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At least 19 records

Graph-Based Dynamic Assignment Of Multiple Processors

Algorithm-to-architecture mapping model (ATAMM) is strategy minimizing time needed to periodically execute graphically described, data-driven application algorithm on multiple data processors. Implemented as operating system managing flow of data and dynamically assigns nodes of graph to processors. Predicts throughput versus number of processors available to execute given application algorithm. Includes rules ensuring application algorithm represented by graph executed periodically without deadlock and in shortest possible repetition time. ATAMM proves useful in maximizing effectiveness of parallel computing systems.

Hayes, Paul J.

DTS: Building custom, intelligent schedulers

DTS is a decision-theoretic scheduler, built on top of a flexible toolkit -- this paper focuses on how the toolkit might be reused in future NASA mission schedulers. The toolkit includes a user-customizable scheduling interface, and a 'Just-For-You' optimization engine. The customizable interface is built on two metaphors: objects and dynamic graphs. Objects help to structure problem specifications and related data, while dynamic graphs simplify the specification of graphical schedule editors (such as Gantt charts). The interface can be used with any 'back-end' scheduler, through dynamically-loaded code, interprocess communication, or a shared database. The 'Just-For-You' optimization engine includes user-specific utility functions, automatically compiled heuristic evaluations, and a postprocessing facility for enforcing scheduling policies. The optimization engine is based on BPS, the Bayesian Problem-Solver (1,2), which introduced a similar approach to solving single-agent and adversarial graph search problems.

Hansson, Othar

A Survey of Mathematical Structures for Lunar Networks

To sustain the current and increasing accessibility of space, a scalable communications infrastructure (i.e. the Solar System Internet, SSI) is necessary. The goal of this paper is to begin the discovery of the fundamental underlying mathematical structure of space networks to help the research community harness these structures for algorithm development and optimization. To ensure the applicability of the research, the approaches are considered through the lens of simulated scenarios inspired by the Artemis Back-to-the-Moon mission set for 2024. We note that any approach to an SSI must fit under the umbrella of Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN), due to celestial mobility, high link latencies, high variance in link latencies, disconnections, lack of end-to-end paths, and so on. These difficulties are exacerbated by the fact that the underlying structure of a space network is a time-evolving network and may experience multiple discontinuities in its topology. In this paper we propose several novel approaches to a mathematical foundation for Delay Tolerant Networking Theory that fall outside the traditional scope of temporal network theory. These techniques include methods from Topological Data Analysis, Dynamic Graph Analysis, Applied Algebraic Geometry, Probability Theory, and Game Theory. Some of these methods include tools adapted to the study of dynamic metric spaces, such as zigzag persistent homology and their higher parameter analogs. We find that several of these methods target desired engineering outcomes such as discovery and automatic sub-netting. While each approach is theoretical, they are also algorithmic in nature and offer immediate practical applications. The paper concludes with comparisons of the various methods along with suggestions for future work.

Delay tolerant networking

Vulnerability of dynamic systems

Directed graphs are associated with dynamic systems in order to determine in any given system if each state can be reached by at least one input (input reachability), or can each state reach at least one output (output reachability). Then, the structural perturbations of a dynamic system are identified as lines or points removals from the corresponding digraph, and a system is considered vulnerable at those lines or points of the digraph whose removal destroys its input or output reachability. A suitable framework is formulated for resolving the problems of reachability and vulnerability which applies to both linear and nonlinear systems alike.

Siljak, D. D.

Dynamic Load Balancing for Adaptive Computations on Distributed-Memory Machines

Dynamic load balancing is central to adaptive mesh-based computations on large-scale parallel computers. The principal investigator has investigated various issues on the dynamic load balancing problem under NASA JOVE and JAG rants. The major accomplishments of the project are two graph partitioning algorithms and a load balancing framework. The S-HARP dynamic graph partitioner is known to be the fastest among the known dynamic graph partitioners to date. It can partition a graph of over 100,000 vertices in 0.25 seconds on a 64- processor Cray T3E distributed-memory multiprocessor while maintaining the scalability of over 16-fold speedup. Other known and widely used dynamic graph partitioners take over a second or two while giving low scalability of a few fold speedup on 64 processors. These results have been published in journals and peer-reviewed flagship conferences.

Source record

Comment on the paper 'On the influx of small comets into the earth's upper atmosphere. I - Observations'

The observations of transient decreases or holes in the EUV dayglow reported by Frank et al. (1986) and attributed to an influx of small comets into the earth atmosphere are discussed critically. The techniques used in acquiring and analyzing the observational data are examined, and it is argued that the decreases are probably instrument artifacts. A critique of the geophysical basis of the comet hypothesis is also included. In a reply by Frank et al., the instrument-artifact argument is rejected, in part on the basis of the statistical properties of the holes observed. Additional observational data are presented in graphs and dynamics Explorer 1 images are analyzed in detail.

Chubb, T. A.

Thrust Augmentation Measurements for a Pulse Detonation Engine Driven Ejector

Thrust augmentation results of an ongoing study of pulse detonation engine driven ejectors are presented and discussed. The experiments were conducted using a pulse detonation engine (PDE) setup with various ejector configurations. The PDE used in these experiments utilizes ethylene (C2H4) as the fuel, and an equi-molar mixture of oxygen and nitrogen as the oxidizer at an equivalence ratio of one. High fidelity thrust measurements were made using an integrated spring damper system. The baseline thrust of the PDE engine was first measured and agrees with experimental and modeling results found in the literature. Thrust augmentation measurements were then made for constant diameter ejectors. The parameter space for the study included ejector length, PDE tube exit to ejector tube inlet overlap distance, and straight versus rounded ejector inlets. The relationship between the thrust augmentation results and various physical phenomena is described. To further understand the flow dynamics, shadow graph images of the exiting shock wave front from the PDE were also made. For the studied parameter space, the results showed a maximum augmentation of 40%. Further increase in augmentation is possible if the geometry of the ejector is tailored, a topic currently studied by numerous groups in the field.

Pal, S.

Multi Sector Planning Tools for Trajectory-Based Operations

This paper discusses a suite of multi sector planning tools for trajectory-based operations that were developed and evaluated in the Airspace Operations Laboratory (AOL) at the NASA Ames Research Center. The toolset included tools for traffic load and complexity assessment as well as trajectory planning and coordination. The situation assessment tools included an integrated suite of interactive traffic displays, load tables, load graphs, and dynamic aircraft filters. The planning toolset allowed for single and multi aircraft trajectory planning and data communication-based coordination of trajectories between operators. Also newly introduced was a real-time computation of sector complexity into the toolset that operators could use in lieu of aircraft count to better estimate and manage sector workload, especially in situations with convective weather. The tools were used during a joint NASA/FAA multi sector planner simulation in the AOL in 2009 that had multiple objectives with the assessment of the effectiveness of the tools being one of them. Current air traffic control operators who were experienced as area supervisors and traffic management coordinators used the tools throughout the simulation and provided their usefulness and usability ratings in post simulation questionnaires. This paper presents these subjective assessments as well as the actual usage data that was collected during the simulation. The toolset was rated very useful and usable overall. Many elements received high scores by the operators and were used frequently and successfully. Other functions were not used at all, but various requests for new functions and capabilities were received that could be added to the toolset.

Prevot, Thomas

Modeling Principles Using the Relation Between Lagrange Multipliers and Bond Graphs

Final document is attached. Modeling dynamic systems by bond graphs has become state of the art technology since hundreds of researchers around the world have incorporated the technology in many fields of engineering and science. The legacy of its invertor Prof. Henry Paynter at MIT in 1959 is now a fundamental and practical technique to understand reality by building computer models. This paper addresses a particular aspect of this technology when modeling of mechanical systems require relaxation of constraints by means of Lagrange principles. Lagrange's equations are a useful means of describing and solving systems with kinematic constraints. Lagrange multipliers are variables used in equations to find the extremes of multivariate functions. Here we explore the relation of Lagrange multipliers to solve modeling difficulties of a space vehicle with equations with dependent derivatives. Lagrange multipliers were used in conjunction with bond graphs to simulate a system where joints of kinematic linkages produce dependent derivatives. NASA's Morpheus Project lunar lander was used as a case study. The Morpheus Project is a terrestrial test vehicle designed to fly the terminal descent trajectory of a lunar lander to advance the Autonomous Landing Hazard Avoidance Technology (ALHAT). An objective of this study is to apply the modeling approach herein to capture the dynamic movement of the lander as the propellant is sloshed and consumed. This paper expands further the analysis presented by (Granda, J J. Nguyen, L, Carlson, T, Sahragard-Monfared, G., Fornalski, E., Brocker 2016). Using an automated approach bond graph models of state space equations were generated using the Computer Aided Modeling Program (CAMPG). Integral causality models and derivative causality models were considered in order to find the simpler solution for the mathematical dependencies produced in modeling this vehicle.

Granda, Jose J.

An Automated Method for Identifying Inconsistencies within Diagrammatic Software Requirements Specifications

The development of large-scale, composite software in a geographically distributed environment is an evolutionary process. Often, in such evolving systems, striving for consistency is complicated by many factors, because development participants have various locations, skills, responsibilities, roles, opinions, languages, terminology and different degrees of abstraction they employ. This naturally leads to many partial specifications or viewpoints. These multiple views on the system being developed usually overlap. From another aspect, these multiple views give rise to the potential for inconsistency. Existing CASE tools do not efficiently manage inconsistencies in distributed development environment for a large-scale project. Based on the ViewPoints framework the WHERE (Web-Based Hypertext Environment for requirements Evolution) toolkit aims to tackle inconsistency management issues within geographically distributed software development projects. Consequently, WHERE project helps make more robust software and support software assurance process. The long term goal of WHERE tools aims to the inconsistency analysis and management in requirements specifications. A framework based on Graph Grammar theory and TCMJAVA toolkit is proposed to detect inconsistencies among viewpoints. This systematic approach uses three basic operations (UNION, DIFFERENCE, INTERSECTION) to study the static behaviors of graphic and tabular notations. From these operations, subgraphs Query, Selection, Merge, Replacement operations can be derived. This approach uses graph PRODUCTIONS (rewriting rules) to study the dynamic transformations of graphs. We discuss the feasibility of implementation these operations. Also, We present the process of porting original TCM (Toolkit for Conceptual Modeling) project from C++ to Java programming language in this thesis. A scenario based on NASA International Space Station Specification is discussed to show the applicability of our approach. Finally, conclusion and future work about inconsistency management issues in WHERE project will be summarized.

Zhang, Zhong

Expert systems for automated maintenance of a Mars oxygen production system

Application of expert system concepts to a breadboard Mars oxygen processor unit have been studied and tested. The research was directed toward developing the methodology required to enable autonomous operation and control of these simple chemical processors at Mars. Failure detection and isolation was the key area of concern, and schemes using forward chaining, backward chaining, knowledge-based expert systems, and rule-based expert systems were examined. Tests and simulations were conducted that investigated self-health checkout, emergency shutdown, and fault detection, in addition to normal control activities. A dynamic system model was developed using the Bond-Graph technique. The dynamic model agreed well with tests involving sudden reductions in throughput. However, nonlinear effects were observed during tests that incorporated step function increases in flow variables. Computer simulations and experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of expert systems utilizing rule-based diagnosis and decision-making algorithms.

Huang, Jen-Kuang

Calculation of the lateral-dynamic stability of aircraft

Graphs and formulas are given with the aid of which all the aerodynamic coefficients required for computing the lateral dynamic stability can be determined. A number of numerical examples are given for obtaining the stability derivatives and solving the characteristic-stability equation. Approximate formulas are derived with the aid of which rapid preliminary computations may be made and the stability coefficients corrected for certain modifications of the airplane. A derivation of the lateral-dynamic-stability equations is included.

STABILITY, LATERAL - DYNAMIC

Graph Theory Roots of Spatial Operators for Kinematics and Dynamics

Spatial operators have been used to analyze the dynamics of robotic multibody systems and to develop novel computational dynamics algorithms. Mass matrix factorization, inversion, diagonalization, and linearization are among several new insights obtained using such operators. While initially developed for serial rigid body manipulators, the spatial operators and the related mathematical analysis have been shown to extend very broadly including to tree and closed topology systems, to systems with flexible joints, links, etc. This work uses concepts from graph theory to explore the mathematical foundations of spatial operators. The goal is to study and characterize the properties of the spatial operators at an abstract level so that they can be applied to a broader range of dynamics problems. The rich mathematical properties of the kinematics and dynamics of robotic multibody systems has been an area of strong research interest for several decades. These properties are important to understand the inherent physical behavior of systems, for stability and control analysis, for the development of computational algorithms, and for model development of faithful models. Recurring patterns in spatial operators leads one to ask the more abstract question about the properties and characteristics of spatial operators that make them so broadly applicable. The idea is to step back from the specific application systems, and understand more deeply the generic requirements and properties of spatial operators, so that the insights and techniques are readily available across different kinematics and dynamics problems. In this work, techniques from graph theory were used to explore the abstract basis for the spatial operators. The close relationship between the mathematical properties of adjacency matrices for graphs and those of spatial operators and their kernels were established. The connections hold across very basic requirements on the system topology, the nature of the component bodies, the indexing schemes, etc. The relationship of the underlying structure is intimately connected with efficient, recursive computational algorithms. The results provide the foundational groundwork for a much broader look at the key problems in kinematics and dynamics. The properties of general graphs and trees of nodes and edge were examined, as well as the properties of adjacency matrices that are used to describe graph connectivity. The nilpotency property of such matrices for directed trees was reviewed, and the adjacency matrices were generalized to the notion of block weighted adjacency matrices that support block matrix elements. This leads us to the development of the notion of Spatial Kernel Operator SKO kernels. These kernels provide the basis for the development of SKO resolvent operators.

Jain, Abhinandan

Method for concurrent execution of primitive operations by dynamically assigning operations based upon computational marked graph and availability of data

Computationally complex primitive operations of an algorithm are executed concurrently in a plurality of functional units under the control of an assignment manager. The algorithm is preferably defined as a computationally marked graph contianing data status edges (paths) corresponding to each of the data flow edges. The assignment manager assigns primitive operations to the functional units and monitors completion of the primitive operations to determine data availability using the computational marked graph of the algorithm. All data accessing of the primitive operations is performed by the functional units independently of the assignment manager.

Stoughton, John W.

HARP: A Dynamic Inertial Spectral Partitioner

Partitioning unstructured graphs is central to the parallel solution of computational science and engineering problems. Spectral partitioners, such recursive spectral bisection (RSB), have proven effecfive in generating high-quality partitions of realistically-sized meshes. The major problem which hindered their wide-spread use was their long execution times. This paper presents a new inertial spectral partitioner, called HARP. The main objective of the proposed approach is to quickly partition the meshes at runtime in a manner that works efficiently for real applications in the context of distributed-memory machines. The underlying principle of HARP is to find the eigenvectors of the unpartitioned vertices and then project them onto the eigerivectors of the original mesh. Results for various meshes ranging in size from 1000 to 100,000 vertices indicate that HARP can indeed partition meshes rapidly at runtime. Experimental results show that our largest mesh can be partitioned sequentially in only a few seconds on an SP2 which is several times faster than other spectral partitioners while maintaining the solution quality of the proven RSB method. A parallel WI version of HARP has also been implemented on IBM SP2 and Cray T3E. Parallel HARP, running on 64 processors SP2 and T3E, can partition a mesh containing more than 100,000 vertices into 64 subgrids in about half a second. These results indicate that graph partitioning can now be truly embedded in dynamically-changing real-world applications.

Simon, Horst D.

A Structural Design for an Externally Blown Flap (EBF) Medium STOL Research Aircraft

A computer program to predict, by reference to structural drawings, the dynamic response of a high lift STOL wing with externally blown flaps was developed. Structural data for the computer program are presented in the form of sketches, weight and dynamic loads information graphs, and tables for an external blown, triple-slotted flap, high lift STOL transport wing. Weight, mass distribution, and moment of inertia data are summarized in table form and presented pictorially by drawing layout. The methods used for obtaining weight data were: (1) actual know, weight of components, (2) preliminary stress sizing, and (3) statistical weight estimating methods.

Source record

A single-assignment language in a distributed memory multiprocessor

The implementation of the single-assignment programming language SISAL (McGraw et al., 1985) on a Symult 2010 parallel computer is described. The advantages of single-assignment languages over imperative languages in a multiprocessor environment are reviewed; the characteristics of SISAL are summarized; the program-graph generation and dynamic data partitioning procedures are explained; and the application of SISAL in constructing a concurrent iterative multigrid algorithm is discussed in detail and illustrated with diagrams.

Evripidou, P.