Body of Knowledge for Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)

Graphics Processing Units (GPU) have emerged as a proven technology that enables high performance computing and parallel processing in a small form factor. GPUs enhance the traditional computer paradigm by permitting acceleration of complex mathematics and providing the capability to perform weighted calculations, such as those in artificial intelligence systems. Despite the performance enhancements provided by this type of microprocessor, there exist tradeoffs in regards to reliability and radiation susceptibility, which may impact mission success. This report provides an insight into GPU architecture and its potential applications in space and other similar markets. It also discusses reliability, qualification, and radiation considerations for testing GPUs

Project BeARCAT : Baselining, Automation and Response for CAV Testbed Cyber Security : Connected Vehicle & Infrastructure Security Assessment

Connected, software-based systems are a driver in advancing the technology of transportation systems. Advanced automated and autonomous vehicles, together with electrification, will help reduce congestion, accidents and emissions. Meanwhile, vehicle manufacturers see advanced technology as enhancing their products in a competitive market. However, as many decades of using home and enterprise computer systems have shown, connectivity allows a system to become a target for criminal intentions. Cyber-based threats to any system are a problem; in transportation, there is the added safety implication of dealing with moving vehicles and the passengers within

Failure Modes and Mechanisms Analysis of Silicon Power Devices

Silicon power devices are a major reliability concern for power electronics converters. Failure modes, mechanisms, and effects (FMMEA) is a well-established method for identifying and analyzing the critical failure mechanisms and improving the reliability of a system through the process. The effects of the various failure mechanisms (and modes) are system dependent and cannot be identified in isolation. This work establishes a Failure Modes and Mechanisms Analysis (FMMA) for silicon power devices that identifies the relevant failure modes and mechanisms for those components. Following the FMMA, a set of failure analysis case studies of silicon power devices which aid in the identification of failure causes and mechanisms for the FMMA are described. Finally, the criticality of the different mechanisms is discussed based on the severity of a failure within a given system, the occurrence of a failure mechanism for a given component, and the ability to detect a failure using techniques such as PHM, criticality can be identified for the mechanisms

BATTERY ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT FEASIBILITY INVESTIGATION INCLUDING A BATTERY-IN-WING CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

The feasibility of converting an existing internal combustion powered general aviation aircraft to battery electric propulsion was studied. The theoretical performance of various types of airframes with battery electric propulsion systems was compared to determine which type of airframe would be best suited for conversion. It was found that battery electric propulsion is best used in aircraft intended for slow speed, efficient flight and carrying limited payload which is a mission typically flown in motor gliders. A reference motor glider was selected and a conceptual power system packaging design study was performed. The study determined that a critical component of the power system packaging design was the technical feasibility of packaging the batteries inside of the wing structure. This was driven by center of gravity restrictions. Technical concerns related to a battery-in-wing design were investigated, included wing aeroelastic performance, wing stiffness and wing strength. The results showed that aeroelastic flutter was not a driving design criteria for the reference airframe used as the physical size of the battery did not allow for them to be packaged in wing locations that detrimentally affected flutter performance. The battery packaging layout was instead driven by access for battery maintenance, battery safety and the battery thermal management system. Overall weight change from packaging the batteries in the wing compared to the fuselage was found to be negligible. The resulting aircraft conceptual design indicated a powered flight range with reserves of over 200 miles and a powered flight endurance of greater than 3 hours with 2 persons onboard

Manufacturing as a Data-Driven Practice: Methodologies, Technologies, and Tools

n recent years, the introduction and exploitation of innovative information technologies in industrial contexts have led to the continuous growth of digital shop floor envi- ronments. The new Industry-4.0 model allows smart factories to become very advanced IT industries, generating an ever- increasing amount of valuable data. As a consequence, the neces- sity of powerful and reliable software architectures is becoming prominent along with data-driven methodologies to extract useful and hidden knowledge supporting the decision making process. This paper discusses the latest software technologies needed to collect, manage and elaborate all data generated through innovative IoT architectures deployed over the production line, with the aim of extracting useful knowledge for the orchestration of high-level control services that can generate added business value. This survey covers the entire data life-cycle in manufacturing environments, discussing key functional and methodological aspects along with a rich and properly classified set of technologies and tools, useful to add intelligence to data-driven services. Therefore, it serves both as a first guided step towards the rich landscape of literature for readers approaching this field, and as a global yet detailed overview of the current state-of-the-art in the Industry 4.0 domain for experts. As a case study, we discuss in detail the deployment of the proposed solutions for two research project demonstrators, showing their ability to mitigate manufacturing line interruptions and reduce the corresponding impacts and costs

Durability requirements for fire detectors mounted in engine rooms of heavy vehicles

This thesis was carried out at the Division of Combustion Engines within the Faculty of Engineering at Lund University in collaboration with SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden. The thesis was part of a project funded by the FFI program of VINNOVA, with the goal of creating a standardized test method when it comes to fire detection systems mounted in engine compartments of heavy vehicles. As of today, there are certifications regarding the fire suppression system but no appropriate test method for fire detection systems has yet been implemented. A stepping stone in the right direction of creating a standard for fire detection systems is by first looking at the durability requirements for fire detectors that are to be mounted in engine rooms of heavy vehicles. To better understand what can cause fire detectors to malfunction, a deeper knowledge of the operating principles of fire detectors is needed as well as which aspects influence the failure of detectors. The investigation is specified to engine compartments of heavy vehicles and to the physical phenomena arising in that environment. Six physical phenomena that arise in engine rooms due to the operating principles of the vehicle were seen as high priority aspects to be investigated further. These phenomena are: corrosion, ageing, heat and cold, vibrations and mechanical shocks, electromagnetic interference and finally the impacts of the intrusion of water, dust and dirt into the enclosures of electronic devices. The goal of this thesis was to find appropriate testing methods that are applicable to fire detectors that are to be mounted in the engine compartments of heavy vehicles with respect to their durability requirements. Test methods that are best suited for each of the physical factors mentioned earlier were chosen after consultations with experts at SP. Following this, appropriate test parameters were set by studying already existing standards and having dialogues with representatives of heavy vehicle manufacturers. The test parameters and the resulting durability requirements that have been recommended are based on the feedback from representatives of heavy vehicle manufacturers. Future work within this area is to conduct experimental tests of the fire detectors based on the test methods that have been suggested in this report. Furthermore, as the time frame of this thesis was limited, only the physical factors mentioned above have been studied. If there is further interest and if time is of no concern, the study of influencing physical phenomena can be expanded and more feasible results may be granted

Detection, Diagnosis and Prognosis: Contribution to the energy challenge: Proceedings of the Meeting of the Mechanical Failures Prevention Group

The contribution of failure detection, diagnosis and prognosis to the energy challenge is discussed. Areas of special emphasis included energy management, techniques for failure detection in energy related systems, improved prognostic techniques for energy related systems and opportunities for detection, diagnosis and prognosis in the energy field