Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Data Digitization”

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 1,279 records · Page 71

2D/3D registration algorithm for lung brachytherapy

Purpose: A 2D/3D registration algorithm is proposed for registering orthogonal x-ray images with a diagnostic CT volume for high dose rate (HDR) lung brachytherapy. Methods: The algorithm utilizes a rigid registration model based on a pixel/voxel intensity matching approach. To achieve accurate registration, a robust similarity measure combining normalized mutual information, image gradient, and intensity difference was developed. The algorithm was validated using a simple body and anthropomorphic phantoms. Transfer catheters were placed inside the phantoms to simulate the unique image features observed during treatment. The algorithm sensitivity to various degrees of initial misregistration and to the presence of foreign objects, such as ECG leads, was evaluated. Results: The mean registration error was 2.2 and 1.9 mm for the simple body and anthropomorphic phantoms, respectively. The error was comparable to the interoperator catheter digitization error of 1.6 mm. Preliminary analysis of data acquired from four patients indicated a mean registration error of 4.2 mm. Conclusions: Results obtained using the proposed algorithm are clinically acceptable especially considering the complications normally encountered when imaging during lung HDR brachytherapy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Performance characterization of high quantum efficiency metal package photomultiplier tubes for time-of-flight and high-resolution PET applications

Purpose: Metal package photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) with a metal channel dynode structure have several advanced features for devising such time-of-flight (TOF) and high spatial resolution positron emission tomography (PET) detectors, thanks to their high packing density, large effective area ratio, fast time response, and position encoding capability. Here, we report on an investigation of new metal package PMTs with high quantum efficiency (QE) for high-resolution PET and TOF PET detector modules. Methods: The latest metal package PMT, the Hamamatsu R11265 series, is served with two kinds of photocathodes that have higher quantum efficiency than normal bialkali (typical QE ≈ 25%), super bialkali (SBA; QE ≈ 35%), and ultra bialkali (UBA; QE ≈ 43%). In this study, the authors evaluated the performance of the new PMTs with SBA and UBA photocathodes as a PET detector by coupling various crystal arrays. They also investigated the performance improvements of high QE, focusing in particular on a block detector coupled with a lutetium-based scintillator. A single 4 × 4 × 10 mm{sup 3} LYSO, a 7 × 7 array of 3 × 3 × 20 mm{sup 3} LGSO, a 9 × 9 array of 1.2 × 1.2 × 10 mm{sup 3} LYSO, and a 6 × 6 array of 1.5 × 1.5 × 7 mm{sup 3} LuYAP were used for evaluation. All coincidence data were acquired with a DRS4 based fast digitizer. Results: This new PMT shows promising crystal positioning accuracy, energy and time discrimination performance for TOF, and high-resolution PET applications. The authors also found that a metal channel PMT with SBA was enough for both TOF and high-resolution application, although UBA gave a minor improvement to time resolution. However, significant performance improvement was observed in relative low light output crystals (LuYAP) coupled with UBA. Conclusions: The results of this study will be of value as a useful reference to select PMTs for high-performance PET detectors.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Control And Optimization Modular Modeling Application For Nuclear Deployment

The purpose of the COMMAND code is to provide a flexible, scalable tool for use in developing, integrating, and testing the technologies necessary for achieving autonomous operations of advanced nuclear reactors. The code enables users to efficiently implement custom simulations and experiments by combining key methods from different software modules. These modules are focused on: modeling and simulation tools, such as nuclear simulation tools used for high-fidelity modeling (e.g., Reactor Excursion and Leak Analysis Program [RELAP5-3D] and Monte Carlo N-Particle [MCNP]); machine learning and optimization tools (e.g., anomaly detection and data-driven modeling techniques); advanced control in its digital, high-performance, and supervisory control forms (e.g., proportional integral derivative (PID) control and model predictive control (MPC); and integration with hardware through industrial communication protocols. To ensure flexibility and scalability, COMMAND was designed to be both modular—the software “pieces” all inherit from generic building blocks and can be combined and connected to create complicated simulations—and high performing—designed for parallel processing, enabling simulations and experiments to take advantage of multi-core computers, servers, and nodes. The code is written in the Python programming language due to the language's popularity, active community, and open-source and cross-platform nature. Maintaining consistency with other simulation tools used within the nuclear energy community, users implement simulations and experiments through text input files, which define components, parameters, connections, etc., through lines of text. Given that COMMAND is written in Python, these input files are native Python scripts, and so use the standard Python structure and formatting. This also enables users to take advantage of Python's extensive package library to develop custom capabilities for their specific use cases.

Faber, Jacob [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Ida↗

An ecological niche model to predict the geographic distribution of Haemagogus janthinomys, Dyar, 1921 a yellow fever and Mayaro virus vector, in South America

Yellow fever virus (YFV) has a long history of impacting human health in South America. Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emerging arbovirus of public health concern in the Neotropics and its full impact is yet unknown. Both YFV and MAYV are primarily maintained via a sylvatic transmission cycle but can be opportunistically transmitted to humans by the bites of infected forest dwelling Haemagogus janthinomys Dyar, 1921. To better understand the potential risk of YFV and MAYV transmission to humans, a more detailed understanding of this vector species’ distribution is critical. This study compiled a comprehensive database of 177 unique Hg . janthinomys collection sites retrieved from the published literature, digitized museum specimens and publicly accessible mosquito surveillance data. Covariate analysis was performed to optimize a selection of environmental (topographic and bioclimatic) variables associated with predicting habitat suitability, and species distributions modelled across South America using a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) approach. Our results indicate that suitable habitat for Hg . janthinomys can be found across forested regions of South America including the Atlantic forests and interior Amazon.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Tidal Energy Site Characterization East Forelands Alaska

During the summer field season in 2012, Benthic GeoScience Inc. (Benthic) mobilized under contract with Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) in order to conduct precise geospatial measurements of the seafloor accomplishing a preliminary Site Characterization Study for the ORPC East Forelands Tidal Energy Power Project. This study included a high-density bathymetric survey, acoustic reflective intensity imagery, and an assessment of the physical character of the ORPC East Forelands Tidal Energy Power Project environment. The Multibeam Echosounder (MBES) survey included a large area surrounding the East Forelands of Cook Inlet in the vicinity of Nikiski, Alaska. Included in this submission are the report for the East Forelands Site Characterization Study and the accompanying data from the survey as described below. The digital deliverables from this effort include: - Comprehensive Site Characterization Report (Format: PDF, Ver. 1.1, March 2013) - Comprehensive 3D Fledermaus Presentation (Format: SCENE, Ver. 1.1, March 2013) - Bathymetric Surface (Format: ASCVer. 1, March 2013) - Slope Gradient Surface (Format: ASCVer. 1, March 2013) - Comprehensive Acoustic Intensity Image (Format: TIF/TWFVer. 1, March 2013) - Geologic Seafloor Interpretation Surface (Format: ASCVer. 1.0, March 2013) - Comprehensive Google Earth Presentation (Format: KMZVer. 1.1, March 2013)

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Magnetic Diagnostics For Equilibrium Reconstruction And Realtime Plasma Control In NSTX-Upgrade

This paper describes aspects of magnetic diagnostics for realtime control in NSTX-U. The sensor arrangement on the upgraded center column is described. New analog and digital circuitry for processing the plasma current rogowski data are presented. An improved algorithm for estimating the plasma vertical velocity for feedback control is presented.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Carbon Monoxide Analyzer (CO-ANALYZER) Instrument Handbook

The N 2 O/CO analyzer uses LGR’s patented Off-axis ICOS technology, which employs a high-finesse optical cavity as the measurement cell. LGR’s technology has many proven advantages over conventional first-generation cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS) techniques. In brief, since the laser beam does not have to be resonantly coupled to the measurement cell, precise beam alignment is not critical. Mentors can disassemble the cell for cleaning (CAREFULLY) the front surface mirrors. Analyzers are relatively inexpensive and inherently robust thermally and mechanically. In addition, since LGR’s technology can record reliable absorption spectra over a far wider range of optical depths (absorbance values) than CRDS, LGR analyzers provide measurements over a much wider range of mixing ratios (gas concentrations). The N 2 O/CO analyzer includes an internal computer that sends real-time data to the local instrument computer through its digital (RS-232) output.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Neurogenesis Deep Learning: Extending deep networks to accommodate new classes

Neural machine learning methods, such as deep neural networks (DNN), have achieved remarkable success in a number of complex data processing tasks. These methods have arguably had their strongest impact on tasks such as image and audio processing – data processing domains in which humans have long held clear advantages over conventional algorithms. In contrast to biological neural systems, which are capable of learning continuously, deep artificial networks have a limited ability for incorporating new information in an already trained network. As a result, methods for continuous learning are potentially highly impactful in enabling the application of deep networks to dynamic data sets. Here, inspired by the process of adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus, we explore the potential for adding new neurons to deep layers of artificial neural networks in order to facilitate their acquisition of novel information while preserving previously trained data representations. Our results on the MNIST handwritten digit dataset and the NIST SD 19 dataset, which includes lower and upper case letters and digits, demonstrate that neurogenesis is well suited for addressing the stability-plasticity dilemma that has long challenged adaptive machine learning algorithms.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Advances in Modeling Capabilities for Critical Mineral Separation Technologies: A PrOMMiS Overview

This is an oral presentation at the TechConnect conference on the work developed by PrOMMiS. PrOMMiS builds on and extends capabilities developed within the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Institute for the Design of Advanced Energy Systems (IDAES), Integrated Platform, and Water Treatment Technoeconomic Assessment Platform (WaterTAP), which have been successfully leveraged by other Department of Energy research areas. The open-source toolkit facilitates validation, reproducibility, and accountability, allowing for easy extension of the framework to other systems. This talk presents an overview of the PrOMMiS capabilities, including unit model library, advances in thermophysical properties models, and capital cost libraries for simulation and optimization of mineral processing technologies. The PrOMMiS applications include (1) conceptual design and superstructure optimization for screening different process configurations and identifying promising technologies; (2) dynamic modeling and optimization to enable the creation of digital twins; (3) surrogate modeling tools to leverage data when predictive thermodynamic models are not currently available; (4) technical risk reduction via uncertainty quantification and robust optimization to identify process designs that are robust to process variability and uncertainties; and (5) deployment of uncertainty quantification tools to maximize knowledge gained from experimental campaigns, while reducing the number of experiments required

critical minerals and materials↗

WRS Capabilities Booklet [Slides]

WRS is the digital backbone of the Weapons Program—delivering trusted data assets, cyber-assured software and systems, and AI-enabling software—that transform insights into decisive action. We empower physicists, engineers, researchers, and scientists to think faster, act strategically, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving threat landscape. Our efforts ensure critical nuclear weapons data remains secure, accessible, and usable—supporting mission-critical work, informed decision making, and scientific advancement at LANL and across the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE).

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

Preliminary Plan to Inform Testing of a Heat Exchanger Test Article

This report presents a preliminary plan to guide the qualification testing of advanced heat exchanger (HX) components for nuclear-to-industrial heat transfer applications. The objective is to establish a defensible, physics-based methodology that integrates computational modeling, targeted experimentation, and in-service inspection considerations to demonstrate component performance and reliability under representative reactor conditions. The analysis identifies Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (SFR) and High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) systems as reference configurations in terms of temperature, pressure, and chemical environment. Within these operating envelopes, dominant degradation mechanisms— including creep–fatigue interaction, flow-induced vibration, corrosion, and diffusion-bond deterioration—were evaluated to define test requirements. A comprehensive computationalexperimental framework is proposed to support life prediction and qualification activities. The framework couples high-fidelity structural-mechanics, thermal-hydraulic, and fluid-structure interaction models with accelerated degradation testing to produce a traceable linkage between microstructural evolution, mechanical performance, and remaining useful life (RUL). The approach adheres to established Verification, Validation, and Uncertainty Quantification (VVUQ) standards (ASME V&V 10/20; NUREG-2152) and incorporates a digital-twin architecture for continuous model refinement through data assimilation. The plan further outlines testing methodologies, including pre-test analyses, test-loop design parameters, and sensor placement strategies that maximize information yield while maintaining mechanistic fidelity. Complementary sections describe in-service inspection (ISI), on-line monitoring (OLM), and structural-health-monitoring (SHM) techniques applicable to compact HX geometries typical of advanced reactors. Collectively, these activities establish the technical foundation for demonstrating 40-60-year equivalent service life of advanced heat exchangers in support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor and Integrated Energy Systems programs. The forthcoming phase will execute the defined pre-test analyses, initiate hardware fabrication, and implement the integrated testing campaign to validate the proposed qualification methodology.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

COLORS OF ELLIPTICALS FROM GALEX TO SPITZER

Multi-color photometry is presented for a large sample of local ellipticals selected by morphology and isolation. The sample uses data from the Galaxy Evolution Explorer ( GALEX ), Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), Two Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS), and Spitzer to cover the filters NUV , ugri , JHK and 3.6 μ m. Various two-color diagrams, using the half-light aperture defined in the 2MASS J filter, are very coherent from color to color, meaning that galaxies defined to be red in one color are always red in other colors. Comparison to globular cluster colors demonstrates that ellipticals are not composed of a single age, single metallicity (e.g., [Fe/H]) stellar population, but require a multi-metallicity model using a chemical enrichment scenario. Such a model is sufficient to explain two-color diagrams and the color–magnitude relations for all colors using only metallicity as a variable on a solely 12 Gyr stellar population with no evidence of stars younger than 10 Gyr. The [Fe/H] values that match galaxy colors range from −0.5 to +0.4, much higher (and older) than population characteristics deduced from Lick/IDS line-strength system studies, indicating an inconsistency between galaxy colors and line indices values for reasons unknown. The NUV colors have unusual behavior, signaling the rise and fall of the UV upturn with elliptical luminosity. Models with blue horizontal branch tracks can reproduce this behavior, indicating the UV upturn is strictly a metallicity effect.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

aosco (01)

As of 5 August, 2015, Los Gatos Research (LGR) CO/H2O/N2O analyzer instruments (COANALYZERs) were deployed in the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Aerial Facility (AAF), the third ARM Mobile Facility (AMF3) Aerosol Observing System (AOS), Eastern North Atlantic (ENA) AOS, and Mobile AOS (MAOS-C). The N2O/CO analyzer uses LGR’s patented Off-axis ICOS technology, which employs a high-finesse optical cavity as the measurement cell. LGR’s technology has many proven advantages over conventional first-generation cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS) techniques. In brief, since the laser beam does not have to be resonantly coupled to the measurement cell, precise beam alignment is not critical. Mentors can disassemble the cell for cleaning (CAREFULLY) the front surface mirrors. Analyzers are relatively inexpensive and inherently robust thermally and mechanically. In addition, since LGR’s technology can record reliable absorption spectra over a far wider range of optical depths (absorbance values) than CRDS, LGR analyzers provide measurements over a much wider range of mixing ratios (gas concentrations). The N2O/CO analyzer includes an internal computer that sends real-time data to the local instrument computer through its digital (RS-232) output.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Snow distribution patterns revisited: A physics-based and machine learning hybrid approach to snow distribution mapping in the sub-Arctic Supporting Data

Snow in the Arctic and sub-Arctic is highly variable at fine scales, with deep drifts and shallow scoured areas creating a complex pattern of snow on the landscape. This fine-scale variation in snow is driven primarily by landscape and vegetation properties. Some landscape features, such as river beds, will rapidly fill in with snow during the wintertime due to high winds, while shrubs will trap blowing snow, resulting in drifts. Meanwhile, snow will blow off of exposed areas, resulting in abnormally shallow snow. These complex interactions between wind, vegetation, and terrain are difficult to represent well with physically-based models, but machine learning techniques have shown promise in the past. Here, we propose a hybrid modeling approach, where we use machine learning derived snow pattern maps to inform SnowModel, a physically-based snow process model. We develop and test this technique at the Teller 27 Seward Peninsula NGEE-Arctic study site. This dataset includes 5 *.nc files of model inputs and outputs plus one user guide (*.pdf). We present the data we use to drive SnowModel (vegetation type, digital elevation model), the snow pattern maps used to inform SnowModel (Standardized Depth Values maps, Machine Learning Snow Distribution Pattern), and our machine learning, SnowModel, and Hybrid snow depth and snow water equivalent results. The Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments: Arctic (NGEE Arctic), a research effort to reduce uncertainty in Earth System Models by developing a predictive understanding of carbon-rich Arctic ecosystems and feedbacks to climate. NGEE Arctic was supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research. The NGEE Arctic project had two field research sites: 1) located within the Arctic polygonal tundra coastal region on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) and the North Slope near Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska and 2) multiple areas on the discontinuous permafrost region of the Seward Peninsula north of Nome, Alaska. Through observations, experiments, and synthesis with existing datasets, NGEE Arctic provided an enhanced knowledge base for multi-scale modeling and contributed to improved process representation at global pan-Arctic scales within the Department of Energy's Earth system Model (the Energy Exascale Earth System Model, or E3SM), and specifically within the E3SM Land Model component (ELM).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Public Key FPGA Software

The Public Key (PK) FPGA software performs asymmetric authentication using the 163-bit Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) on an embedded FPGA platform. A digital signature is created on user-supplied data, and communication with a host system is performed via a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus. Software includes all components necessary for signing, including custom random number generator for key creation and SHA-256 for data hashing.

Hymel, Ross↗

Development of a Wide Range Segmented Gamma Scanner for Measuring Radioactive Wastes Arising in the Chinese Nuclear Industry - 16261

There is a requirement to measure a variety of challenging radioactive waste forms generated by the Chinese nuclear industry. These range from low activity waste to high activity waste with a high content of Cs-137 and waste in high density 200 litre drums. This paper describes the design, development and testing of an updated and automated Wide Range Segmented Gamma Scanner (WR-SGS) specifically configured for Chinese nuclear industry radioactive waste measuring requirements. The instrument retains the capabilities of the original SGS developed by Parker and Martin at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and now widely used for radioactive waste assay. It also incorporates additional features to improve measurement efficiency and reduce cost. These features include continuous helical scanning of the waste drum, and separate lifting pillars to lift the detector and the transmission source. In place of a transmission source shutter mechanism, the source is placed in a shielded safe when not in use. The design also incorporates a variable aperture collimator, and tungsten filters that can be deployed for the measurement of high activity, high dose-rate drums. Updated motion control electronics, based on the use of a programed logic controller have been incorporated to address potential future obsolescence. The WR-SGS employs a 40% high purity Germanium detector with electro-mechanical cooling and state of the art digital spectroscopy counting electronics for gamma ray spectrum data acquisition. Testing of the unit has been performed with both point sources and rod sources, which are traceable to international standards. Typical test drums, each with six distributed re-entrant tubes and with different density matrices, have been employed with the rod sources to validate both the calibration and the measurement performance of the WR-SGS for drums of different density. The measurement results have been compared with the reference decay corrected activity values and very good agreement is achieved, confirming the measurement performance of the instrument. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗