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At least 19 records

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DOE OSTI2025

ReVise: A Human-AI Interface for Incremental Algorithmic Recourse

The recent adoption of artificial intelligence in socio-technical systems raises concerns about the black-box nature of the resulting decisions in fields such as hiring, finance, admissions, etc. If data subjects—such as job applicants, loan applicants, and students—receive an unfavorable outcome, they may be interested in algorithmic recourse, which involves updating certain features to yield a more favorable result when re-evaluated by algorithmic decision-making. Unfortunately, when individuals do not fully understand the incremental steps needed to change their circumstances, they risk following misguided paths that can lead to significant, long-term adverse consequences. Existing recourse approaches focus exclusively on the final recourse goal but neglect the possible incremental steps to reach the goal with real-life constraints, user preferences, and model artifacts. To address this gap, we formulate a visual analytic workflow for incremental recourse planning in collaboration with AI/ML experts and contribute an interactive visualization interface that helps data subjects efficiently navigate the recourse alternatives and make an informed decision. We also present one of the many usage scenarios, developed during exploratory feedback sessions with twelve graduate students using a real-world dataset, which demonstrates that our approach can be instrumental for data subjects in choosing a suitable recourse path.

algorithmic recourse↗

DOE OSTI2025

Role of magnetic and structural symmetry breaking in forming the Mott insulating gap in Nb 3 ⁢Cl 8

The α-phase of the gapped insulator Nb 3 Cl 8 has recently emerged as the long-sought critical testing bed for examining the importance of strong interelectronic correlation vs symmetry breaking in understanding insulation of such Mott compounds. Structural symmetry breaking detected by density functional theory (DFT) energy lowering (such as dimer formation, disproportionation, or Jahn-Teller distortions) explains insulation in both d-electron Mott-like systems and in non-d-electron cases without recourse to strong correlation. Yet, in Nb 3 Cl 8 , structural symmetry breaking alone (viz. formation of Nb trimers) fails to explain insulation, leading instead to a partially occupied metallic flat band, in contrast with experimental observations. We examine the role of magnetic symmetry breaking, noting that Nb 3 Cl 8 is an observed paramagnet (not an antiferromagnet), thus potentially carrying also short-range ordered magnetic moments. Describing the latter as a polymorphous distribution of nonzero local moments with total zero net magnetization is demonstrated to lower the DFT total energy, while gapping the system without recourse to strong correlation or long-range magnetic order. This suggests that degeneracy removal by symmetry breaking in mean-field-like approaches—either structural, or magnetic, or both—can reduce or eliminate the need for strong correlation, allowing the use of DFT for such Mott systems.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2025

Nonperturbative quantum gravity in a closed Lorentzian universe

We study how meaningful physical predictions can arise in nonperturbative quantum gravity in a closed Lorentzian universe. In such settings, recent developments suggest that the quantum gravitational Hilbert space is one-dimensional and real for each α-sector, as induced by spacetime wormholes. This appears to obstruct the conventional quantum-mechanical prescription of assigning probabilities via projection onto a basis of states. While previous approaches have introduced external observers or augmented the theory to resolve this issue, we argue that quantum gravity itself contains all the necessary ingredients to make physical predictions. We demonstrate that the emergence of classical observables and probabilistic outcomes can be understood as a consequence of partial observability: physical observers access only a subsystem of the universe. Tracing out the inaccessible degrees of freedom yields reduced density matrices that encode classical information, with uncertainties exponentially suppressed by the environment’s entropy. We develop this perspective using both the Lorentzian path integral and operator formalisms and support it with a simple microscopic model. Our results show that quantum gravity in a closed universe naturally gives rise to meaningful, robust predictions without recourse to external constructs.

AdS-CFT Correspondence↗

DOE OSTI2025

An end-to-end deep learning method for solving nonlocal Allen–Cahn and Cahn–Hilliard phase-field models

Here, we propose an efficient end-to-end deep learning method for solving nonlocal Allen–Cahn (AC) and Cahn–Hilliard (CH) phase-field models. One motivation for this effort emanates from the fact that discretized partial differential equation-based AC or CH phase-field models result in diffuse interfaces between phases, with the only recourse for remediation is to severely refine the spatial grids in the vicinity of the true moving sharp interface whose width is determined by a grid-independent parameter that is substantially larger than the local grid size. In this work, we introduce non-mass conserving nonlocal AC or CH phase-field models with regular, logarithmic, or obstacle double-well potentials. Because of non-locality, some of these models feature totally sharp interfaces separating phases. The discretization of such models can lead to a transition between phases whose width is only a single grid cell wide. Another motivation is to use deep learning approaches to ameliorate the otherwise high cost of solving discretized nonlocal phase-field models. To this end, loss functions of the customized neural networks are defined using the residual of the fully discrete approximations of the AC or CH models, which results from applying a Fourier collocation method and a temporal semi-implicit approximation. To address the long-range interactions in the models, we tailor the architecture of the neural network by incorporating a nonlocal kernel as an input channel to the neural network model. We then provide the results of extensive computational experiments to illustrate the accuracy, predictive capabilities, and cost reductions of the proposed method.

42 ENGINEERING↗

NASA NTRS1971

Unsteady flow through compressor stages

The application of the nonsteady Lax-Wendroff technique to problems with asymptotically periodic solution which offers a potentially powerful method for the investigation of the interaction of rotating and stationary blade rows in turbomachinery is reported. A technique for specifying boundary conditions with phase lag was developed to accomplish this. A complete nonlinear analysis is carried out numerically to determine the entire flow field without recourse to the assumption of small disturbances of linear equations which underlie the previous acoustic theories. The result, obtained for the case of equal number of rotor and stator blades shows that transonic flow can be handled without difficulty. In addition, the program is not limited with regard to blade thickness, camber or loading. Extension of this method to incorporate viscous wakes and to analysis of fully three dimensional configuration is feasible, and would greatly expand its utility in practical applications.

Alzner, E.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Assessment of advances in structural analysis for space shuttle

The latest technology for structural analysis in relation to the design tasks that lie ahead for the space shuttle is reviewed. For shell-of-revolution structures, the analysis can be formulated as a one-dimensional problem which is readily solved by using finite-difference or numerical-integration techniques. For more general asymmetric shells, a two-dimensional formulation is required. However, the governing equations are readily formulated and are amenable to solution by finite-difference techniques. For a completely general structural arrangement, such as structural frameworks, recourse is usually made to discretized formulations using finite elements. Of course, the finite-element programs could be used for shell structures, but at a loss in accuracy and increase in computer time compared with the special purpose programs.

Dixon, S. C.↗

NASA NTRS1973

To assess the value of satellite photographs in resource evaluation on a national scale

The author has identified the following significant results. Small scale ERTS-1 imagery has enabled investigators to study large areas at a time. The imagery appears to confirm a new theory that Archean greenstone belts in NE Botswanna and SW Rhodesia are co-extensive and that these so-called schist relics formerly covered a much wider area than is apparent now. The central parts of the region bounded by the schist relics are believed to have suffered granitization. A remnant of an older drainage system to the southwest of the Okavango Swamps, which seems to have been newly discovered on the imagery, may be an indication of the seismic instability of the region. Even quite small earth movements in the swamps could radically affect the direction of water flow. The imagery has proved successful in showing areas infested by the water weed Salvinia Auriculata in the Chobe and Zambesi rivers. This will be immensely valuable in later surveys on the ground. If the satellite was to have continued working, the imagery would have enabled workers to determine the extent of encroachment of the weed without recourse to field observations.

Hepworth, J. V.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Nonlinear problem of a shock-tube interaction-region boundary layer.

Description of a numerical method that dispenses with the recourse to linearization or 'momentum-integral-correction' schemes in solving nonlinear problems of boundary layer flow in the interaction region of a shock tube or of similar singular parabolic problems of shock-induced unsteady boundary layers. The accuracy of the numerical results obtainable is shown to be satisfactory.

Gupta, R. N.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Comparison of flight data and analysis for hingeless rotor regressive inplane mode stability

Analytical and experimental data obtained during the development of the AH-56A covering stability of the regressive inplane mode, including coupling with other modes such as body and rotor plunge are reported. Data were obtained on two distinctly different control systems; both gyro controlled, but one with feathering moment feedback and the other with direct flapping feedback. A review was made of analytical procedures employed in investigating the stability of this mode and a comparison was made of the analytical and experimental data. The effect of certain parameters including blade droop, sweep, delta 3, alpha 1, vehicle roll inertia, inplane frequency, and rpm and forward speed on the mode were also reviewed. It was shown that the stability of this mode is treatable by analysis and that adequate stability is achievable without recourse to auxiliary inplane damping devices.

Anderson, W. D.↗

NASA NTRS1973

New approaches to hard bubble suppression

Description of a new double-layer method for the suppression of hard bubbles that is more versatile than previously reported suppression techniques. It is shown that it may be possible to prevent hard bubble generation without recourse to exchange coupling of multilayer films.

Henry, R. D.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Hydrostatics and steady dynamics of spatially varying electromechanical flow structures

The hydrostatic and steady laminar hydrodynamic equilibria of spatially varying electromechanical flow structures are investigated. Under certain conditions the relationship between the dielectric height of rise and the applied voltage is found to be double valued. It is found that one of the two equilibrium values is always unstable. This gives rise to the experimentally observed spontaneous rise of the fluid to the top of the structure, once a certain critical voltage is reached. Starting above this critical voltage with the structure completely filled and decreasing the applied voltage toward the critical value results in pinch-in failure at an intermediate point along the structure and trapping of dielectric fluid at the top. The simple mathematical model developed predicts all these phenomena, without recourse to tedious point-by-point surface force equilibrium determination. Experiments are reported which verify the results for the hydrostatic case.

Jones, T. B.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Effort of spanwise variation of turbulence on the normal acceleration of airplanes with small span relative to turbulence scale

A rigid airplane with an unswept wing is analyzed. The results show that the power spectrum, relative to that for a one-dimensional turbulence field, is significantly attenuated at the higher frequencies even for airplanes with arbitrarily small ratios of span to scale of turbulence. This attenuation is described by a simple weighting function of frequency that depends only on aspect ratio. The weighting function, together with the attenuation due to the unsteady flow of gust penetration, allows the determination of the average rate of zero crossings for airplanes having very small spans without recourse to an integral truncation which is often required in calculations based on a one-dimensional turbulence field.

Pratt, K. G.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Uniform magnetic fields generated by circular current-carrying coils

The study described was carried out to evaluate known systems of circular coils with a view toward their application on board the space probes Ranger 1, Ranger 2, and Explorer 10. Particular attention is given to a new method, developed during the investigation, for determining the constants of systems composed of 6 to 8 coils. Such systems were found to generate magnetic fields of very high uniformity. By using advanced computational techniques, it proved possible to evaluate the field uniformity of various systems without recourse to complex analytical methods. Means of evaluating the influence of coil dimensions on the uniformity of the field of any system are described.

Williams, V. L.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Gravitational forces and moments on spacecraft

The solution of problems of attitude dynamics of spacecraft and the influence of gravitational forces and moments is examined. Arguments are presented based on Newton's law of gravitation, and employing the methods of Newtonian (vectorial) mechanics, with minimal recourse to the classical concepts of potential theory. The necessary ideas were developed and relationships were established to permit the representation of gravitational forces and moments exerted on bodies in space by other bodies, both in terms involving the mass distribution properties of the bodies, and in terms of vector operations on those scalar functions classically described as gravitational potential functions.

Kane, T. R.↗

NASA NTRS1975

A procedure for estimation of sea-surface temperature from remote measurements in the 10 - 13 micrometers spectral region

The feasibility is demonstrated of a procedure for the remote measurement of sea-surface temperature which inherently corrects for the effect of the intervening atmosphere without recourse to climatological data. The procedure relies upon the near-linear differential absorption properties of the infrared window region between 10 and 13 micrometers and requires radiometric measurements in a minimum of two spectral intervals within the infrared window which have a significant difference in absorption coefficient. The procedure was applied to Nimbus 4 infrared interferometer spectrometer (IRIS) data and to Skylab EREP S191 spectrometer data, and it is demonstrated that atmospheric effects on the observed brightness temperature can be reduced to less than 1.0 Kelvin.

Anding, D. C.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Use of Skylab EREP data in a sea-surface temperature experiment

The author has identified the following significant results. A sea surface temperature experiment was studied, demonstrating the feasibility of a procedure for the remote measurement of sea surface temperature which inherently corrects for the effect of the intervening atmosphere without recourse to climatological data. The procedure was applied to Skylab EREP S191 spectrometer data, and it is demonstrated that atmospheric effects on the observed brightness temperature can be reduced to less than 1.0 K.

Anding, D. C.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Melting behavior and phase relations of lunar samples

An attempt was made to show that feldspar would float during melting. Large anorthite crystals were placed beneath a silicate glass representative of liquid in which plagioclase accumulation is thought to have occurred. In less than 3 hours at 1,300 C, the crystals rose to the top in a Pt crucible 3 cm deep equilibrated in air and in a Mo crucible 1.5 cm deep equilibrated in an H2/CO2 gas stream of log PO2 = -10.9 (below Fe/FeO). These results suggest that lunar crustal formation by feldspar flotation is possible without special recourse to differential sinking of plagioclase versus mafic minerals or selective elutriation of plagioclase.

Hays, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Acoustic radiation and surface pressure characteristics of an airfoil due to incident turbulence

The noise and unsteady surface pressure characteristics of an isolated airfoil in a uniform mean velocity, homogeneous, nearly isotropic turbulence field were investigated. Experiments were performed with a 23 cm chord, two-dimensional airfoil over a Mach number range of 0.1 to 0.5. Far-field noise spectra and directivity as well as surface pressure spectra and cross-spectra were obtained. Incident turbulence statistics were documented. Theory applied to predict far-field noise and surface pressure characteristics from measured inflow turbulence statistics showed good agreement with measurement. The theoretical formulation represents a first-principles solution providing absolute level prediction without recourse to empirical or adjustable constants, and takes into account compressibility as well as source noncompactness effects. All chordwise portions of the airfoil radiated directly to the far-field, the leading edge to the dominant noise producing region. The effect of angle of attack on noise and surface pressures is small. The interaction of incident turbulence of approximately 4 percent intensity with an airfoil was found to be a broadband noise source of high intensity relative to other noise sources.

Paterson, R. W.↗