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Results for “A priori error analysis”

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 19 records

A priori error analysis of high-order LL* (FOSLL*) finite element methods

A number of non-standard finite element methods have been proposed in recent years, each of which derives from a specific class of PDE-constrained norm minimization problems. The most notable examples are LL* methods. In this work, we argue that all high-order methods in this class should be expected to deliver substandard uniform h-refinement convergence rates. In fact, one may not even see rates proportional to the polynomial order p > 1 when the exact solution is a constant function. Here, we show that the convergence rate is limited by the regularity of an extraneous Lagrange multiplier variable which naturally appears via a saddle-point analysis. In turn, limited convergence rates appear because the regularity of this Lagrange multiplier is determined, in part, by the geometry of the domain. Numerical experiments support our conclusions.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Domain decomposition and multiscale mortar mixed finite element methods for linear elasticity with weak stress symmetry

Two non-overlapping domain decomposition methods are presented for the mixed finite element formulation of linear elasticity with weakly enforced stress symmetry. The methods utilize either displacement or normal stress Lagrange multiplier to impose interface continuity of normal stress or displacement, respectively. By eliminating the interior subdomain variables, the global problem is reduced to an interface problem, which is then solved by an iterative procedure. The condition number of the resulting algebraic interface problem is analyzed for both methods. A multiscale mortar mixed finite element method for the problem of interest on non-matching multiblock grids is also studied. It uses a coarse scale mortar finite element space on the non-matching interfaces to approximate the trace of the displacement and impose weakly the continuity of normal stress. A priori error analysis is performed. It is shown that, with appropriate choice of the mortar space, optimal convergence on the fine scale is obtained for the stress, displacement, and rotation, as well as some superconvergence for the displacement. Computational results are presented in confirmation of the theory of all proposed methods.

Mathematics↗

A Mixed Discontinuous Galerkin Method for Linear Elasticity with Strongly Imposed Symmetry

In this paper, we study a mixed discontinuous Galerkin (MDG) method to solve linear elasticity problem with arbitrary order discontinuous finite element spaces in d -dimension ( \(d=2,3\) ). This method uses polynomials of degree \(k+1\) for the stress and of degree k for the displacement ( \(k\ge 0\) ). The mixed DG scheme is proved to be well-posed under proper norms. Specifically, we prove that, for any \(k \ge 0\) , the \(H(\mathrm{div})\) -like error estimate for the stress and \(L^2\) error estimate for the displacement are optimal. We further establish the optimal \(L^2\) error estimate for the stress provided that the \({\mathcal {P}}_{k+2}-{\mathcal {P}}_{k+1}^{-1}\) Stokes pair is stable and \(k \ge d\) . Finally, we also provide numerical results of MDG showing that the orders of convergence are actually sharp.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

The Adjoint Petrov–Galerkin method for non-linear model reduction

Here, we formulate a new projection-based reduced-order modeling technique for non-linear dynamical systems. The proposed technique, which we refer to as the Adjoint Petrov–Galerkin (APG) method, is derived by decomposing the generalized coordinates of a dynamical system into a resolved coarse-scale set and an unresolved fine-scale set. A Markovian finite memory assumption within the Mori–Zwanzig formalism is then used to develop a reduced-order representation of the coarse scales. This procedure leads to a closed reduced-order model that displays commonalities with the adjoint stabilization method used in finite elements. The formulation is shown to be equivalent to a Petrov–Galerkin method with a non-linear, time-varying test basis, thus sharing some similarities with the Least-Squares Petrov–Galerkin method. Theoretical analysis examining a priori error bounds and computational cost is presented. Numerical experiments on the compressible Navier–Stokes equations demonstrate that the proposed method can lead to improvements in numerical accuracy, robustness, and computational efficiency over the Galerkin method on problems of practical interest. Improvements in numerical accuracy and computational efficiency over the Least-Squares Petrov–Galerkin method are observed in most cases.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Prediction challenge: First principles simulation of the ultrafast electron diffraction spectrum of cyclobutanone

Computer simulation has long been an essential partner of ultrafast experiments, allowing the assignment of microscopic mechanistic detail to low-dimensional spectroscopic data. However, the ability of theory to make a priori predictions of ultrafast experimental results is relatively untested. Herein, as a part of a community challenge, we attempt to predict the signal of an upcoming ultrafast photochemical experiment using state-of-the-art theory in the context of preexisting experimental data. Specifically, we employ ab initio Ehrenfest with collapse to a block mixed quantum–classical simulations to describe the real-time evolution of the electrons and nuclei of cyclobutanone following excitation to the 3s Rydberg state. The gas-phase ultrafast electron diffraction (GUED) signal is simulated for direct comparison to an upcoming experiment at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Laboratory. Following initial ring-opening, dissociation via two distinct channels is observed: the C3 dissociation channel, producing cyclopropane and CO, and the C2 channel, producing CH2CO and C2H4. Direct calculations of the GUED signal indicate how the ring-opened intermediate, the C2 products, and the C3 products can be discriminated in the GUED signal. We also report an a priori analysis of anticipated errors in our predictions: without knowledge of the experimental result, which features of the spectrum do we feel confident we have predicted correctly, and which might we have wrong?

Chemistry↗

Assessment and Verification of SLS Block 1-B Exploration Upper Stage State and Stage Disposal Performance

One of the SLS Navigation System's key performance requirements is a constraint on the payload system's delta-v allocation to correct for insertion errors due to vehicle state uncertainty at payload separation. The SLS navigation team has developed a Delta-Delta-V analysis approach to assess the effect on trajectory correction maneuver (TCM) design needed to correct for navigation errors. This approach differs from traditional covariance analysis based methods and makes no assumptions with regard to the propagation of the state dynamics. This allows for consideration of non-linearity in the propagation of state uncertainties. The Delta-Delta-V analysis approach re-optimizes perturbed SLS mission trajectories by varying key mission states in accordance with an assumed state error. The state error is developed from detailed vehicle 6-DOF Monte Carlo analysis or generated using covariance analysis. These perturbed trajectories are compared to a nominal trajectory to determine necessary TCM design. To implement this analysis approach, a tool set was developed which combines the functionality of a 3-DOF trajectory optimization tool, Copernicus, and a detailed 6-DOF vehicle simulation tool, Marshall Aerospace Vehicle Representation in C (MAVERIC). In addition to delta-v allocation constraints on SLS navigation performance, SLS mission requirement dictate successful upper stage disposal. Due to engine and propellant constraints, the SLS Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) must dispose into heliocentric space by means of a lunar fly-by maneuver. As with payload delta-v allocation, upper stage disposal maneuvers must place the EUS on a trajectory that maximizes the probability of achieving a heliocentric orbit post Lunar fly-by considering all sources of vehicle state uncertainty prior to the maneuver. To ensure disposal, the SLS navigation team has developed an analysis approach to derive optimal disposal guidance targets. This approach maximizes the state error covariance prior to the maneuver to develop and re-optimize a nominal disposal maneuver (DM) target that, if achieved, would maximize the potential for successful upper stage disposal. For EUS disposal analysis, a set of two tools was developed. The first considers only the nominal pre-disposal maneuver state, vehicle constraints, and an a priori estimate of the state error covariance. In the analysis, the optimal nominal disposal target is determined. This is performed by re-formulating the trajectory optimization to consider constraints on the eigenvectors of the error ellipse applied to the nominal trajectory. A bisection search methodology is implemented in the tool to refine these dispersions resulting in the maximum dispersion feasible for successful disposal via lunar fly-by. Success is defined based on the probability that the vehicle will not impact the lunar surface and will achieve a characteristic energy (C3) relative to the Earth such that it is no longer in the Earth-Moon system. The second tool propagates post-disposal maneuver states to determine the success of disposal for provided trajectory achieved states. This is performed using the optimized nominal target within the 6-DOF vehicle simulation. This paper will discuss the application of the Delta-Delta-V analysis approach for performance evaluation as well as trajectory re-optimization so as to demonstrate the system's capability in meeting performance constraints. Additionally, further discussion of the implementation of assessing disposal analysis will be provided.

Patrick, Sean↗

MUlti-SpEctral, MUlti-SpEcies, MUlti-SatEllite (MUSES) Retrieval Algorithm: Towards Extending Multi-Decadal NASA EOS Atmospheric Composition Data Records

Multi-Spectra, Multi-Species, Multi-Sensors (MUSES): Builds off of heritage from the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) optimal estimation (OE) algorithm to combine a priori and satellite data, including rigorous error analysis diagnostics and observation operators needed for trend analysis, climate model evaluation, and data assimilation; has generic design to incorporate forward model radiances from hyperspectral measurements from multiple sensors into the joint retrieval algorithm.

Fu, Dejian↗

A New Modeling Approach for a Priori Uncertainties of Laser Tracker Angle Measurements

Methods for modeling the uncertainty in laser tracker angle measurements vary within the metrology industry, leading to confusion and questionable stochastic modeling for survey network adjustments and error propagation analysis. Interpreting the published laser tracker manufacturer performance specifications to determine an a priori sigma value for weighting azimuth and zenith angle measurements can be confusing and has led to differing implementations. Furthermore, this paper proposes a unique way to model survey network a priori laser tracker angular uncertainties based on laser tracker manufacturers’ published maximum permissible error (MPE) values referenced to current standards for weighting survey network measurements. This paper’s proposed model takes into account the disparate effects that pointing errors, target centering errors, and leveling errors have on azimuth and zenith angular uncertainties for measurements with steep sightings and at near ranges.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Extensions of the space trajectories error analysis programs

A generalized covariance analysis technique which permits the study of the sensitivity of linear estimation algorithms to errors in a priori statistics has been developed and programed. Several sample cases are presented to illustrate the use of this technique. Modifications to the Simulated Trajectories Error Analysis Program (STEAP) to enable targeting a multiprobe mission of the Planetary Explorer type are discussed. The logic for the mini-probe targeting is presented. Finally, the initial phases of the conversion of the Viking mission Lander Trajectory Reconstruction (LTR) program for use on Venus missions is discussed. An integrator instability problem is discussed and a solution proposed.

Adams, G. L.↗

Eigenvalue error analysis of viscously damped structures using a Ritz reduction method

The efficient solution of the eigenvalue problem that results from inserting passive dampers with variable stiffness and damping coefficients into a structure is addressed. Eigenanalysis of reduced models obtained by retaining a number of normal modes augmented with Ritz vectors corresponding to the static solutions resulting from the load patterns introduced by the dampers has been empirically shown to yield excellent approximations to the full eigenvalue problem. An analysis of this technique in the case of a single damper is presented. A priori and a posteriori error estimates are generated and tested on numerical examples. Comparison theorems with modally truncated models and a Markov parameter matching reduced-order model are derived. These theorems corroborate the heuristic that residual flexibility methods improve low-frequency approximation of the system. The analysis leads to other techniques for eigenvalue approximation. Approximate closed-form solutions are derived that include a refinement to eigenvalue derivative methods for approximation. An efficient Newton scheme is also developed. A numerical example is presented demonstrating the effectiveness of each of these methods.

Chu, Cheng-Chih↗

Global Monitoring of Clouds and Aerosols Using a Network of Micro-Pulse Lidar Systems

Long-term global radiation programs, such as AERONET and BSRN, have shown success in monitoring column averaged cloud and aerosol optical properties. Little attention has been focused on global measurements of vertically resolved optical properties. Lidar systems are the preferred instrument for such measurements. However, global usage of lidar systems has not been achieved because of limits imposed by older systems that were large, expensive, and logistically difficult to use in the field. Small, eye-safe, and autonomous lidar systems are now currently available and overcome problems associated with older systems. The first such lidar to be developed is the Micro-pulse lidar System (MPL). The MPL has proven to be useful in the field because it can be automated, runs continuously (day and night), is eye-safe, can easily be transported and set up, and has a small field-of-view which removes multiple scattering concerns. We have developed successful protocols to operate and calibrate MPL systems. We have also developed a data analysis algorithm that produces data products such as cloud and aerosol layer heights, optical depths, extinction profiles, and the extinction-backscatter ratio. The algorithm minimizes the use of a priori assumptions and also produces error bars for all data products. Here we present an overview of our MPL protocols and data analysis techniques. We also discuss the ongoing construction of a global MPL network in conjunction with the AERONET program. Finally, we present some early results from the MPL network.

Welton, Ellsworth J.↗

Generalized Linear Covariance Analysis

We review and extend in two directions the results of prior work on generalized covariance analysis methods. This prior work allowed for partitioning of the state space into "solve-for" and "consider" parameters, allowed for differences between the formal values and the true values of the measurement noise, process noise, and a priori solve-for and consider covariances, and explicitly partitioned the errors into subspaces containing only the influence of the measurement noise, process noise, and a priori solve-for and consider covariances. In this work, we explicitly add sensitivity analysis to this prior work, and relax an implicit assumption that the batch estimator s anchor time occurs prior to the definitive span. We also apply the method to an integrated orbit and attitude problem, in which gyro and accelerometer errors, though not estimated, influence the orbit determination performance. We illustrate our results using two graphical presentations, which we call the "variance sandpile" and the "sensitivity mosaic," and we compare the linear covariance results to confidence intervals associated with ensemble statistics from a Monte Carlo analysis.

Carpenter, J. Russell↗

Attitude determination error analysis - General model and specific application

This paper presents a comprehensive approach to filter and dynamics modeling for attitude determination error analysis. The discussion includes models for both batch least-squares and sequential estimators, a specific dynamic model for attitude determination error analysis of a three-axis stabilized spacecraft equipped with strapdown gyros, and the incorporation of general attitude sensor observations. An analyst using this approach to perform an error analysis chooses a subset of the spacecraft parameters to be 'solve-for' parameters, which are to be estimated, and another subset to be 'consider' parameters, which are assumed to have errors but not to be estimated. The result of the error analysis is an indication of overall uncertainties in the 'solve-for' parameters, as well as the contributions of the various error sources to these uncertainties, including those of errors in the a priori 'solve-for' estimates, of measurement noise, of dynamic noise (also known as process noise or plant noise), and of 'consider' parameter uncertainties. The analysis of attitude, star tracker alignment, and gyro bias uncertainties for the Gamma Ray Observatory spacecraft provide a specific example of the use of a general-purpose software package incorporating these models.

Markley, F. Landis↗

The limits of direct satellite tracking with the Global Positioning System (GPS)

Recent advances in high precision differential Global Positioning System-based satellite tracking can be applied to the more conventional direct tracking of low earth satellites. To properly evaluate the limiting accuracy of direct GPS-based tracking, it is necessary to account for the correlations between the a-priori errors in GPS states, Y-bias, and solar pressure parameters. These can be obtained by careful analysis of the GPS orbit determination process. The analysis indicates that sub-meter accuracy can be readily achieved for a user above 1000 km altitude, even when the user solution is obtained with data taken 12 hours after the data used in the GPS orbit solutions.

Bertiger, W. I.↗

The limits of direct satellite tracking with GPS

Recent advances in high precision differential GPS-based satellite tracking can be usefully applied to the more conventional direct tracking of low earth satellites. To properly evaluate the limiting accuracy of direct GPS-based tracking, it is necessary to take full account of the correlations between the a priori errors in GPS states, Y-bias, and solar pressure parameters. These can be obtained by careful analysis of the GPS orbit determination process. When up-to-date assumptions are used in the analyses of GPS and user orbit solutions, it is found that submeter accuracy can be readily achieved for a user above 1000 km altitude, even when the user solution is obtained with data taken 12 hours after the data used in the GPS orbit solutions.

Bertiger, Willy I.↗

Distortion Representation of Forecast Errors for Model Skill Assessment and Objective Analysis

We proposed a novel characterization of errors for numerical weather predictions. In its simplest form we decompose the error into a part attributable to phase errors and a remainder. The phase error is represented in the same fashion as a velocity field and is required to vary slowly and smoothly with position. A general distortion representation allows for the displacement and amplification or bias correction of forecast anomalies. Characterizing and decomposing forecast error in this way has two important applications, which we term the assessment application and the objective analysis application. For the assessment application, our approach results in new objective measures of forecast skill which are more in line with subjective measures of forecast skill and which are useful in validating models and diagnosing their shortcomings. With regard to the objective analysis application, meteorological analysis schemes balance forecast error and observational error to obtain an optimal analysis. Presently, representations of the error covariance matrix used to measure the forecast error are severely limited. For the objective analysis application our approach will improve analyses by providing a more realistic measure of the forecast error. We expect, a priori, that our approach should greatly improve the utility of remotely sensed data which have relatively high horizontal resolution, but which are indirectly related to the conventional atmospheric variables. In this project, we are initially focusing on the assessment application, restricted to a realistic but univariate 2-dimensional situation. Specifically, we study the forecast errors of the sea level pressure (SLP) and 500 hPa geopotential height fields for forecasts of the short and medium range. Since the forecasts are generated by the GEOS (Goddard Earth Observing System) data assimilation system with and without ERS 1 scatterometer data, these preliminary studies serve several purposes. They (1) provide a testbed for the use of the distortion representation of forecast errors, (2) act as one means of validating the GEOS data assimilation system and (3) help to describe the impact of the ERS 1 scatterometer data.

Hoffman, Ross N.↗

Error Analysis for Discontinuous Galerkin Method for Parabolic Problems

In the proposal, the following three objectives are stated: (1) A p-version of the discontinuous Galerkin method for a one dimensional parabolic problem will be established. It should be recalled that the h-version in space was used for the discontinuous Galerkin method. An a priori error estimate as well as a posteriori estimate of this p-finite element discontinuous Galerkin method will be given. (2) The parameter alpha that describes the behavior double vertical line u(sub t)(t) double vertical line 2 was computed exactly. This was made feasible because of the explicitly specified initial condition. For practical heat transfer problems, the initial condition may have to be approximated. Also, if the parabolic problem is proposed on a multi-dimensional region, the parameter alpha, for most cases, would be difficult to compute exactly even in the case that the initial condition is known exactly. The second objective of this proposed research is to establish a method to estimate this parameter. This will be done by computing two discontinuous Galerkin approximate solutions at two different time steps starting from the initial time and use them to derive alpha. (3) The third objective is to consider the heat transfer problem over a two dimensional thin plate. The technique developed by Vogelius and Babuska will be used to establish a discontinuous Galerkin method in which the p-element will be used for through thickness approximation. This h-p finite element approach, that results in a dimensional reduction method, was used for elliptic problems, but the application appears new for the parabolic problem. The dimension reduction method will be discussed together with the time discretization method.

Kaneko, Hideaki↗