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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 1,153 records · Page 64

Deep Learning of Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument Mock Spectra to Find Damped Lyα Systems

We have updated and applied a convolutional neural network (CNN) machine-learning model to discover and characterize damped Ly α systems (DLAs) based on Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) mock spectra. We have optimized the training process and constructed a CNN model that yields a DLA classification accuracy above 99% for spectra that have signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) above 5 per pixel. The classification accuracy is the rate of correct classifications. This accuracy remains above 97% for lower S/N ≈1 spectra. This CNN model provides estimations for redshift and H i column density with standard deviations of 0.002 and 0.17 dex for spectra with S/N above 3 pixel -1 . Also, this DLA finder is able to identify overlapping DLAs and sub-DLAs. Further, the impact of different DLA catalogs on the measurement of baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) is investigated. The cosmological fitting parameter result for BAO has less than 0.61% difference compared to analysis of the mock results with perfect knowledge of DLAs. This difference is lower than the statistical error for the first year estimated from the mock spectra: above 1.7%. We also compared the performances of the CNN and Gaussian Process (GP) models. Our improved CNN model has moderately 14% higher purity and 7% higher completeness than an older version of the GP code, for S/N > 3. Both codes provide good DLA redshift estimates, but the GP produces a better column density estimate by 24% less standard deviation. A credible DLA catalog for the DESI main survey can be provided by combining these two algorithms.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Multi-Stage System for Automatic Target Recognition

A multi-stage automated target recognition (ATR) system has been designed to perform computer vision tasks with adequate proficiency in mimicking human vision. The system is able to detect, identify, and track targets of interest. Potential regions of interest (ROIs) are first identified by the detection stage using an Optimum Trade-off Maximum Average Correlation Height (OT-MACH) filter combined with a wavelet transform. False positives are then eliminated by the verification stage using feature extraction methods in conjunction with neural networks. Feature extraction transforms the ROIs using filtering and binning algorithms to create feature vectors. A feedforward back-propagation neural network (NN) is then trained to classify each feature vector and to remove false positives. The system parameter optimizations process has been developed to adapt to various targets and datasets. The objective was to design an efficient computer vision system that can learn to detect multiple targets in large images with unknown backgrounds. Because the target size is small relative to the image size in this problem, there are many regions of the image that could potentially contain the target. A cursory analysis of every region can be computationally efficient, but may yield too many false positives. On the other hand, a detailed analysis of every region can yield better results, but may be computationally inefficient. The multi-stage ATR system was designed to achieve an optimal balance between accuracy and computational efficiency by incorporating both models. The detection stage first identifies potential ROIs where the target may be present by performing a fast Fourier domain OT-MACH filter-based correlation. Because threshold for this stage is chosen with the goal of detecting all true positives, a number of false positives are also detected as ROIs. The verification stage then transforms the regions of interest into feature space, and eliminates false positives using an artificial neural network classifier. The multi-stage system allows tuning the detection sensitivity and the identification specificity individually in each stage. It is easier to achieve optimized ATR operation based on its specific goal. The test results show that the system was successful in substantially reducing the false positive rate when tested on a sonar and video image datasets.

Chao, Tien-Hsin↗

Engine Combustion System Optimization Using Computational Fluid Dynamics and Machine Learning: A Methodological Approach

Gasoline compression ignition (GCI) engines are considered an attractive alternative to traditional spark-ignition and diesel engines. Here, a Machine Learning-Grid Gradient Ascent (ML-GGA) approach was developed to optimize the performance of internal combustion engines. ML offers a pathway to transform complex physical processes that occur in a combustion engine into compact informational processes. The developed ML-GGA model was compared with a recently developed Machine Learning-Genetic Algorithm (ML-GA). Detailed investigations of optimization solver parameters and variable limit extension were performed in the present ML-GGA model to improve the accuracy and robustness of the optimization process. Detailed descriptions of the different procedures, optimization tools, and criteria that must be followed for a successful output are provided here. The developed ML-GGA approach was used to optimize the operating conditions (case 1) and the piston bowl design (case 2) of a heavy-duty diesel engine running on a gasoline fuel with a research octane number (RON) of 80. The ML-GGA approach yielded >2% improvements in the merit function, compared with the optimum obtained from a thorough computational fluid dynamics (CFD) guided system optimization. The predictions from the ML-GGA approach were validated with engine CFD simulations. This study demonstrates the potential of ML-GGA to significantly reduce the time needed for optimization problems, without loss in accuracy compared with traditional approaches.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Machine-learning modeling of magnetization dynamics in quasi-equilibrium and driven metallic spin systems

Here, we present a perspective on recent progress in machine-learning (ML) force-field approaches for large-scale Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert (LLG) simulations of metallic spin systems. Building on a generalization of the Behler–Parrinello (BP) architecture originally developed for quantum molecular dynamics, we develop scalable and transferable ML models that faithfully capture the complex, environment-dependent electron-mediated exchange fields characteristic of itinerant magnets. A central ingredient of this framework is the implementation of symmetry-aware magnetic descriptors based on group-theoretical bispectrum formalisms. Leveraging these ML force fields, LLG simulations faithfully reproduce hallmark non-collinear magnetic orders—such as the 120° and tetrahedral states—on the triangular lattice, and successfully capture the complex spin textures emerging in the mixed-phase states of a square-lattice double-exchange model under thermal quench. We further discuss a generalized potential theory that extends the BP formalism to incorporate both conservative and nonconservative electronic torques, thereby enabling ML models to learn nonequilibrium exchange fields from computationally demanding microscopic approaches such as nonequilibrium Green’s-function techniques. This extension yields quantitatively accurate predictions of voltage-driven domain-wall motion and establishes a foundation for quantum-accurate, multiscale modeling of nonequilibrium spin dynamics and spintronic functionalities.

Descriptors↗

CLPNets: Coupled Lie–Poisson neural networks for multi-part Hamiltonian systems with symmetries

To accurately compute data-based prediction of Hamiltonian systems, it is essential to utilize methods that preserve the structure of the equations over time. We consider a particularly challenging case of systems with interacting parts that do not reduce to pure momentum evolution. Such systems are essential in scientific computations, such as discretization of a continuum elastic rod, which can be viewed as the group of rotations and translations $SE(3)$. The evolution involves not only the momenta but also the relative positions and orientations of the particles. The presence of Lie group-valued elements, such as relative positions and orientations, poses a problem for applying previously derived methods for data-based computing. We develop a novel method of data-based computation and complete phase space learning of such systems. We follow the original framework of SympNets (Jin et al., 2020) and LPNets (Eldred et al., 2024), building the neural network from phase space mappings that preserve the Lie–Poisson structure. We derive a novel system of mappings that are built into neural networks describing the evolution of such systems. We call such networks Coupled Lie–Poisson Neural Networks, or CLPNets. We consider increasingly complex examples for the applications of CLPNets, starting with the rotation of two rigid bodies about a common axis, progressing to the free rotation of two rigid bodies, and finally to the evolution of two connected and interacting $SE(3)$ components, describing the discretization of an elastic rod into two elements. Our method preserves all Casimir invariants to machine precision, preserves energy to high accuracy, and shows good resistance to the curse of dimensionality, requiring only a few thousand data points for all cases studied (three to eighteen dimensions). Additionally, the method is highly economical in memory requirements, requiring only about 200 parameters for the most complex case considered.

Data-based modeling↗

A Learning-based Power Management Method for Networked Microgrids Under Incomplete Information

In this paper, we present a model-free reinforcement learning (RL)-based technique to solve the power management problem of networked microgrids (MGs), when the utility has only limited or no detailed knowledge of the MG asset models.The proposed method consists of two levels: at the first level, using an approximate RL strategy and aggregated data, a utility agent determines the locational price signals to maximize its profit under incomplete information on the MGs’ private data behind their points of common coupling (PCC). The proposed RL strategy enables the utility to adapt to changing system conditions and learn from previous experiences, while respecting the data ownership of the MGs. At the second level, the MGs receive the price signals to dispatch their generation/storage assets individually over look-ahead decision time window, while considering power flow constraints. The performance of the proposed RL technique has been verified under realistic operational scenarios.

Zhang, Qianzhi↗

Automatic threat recognition system and method using material disambiguation informed by physics in x-ray CT images of baggage

An automatic threat recognition (ATR) system is disclosed for scanning an article to recognize contraband items or items of interest contained within the article. The ATR system uses a CAT scanner to obtain a CT image scan of objects within the article, representing a plurality of 2D image slices of the article and its contents. Each 2D image slice includes information forming a plurality of voxels. The ATR system includes a computer and determines which voxels have a likelihood of representing materials of interest. It then aggregates those voxels to produce detected objects. The detected objects are further classified as items of interest vs. not of interest. The ATR system is based on learned parameters for a novel interaction of global and object context mechanisms. ATR system performance may be optimized by using jointly optimal global and object context parameters learned during training. The global context parameters may apply to the article as a whole and facilitate object detection. The object context parameters may apply to the individual object detections.

Paglieroni, David W.↗

Weathering the Storm: Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the Maritime, Atmospheric and Polar Environments

Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) have the potential to revolutionize local to regional data collection for geophysicists as platform and payload size decrease while aircraft capabilities increase. In particular, data from RPAs combine high-resolution imagery available from low flight elevations with comprehensive areal coverage, unattainable from ground investigations and difficult to acquire from manned aircraft due to budgetary and logistical costs. Low flight elevations are particularly important for detecting signals that decay exponentially with distance, such as electromagnetic fields. Onboard data processing coupled with high-bandwidth telemetry open up opportunities for real-time and near real-time data processing, producing more efficient flight plans through the use of payload-directed flight, machine learning and autonomous systems. Such applications not only strive to enhance data collection, but also enable novel sensing modalities and temporal resolution. NASAs Airborne Science Program has been refining the capabilities and applications of RPA in support of satellite calibration and data product validation for several decades. In this paper, we describe current platforms, payloads, and onboard data systems available to the research community. Case studies include Fluid Lensing for littoral zone 3D mapping, structure from motion for terrestrial 3D multispectral imaging, and airborne magnetometry on medium and small RPAs.

data collection↗

Machine Learning-Based Model Predictive Control of Two-Time-Scale Systems

In this study, we present a general form of nonlinear two-time-scale systems, where singular perturbation analysis is used to separate the dynamics of the slow and fast subsystems. Machine learning techniques are utilized to approximate the dynamics of both subsystems. Specifically, a recurrent neural network (RNN) and a feedforward neural network (FNN) are used to predict the slow and fast state vectors, respectively. Moreover, we investigate the generalization error bounds for these machine learning models approximating the dynamics of two-time-scale systems. Next, under the assumption that the fast states are asymptotically stable, our focus shifts toward designing a Lyapunov-based model predictive control (LMPC) scheme that exclusively employs the RNN to predict the dynamics of the slow states. Additionally, we derive sufficient conditions to guarantee the closed-loop stability of the system under the sample-and-hold implementation of the controller. A nonlinear chemical process example is used to demonstrate the theory. In particular, two RNN models are constructed: one to model the full two-time-scale system and the other to predict solely the slow state vector. Both models are integrated within the LMPC scheme, and we compare their closed-loop performance while assessing the computational time required to execute the LMPC optimization problem.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Fabrication Lessons Learned of Transportation Packaging from the Perspective of a Design Authority - 20322

This paper presents lessons learned regarding fabricating packaging systems from the perspective of a design authority (DA). Capturing and implementing lessons learned is critical for an organization to reduce systematic project risk and thereby promote the likelihood of project success. This paper defines the design authority as the organization responsible for technical design, resolving technical design issues, quality assurance program, and maintenance of the packaging system license. A package system is defined as the packaging, its contents, and auxiliary equipment. Packages are certified by the NRC under 10 CFR 71[1] for transportation by ground. The following lessons learned subjects are presented in the paper: quality assurance, interpretation of drawing dimensional requirements, execution of manufacturing processes, hardware dimensional inspection, and leakage rate testing. All discrepancies presented in this paper have been resolved as described in the appropriate final data package. All described package systems are in compliance with their Safety Analysis Report (SAR) and certificate of conformance requirements. The intent of this paper is to identify opportunities for improving the outcome of future projects and to mitigate fabrication challenges proactively. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

ACAT

A Physics-Informed Machine Learning (PIML) framework for better system vulnerability assessment and faster corrective action recommendation. This framework consists of deriving physics-informed priors and smart sampling algorithms to help reduce the data samples of grid models and the dimension of simulation outputs, yielding small yet representative subset of the complex system, and both supervised and unsupervised machine learning (ML) algorithms for designing corrective actions

Chen, Yousu↗

Utilizing expert systems for satellite monitoring and control

Spacecraft analysts in the spacecraft control center for the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) satellite are currently utilizing a fault-isolation expert system developed to assist in the isolation and correction of faults in the communications link. This system, the communication link expert assistance resource (CLEAR), monitors real time spacecraft and ground systems performance parameters in search of configuration discrepancies and communications link problems. If such a discrepancy or problem is isolated, CLEAR alerts the analyst and provides advice on how to resolve the problem swiftly and effectively. The CLEAR system is the first real time expert system to be used in the operational environment of a satellite control center at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Clear has not only demonstrated the utility and potential of an expert system in the demanding environment of a satellite control center, but also has revealed many of the pitfalls and deficiencies of development of expert systems. One of the lessons learned from this and other initial expert system projects is that prototypes can often be developed quite rapidly, but operational expert systems require considerable effort. Development is generally a slow, tedious process that typically requires the special skills of trained programmers. Due to the success of CLEAR and several other systems in the control center domain, a large number of expert systems will certainly be developed to support control center operations during the early 1990's. To facilitate the development of these systems, a project was initiated to develop an integrated, domain-specific tool, the generic spacecraft analyst assistent (GenSAA), that alows the spacecraft analysts to rapidly create simple expert systems themselves. By providing a highly graphical point-and-select method of system development, GenSAA allows the analyst to utilize and/or modify previously developed rule bases and system components; thus, facilitating software reuse and reducing development time and effort.

Hughes, Peter M.↗

Making intelligent systems team players. A guide to developing intelligent monitoring systems

This reference guide for developers of intelligent monitoring systems is based on lessons learned by developers of the DEcision Support SYstem (DESSY), an expert system that monitors Space Shuttle telemetry data in real time. DESSY makes inferences about commands, state transitions, and simple failures. It performs failure detection rather than in-depth failure diagnostics. A listing of rules from DESSY and cue cards from DESSY subsystems are included to give the development community a better understanding of the selected model system. The G-2 programming tool used in developing DESSY provides an object-oriented, rule-based environment, but many of the principles in use here can be applied to any type of monitoring intelligent system. The step-by-step instructions and examples given for each stage of development are in G-2, but can be used with other development tools. This guide first defines the authors' concept of real-time monitoring systems, then tells prospective developers how to determine system requirements, how to build the system through a combined design/development process, and how to solve problems involved in working with real-time data. It explains the relationships among operational prototyping, software evolution, and the user interface. It also explains methods of testing, verification, and validation. It includes suggestions for preparing reference documentation and training users.

Land, Sherry A.↗

Symbolic Execution Enhanced System Testing

We describe a testing technique that uses information computed by symbolic execution of a program unit to guide the generation of inputs to the system containing the unit, in such a way that the unit's, and hence the system's, coverage is increased. The symbolic execution computes unit constraints at run-time, along program paths obtained by system simulations. We use machine learning techniques treatment learning and function fitting to approximate the system input constraints that will lead to the satisfaction of the unit constraints. Execution of system input predictions either uncovers new code regions in the unit under analysis or provides information that can be used to improve the approximation. We have implemented the technique and we have demonstrated its effectiveness on several examples, including one from the aerospace domain.

Davies, Misty D.↗

Ablators - From Apollo to Future Missions to Moon, Mars and Beyond

Apollo was designed to carry astronauts safely back from the Moon at return speeds exceeding 11 km/s and requireddevelopment of a new ablative thermal protection system (TPS) to protect the capsule from entry heating. Mercuryand Gemini, that preceded Apollo, were focused on Earth orbiting system demonstration and lessons learned fromthem were used in Apollo. The ablative material and associated system development for Lunar return conditionsrequired considerable ground and flight testing. Mars Viking Lander missions required a new lighter weight ablatoras entry heating was benign compared to Apollo. Pioneer-Venus and Galileo Probe missions required a new and morecapable ablator than Apollo. After two decades, Mars Pathfinder followed by Mars Exploration Rover missions,smaller than Viking but more demanding, were able to use Viking ablative TPS. At the same time, advances in manufacturing and materials technology led to development of innovative lightweight ablators. These new ablators enabled Stardust and Genesis Sample Return Missions. Around the turn of this century, NASA decided on a scaled-upversion of the Apollo capsule for human exploration of Moon and Mars and the ablative heat shield to protect the CrewExploration Vehicle ended up being the Apollo ablative TPS. The Artemis 1 mission is currently fitted with tiledsystem, different than Orion EFT-1 but with the Apollo ablative material as a result of lessons learned. NASA iscurrently planning on sample return missions from Mars, and this will require robust ablative TPS that can providehigher reliability than any other past mission. There are still unexplored high scientific value destinations in the solarsystem. In situ exploration of Uranus, Neptune, Saturn and sample return missions with return speed much higher thanStardust will require ablators capable of withstanding extreme entry that are also efficient. New ablative TPS havebeen developed in anticipation of these future missions. This paper is intended to tell the story of these ablators,illustrated through examples. We see the use of flight proven ablators was sometimes a risky proposition and newablators perceived to be higher risk have proved otherwise. The history of ablators illustrates the challenges eachmission had to address, either through the use of flight proven or new ablative TPS, to be successful.

Venkatapathy, Ethiraj↗

Assessing Energy Infrastructure Devices for Vulnerabilities

Industrial control systems prove to be vital to the health and security of the nation in our critical infrastructure. Critical infrastructure includes the most foundational systems to support modern civilization which includes water and wastewater systems, communications, and the electricity we use to name a few sectors. However, these devices' overall composition remains largely unknown and are untested from a cyber security perspective. As part of the Cyber Testing for Resilient Industrial Control Systems (CyTRICS) program, I analyzed one such energy infrastructure device to better understand how it functions, what hardware and software components are present within it, and assess it for security vulnerabilities. To achieve this, I reverse engineered binary files using Ghidra to understand system functionality and learned more about how to collaborate with other researchers on a shared Ghidra project. I learned more about how web sockets function and how to interact with them through Python to test if they are secure or not. This work led me to assess possible vulnerabilities in this device and provide a better understanding of its composition and function, which are essential to INL's mission of securing our nation's energy infrastructure.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Accurate Hellmann–Feynman forces from density functional calculations with augmented Gaussian basis sets

The Hellmann–Feynman (HF) theorem provides a way to compute forces directly from the electron density, enabling efficient force calculations for large systems through machine learning (ML) models for the electron density. The main issue holding back the general acceptance of the HF approach for atom-centered basis sets is the well-known Pulay force which, if naively discarded, typically constitutes an error upward of 10 eV/Å in forces. In this work, we demonstrate that if a suitably augmented Gaussian basis set is used for density functional calculations, the Pulay force can be suppressed, and HF forces can be computed as accurately as analytical forces with state-of-the-art basis sets, allowing geometry optimization and molecular dynamics to be reliably performed with HF forces. Our results pave a clear path forward for the accurate and efficient simulation of large systems using ML densities and the HF theorem.

Pathak, Shivesh (ORCID:0000000172798195)↗