Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Network topologies”

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 19 records

RivGraph: Automatic extraction and analysis of river and delta channel network topology

River networks sustain life and landscapes by carrying and distributing water, sediment, and nutrients throughout ecosystems and communities. At the largest scale, river networks drain continents through tree-like tributary networks. At typically smaller scales, river deltas and braided rivers form loopy, complex distributary river networks via avulsions and bifurcations.In order to model flows through these networks or analyze network structure, the topology, or connectivity, of the network must be resolved. Additionally, morphologic properties of each river channel as well as the direction of flow through the channel inform how fluxes travel through the network’s channels. Riv Graphis a Python package that automates the extraction and characterization of river channel networks from a user-provided binary image, or mask, of a channel network (Fig. 1). Masks may be derived from (typically remotely-sensed) imagery, simulations, or even hand-drawn. RivGraph will create explicit representations of the channel network by resolving river centerlines as links, and junctions as nodes. Flow directions are solved for each link of the network without using auxiliary data, e.g., a digital elevation model (DEM). Morphologic properties are computed as well, including link lengths, widths, sinuosities, branching angles,and braiding indices. If provided,RivGraph will preserve georeferencing information of the mask and will export results as ESRI shapefiles, GeoJSONs, and GeoTIFFs for easy import into GIS software.RivGraph can also return extracted networks as networkx objects for convenient interfacing with the full-featured networkx package (Hagberg et al., 2008). Finally, RivGraph offers a suite of topologic metrics that were specifically designed for river channel network analysis (Tejedor et al., 2015b).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Optimal environmental and economic performance trade-offs for fifth generation district heating and cooling network topologies with waste heat recovery

Network topology greatly influences both the economic and environmental performance of fifth generation district heating and cooling (5GDHC) systems. In this study the optimal trade-offs between the environmental and economic performance of 5GDHC network topologies for a five-building district with waste heat recovery were explored. A life cycle assessment method was used to calculate the total life cycle CO 2 emissions (LCCO2) associated with the installation and operation of various network topologies. Twelve months of empirical data from a data center cooling system were analyzed to assess its suitability for integration into a 5GDHC system. The most suitable method for utilizing this waste heat was selected based on the ambient loop warm pipe setpoint, waste heat temperature, and district energy system configuration. A multi-objective optimization algorithm was used to select the 5GDHC network topology that provided the optimal trade-off between LCCO2 and life cycle cost (LCC). A trade-off parameter was employed to weigh the importance of each objective in the selection process. The results showed waste heat from the data center was suitable for integration into the 5GDHC system due to its availability and consistent temperature profile. When return temperatures of 25 °C or higher were available from the liquid-cooled system, direct pre-heating of the ambient loop warm pipe was found to be the most effective waste heat integration method. The selection of the network topology that provided the optimal trade-off between LCCO2 and LCC (optimal trade-off topology) was highly dependent on factors such as fuel prices, CO 2 prices, electricity CO 2 emissions factors, availability of waste heat, embodied CO 2 emissions associated with network installation and network infrastructure costs. Optimal trade-off topologies produced substantial LCCO2 reductions relative to corresponding LCC increases. LCCO2 reduction to LCC increase ratios from 5.78 to 117.79 were identified with CO 2 offset costs ranging from 4.77 to 60.08 ($/tCO 2 e).

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Optimal Network-Topology Design

Candidate network designs tested for acceptability and cost. Optimal Network Topology Design computer program developed as part of study on topology design and analysis of performance of Space Station Information System (SSIS) network. Uses efficient algorithm to generate candidate network designs consisting of subsets of set of all network components, in increasing order of total costs and checks each design to see whether it forms acceptable network. Technique gives true cost-optimal network and particularly useful when network has many constraints and not too many components. Program written in PASCAL.

Li, Victor O. K.↗

The reservoir network: A new network topology for district heating and cooling

Thermal district networks are effective solutions to substitute fossil fuels with renewable energy sources for heating and cooling. Moreover, thermal networking of buildings allows energy efficiency to be further increased. The waste heat from cooling can be reused for heating in thermal district systems. Because of bidirectional energy flows between prosumers, thermal networks require new hydraulic concepts. In this work, we present a novel network topology for simultaneous heating and cooling: the reservoir network. The reservoir network is robust in operation due to hydraulic decoupling of transfer stations, integrates heat sources and heat sinks at various temperature levels and is flexible in terms of network expansion. Furthermore, we used Modelica simulations to compare the new single-pipe reservoir network to a basecase double-pipe network, taking yearly demand profiles of different building types for heating and cooling. The electric energy consumed by the heat pumps and circulations pumps differs between the reservoir and base case networks by less than 1%. However, if the reservoir network is operated with constant instead of variable mass flow rate, the total electrical consumption can increase by 48% compared to the base case. As with any other network topology, the design and control of such networks is crucial to achieving energy efficient operation. Investment costs for piping and trenching depend on the district layout and dimensioning of the network. If a ring layout is applied in a district, the reservoir network with its single-pipe configuration is more economical than other topologies. For a linear layout, the piping costs are slightly higher for the reservoir network than for the base case because of larger pipe diameters.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Optimal Network Topology for Node-Breaker Representations With AC Power Flow Constraints

It has been demonstrated that network topology optimization (NTO) may change the topology of power system networks, and consequently, provide additional flexibility to reduce network congestion and violations. Most NTO problems are formulated based on the bus-branch model in which it is challenging to represent a realistic picture of all substation configurations. In this paper, we explore advantages of substation reconfiguration modeling based on node-breaker representations for NTO problem with full nonlinear alternating current power flow. It also proposes a tailored solution algorithm to solve this nonconvex mixed-integer nonlinear programming through the outer approximation method. The proposed solution approach iterates between a mixed-integer linear programming and a nonlinear subproblem. Additional enhancements to further accelerate the iteration process are illustrated. Numerical case studies demonstrate the relative economic and operational impact of optimal network topology with node-breaker representations.

42 ENGINEERING↗

A Comparison of Geographic Information Systems, Complex Networks, and Other Models for Analyzing Transportation Network Topologies

This report reviews six classes of models that are used for studying transportation network topologies. The report is motivated by two main questions. First, what can the "new science" of complex networks (scale-free, small-world networks) contribute to our understanding of transport network structure, compared to more traditional methods? Second, how can geographic information systems (GIS) contribute to studying transport networks? The report defines terms that can be used to classify different kinds of models by their function, composition, mechanism, spatial and temporal dimensions, certainty, linearity, and resolution. Six broad classes of models for analyzing transport network topologies are then explored: GIS; static graph theory; complex networks; mathematical programming; simulation; and agent-based modeling. Each class of models is defined and classified according to the attributes introduced earlier. The paper identifies some typical types of research questions about network structure that have been addressed by each class of model in the literature.

Alexandrov, Natalia↗

Network Metamodeling: The Effect of Correlation Metric Choice on Phylogenomic and Transcriptomic Network Topology

We explore the use of a network meta-modeling approach to compare the effects of similarity metrics used to construct biological networks on the topology of the resulting networks. This work reviews various similarity metrics for the construction of networks and various topology measures for the characterization of resulting network topology, demonstrating the use of these metrics in the construction and comparison of phylogenomic and transcriptomic networks.

Network comparison Network topology Similarity met↗

Classification of data patterns using an autoassociative neural network topology

A diagnostic expert system based on neural networks is developed and applied to the real-time diagnosis of jet and rocket engines. The expert system methodologies are based on the analysis of patterns of behavior of physical mechanisms. In this approach, fault diagnosis is conceptualized as the mapping or association of patterns of sensor data to patterns representing fault conditions. The approach addresses deficiencies inherent in many feedforward neural network models and greatly reduces the number of networks necessary to identify the existence of a fault condition and estimate the duration and severity of the identified fault. The network topology used in the present implementation of the diagnostic system is described, as well as the training regimen used and the response of the system to inputs representing both previously observed and unknown fault scenarios. Noise effects on the integrity of the diagnosis are also evaluated.

Dietz, W. E.↗

Distributed Link Removal Using Local Estimation of Network Topology

In this paper, we consider the problem of network structure manipulation in the absence of information on the global network topology. In particular, the problem of removing some of links is investigated in order to slow or stop the spread of disease in a network while preserving its connectivity. Existing methods solve this combinatorial problem in a centralized manner and they require the global information of network structure. In this paper, we propose a distributed design algorithm to compute a suboptimal solution to this problem efficiently by mimicking gradient based method, namely by iteratively removing one or multiple links at a time from the network. Specifically, using matrix perturbation analysis we formulate an optimization problem involving the eigenvector associated with the largest eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix and whose solution is equal to a suboptimal solution to the original problem. This strategy also enables us to overcome the combinatorial issue of the problem. Distributed algorithms to estimate the eigenvector and to verify network’s connectivity are then proposed which facilitate us to solve the new optimization problem. In addition, topological insights into the proposed algorithm and optimality of its solution are also discussed. Lastly, the proposed distributed design method is demonstrated and evaluated via several numerical examples.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

ML-Based Power System Stability Assessment Considering Network Topology Changes: WECC 20,000+ Bus System Case Study

Modern power grids are fast-changing and thus require real-time monitoring and online stability assessment. With the rapid development of machine learning (ML) techniques, using data-driven models to provide fast and accurate estimations of power system stability marginal information, such as frequency nadir for frequency stability and critical clearing time (CCT) for transient stability, have become possible. However, despite the numerous research on ML-based methods for frequency nadir and CCT prediction, there is limited work on the impact of different network topology changes. Furthermore, most previous studies only focused on small or synthetic systems, and there is a lack of research on actual large power system models. In this paper, the above issues are addressed by studying the actual U.S. Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) system model with more than 20,000 buses. Massive simulations are conducted in PowerWorld Simulator to study the impact of various topology change scenarios on both frequency stability and transient stability. System operating information is extracted from the success dispatch cases of various network topologies to generate a comprehensive dataset for ML-based models. Two ML methods, random forest (RF) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network, are trained and tested for both frequency nadir prediction and CCT prediction. Test results have proven the models are capable of online stability assessment for large power networks such as the WECC system with sufficient accuracy.

critical clearing time↗

Detecting and diagnosing SSME faults using an autoassociative neural network topology

An effort is underway at the University of Tennessee Space Institute to develop diagnostic expert system methodologies based on the analysis of patterns of behavior of physical mechanisms. In this approach, fault diagnosis is conceptualized as the mapping or association of patterns of sensor data to patterns representing fault conditions. Neural networks are being investigated as a means of storing and retrieving fault scenarios. Neural networks offer several powerful features in fault diagnosis, including (1) general pattern matching capabilities, (2) resistance to noisy input data, (3) the ability to be trained by example, and (4) the potential for implementation on parallel computer architectures. This paper presents (1) an autoassociative neural network topology, i.e. the network input and output is identical when properly trained, and hence learning is unsupervised; (2) the training regimen used; and (3) the response of the system to inputs representing both previously observed and unkown fault scenarios. The effects of noise on the integrity of the diagnosis are also evaluated.

Ali, M.↗

Excited-State Electronic Properties in Zr-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks as a Function of a Topological Network

Molecular assemblies in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are reminiscent of natural light-harvesting (LH) systems and considered as emerging materials for energy conversion. Such applications require understanding the correlation between their excited-state properties and underlying topological net. Two chemically identical but topologically different tetraphenylpyrene (1,3,6,8-tetrakis(p-benzoicacid)pyrene; H4TBAPy)-based ZrIV MOFs, NU-901 (scu) and NU-1000 (csq), are chosen to computationally and spectroscopically interrogate the impact of topological difference on their excited-state electronic structures. Time-dependent density functional theory-computed transition density matrices for selected model compounds reveal that the optically relevant S1, S2, and Sn states are delocalized over more than four TBAPy linkers with a maximum exciton size of ~1.7 nm (i.e., two neighboring TBAPy linkers). Computational data further suggests the evolution of polar excitons (hole and electron residing in two different linkers); their oscillator strengths vary with the extent of interchromophoric interaction depending on their topological network. Femtosecond transient absorption (fs-TA) spectroscopic data of NU-901 highlight instantaneous spectral evolution of an intense S1 -> Sn transition at 750 nm, which diminishes with the emergence of a broad (580-1100 nm) induced absorption originating from a fast excimer formation. Although these ultrafast spectroscopic data reveal the first direct spectral observation of fast excimer formation (t = 2 ps) in MOFs, the fs-TA features seen in NU-901 are clearly absent in NU-1000 and the free H4TBAPy linker. Furthermore, transient and steady-state fluorescence data collected as a function of solvent dielectrics reveal that the emissive states in both MOF samples are electronically nonpolar; however, low-lying polar excited states may get involved in the excited-state decay processes in polar solvents. The present work shows that the topological arrangement of the linkers critically controls the excited-state electronic structures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Blockchain Secured Alternative to Mixed Routing / Non-Routing Nodes Wireless Sensor Network Topologies for Industrial Settings

Mesh networking of wireless sensors implies that individual sensor nodes will be able to communicate with neighboring nodes thereby forming a communication fabric. In the case of traditional wireless sensors, their radio frequency coverage – or RF footprint – is defined by the maximum separation distance between neighboring nodes while still achieving some level of, typically degrading from maximum, information transfer (throughput). Security issues arise in the situations where the sensor nodes are deployed near the physical boundary of an industrial site (edge nodes). In the more general case of the sensors relying on omnidirectional antennas, the edge nodes’ RF footprint may extend beyond the edge of the facility. If the edge nodes perform as routing nodes, then it may be possible for similar sensors/devices outside of the facility boundary to join the network. Here, while various schemes have been implemented to address this security issue, we report on the possibility of using blockchain for security of such edge nodes.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Inferring Quantum Network Topology Using Local Measurements

Statistical correlations that can be generated across the nodes in a quantum network depend crucially on its topology. However, this topological information might not be known a priori, or it may need to be verified. In this paper, we propose an efficient protocol for distinguishing and inferring the topology of a quantum network. We leverage entropic quantities-namely, the von Neumann entropy and the measured mutual information-as well as measurement covariance to uniquely characterize the topology. We show that the entropic quantities are sufficient to distinguish two networks that prepare GHZ states. Moreover, if qubit measurements are available, both entropic quantities and covariance can be used to infer the network topology without state-preparation assumptions. We show that the protocol can be entirely robust to noise and can be implemented via quantum variational optimization. Numerical experiments on both classical simulators and quantum hardware show that covariance is generally more reliable for accurately and efficiently inferring the topology, whereas entropy-based methods are often better at identifying the absence of entanglement in the low-shot regime.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Transportation Network Topologies

The existing U.S. hub-and-spoke air transportation system is reaching saturation. Major aspects of the current system, such as capacity, safety, mobility, customer satisfaction, security, communications, and ecological effects, require improvements. The changing dynamics - increased presence of general aviation, unmanned autonomous vehicles, military aircraft in civil airspace as part of homeland defense - contributes to growing complexity of airspace. The system has proven remarkably resistant to change. NASA Langley Research Center and the National Institute of Aerospace conducted a workshop on Transportation Network Topologies on 9-10 December 2003 in Williamsburg, Virginia. The workshop aimed to examine the feasibility of traditional methods for complex system analysis and design as well as potential novel alternatives in application to transportation systems, identify state-of-the-art models and methods, conduct gap analysis, and thus to lay a foundation for establishing a focused research program in complex systems applied to air transportation.

Alexandrov, Natalia↗

Microphase-Separated Morphologies and Molecular Network Topologies in Multiblock Copolymer Gels

Strong physical gels derived from thermoplastic elastomeric ABA triblock copolymers solvated with a midblock-selective oil continue to find use in increasingly diverse applications requiring highly elastic and mechanically robust soft materials with tunable properties. Here, in this study, we first investigate the morphological characteristics of thermoplastic elastomer gels (TPEGs) derived from a homologous series of linear A(BA) n multiblock copolymers composed of styrene and hydrogenated isoprene repeat units and possessing comparable molecular weight but varying in the number of B-blocks: 1 (triblock), 2 (pentablock), and 3 (heptablock). Small-angle X-ray scattering performed at ambient temperature confirms that (i) increasing hydrogenation reduces the microdomain periodicity of the neat copolymers and (ii) increasing the oil concentration of the TPEGs tends to swell the nanostructure (increasing the periodicity), but concurrently decreases the size of the styrenic micelles, to different extents depending on the molecular architecture. Complementary dissipative particle dynamics simulations reveal the level to which midblock bridging, which is primarily responsible for the elasticity in this class of materials, is influenced by both oil concentration and molecular architecture. Since constrained topological complexity increases with increasing block number, we introduce a midblock conformation index that facilitates systematic classification of the different topologies involved in nearest-micelle bridge formation. Lastly, those possessing at least one bridged and one looped midblock with no dangling ends are found to be the most predominant topologies in the pentablock and heptablock networks.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗