational constraints. A consequence is inaccurate and imprecise predictions of critical processes such as storms. Hybrid methods that combine physics with machine learning (ML) have introduced a new generation of higher fidelity climate simulators that can sidestep Moore’s Law by outsourcing compute-hungry, short, high-resolution simulations to ML emulators. However, this hybrid ML-physics simulation approach requires domain-specific treatment and has been inaccessible to MLexperts because of lack of training data and relevant, easy-to-use workflows. Wepresent ClimSim, the largest-ever dataset designed for hybrid ML-physics research. It comprises multi-scale climate simulations, developed by a consortium of climate scientists and ML researchers. It consists of 5.7 billion pairs of multivariate input and output vectors that isolate the influence of locally-nested, high-resolution, high-fidelity physics on a host climate simulator’s macro-scale physical state. The dataset is global in coverage, spans multiple years at high sampling frequency, and is designed such that resulting emulators are compatible with downstream coupling into operational climate simulators. We implement a range of deterministic and stochastic regression baselines to highlight the ML challenges and their scoring. The data (https://huggingface.co/datasets/LEAP/ClimSim_high-res2) and code(https://leap-stc.github.io/ClimSim)arereleasedopenlytosupport the development of hybrid ML-physics and high-fidelity climate simulations for the benefit of science and society.

artificial intelligence, machine learning↗

High Fidelity, “Faster than Real-Time” Simulator for Predicting Power System Dynamic Behavior - Final Technical Report

The “High Fidelity, Faster than Real­Time Simulator for Predicting Power System Dynamic Behavior” was designed and developed by Illinois Institute of Technology with critical contributions from Electrocon International, Argonne National Laboratory, Alstom Grid and McCoy Energy. Also essential to the project were our two utility partners: Commonwealth Edison and AltaLink. The project was a success due to several major breakthroughs in the area of large­scale power system dynamics simulation, including (1) a validated faster than real­ time simulation of both stable and unstable transient dynamics in a large­scale positive sequence transmission grid model, (2) a three­phase unbalanced simulation platform for modeling new grid devices, such as independently controlled single­phase static var compensators (SVCs), (3) the world’s first high fidelity three­phase unbalanced dynamics and protection simulator based on Electrocon’s CAPE program, and (4) a first­of­its­ kind implementation of a single­phase induction motor model with stall capability. The simulator results will aid power grid operators in their true time of need, when there is a significant risk of cascading outages. The simulator will accelerate performance and enhance accuracy of dynamics simulations, enabling operators to maintain reliability and steer clear of blackouts. In the long­term, the simulator will form the backbone of the newly conceived hybrid real­time protection and control architecture that will coordinate local controls, wide­area measurements, wide­area controls and advanced real­time prediction capabilities. The nation’s citizens will benefit in several ways, including (1) less down time from power outages due to the faster­than­real­time simulator’s predictive capability, (2) higher levels of reliability due to the detailed dynamics plus protection simulation capability, and (3) more resiliency due to the three­ phase unbalanced simulator’s ability to model three­phase and single­ phase networks and devices.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Effectiveness of denoising diffusion probabilistic models for fast and high-fidelity whole-event simulation in high-energy heavy-ion experiments

Artificial intelligence (AI) generative models, such as generative adversarial networks (GANs), variational autoencoders, and normalizing flows, have been widely used and studied as efficient alternatives for traditional scientific simulations. However, they have several drawbacks, including training instability and inability to cover the entire data distribution, especially for regions where data are rare. This is particularly challenging for whole-event, full-detector simulations in high-energy heavy-ion experiments, such as sPHENIX at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and Large Hadron Collider experiments, where thousands of particles are produced per event and interact with the detector. This work investigates the effectiveness of denoising diffusion probabilistic models (DDPMs) as an AI-based generative surrogate model for the sPHENIX experiment that includes the heavy-ion event generation and response of the entire calorimeter stack. DDPM performance in sPHENIX simulation data is compared with a popular rival, GANs. Results show that both DDPMs and GANs can reproduce the data distribution where the examples are abundant (low-to-medium calorimeter energies). Nonetheless, DDPMs significantly outperform GANs, especially in high-energy regions where data are rare. Additionally, DDPMs exhibit superior stability compared to GANs. The results are consistent between both central and peripheral centrality heavy-ion collision events. Moreover, DDPMs offer a substantial speedup of approximately a factor of 100 compared to the traditional Geant4 simulation method.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Accelerating Scientific Simulations with Bi-Fidelity Weighted Transfer Learning

High-fidelity modeling is an essential design tool for many engineering applications. However, for complex systems, computational cost can be a limiting factor. Analyzing parameter sensitivity, uncertainty quantification, and design optimization require many model evaluations. Surrogate models are often used to develop the relationship between model parameters and quantities of interest. However, in the case of complex systems, surrogate models require several degrees of freedom and, thus, a large number of data points to determine the correct dependencies. For many applications, this may be prohibitively expensive. The reduction of computational requirements can be achieved by leveraging low-fidelity models. Low-fidelity models represent the system at a coarser resolution with the advantage of computational efficiency. Therefore, a bi-fidelity modeling paradigm, which augments the accuracy of a low-fidelity model in a computationally efficient manner by invoking limited runs of a high-fidelity model, can be leveraged to sufficiently balance the accuracy and computational requirements. In this work, a bi-fidelity weighted transfer learning method using neural networks was applied to a computational fluid dynamics heat transfer modeling problem. The transfer learning advantage was investigated as a function of hyperparameters. Our main finding is that the use of a bi-fidelity modeling paradigm achieves accuracy close to that of a high-fidelity Gaussian process model while significantly reducing computational cost. The bi-fidelity model achieves comparable performance with 90 high-fidelity samples-that is, 60% less than the samples needed to achieve similar accuracy without the use of bi-fidelity modeling,

Borowiec, Katarzyna↗