Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Semi-infinite optimization”

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.

Practical algorithms for multivariate rational approximation

We present two approaches for computing rational approximations to multivariate functions, motivated by their effectiveness as surrogate models for high-energy physics (HEP) applications. Our first approach builds on the Stieltjes process to efficiently and robustly compute the coefficients of the rational approximation. Our second approach is based on an optimization formulation that allows us to include structural constraints on the rational approximation (in particular, constraints demanding the absence of singularities), resulting in a semi-infinite optimization problem that we solve using an outer approximation approach. We present results for synthetic and real-life HEP data, and we compare the approximation quality of our approaches with that of traditional polynomial approximations.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

A unifying modeling abstraction for infinite-dimensional optimization

Infinite-dimensional optimization (InfiniteOpt) problems involve modeling components (variables, objectives, and constraints) that are functions defined over infinite-dimensional domains. Examples include continuous-time dynamic optimization (time is an infinite domain and components are functions of time), PDE optimization problems (space and time are infinite domains and components are functions of space-time), as well as stochastic and semi-infinite optimization (random space is an infinite domain and components are a function of such random space). InfiniteOpt problems also arise from combinations of these problem classes (e.g., stochastic PDE optimization). Given the infinite-dimensional nature of objectives and constraints, one often needs to define appropriate quantities (measures) to properly pose the problem. Moreover, InfiniteOpt problems often need to be transformed into a finite dimensional representation so that they can be solved numerically. Here in this work, we present a unifying abstraction that facilitates the modeling, analysis, and solution of InfiniteOpt problems. The proposed abstraction enables a general treatment of infinite-dimensional domains and provides a measure-centric paradigm to handle associated variables, objectives, and constraints. This abstraction allows us to transfer techniques across disciplines and with this identify new, interesting, and useful modeling paradigms (e.g., event constraints and risk measures defined over time domains). Our abstraction serves as the backbone of an intuitive Julia-based modeling package that we call InfiniteOpt.jl. We demonstrate the developments using diverse case studies arising in engineering.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Optimal Power Flow in DC Networks with Robust Feasibility and Stability Guarantees

With high penetrations of renewable generation and variable loads, there is significant uncertainty associated with power flows in DC networks such that stability and operational constraint satisfaction are of concern. Most existing DC network optimal power flow (DN-OPF) formulations assume exact knowledge of loading conditions and do not provide stability guarantees. Here, in contrast, this paper studies a DN-OPF formulation which considers both stability and operational constraint satisfaction under uncertainty. The need to account for a range of uncertainty realizations in this paper's robust optimization formulation results in a challenging semi-infinite program (SIP). The proposed solution algorithm reformulates this SIP into a computationally tractable problem by constructing a tight convex inner approximation of the stability set using sufficient conditions for the existence of a feasible and stable power flow solution. Optimal generator set-points are obtained by optimizing over the proposed convex stability set. The validity and effectiveness of the propose algorithm is demonstrated through various DC networks adapted from IEEE test cases.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

A Novel, Real-Valued Genetic Algorithm for Optimizing Radar Absorbing Materials

A novel, real-valued Genetic Algorithm (GA) was designed and implemented to minimize the reflectivity and/or transmissivity of an arbitrary number of homogeneous, lossy dielectric or magnetic layers of arbitrary thickness positioned at either the center of an infinitely long rectangular waveguide, or adjacent to the perfectly conducting backplate of a semi-infinite, shorted-out rectangular waveguide. Evolutionary processes extract the optimal physioelectric constants falling within specified constraints which minimize reflection and/or transmission over the frequency band of interest. This GA extracted the unphysical dielectric and magnetic constants of three layers of fictitious material placed adjacent to the conducting backplate of a shorted-out waveguide such that the reflectivity of the configuration was 55 dB or less over the entire X-band. Examples of the optimization of realistic multi-layer absorbers are also presented. Although typical Genetic Algorithms require populations of many thousands in order to function properly and obtain correct results, verified correct results were obtained for all test cases using this GA with a population of only four.

Hall, John Michael↗

Preconditioning the Helmholtz Equation for Rigid Ducts

An innovative hyperbolic preconditioning technique is developed for the numerical solution of the Helmholtz equation which governs acoustic propagation in ducts. Two pseudo-time parameters are used to produce an explicit iterative finite difference scheme. This scheme eliminates the large matrix storage requirements normally associated with numerical solutions to the Helmholtz equation. The solution procedure is very fast when compared to other transient and steady methods. Optimization and an error analysis of the preconditioning factors are present. For validation, the method is applied to sound propagation in a 2D semi-infinite hard wall duct.

Baumeister, Kenneth J.↗

Noise suppression characteristics of peripherally segmented duct liners

The acoustic fields and transmission losses produced in semi-infinite circular ducts with peripherally segmented liners are analyzed using a series expansion of hard-wall duct modes. The coefficients of the series are computed using Galerkin's method. Unlike finite element approaches, this analysis includes the effects of realistic sources and the number of peripheral strips need not be small. It is shown that peripherally segmented liners redistribute the acoustic energy in waves composed of only a single circumferential mode at the source into other waves which contain a multitude of circumferential modes in the lined section. The accuracy of eigenfunctions computed from the analysis was observed to increase as either the frequency or radial mode order increased. The transmission losses were found to be accurate at frequencies above the cut-on value of the first-order radial mode in a hard-wall duct. The results show that for plane wave sources, peripherally segmented liners may attenuate as much sound as an optimized uniform liner at the optimal point while giving more noise suppression at most other frequencies.

Watson, W. R.↗