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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 19 records

Systems and Methods for Transfer Function Estimation Using Membership Functions

An apparatus, method, and computer program that can learn a linear or non-linear transfer function are disclosed. In one embodiment, for example, a computer-implemented method may include creating a plurality of combinations for at least one input, and calculating an output for the plurality of combinations. The method may also include calculating an error based on the calculated output.

Krasowski, Michael J↗

Comparison of Corcos-Based and Experimentally-Derived Coherence Factors for Buffet Forcing Functions Estimation

In this paper, high-spatial-resolution unsteady Pressure Sensitive Paint (uPSP) data are utilized to compare two methods for panel Buffet Forcing Functions (BFF) estimation for the Space Launch System (SLS). Such methods are based on discrete pressure measurements within a panel but employ coherence factors to account for partially-correlated fluctuating pressures across the whole panel. In one method, coherence factors are derived based on the Corcos model, whereas the second method utilizes experimentally-derived coherence factors. To simulate discrete measurements using uPSP data, suitable subsets of the data are extracted. When full uPSP resolution is retained, uPSP data provide a benchmark to assess discrete-measurements-based methods. The analysis focuses on the peak SLS buffet environment located downstream of the Forward Attachment Hardware (FAH) between the core stage and solid rocket boosters. Trends of Corcos-based and experimentally-derived coherence factors are in reasonable agreement with the benchmark. However, at certain frequencies, experimentally-derived coherence factors are sensitive to the separation distance between pressure measurements utilized to compute coherence lengths. Such sensitivity originates from deviation of the experimental-based coherence function from an exponential decay assumption. On the other hand, the present implementation of the Corcos model fails to capture certain nonturbulent boundary layer related environments, such as a subharmonic of FAH vortex-shedding. For all methods presented in this paper, at near transonic conditions, increased pressure coherence and spatial nonuniformity lead to BFF overestimation and sensitivity to the pressure measurement location within the panel.

buffet↗

Comparison of Corcos-Based and Experimentally-Derived Coherence Factors for Buffet Forcing Function Estimation

In this paper, high-spatial-resolution unsteady Pressure Sensitive Paint (uPSP) data are utilized to compare two methods for panel Buffet Forcing Function (BFF) estimation for the Space Launch System (SLS). Such methods are based on discrete pressure measurements within a panel but employ coherence factors to account for partially-correlated fluctuating pressures across the whole panel. In one method, coherence factors are derived based on the Corcos model, whereas the second method utilizes experimentally-derived coherence factors. To simulate discrete measurements using uPSP data, suitable subsets of the data are extracted. When full uPSP resolution is retained, uPSP data provide a benchmark to assess discrete-measurement-based methods. The analysis focuses on the peak SLS buffet environment located downstream of the Forward Attachment Hardware (FAH) between the core stage and solid rocket boosters. Trends of Corcos-based and experimentally-derived coherence factors are in reasonable agreement with the benchmark. However, at certain frequencies, experimentally-derived coherence factors are sensitive to the separation distance between pressure measurements utilized to compute coherence lengths. Such sensitivity originates from deviation of the experimentally-based coherence function from an exponential decay assumption. On the other hand, the present implementation of the Corcos model fails to capture certain nonturbulent boundary layer related environments, such as a subharmonic of FAH vortex-shedding. For all methods presented in this paper, at near transonic conditions, increased pressure coherence and spatial nonuniformity lead to BFF overestimation and sensitivity to the pressure measurement location within the panel.

transonic buffet↗

On-Orbit Line Spread Function Estimation of the SNPP VIIRS Imaging System from Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge Images

The visible infrared imaging radiometer suite (VIIRS) instrument was launched 28 October 2011 onboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) satellite. The VIIRS instrument is a whiskbroom system with 22 spectral and thermal bands split between 16 moderate resolution bands (M-bands), five imagery resolution bands (I-bands) and a day-night band. In this study we estimate the along-scan line spread function (LSF) of the I-bands and M-bands based on measurements performed on images of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge. In doing so we develop a model for the LSF that closely matches the prelaunch laboratory measurements. We utilize VIIRS images co-geolocated with a Landsat TM image to precisely locate the bridge linear feature in the VIIRS images as a linear best fit to a straight line. We then utilize non-linear optimization to compute the best fit equation of the VIIRS image measurements in the vicinity of the bridge to the developed model equation. From the found parameterization of the model equation we derive the full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) as an approximation of the sensor field of view (FOV) for all bands, and compare these on-orbit measured values with prelaunch laboratory results.

Tilton, James C.↗

Quasi-Newton methods for parameter estimation in functional differential equations

A state-space approach to parameter estimation in linear functional differential equations is developed using the theory of linear evolution equations. A locally convergent quasi-Newton type algorithm is applied to distributed systems with particular emphasis on parameters that induce unbounded perturbations of the state. The algorithm is computationally implemented on several functional differential equations, including coefficient and delay estimation in linear delay-differential equations.

Brewer, Dennis W.↗

Fuzzy learning under and about an unfamiliar fuzzy teacher

This study addresses the problem of optimal parametric learning in unfamiliar fuzzy environments. Prior studies in the domain of unfamiliar environments, which employed either crisp or fuzzy approaches to model the uncertainty or imperfectness of the learning environment, assumed that the training sample labels provided by the unfamiliar teacher were crisp, even if not perfect. Here, the more realistic problem of fuzzy learning under an unfamiliar teacher who provides only fuzzy (instead of crisp) labels, is tackled by expanding the previously defined fuzzy membership concepts to include an additional component representative of the fuzziness of the teacher. The previously studied scenarios, namely, crisp and fuzzy learning under (crisp) unfamiliar teacher, can be looked upon as special cases of this new methodology. As under the earlier studies, the estimated membership functions can then be deployed during the ensuing classification decision phase to judiciously take into account the imperfectness of the learning environment. The study also offers some insight into the properties of several of these fuzzy membership function estimators by examining their behavior under certain specific scenarios.

Dasarathy, Belur V.↗

Development of confidence limits by pivotal functions for estimating software reliability

The utility of pivotal functions is established for assessing software reliability. Based on the Moranda geometric de-eutrophication model of reliability growth, confidence limits for attained reliability and prediction limits for the time to the next failure are derived using a pivotal function approach. Asymptotic approximations to the confidence and prediction limits are considered and are shown to be inadequate in cases where only a few bugs are found in the software. Departures from the assumed exponentially distributed interfailure times in the model are also investigated. The effect of these departures is discussed relative to restricting the use of the Moranda model.

Dotson, Kelly J.↗

Identification of boiler inlet transfer functions and estimation of system parameters

An iterative computer method is described for identifying boiler transfer functions using frequency response data. An objective penalized performance measure and a nonlinear minimization technique are used to cause the locus of points generated by a transfer function to resemble the locus of points obtained from frequency response measurements. Different transfer functions can be tried until a satisfactory empirical transfer function of the system is found. To illustrate the method, some examples and some results from a study of a set of data consisting of measurements of the inlet impedance of a single tube forced flow boiler with inserts are given.

Miles, J. H.↗

Transfer-function-parameter estimation from frequency response data: A FORTRAN program

A FORTRAN computer program designed to fit a linear transfer function model to given frequency response magnitude and phase data is presented. A conjugate gradient search is used that minimizes the integral of the absolute value of the error squared between the model and the data. The search is constrained to insure model stability. A scaling of the model parameters by their own magnitude aids search convergence. Efficient computer algorithms result in a small and fast program suitable for a minicomputer. A sample problem with different model structures and parameter estimates is reported.

Seidel, R. C.↗

Earth System Model Parameter Adjustment Using a Green's Functions Approach

We demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of using a Green's functions estimation approach for adjusting uncertain parameters in an Earth system model (ESM). This estimation approach has previously been applied to an intermediate-complexity climate model and to individual ESM components, e.g., ocean, sea ice, or carbon cycle components. Here, the Green's functions approach is applied to a state-of-the-art ESM that comprises a global atmosphere/land configuration of the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) coupled to an ocean and sea ice configuration of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model (MITgcm). Horizontal grid spacing is approximately 110 km for GEOS and 37–110 km for MITgcm. In addition to the reference GEOS-MITgcm simulation, we carried out a series of model sensitivity experiments, in which 20 uncertain parameters are perturbed. These “control” parameters can be used to adjust sea ice, microphysics, turbulence, radiation, and surface schemes in the coupled simulation. We defined eight observational targets: sea ice fraction, net surface shortwave radiation, downward longwave radiation, near-surface temperature, sea surface temperature, sea surface salinity, and ocean temperature and salinity at 300 m. We applied the Green's functions approach to optimize the values of the 20 control parameters so as to minimize a weighted least-squares distance between the model and the eight observational targets. The new experiment with the optimized parameters resulted in a total cost reduction of 9 % relative to a simulation that had already been adjusted using other methods. The optimized experiment attained a balanced cost reduction over most of the observational targets. We also report on results from a set of sensitivity experiments that are not used in the final optimized simulation but helped explore options and guided the optimization process. These experiments include an assessment of sensitivity to the number of control parameters and to the selection of observational targets and weights in the cost function. Based on these sensitivity experiments, we selected a specific definition for the cost function. The sensitivity experiments also revealed a decreasing overall cost as the number of control variables was increased. In summary, we recommend using the Green's functions estimation approach as an additional fine-tuning step in the model development process. The method is not a replacement for modelers' experience in choosing and adjusting sensitive model parameters. Instead, it is an additional practical and effective tool for carrying out final adjustments of uncertain ESM parameters.

Green's Function↗

On Schmidt's Vm estimator and other estimators of luminosity functions

Schmidt's (1968) estimator, sometimes used to calculate the luminosity function from a complete sample of observed objects, can be generalized naively to the case in which the maximum distance for detection is a function of the direction. Though unbiased, this estimator then does not have minimum variance and, in some cases, is inferior to the classical estimator. The classical estimator, however, is biased when the magnitude boxes are not infinitesimal. A generalization of Schmidt's estimator is proposed which is unbiased and usually superior to both Schmidt's and the classical estimator. Variance formulas and numerical examples are given. The results can be used in combining several catalogs.

Felten, J. E.↗

Error latency estimation using functional fault modeling

A complete modeling of faults at gate level for a fault tolerant computer is both infeasible and uneconomical. Functional fault modeling is an approach where units are characterized at an intermediate level and then combined to determine fault behavior. The applicability of functional fault modeling to the FTMP is studied. Using this model a forecast of error latency is made for some functional blocks. This approach is useful in representing larger sections of the hardware and aids in uncovering system level deficiencies.

Manthani, S. R.↗