Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “physical networks”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 127 records · Page 7

Influence of Thermal Treatment on Preceramic Polymer Grafted Nanoparticle Network Formation: Implications for Thermal Protection Systems and Aerospace Propulsion Components

Preceramic polymer grafted nanoparticles (PCP GNPs) offer potential advantages in the production of polymer-derived ceramic composites compared to neat preceramic polymers (PCPs), such as reduced thermal shrinkage and increased char yield. In comparison to traditional composites (particles + free polymer), PCPs avoid issues of compatibility, agglomeration, and phase separation during processing and provide routes to control nanoparticle arrangement. Prior literature has established that the conversion efficiency of PCPs and PCP GNPs to ceramics and ceramic composites is linked to the thermal pretreatment of these precursor polymers (e.g., curing). In this paper, we investigate the material transformations that occur when exposing PCP GNPs to a low-temperature thermal treatment (≤250 °C) prior to pyrolysis. The PCP GNPs explored in this study possessed silica nanoparticle cores but were distinct in their PCP coronas, having poly(1,1-dimethylpropylsilane) (allyl-GNP)- or poly(1,1-dimethylbenzylethylsilane) (styryl-GNP)-grafted polymers. After undergoing low-temperature thermal treatment, these PCP GNPs exhibited increased char yield at 800 °C; however, unlike commercial PCPs (e.g., allylhydridopolycarbosilane (SMP-10)), obvious cross-linkable sites are not present in the PCP corona structure. Differential scanning calorimetry, oscillatory rheology, and X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy were utilized to elucidate the thermally induced material changes in the allyl- and styryl-GNPs. Thermally induced changes to the structure and behavior of the PCP GNPs were determined to be linked to the chemical structure of the grafted polycarbosilane chains. Styryl-GNPs experienced a curing event between 180 and 250 °C, effecting the formation of a network, which contributed to char yield improvement (at 800 °C). The nanoscale dynamics of this material also shows a transition from diffuse behavior to ballistic behavior because of the cross-linking event. Conversely, the allyl-GNPs did not exhibit a curing event under heat treatment but did show an increase in thermally induced physical cross-linking. The allyl-GNP physical network is stronger after the first cycle of thermal treatment, and it is considered that this contributed to the improvement in char yield post thermal treatment. The advancements in the understanding of the cross-linking behavior of these hybrid materials are expected to advance the application of these materials to turbine engine, advanced friction, and heat-shielding components.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

WellPINN: Accurate Well Representation for Transient Fluid Pressure Diffusion in Subsurface Reservoirs With Physics‐Informed Neural Networks

Accurate representation of pumping wells is essential for reliable reservoir characterization and simulation of operational scenarios in subsurface flow models. Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) are emerging as a promising alternative to numerical models for reservoir modeling, offering seamless integration of monitoring data and governing physical equations. However, existing PINN-based studies face major challenges in capturing fluid pressure near wells when using a source/sink term, particularly during the early stages after pumping begins. We address this problem by introducing WellPINN, a workflow in which an initially trained PINN infers fluid pressure across the entire reservoir domain using a large equivalent well radius. This initial PINN solution is then locally refined around the well by a set of subdomain PINNs that are trained for smaller equivalent well radii. Continuity across these subdomain interfaces as well as at the initial condition is ensured by hard-constraining each PINN on its subdomain boundary. Our results demonstrate WellPINN as the first workflow of its kind to focus on accurate inference of fluid pressure from pumping rates throughout the entire injection period, significantly advancing the potential of PINNs for inverse modeling and operational scenario simulations. All data and code for this paper are openly available at https://doi.org/10.20350/DIGITALCSIC/17260.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

A fast and accurate physics-informed neural network reduced order model with shallow masked autoencoder

Traditional linear subspace reduced order models (LS-ROMs) are able to accelerate physical simulations in which the intrinsic solution space falls into a subspace with a small dimension, i.e., the solution space has a small Kolmogorov n-width. However, for physical phenomena not of this type, e.g., any advection-dominated flow phenomena such as in traffic flow, atmospheric flows, and air flow over vehicles, a low-dimensional linear subspace poorly approximates the solution. To address cases such as these, we have developed a fast and accurate physics-informed neural network ROM, namely nonlinear manifold ROM (NM-ROM), which can better approximate high-fidelity model solutions with a smaller latent space dimension than the LS-ROMs. Our method takes advantage of the existing numerical methods that are used to solve the corresponding full order models. The efficiency is achieved by developing a hyper-reduction technique in the context of the NM-ROM. Numerical results show that neural networks can learn a more efficient latent space representation on advection-dominated data from 1D and 2D Burgers' equations. A speedup of up to 2.6 for 1D Burgers' and a speedup of 11.7 for 2D Burgers' equations are achieved with an appropriate treatment of the nonlinear terms through a hyper-reduction technique. Lastly, a posteriori error bounds for the NM-ROMs are derived that take account of the hyper-reduced operators.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Molecular Insight into the Effects of Clustering on the Dynamics of Ionomers in Solutions

Ionizable groups tethered to polymers enable their many current and potential applications. However, these functionalities drive the formation of physical networks through clustering of the ionic groups, resulting in constrained dynamics of the macromolecules. Understanding the molecular origin of this hindrance remains a critical fundamental question, whose solution will directly impact the processing of ionizable polymers from molecules to viable materials. Here, in this work, using quasielastic neutron scattering accompanied by molecular dynamics simulations, segmental dynamics of slightly sulfonated polystyrene is studied in solutions as the cohesion of the ionic assemblies is tuned. We find that in cyclohexane the ionic assemblies act as centers of confinement, affecting dynamics both on macroscopic lengths and in the vicinity of the ionic assemblies. Addition of a small amount of ethanol affects the packing of the ionizable groups within the assemblies, which in turn enhances the chain dynamics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Polyhedral Relaxations for Optimal Pump Scheduling of Potable Water Distribution Networks

The classic pump scheduling or optimal water flow (OWF) problem for water distribution networks (WDNs) minimizes the cost of power consumption for a given WDN over a fixed time horizon. In its exact form, the OWF is a computationally challenging mixed-integer nonlinear program (MINLP). It is complicated by nonlinear equality constraints that model network physics, discrete variables that model operational controls, and intertemporal constraints that model changes to storage devices. To address the computational challenges of the OWF, this paper develops tight polyhedral relaxations of the original MINLP, derives novel valid inequalities (or cuts) using duality theory, and implements novel optimization-based bound tightening and cut generation procedures. The efficacy of each new method is rigorously evaluated by measuring empirical improvements in OWF primal and dual bounds over 45 literature instances. The evaluation suggests that our relaxation improvements, model strengthening techniques, and a thoughtfully selected polyhedral relaxation partitioning scheme can substantially improve OWF primal and dual bounds, especially when compared with similar relaxation-based techniques that do not leverage these new methods.

bound tightening↗

Theory of distributed systems.

Physical networks with lumped components and hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, thermal and elastic lines of transfer matrices

Oldenburger, R.↗

The Integration of Fieldbus Devices to an Existing DCS

Existing analog strain gauge transducers and signal conditioners were replaced with new Foundation Fieldbus Transmitters in the Distributed Control System, DCS, at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). The reasons for implementing this upgrade and an evaluation of the results of the project are the subjects of this paper. Problems and advantages with the original transducers and the newly installed transmitters are described and compared. Detail of the physical network layer between the Foundation Fieldbus Transmitters, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Multipurpose Micro-Processor (MMPs) and the operator workstations are illustrated. The complex nature of the facility and methods of future control of the associated processes are also discussed.

Sadhukhan, Debashis↗

General Pressurization Model in Simscape

System integration is an essential part of the engineering design process. The Ares I Upper Stage (US) is a complex system which is made up of thousands of components assembled into subsystems including a J2-X engine, liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LO2) tanks, avionics, thrust vector control, motors, etc. System integration is the task of connecting together all of the subsystems into one large system. To ensure that all the components will "fit together" as well as safety and, quality, integration analysis is required. Integration analysis verifies that, as an integrated system, the system will behave as designed. Models that represent the actual subsystems are built for more comprehensive analysis. Matlab has been an instrument widely use by engineers to construct mathematical models of systems. Simulink, one of the tools offered by Matlab, provides multi-domain graphical environment to simulate and design time-varying systems. Simulink is a powerful tool to analyze the dynamic behavior of systems over time. Furthermore, Simscape, a tool provided by Simulink, allows users to model physical (such as mechanical, thermal and hydraulic) systems using physical networks. Using Simscape, a model representing an inflow of gas to a pressurized tank was created where the temperature and pressure of the tank are measured over time to show the behavior of the gas. By further incorporation of Simscape into model building, the full potential of this software can be discovered and it hopefully can become a more utilized tool.

Servin, Mario↗

Crosslinked polymer binders for electrochemical energy storage devices

An electrochemical storage device including a conductive material and an electrochemical storage device material held together by a covalently crosslinked binder matrix. A method of forming an electrode for an electrochemical storage device, the method including the steps of: mixing electrochemical storage device material, conductive material, linear polymer, and crosslinker with one or more solvents, the resultant mixture forming an electrode slurry, crosslinking the linear polymer with the crosslinker to thereby create a covalently crosslinked polymer network of the polymer and crosslinker, the crosslinked polymer network physically or chemically binding together the electrochemical storage device material and the conductive material.

Zhu, Yu↗

Predicting Melt Properties Using Atomistic Simulations With A Highly Accurate Physically Informed Neural Network Interatomic Potential

The use of a recently developed machine learning (ML) interatomic potential for molecular dynamics simulations of aluminum melt properties will be presented. Such properties are critical for process modeling in additive manufacturing, including the melt pool size, solidification, and formation of solidification microstructures. Direct first-principles modeling of these processes is computationally prohibitive whereas simulations employing ML potentials combine the high accuracy of quantum-mechanical methods with high computational speeds. The physically-informed neural network (PINN) method used herein, integrates a high-dimensional regression implemented by an artificial neural network with a physics-based bond-order interatomic potential. PINN potentials can accurately reproduce many properties of aluminum in both crystalline-solid and liquid phases. We examine the accuracy of a PINN Al potential in predicting the density, self-diffusivity, viscosity, and the tension of the liquid surface and liquid-solid interfaces. Comparison with experimental data and ab initio molecular dynamics calculations shows very good agreement for all properties tested.

molecular dynamics↗

NSGA-PINN: A Multi-Objective Optimization Method for Physics-Informed Neural Network Training

This paper presents NSGA-PINN, a multi-objective optimization framework for the effective training of physics-informed neural networks (PINNs). The proposed framework uses the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) to enable traditional stochastic gradient optimization algorithms (e.g., ADAM) to escape local minima effectively. Additionally, the NSGA-II algorithm enables satisfying the initial and boundary conditions encoded into the loss function during physics-informed training precisely. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework by applying NSGA-PINN to several ordinary and partial differential equation problems. In particular, we show that the proposed framework can handle challenging inverse problems with noisy data.

Lu, Binghang (ORCID:0009000160016632)↗

MULTISTEP AND CONTINUOUS PHYSICS-INFORMED NEURAL NETWORK METHODS FOR LEARNING GOVERNING EQUATIONS AND CONSTITUTIVE RELATIONS

In this work, we investigate the applicability and relative merit of discrete and continuous versions of physics-informed neural network (PINN) methods for learning unknown governing equations or constitutive relations in a nonlinear dynamical system. In the case of unknown dynamics, entire right-hand-side (RHS) equations of the ordinary differential equations are unknown. In the case of unknown constitutive relations, however, the RHS equations are known up to the specification of constitutive relations (that may depend on the state of the system). We use a deep neural network to model unknown governing equations or constitutive relations. The discrete PINN approach combines classical multistep discretization methods for dynamical systems with neural-network-based machine learning methods. On the other hand, the continuous versions utilize deep neural networks to minimize the residual function for the continuous governing equations. We use the case of a fedbatch bioreactor system to study the effectiveness of these approaches and discuss conditions for their applicability. Our results indicate that the accuracy of the trained neural network models is much higher for the cases where we only have to learn a constitutive relation instead of all dynamics. This finding corroborates the well-known fact from scientific computing that building as much structural information as is available into an algorithm can enhance its efficiency and/or accuracy.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Enhancement of Distribution System State Estimation Using Pruned Physics-Aware Neural Networks

Realizing complete observability in the three-phase distribution system remains a challenge that hinders the implementation of classic state estimation algorithms. In this paper, a new method, called the pruned physics-aware neural network (P2N2), is developed to improve the voltage estimation accuracy in the distribution system. The method relies on the physical grid topology, which is used to design the connections between different hidden layers of a neural network model. To verify the proposed method, a numerical simulation based on one- year smart meter data of load consumptions for three-phase power flow is developed to generate the measurement and voltage state data. The IEEE 123-node system is selected as the test network to benchmark the proposed algorithm against the classic weighted least squares (WLS). Numerical results show that P2N2 outperforms WLS in terms of data redundancy and estimation accuracy.

distribution system state estimation↗

Physics-informed neural networks for inverse problems in nano-optics and metamaterials

In this paper, we employ the emerging paradigm of physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) for the solution of representative inverse scattering problems in photonic metamaterials and nano-optics technologies. In particular, we successfully apply mesh-free PINNs to the difficult task of retrieving the effective permittivity parameters of a number of finite-size scattering systems that involve many interacting nanostructures as well as multi-component nanoparticles. Our methodology is fully validated by numerical simulations based on the finite element method (FEM). The development of physics-informed deep learning techniques for inverse scattering can enable the design of novel functional nanostructures and significantly broaden the design space of metamaterials by naturally accounting for radiation and finite-size effects beyond the limitations of traditional effective medium theories.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN) Prediction of Mixed Mass-Heat-Crystallization Limited Methane Hydrate Formation and Dissociation in Micro-Confinement

The creation and use of Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) for simulating the dynamics of methane hydrate formation and dissociation will be presented. The PINN framework's main benefit is its capacity to impose physical consistency with only a partial comprehension of the governing equations. This makes the algorithm especially useful for systems with little experimental evidence or a lack of theoretical knowledge. A strong basis for forecasting methane hydrate behavior over the verified operating ranges of 30.0-80.9 bar pressure and 1.0-4.0 K sub-cooling conditions is provided by the combination of conductive heat transfer equations and mixed mass-transfer–crystallization kinetics. PINNs were more accurate at predicting the mixed mass-heat-crystallization limited kinetics than conventional Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), demonstrating remarkable predictive accuracy for methane hydrate production over the ANN model. The efficiency of incorporating physical limitations from first principles into machine learning frameworks for methane hydrate crystallizations is reinforced by these findings. For hydrate-related applications in energy generation, carbon sequestration, and climate modelling, our study establishes PINNs as a computational tool that is both scalable and efficient. The proven capacity to close the gap between conventional physics-based simulations and solely data-driven models creates new opportunities for expedited hydrate research and practical applications.

Hartman, Ryan L [NYU Tandon School of Engineering]↗

Enhancement of Distribution System State Estimation Using Pruned Physics-Aware Neural Networks: Preprint

Realizing complete observability in the three-phase distribution system remains a challenge that hinders the implementation of classical state estimation algorithms. In this paper, a new method so-called pruned physics-aware neural network (P2N2) is developed to improve the voltage estimation accuracy in the distribution system. The method relies on the physical grid topology, which is used to design the connections between different hidden layers of a neural network model. To verify the proposed method, a numerical simulation based on one-year smart meter data of load consumptions for threephase power flow is developed to generate the measurement and voltage state data. The IEEE 123 node system is selected as the test network to benchmark the proposed algorithm against the classical weighted least squares (WLS). Numerical results show that P2N2 outperforms WLS, in terms of data redundancy and estimation accuracy.

distribution systems state estimation↗

Exact enforcement of temporal continuity in sequential physics-informed neural networks

The use of deep learning methods in scientific computing represents a potential paradigm shift in engineering problem solving. One of the most prominent developments is Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs), in which neural networks are trained to satisfy partial differential equations (PDEs). While this method shows promise, the standard version has been shown to struggle in accurately predicting the dynamic behavior of time-dependent problems. To address this challenge, methods have been proposed that decompose the time domain into multiple segments, employing a distinct neural network in each segment and directly incorporating continuity between them in the loss function of the minimization problem. In this work we introduce a method to exactly enforce continuity between successive time segments via a solution ansatz. This hard constrained sequential PINN (HCS-PINN) method is simple to implement and eliminates the need for any loss terms associated with temporal continuity. The method is tested for a number of benchmark problems involving both linear and non-linear PDEs. Examples include various first order time dependent problems in which traditional PINNs struggle, namely advection, Allen–Cahn, and Korteweg–de Vries equations. Furthermore, second and third order time-dependent problems are demonstrated via wave and Jerky dynamics examples, respectively. Notably, the Jerky dynamics problem is chaotic, making the problem especially sensitive to temporal accuracy. Finally, the numerical experiments conducted with the proposed method demonstrated superior convergence and accuracy over both traditional PINNs and the soft-constrained counterparts.

42 ENGINEERING↗