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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 919 records · Page 51

Evaluating Nextgen Closely Spaced Parallel Operations Concepts with Validated Human Performance Models: Flight Deck Guidelines

The objectives of the current research were to develop valid human performance models (HPMs) of approach and land operations; use these models to evaluate the impact of NextGen Closely Spaced Parallel Operations (CSPO) on pilot performance; and draw conclusions regarding flight deck display design and pilot-ATC roles and responsibilities for NextGen CSPO concepts. This document presents guidelines and implications for flight deck display designs and candidate roles and responsibilities. A companion document (Gore, Hooey, Mahlstedt, & Foyle, 2013) provides complete scenario descriptions and results including predictions of pilot workload, visual attention and time to detect off-nominal events.

guidelines↗

Extracting Space Weather Information from Research Models: Opportunities and Challenges

In addition to supporting space research in the international community, the Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC) has as its second objective to apply the power of modern research models toward space weather specification and forecasting. Motivated by the objectives to test models and to ease the transition of research models to space weather forecasting organizations, the CCMC has developed a number of real-time modeling systems, as well as a large number of modeling and data products for space weather forecasting support. Over time, these activities have produced tailored products for partners, as well as tools, which address the space weather needs of NASA's robotic mission community. All tools are accessible via a configurable, flexible interface. During this process, CCMC has accumulated substantial experience in understanding model performance, as well as in the design and execution of realtime systems. This presentation will focus on lessons learned and it will suggest low hanging fruit for transition to operations at partner agencies.

Hesse, Michael↗

Modeling the Variability of the BL Lacertae Object PKS 2155-304

The bright X-ray-selected BL Lacertae object PKS 2155-304 has been the target of two intense multi-wavelength campaigns in 1991 November and in 1994 May. Although the spectral energy distributions at both epochs were quite similar, the source exhibited two very distinct variability patterns that cannot be easily reconciled with homogeneous one-zone C7 jet models. During the first epoch the variability was almost achromatic in amplitude, with a time lag between X-rays and ultraviolet radiation (UV) of approximately three hours, while during the second epoch the variability amplitude increased as a function of wavelength with the EUV flare peaking approximately one day after the X-ray flare. We model the source using a time-dependent inhomogeneous accelerating jet model. We reproduce the general characteristics of the different variability signatures by assuming that plasma disturbances with different physical properties propagate downstream in an underlying jet characterized by the same set of physical parameters at both epochs. A time delay of approximately one day between the hardening of the UV spectral index and the UV flux present at both epochs is modeled with stochastic fluctuations in the particle acceleration manifested through small variations of the maximum energy of the injected electrons. We predict that similar time delays will be present in future observations even in the absence of strong variability event. We stress the importance of observations at neighboring frequencies as a diagnostic tool for the structure of the quiescent jet in blazars especially in the seemingly dull case in which strong variability is absent.

Georganopuolos, Markos↗

Strike-Slip Fault Patterns on Europa: Obliquity or Polar Wander?

Variations in diurnal tidal stress due to Europa's eccentric orbit have been considered as the driver of strike-slip motion along pre-existing faults, but obliquity and physical libration have not been taken into account. The first objective of this work is to examine the effects of obliquity on the predicted global pattern of fault slip directions based on a tidal-tectonic formation model. Our second objective is to test the hypothesis that incorporating obliquity can reconcile theory and observations without requiring polar wander, which was previously invoked to explain the mismatch found between the slip directions of 192 faults on Europa and the global pattern predicted using the eccentricity-only model. We compute predictions for individual, observed faults at their current latitude, longitude, and azimuth with four different tidal models: eccentricity only, eccentricity plus obliquity, eccentricity plus physical libration, and a combination of all three effects. We then determine whether longitude migration, presumably due to non-synchronous rotation, is indicated in observed faults by repeating the comparisons with and without obliquity, this time also allowing longitude translation. We find that a tidal model including an obliquity of 1.2?, along with longitude migration, can predict the slip directions of all observed features in the survey. However, all but four faults can be fit with only 1? of obliquity so the value we find may represent the maximum departure from a lower time-averaged obliquity value. Adding physical libration to the obliquity model improves the accuracy of predictions at the current locations of the faults, but fails to predict the slip directions of six faults and requires additional degrees of freedom. The obliquity model with longitude migration is therefore our preferred model. Although the polar wander interpretation cannot be ruled out from these results alone, the obliquity model accounts for all observations with a value consistent with theoretical expectations and cycloid modeling.

Rhoden, Alyssa Rose↗

Group purchasing organization design: a clustering approach

Supply chain management is monitoring of activities involved in supply chain, for integrating and coordinating between suppliers, manufacturing, inventory and transportation both within and among members. The ultimate aim of supply chains is to reduce costs and increase market coverage. Procuring and purchasing requested items in a timely manner are the two most important issues for supply chain stockholders. Group purchasing is one of the purchasing strategies in supply chains. It offers great potential by ordering large volumes to decrease expenses which can increase services to customers. A clustering optimization approach is employed to model group purchasing for a set of pharmacies in the field of healthcare. The proposed model determines a cooperation strategy based on factors such as distance between pharmacies and procurement expenditure in this network. Moreover, the proposed multi-objective group purchasing model is optimized using both goal programming and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm. To illustrate the application of the proposed model, designing a purchasing group organization for Chalus city pharmacies is investigated. Purchasing groups are established in the way that sum of pharmacies ordering quantity has been located in the second or the third level of discount rate. Thus, the results show that GPOs can take the advantage of this cooperation.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

A unifying modeling abstraction for infinite-dimensional optimization

Infinite-dimensional optimization (InfiniteOpt) problems involve modeling components (variables, objectives, and constraints) that are functions defined over infinite-dimensional domains. Examples include continuous-time dynamic optimization (time is an infinite domain and components are functions of time), PDE optimization problems (space and time are infinite domains and components are functions of space-time), as well as stochastic and semi-infinite optimization (random space is an infinite domain and components are a function of such random space). InfiniteOpt problems also arise from combinations of these problem classes (e.g., stochastic PDE optimization). Given the infinite-dimensional nature of objectives and constraints, one often needs to define appropriate quantities (measures) to properly pose the problem. Moreover, InfiniteOpt problems often need to be transformed into a finite dimensional representation so that they can be solved numerically. Here in this work, we present a unifying abstraction that facilitates the modeling, analysis, and solution of InfiniteOpt problems. The proposed abstraction enables a general treatment of infinite-dimensional domains and provides a measure-centric paradigm to handle associated variables, objectives, and constraints. This abstraction allows us to transfer techniques across disciplines and with this identify new, interesting, and useful modeling paradigms (e.g., event constraints and risk measures defined over time domains). Our abstraction serves as the backbone of an intuitive Julia-based modeling package that we call InfiniteOpt.jl. We demonstrate the developments using diverse case studies arising in engineering.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Microscopic theory of angular momentum distributions across the full range of fission fragments

Modern nuclear theory provides qualitative insights into the fundamental mechanisms of nuclear fission and is increasingly capable of making reliable quantitative predictions. Most quantities of interest pertain to the primary fission fragments, whose subsequent decay is typically modeled using statistical reaction models. Consequently, a key objective of fission theory is to inform these models by predicting the initial conditions of the primary fragments. Here, in this work, we employ a framework that combines joint angular momentum and particle number projection with time-dependent configuration mixing to calculate the angular momentum distributions of primary fragments. Focusing on the benchmark cases of neutron-induced fission of 235 U and 239 Pu , we predict—for the first time—microscopic angular momentum distributions for all fragments observed in experiments. Our results reveal a pronounced sawtooth pattern in the average angular momentum as a function of fragment mass, consistent with recent measurements. Additionally, we observe substantial variations in angular momentum distributions along isobaric chains, indicating that commonly used empirical formulas lack sufficient accuracy. We also quantify a strong correlation between the angular momentum and the deformation of the fragments at scission, and a weak correlation in the magnitude of the angular momentum between fragment partners. The generated data will enable estimation of the impact of microscopic distributions on fission spectra, paving the way toward fission modeling based on microscopic inputs.

Physics - Nuclear physics and radiation physics↗

Preliminary regime diagram on a sphere with a simplified general circulation model

Numerical model studies useful design considerations and which can be accumulated to form the body of basic knowledge necessary for application of the atmospheric general circulation experiment (AGCE) data to understanding of atmospheric problems are reported. The most efficient way to obtain a computer model suitable for this objective is to modify an existing general circulation model (GCM) of the atmosphere rather than to develop such a model from first principles. The GCM and its modification is outlined.

Pitcher, E. J.↗

Geosat Data Assimilation with Application to the Eastern North Atlantic

An attempt is made to determine the three-dimensional ocean circulation from satellite altimeter measurements by assimilating Geosat sea surface height data into an eddy-resolving QuasiGeostrophic (QG) model of the eastern North Atlantic Ocean. Results are tested against independent information from hydrographic field observations and moored current meter data collected during the Geosat ERM. The comparison supports the concept of inferring aspects of the three-dimensional flow field from sea surface height observations by combining altimetric measurements with the dynamics of ocean circulation models. A Holland-type QG model with open boundaries is set up on a 2000 km X 2000 km domain of the eastern North Atlantic between 25 deg. and 45 deg. N, 32 deg. and 8 deg. W. By using a simple nudging technique, about two years of Geosat altimeter data are assimilated into the model every five days as space-time objective analyses on the model grid. The error information resulting from the analysis is used during the assimilation procedure to account for data uncertainties. Results show an intense eddy field, which in the surface layer interacts with a meandering Azores Front. Compared to Geosat, the model leads to smoothed fields that follow the observations. Model simulations are significantly correlated with hydrographic data from March 1988 and June 1989, both close to the surface and in the subsurface. Good agreement is also found between the model velocity fields and moored current meter data in the top two model layers. The agreement is visually weak in the bottom layer, although a coherence analysis reveals an agreement between the model simulation and current meter data over the full water column at periods exceeding 80 days.

Stammer, Detlef↗

Updated Results for the Wake Vortex Inverse Model

NorthWest Research Associates (NWRA) has developed an Inverse Model for inverting aircraft wake vortex data. The objective of the inverse modeling is to obtain estimates of the vortex circulation decay and crosswind vertical profiles, using time history measurements of the lateral and vertical position of aircraft vortices. The Inverse Model performs iterative forward model runs using estimates of vortex parameters, vertical crosswind profiles, and vortex circulation as a function of wake age. Iterations are performed until a user-defined criterion is satisfied. Outputs from an Inverse Model run are the best estimates of the time history of the vortex circulation derived from the observed data, the vertical crosswind profile, and several vortex parameters. The forward model, named SHRAPA, used in this inverse modeling is a modified version of the Shear-APA model, and it is described in Section 2 of this document. Details of the Inverse Model are presented in Section 3. The Inverse Model was applied to lidar-observed vortex data at three airports: FAA acquired data from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Denver International Airport (DEN), and NASA acquired data from Memphis International Airport (MEM). The results are compared with observed data. This Inverse Model validation is documented in Section 4. A summary is given in Section 5. A user's guide for the inverse wake vortex model is presented in a separate NorthWest Research Associates technical report (Lai and Delisi, 2007a).

Robins, Robert E.↗

An Assessment of Turbulence Models for MSR Sample Retrieval Lander Aerothermal Design

Several cases from past entries in the T9 and T5 hypersonic test facilities are examined using various turbulence models and shock-layer thermochemistries with the objectives of verifying/validating turbulence models and determining appropriate multiplicative factors on predicted turbulent heating for use in aerothermal design of the heatshield of the Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL) of the Mars Sample Return (MSR) Flagship mission. The zero-equation turbulence models of Baldwin-Lomax and Cebeci-Smith are shown to replicate measurements to within experimental uncertainty for the T9 cases. For T5 cases, the zero-equation model of Baldwin-Lomax can also replicate measurements provided the shock-layer thermochemistry is modified. The modified thermochemistry resolves a dichotomy from past CFD that required different wall catalycity assumptions in the laminar and turbulent flow regimes. The present work shows that such assumptions are not necessary. Finally, an initial estimate for a multiplicative factor on turbulent heating is estimated for the SST turbulence model – the chosen model for SRL aerothermal design simulations.

Mars entry↗

Surrogate Model Guided Optimization of Expensive Black-Box Multi-Objective Problems: A Posteriori Methods

Many engineering applications require the simultaneous optimization of multiple conflicting objective functions. Often, these objective functions are evaluated using highly accurate computer simulations that are computationally too expensive to be evaluated hundreds or thousands of times during optimization. Thus, the goal is to find good approximations of the Pareto front using as few of these expensive simulations as possible. Here, we describe an optimization approach based on surrogate models and diverse sampling strategies to accelerate the search for the Pareto solutions. We use a separate surrogate model for approximating each objective function and then we use the surrogate models to inform where additional expensive simulations should be run. The surrogate models are updated in an active learning framework whenever new information from the expensive simulations becomes available. The sampling strategies aim at balancing local improvements of the approximate Pareto front and global exploration to identify the extrema and fill in large gaps of the approximate Pareto front. We demonstrate on a large set of benchmark problems the effectiveness of the method for finding good approximations of the Pareto front.

MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

HOPP - Hybrid Optimization and Performance Platform

The Hybrid Optimization and Performance Platform, HOPP, is a wind + solar + battery + X design software for optimizing co-located, utility-scale hybrid plants down to the component level for different markets and technoeconomic objectives. Key technology and financial inputs to the HOPP model that inform the objective to be optimized are presented. The layout and performance integration is combined with optimal dispatch and full financial modeling within an optimization framework. With an example scenario, optimal sizing and layout results are shown in a sensitivity analysis of prices for two hybrid configurations.

batteries↗

Reliability growth models for NASA applications

The objective of any reliability growth study is prediction of reliability at some future instant. Another objective is statistical inference, estimation of reliability for reliability demonstration. A cause of concern for the development engineer and management is that reliability demands an excessive number of tests for reliability demonstration. For example, the Space Transportation Main Engine (STME) program requirements call for .99 reliability at 90 pct. confidence for demonstration. This requires running 230 tests with zero failure if a classical binomial model is used. It is therefore also an objective to explore the reliability growth models for reliability demonstration and tracking and their applicability to NASA programs. A reliability growth model is an analytical tool used to monitor the reliability progress during the development program and to establish a test plan to demonstrate an acceptable system reliability.

Taneja, Vidya S.↗

Assessment of global and regional tectonic models for faulting in the ancient terrains of Mars

The structural mapping of tectonic landforms on Mars has provided a great deal of information regarding the planet's tectonic history. The present paper has the objective to test models of regional and global fracturing by evaluating the spatial distribution and orientation of the ancient heavily cratered terrain (HCT) structural landforms. Attention is given to background information concerning earlier studies, landform selection and analysis, rose diagrams, tests for Tharsis generation, and a calculation of thermal stress in the early Martian lithosphere. The contribution of classical Tharsis-centered tectonism to the production of HCT structural landforms was found to be very small. Few structural landforms investigated are either perpendicular to calculated principal stress trajectories or radial to Tharsis.

Schultz, R. A.↗

A TOPAS model for lens-based proton radiography

Abstract Objective. Proton Radiography can be used in conjunction with proton therapy for patient positioning, real-time estimates of stopping power, and adaptive therapy in regions with motion. The modeling capability shown here can be used to evaluate lens-based radiography as an instantaneous proton-based radiographic technique. The utilization of user-friendly Monte Carlo program TOPAS enables collaborators and other users to easily conduct medical- and therapy- based simulations of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). The resulting transport model is an open-source Monte Carlo package for simulations of proton and heavy ion therapy treatments and concurrent particle imaging. Approach. The four-quadrupole, magnetic lens system of the 800-MeV proton beamline at LANSCE is modeled in TOPAS. Several imaging and contrast objects were modelled to assess transmission at energies from 230–930 MeV and different levels of particle collimation. At different proton energies, the strength of the magnetic field was scaled according to βγ, the inverse product of particle relativistic velocity and particle momentum. Main results. Materials with high atomic number, Z, (gold, gallium, bone-equivalent) generated more contrast than materials with low-Z (water, lung-equivalent, adipose-equivalent). A 5-mrad collimator was beneficial for tissue-to-contrast agent contrast, while a 10-mrad collimator was best to distinguish between different high-Z materials. Assessment with a step-wedge phantom showed water-equivalent path length did not scale directly according to predicted values but could be mapped more accurately with calibration. Poor image quality was observed at low energies (230 MeV), but improved as proton energy increased, with sub-mm resolution at 630 MeV. Significance. Proton radiography becomes viable for shallow bone structures at 330 MeV, and for deeper structures at 630 MeV. Visibility improves with use of high-Z contrast agents. This modality may be particularly viable at carbon therapy centers with accelerators capable of delivering high energy protons and could be performed with carbon therapy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Development Fiber Optic Distributed System for Direct Detection of Subsurface Gases Leakages

Carbon, natural gas, and hydrogen gas storage is an emerging solution to safeguard us against pollution, support goals of negative carbon emission, and protect sources of renewable energy. Properly constructed storage wells provide a virtually impervious barrier to any unintended subsurface transmission. The ability to ensure the long-term integrity of such wells is vital to the success of any storage operation and be successful in the public eyes. Therefore, robust monitoring of any gas migration into the subsurface is highly sought. A fiber-optic distributed chemical sensor (DCS) enables monitoring of long-term well integrity along its depth, ensuring the success of any storage operation and bolsters public acceptance of the safety of the reservoir via leak early detection. The same technique can be applied to gas monitoring in pipeline networks and nuclear stockpile monitoring applications. Fiber based Raman spectroscopy enables DCS, as optical fibers can be deployed in virtually any environment and relay spectroscopic information over long distances back to the user. Hollow core fibers (HCF) make excellent DCSs as the air core of the fiber allows gas from the environment to diffuse into the core, which interacts with the laser signal that is carried in the air core. This work builds upon the previous LDRD project, Fiber Optic System for Direct Detection of Carbon Dioxide Leakage in Carbon Storage Wells (21-FS-003), in which the feasibility of Raman spectroscopy detection of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in HCF detection was demonstrated. We mitigated the risk of this DCS technology by establishing and completing five objectives. The first objective was to model and optically characterize HCF uptake of CO2, establishing the relationship between HCF length, gas diffusion time, detectable gas concentration, and measured Raman intensity. In objective two, we developed a fiber core drilling recipe to enable additional diffusion ports in the fiber core and established a method for maintaining fiber strength and integrity post drilling. Objective three characterized the drilled fibers against the undrilled fibers, establishing the differences in the gas mechanics and optical properties and provided parameters to iterate the drilling process. In objective four, a fusion splicing technique was developed to join the HCF to conventional single-mode fibers, localizing the gas detection point at the drilled HCF hole, emulating a DCS. Lastly, objective five was the testing of the sensor in Edgar Mines at Colorado School of Mines on a CO2 pipeline with a simulated leak, to showcase the ability to detect CO2 leaks. This capstone result showed CO2 leak detection in < 10 minutes, raising the technology readiness level of HCF segments as deployable DCS.

organic↗

Metabolic Adaptation to Muscle Ischemia

Although all tissues in the body can adapt to varying physiological/pathological conditions, muscle is the most adaptable. To understand the significance of cellular events and their role in controlling metabolic adaptations in complex physiological systems, it is necessary to link cellular and system levels by means of mechanistic computational models. The main objective of this work is to improve understanding of the regulation of energy metabolism during skeletal/cardiac muscle ischemia by combining in vivo experiments and quantitative models of metabolism. Our main focus is to investigate factors affecting lactate metabolism (e.g., NADH/NAD) and the inter-regulation between carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism during a reduction in regional blood flow. A mechanistic mathematical model of energy metabolism has been developed to link cellular metabolic processes and their control mechanisms to tissue (skeletal muscle) and organ (heart) physiological responses. We applied this model to simulate the relationship between tissue oxygenation, redox state, and lactate metabolism in skeletal muscle. The model was validated using human data from published occlusion studies. Currently, we are investigating the difference in the responses to sudden vs. gradual onset ischemia in swine by combining in vivo experimental studies with computational models of myocardial energy metabolism during normal and ischemic conditions.

Cabrera, Marco E.↗