Application of computational physics within Northrop

An overview of Northrop programs in computational physics is presented. These programs depend on access to today's supercomputers, such as the Numerical Aerodynamical Simulator (NAS), and future growth on the continuing evolution of computational engines. Descriptions here are concentrated on the following areas: computational fluid dynamics (CFD), computational electromagnetics (CEM), computer architectures, and expert systems. Current efforts and future directions in these areas are presented. The impact of advances in the CFD area is described, and parallels are drawn to analagous developments in CEM. The relationship between advances in these areas and the development of advances (parallel) architectures and expert systems is also presented

Unifying an Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Course through Machine Learning Laboratory Experiences

This paper presents work on a collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation that incorporates machine learning as a unifying theme to teach fundamental concepts typically covered in the introductory Artificial Intelligence courses. The project involves the development of an adaptable framework for the presentation of core AI topics. This is accomplished through the development, implementation, and testing of a suite of adaptable, hands-on laboratory projects that can be closely integrated into the AI course. Through the design and implementation of learning systems that enhance commonly-deployed applications, our model acknowledges that intelligent systems are best taught through their application to challenging problems. The goals of the project are to (1) enhance the student learning experience in the AI course, (2) increase student interest and motivation to learn AI by providing a framework for the presentation of the major AI topics that emphasizes the strong connection between AI and computer science and engineering, and (3) highlight the bridge that machine learning provides between AI technology and modern software engineering

Globally Optimal Energy-Efficient Power Control and Receiver Design in Wireless Networks

The characterization of the global maximum of energy efficiency (EE) problems in wireless networks is a challenging problem due to the non-convex nature of investigated problems in interference channels. The aim of this work is to develop a new and general framework to achieve globally optimal solutions. First, the hidden monotonic structure of the most common EE maximization problems is exploited jointly with fractional programming theory to obtain globally optimal solutions with exponential complexity in the number of network links. To overcome this issue, we also propose a framework to compute suboptimal power control strategies characterized by affordable complexity. This is achieved by merging fractional programming and sequential optimization. The proposed monotonic framework is used to shed light on the ultimate performance of wireless networks in terms of EE and also to benchmark the performance of the lower-complexity framework based on sequential programming. Numerical evidence is provided to show that the sequential fractional programming framework achieves global optimality in several practical communication scenarios.Comment: Accepted for publication in the IEEE Transactions on Signal Processin

Computational model for evaluating the state of geomechanical systems during computing experiments

Purpose. To create a model allowing integration of the diverse features identified for the rock massif behavior by differentiation of various theories and real phenomena into a single information-analytical flow. Methods. System analysis of computational experiments’ results was based on the use of recursive calculation methodology for assessing accuracy of the obtained results with different methods of geometric and physical description applied to individual elements of simulation in the computational domain. Findings. Sample tables were obtained containing the acceptable values of weight characteristics for the various simulated elements in the generalized computational domain. A recursive algorithm for the analysis of the studied objects description’ efficiency in the solution of geomechanics problems by grid numerical methods was formulated and implemented as a computational module. The authors created a system for the assessment of the results obtained via computational experiment at the time of full-scale investigation, which provides a comprehensive analysis of changes in the rock massif state during the operation of the selected support system. The conditions of combining the design characteristics of the simulated support elements functioning in a single load-carrying system under dynamic redistribution of forces were obtained. Originality. The resulting generalized model of mine working and elements affecting its condition allows to determine most accurately the nature of changes in the stress-strain state of geotechnological system regardless of the originally a priori specified limitations. Practical implications. The unified approach can be used in the search for the optimal parameters of implementing combined working supports in the area of mining operations and beyond.Мета. Створити модель, що дозволяє інтегрувати все різноманіття виявлених особливостей поведінки гірського масиву шляхом диференціації різних теорій і реальних явищ у єдиний інформаційно-аналітичний потік. Методика. Системний аналіз результатів обчислювальних експериментів, що побудований на застосуванні рекурсивної методики оцінки розрахункової точності одержуваних результатів при різних методах геометричного й фізичного опису окремих елементів моделювання у розрахунковій області. Результати. Отримано типові таблиці, що містять припустимі величини вагових характеристик для різних елементів, які моделюються в узагальненій розрахунковій області. Сформульовано й реалізовано у вигляді розрахункового модуля рекурсивний алгоритм аналізу ефективності опису досліджуваних об’єктів при рішенні завдань геомеханіки сітковими чисельними методами. Створено систему оцінки одержуваних результатів обчислювального експерименту при проведенні натурних досліджень, яка забезпечує комплексний аналіз зміни стану породного масиву в ході експлуатації обраної системи кріплення. Отримано умови сполучення розрахункових характеристик елементів кріплення, які моделюються й функціонують у єдиній вантажонесучій системі при динамічному перерозподілі зусиль. Наукова новизна. Одержана узагальнена модель гірничої виробки й елементів, що впливають на її стан, гранично точно дозволяє визначати картину зміни напружено-деформованого стану геотехнологічної системи незалежно від початкових апріорі заданих обмежень. Практична значимість. Забезпечується можливість застосування уніфікованого підходу в пошуку оптимальних показників застосування комбінованих кріплень гірничих виробок, які знаходяться поза зоною й у зоні дії очисних робіт.Цель. Создать модель, позволяющую интегрировать все многообразие выявленных особенностей поведения горного массива путем дифференциации различных теорий и реальных явлений в единый информационно-аналитический поток. Методика. Системный анализ результатов вычислительных экспериментов, построенный на применении рекурсивной методики оценки расчетной точности получаемых результатов при различных методах геометрического и физического описания отдельных элементов моделирования в расчетной области. Результаты. Получены типовые таблицы, содержащие допустимые величины весовых характеристик для различных моделируемых элементов в обобщенной расчетной области. Сформулирован и реализован в виде расчетного модуля рекурсивный алгоритм анализа эффективности описания исследуемых объектов при решении задач геомеханики сеточными численными методами. Создана система оценки получаемых результатов вычислительного эксперимента при проведении натурных исследований обеспечивающая комплексный анализ изменения состояния породного массива в ходе эксплуатации выбранной системы крепления. Получены условия совмещения расчетных характеристик моделируемых элементов крепи функционирующих в единой грузонесущей системе при динамическом перераспределении усилий. Научная новизна. Полученная обобщенная модель горной выработки и элементов, влияющих на ее состояние, предельно точно позволяет определять картину изменения напряженно-деформированного состояния геотехнологической системы независимо от первоначально априори заданных ограничений. Практическая значимость. Обеспечивается возможность применения унифицированного подхода в поиске оптимальных показателей применения комбинированных крепей горных выработок находящихся вне зоны и в зоне действия очистных работ.This work would not have been possible without the support of “DTEK Energo” company. The studies were performed within the framework of the state-maintained scientific research topics. The authors express special gratitude to professors of the National Mining University – Volodymyr Bondarenko and Iryna Kovalevska – for the support in conducting the research

Dynamics formulations for the real-time simulation of constrained motion

The Space Shuttle program has relied heavily on simulation throughout all phases of development and operation. Real-time, man-in-the-loop simulation has served the NASA manned space flight program by providing the means to evaluate systems design and integrated systems performance in a simulated flight environment as well as provide a means to train flight crews. New challenges are presented by the development and operation of a permanently manned space station. The assembly of the space station, the transferral of payloads and the use of the space station manipulator to berth the Orbiter are operations critical to the success of the space station. All these operations are examples of constrained motion among the bodies associated with the Orbiter and space station system. The state of the art of formulating the governing dynamical equations of motion for constrained systems are described. The uses of the two basic problems in multibody dynamics are discussed. The most efficient formulations of the equations of motion are addressed from the point of view of completeness. The issues surrounding incorporating the constraints into the equation of motion are presented

The 1990 progress report and future plans

This document describes the progress and plans of the Artificial Intelligence Research Branch (RIA) at ARC in 1990. Activities span a range from basic scientific research to engineering development and to fielded NASA applications, particularly those applications that are enabled by basic research carried out at RIA. Work is conducted in-house and through collaborative partners in academia and industry. Our major focus is on a limited number of research themes with a dual commitment to technical excellence and proven applicability to NASA short, medium, and long-term problems. RIA acts as the Agency's lead organization for research aspects of artificial intelligence, working closely with a second research laboratory at JPL and AI applications groups at all NASA centers