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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 1,477 records · Page 82

Did the GPU obfuscate the load imbalance in my MPI simulation?

The current proliferation of GPU-based HPC systems necessitates a method for assessing the performance of simulations on heterogeneous machines. The addition of GPUs to a system adds multiple hierarchical levels of parallelism to the node architecture. In this paper, we demonstrate that the traditional load imbalance metric is insufficient for capturing the load imbalance on GPU-based machines, since it treats the GPU as a monolithic entity and ignores the internal parallelism. We propose a new hierarchical metric that improves the correlation of measured performance and application workload by up to 20.61%. Using our metric for determining application load instead of the traditional metric as the input for the load balancing algorithm reduces the residual load imbalance by up to 4× in our application.

Eberius, David↗

Spherical Region Queries on Multicore Architectures

In this short paper, we report the performance of multiple thread-parallel algorithms for spherical region queries on multicore architectures motivated by a challenging data analytics application in materials science. Performances of two tree-based algorithms and a naive algorithm are compared to identify the length scales at which these approaches perform optimally. The optimal algorithm is then used to scale the driving materials science application, which is shown to deliver over 17X speedup using 32 OpenMP threads on data sets containing many millions of atoms.

Lu, Hao↗

A Riccati Solution for the Ideal MHD Plasma Response with Applications to Real-time Stability Control

To effectuate near real-time feedback control of ideal MHD instabilities in a tokamak geometry, a rapid solution for stability analysis is a prerequisite. Toward this end, we reformulate the δW stability method with a Hamilton-Jacobi theory, elucidating analytical and numerical features of the generic tokamak ideal MHD stability problem. The plasma response matrix is demonstrated to be the solution of an ideal MHD matrix Riccati differential equation (MRDE). Since Riccati equations are prevalent in the control theory literature, such a shift in perspective brings to bear a range of numerical methods that are well-suited to the robust, fast solution of control problems. We discuss the usefulness of Riccati techniques in solving the stiff ODEs often encountered in ideal MHD stability analyses-—for example, in tokamak edge and stellarator physics. We then demonstrate the applicability of such methods to an existing 2D ideal MHD stability code—DCON—enabling its parallel operation in near real-time. Output is shown to match with high accuracy, and with wall-clock time ≪ 1s. Such speed may help enable active feedback ideal MHD stability control, especially in tokamak plasmas whose ideal MHD equilibria evolve with inductive timescale τ > 1s-—as in ITER.

Parallel↗

Computing with Spikes: The Advantage of Fine-Grained Timing

Neural-inspired spike-based computing machines often claim to achieve considerable advantages in terms of energy and time efficiency by using spikes for computation and communication. However, fundamental questions about spike-based computation remain unanswered. For instance, how much advantage do spike-based approaches have over conventional methods, and under what circumstances does spike-based computing provide a comparative advantage? Simply implementing existing algorithms using spikes as the medium of computation and communication is not guaranteed to yield an advantage. Here, we demonstrate that spike-based communication and computation within algorithms can increase throughput, and they can decrease energy cost in some cases. We present several spiking algorithms, including sorting a set of numbers in ascending/descending order, as well as finding the maximum or minimum or median of a set of numbers. We also provide an example application: a spiking median-filtering approach for image processing providing a low-energy, parallel implementation. Furthermore, the algorithms and analyses presented here demonstrate that spiking algorithms can provide performance advantages and offer efficient computation of fundamental operations useful in more complex algorithms.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Development and Testing of CTF to Support Modeling of BWR Operating Conditions

This milestone supports developing and assessing COBRA-TF (CTF) for the modeling of boiling water reactors (BWRs). This is achieved in three stages. First, a new preprocessor utility that is capable of handling BWR-specic design elements (e.g., channel boxes and large water rods) is developed. A previous milestone (L3:PHI.CTF.P12.01) led to the development of this preprocessor capability for single assembly models. This current milestone expands this utility so that it is applicable to multi-assembly BWR models that can be modeled in either serial or parallel. The second stage involves making necessary modications to CTF so that it can execute these new models. Specically, this means implementing an outer-iteration loop, specic to BWR models, that equalizes the pressure loss over all assemblies in the core (which are not connected due to the channel boxes) by adjusting inlet mass ow rate. A third stage involves assessing the standard convergence metrics that are used by CTF to determine when a simulation is steady-state. The nal stage has resulted in the implementation of new metrics in the code that give a better indication of how steady the solution is at convergence. This report summarizes these eorts and provides a demonstration of CTF's BWR-modeling capabilities. CASL-U-2016-1030-000

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Coupled cluster theory on modern heterogeneous supercomputers

This study examines the computational challenges in elucidating intricate chemical systems, particularly through ab-initio methodologies. This work highlights the Divide-Expand-Consolidate (DEC) approach for coupled cluster (CC) theory—a linear-scaling, massively parallel framework—as a viable solution. Detailed scrutiny of the DEC framework reveals its extensive applicability for large chemical systems, yet it also acknowledges inherent limitations. To mitigate these constraints, the cluster perturbation theory is presented as an effective remedy. Attention is then directed towards the CPS (D-3) model, explicitly derived from a CC singles parent and a doubles auxiliary excitation space, for computing excitation energies. The reviewed new algorithms for the CPS (D-3) method efficiently capitalize on multiple nodes and graphical processing units, expediting heavy tensor contractions. As a result, CPS (D-3) emerges as a scalable, rapid, and precise solution for computing molecular properties in large molecular systems, marking it an efficient contender to conventional CC models.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

An Analytical Model for the Tension-Shear Coupling of Woven Fabrics with Different Weave Patterns under Large Shear Deformation

It is essential to accurately describe the large shear behavior of woven fabrics in the composite preforming process. An analytical model is proposed to describe the shear behavior of fabrics with different weave patterns, in which tension-shear coupling is considered. The coupling is involved in two parts, the friction between overlapped yarns and the in-plane transverse compression between two parallel yarns. By introducing the concept of inflection points of a yarn, the model is applicable for fabrics with different weave patterns. The analytical model is validated by biaxial tension-shear experiments. A parametric study is conducted to investigate the effects of external load, yarn geometry, and weave structure on the large shear behavior of fabrics. The developed model can reveal the physical mechanism of tension-shear coupling of woven fabrics. Moreover, the model has a high computational efficiency due to its explicit expressions, thus benefiting the material design process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Pattern recognition and control in manipulation

A new approach to the use of sensors in manipulator or robot control is discussed. The concept addresses the problem of contact or near-contact type of recognition of three-dimensional forms of objects by proprioceptive and/or exteroceptive sensors integrated with the terminal device. This recognition of object shapes both enhances and simplifies the automation of object handling. Several examples have been worked out for the 'Belgrade hand' and for a parallel jaw terminal device, both equipped with proprioceptive (position) and exteroceptive (proximity) sensors. The control applications are discussed in the framework of a multilevel man-machine system control. The control applications create interesting new issues which, in turn, invite novel theoretical considerations. An important issue is the problem of stability in control when the control is referenced to patterns.

Bejczy, A. K.↗

Formulation of consumables management models. Volume 1: Mission planning

Development of an STS (Space Transportation System) interactive computer program MPP (Mission Planning Processor) working model was conducted. A summary of the computer program development and those supporting tasks conducted is presented. Development of the MPP Computer Program is discussed. This development was supported by several parallel tasks. These tasks either directly supported the program development, or provided information for future application and/or modification to the program in relation to the flight planning and flight operations of the STS and advanced spacecraft. The supporting tasks also included development of a Space Station MPP to demonstrate the applicability of the analytical methods developed under this RTOP to more advanced spacecraft than the STS.

Torian, J. G.↗

Use of advanced computers for aerodynamic flow simulation

The current and projected use of advanced computers for large-scale aerodynamic flow simulation applied to engineering design and research is discussed. The design use of mature codes run on conventional, serial computers is compared with the fluid research use of new codes run on parallel and vector computers. The role of flow simulations in design is illustrated by the application of a three dimensional, inviscid, transonic code to the Sabreliner 60 wing redesign. Research computations that include a more complete description of the fluid physics by use of Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes and large-eddy simulation formulations are also presented. Results of studies for a numerical aerodynamic simulation facility are used to project the feasibility of design applications employing these more advanced three dimensional viscous flow simulations.

Bailey, F. R.↗

Modified Petri net model sensitivity to workload manipulations

Modified Petri Nets (MPNs) are investigated as a workload modeling tool. The results of an exploratory study of the sensitivity of MPNs to work load manipulations in a dual task are described. Petri nets have been used to represent systems with asynchronous, concurrent and parallel activities (Peterson, 1981). These characteristics led some researchers to suggest the use of Petri nets in workload modeling where concurrent and parallel activities are common. Petri nets are represented by places and transitions. In the workload application, places represent operator activities and transitions represent events. MPNs have been used to formally represent task events and activities of a human operator in a man-machine system. Some descriptive applications demonstrate the usefulness of MPNs in the formal representation of systems. It is the general hypothesis herein that in addition to descriptive applications, MPNs may be useful for workload estimation and prediction. The results are reported of the first of a series of experiments designed to develop and test a MPN system of workload estimation and prediction. This first experiment is a screening test of MPN model general sensitivity to changes in workload. Positive results from this experiment will justify the more complicated analyses and techniques necessary for developing a workload prediction system.

White, S. A.↗

Competitive Parallel Processing For Compression Of Data

Momentarily-best compression algorithm selected. Proposed competitive-parallel-processing system compresses data for transmission in channel of limited band-width. Likely application for compression lies in high-resolution, stereoscopic color-television broadcasting. Data from information-rich source like color-television camera compressed by several processors, each operating with different algorithm. Referee processor selects momentarily-best compressed output.

Diner, Daniel B.↗

A novel design for a hybrid space manipulator

Described are the structural design, kinematics, and characteristics of a robot manipulator for space applications and use as an articulate and powerful space shuttle manipulator. Hybrid manipulators are parallel-serial connection robots that give rise to a multitude of highly precise robot manipulators. These manipulators are modular and can be extended by additional modules over large distances. Every module has a hemispherical work space and collective modules give rise to highly dexterous symmetrical work space. Some basic designs and kinematic structures of these robot manipulators are discussed, the associated direct and inverse kinematics formulations are presented, and solutions to the inverse kinematic problem are obtained explicitly and elaborated upon. These robot manipulators are shown to have a strength-to-weight ratio that is many times larger than the value that is currently available with industrial or research manipulators. This is due to the fact that these hybrid manipulators are stress-compensated and have an ultralight weight, yet, they are extremely stiff due to the fact that force distribution in their structure is mostly axial. Actuation is prismatic and can be provided by ball screws for maximum precision.

Shahinpoor, MO↗

GRC RBCC Concept Multidisciplinary Analysis

This report outlines the GRC RBCC Concept for Multidisciplinary Analysis. The multidisciplinary coupling procedure is presented, along with technique validations and axisymmetric multidisciplinary inlet and structural results. The NPSS (Numerical Propulsion System Simulation) test bed developments and code parallelization are also presented. These include milestones and accomplishments, a discussion of running R4 fan application on the PII cluster as compared to other platforms, and the National Combustor Code speedup.

Suresh, Ambady↗

Support of Multidimensional Parallelism in the OpenMP Programming Model

OpenMP is the current standard for shared-memory programming. While providing ease of parallel programming, the OpenMP programming model also has limitations which often effect the scalability of applications. Examples for these limitations are work distribution and point-to-point synchronization among threads. We propose extensions to the OpenMP programming model which allow the user to easily distribute the work in multiple dimensions and synchronize the workflow among the threads. The proposed extensions include four new constructs and the associated runtime library. They do not require changes to the source code and can be implemented based on the existing OpenMP standard. We illustrate the concept in a prototype translator and test with benchmark codes and a cloud modeling code.

Jin, Hao-Qiang↗

Role of HPC in Advancing Computational Aeroelasticity

On behalf of the High Performance Computing and Modernization Program (HPCMP) and NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division (NAS) a study is conducted to assess the role of supercomputers on computational aeroelasticity of aerospace vehicles. The study is mostly based on the responses to a web based questionnaire that was designed to capture the nuances of high performance computational aeroelasticity, particularly on parallel computers. A procedure is presented to assign a fidelity-complexity index to each application. Case studies based on major applications using HPCMP resources are presented.

Guruswamy, Guru P.↗

Global Search and Trajectory Optimization in Interplanetary and Cislunar Space

This presentation describes active research and development in interplanetary and cislunar trajectory optimization and global search at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Two point and parallel direct shooting transcriptions are described, along with monotonic basin hopping and batch seed sharing. Applications to the Lucy mission are presented, as well as a variety of other interplanetary and cislunar examples.

Englander, Jacob↗