Reduced-order modelling for high-speed aerial weapon aerodynamics

In this work a high-fidelity low-cost surrogate of a computational fluid dynamics analysis tool was developed. This computational tool is composed of general and physics- based approximation methods by which three dimensional high-speed aerodynamic flow- field predictions are made with high efficiency and an accuracy which is comparable with that of CFD. The tool makes use of reduced-basis methods that are suitable for both linear and non-linear problems, whereby the basis vectors are computed via the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) of a training dataset or a set of observations. The surrogate model was applied to two flow problems related to high-speed weapon aerodynamics. Comparisons of surrogate model predictions with high-fidelity CFD simulations suggest that POD-based reduced-order modelling together with response surface methods provide a reliable and robust approach for efficient and accurate predictions. In contrast to the many modelling efforts reported in the literature, this surrogate model provides access to information about the whole flow-field. In an attempt to reduce the up-front cost necessary to generate the training dataset from which the surrogate model is subsequently developed, a variable-fidelity POD- based reduced-order modelling method is proposed in this work for the first time. In this model, the scalar coefficients which are obtained by projecting the solution vectors onto the basis vectors, are mapped between spaces of low and high fidelities, to achieve high- fidelity predictions with complete flow-field information. In general, this technique offers an automatic way of fusing variable-fidelity data through interpolation and extrapolation schemes together with reduced-order modelling (ROM). Furthermore, a study was undertaken to investigate the possibility of modelling the transonic flow over an aerofoil using a kernel POD–based reduced-order modelling method. By using this type of ROM it was noticed that the weak non-linear features of the transonic flow are accurately modelled using a small number of basis vectors. The strong non-linear features are only modelled accurately by using a large number of basis vectors.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Multiple training interventions significantly improve reproducibility of PET/CT-based lung cancer radiotherapy target volume delineation using an IAEA study protocol

AbstractBackground and purposeTo assess the impact of a standardized delineation protocol and training interventions on PET/CT-based target volume delineation (TVD) in NSCLC in a multicenter setting.Material and methodsOver a one-year period, 11 pairs, comprised each of a radiation oncologist and nuclear medicine physician with limited experience in PET/CT-based TVD for NSCLC from nine different countries took part in a training program through an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) study (NCT02247713). Teams delineated gross tumor volume of the primary tumor, during and after training interventions, according to a provided delineation protocol. In-house developed software recorded the performed delineations, to allow visual inspection of strategies and to assess delineation accuracy.ResultsFollowing the first training, overall concordance indices for 3 repetitive cases increased from 0.57±0.07 to 0.66±0.07. The overall mean surface distance between observer and expert contours decreased from −0.40±0.03cm to −0.01±0.33cm. After further training overall concordance indices for another 3 repetitive cases further increased from 0.64±0.06 to 0.80±0.05 (p=0.01). Mean surface distances decreased from −0.34±0.16cm to −0.05±0.20cm (p=0.01).ConclusionMultiple training interventions improve PET/CT-based TVD delineation accuracy in NSCLC and reduce interobserver variation

Dosimetric Consequences of 3D Versus 4D PET/CT for Target Delineation of Lung Stereotactic Radiotherapy

Introduction:Lung tumor delineation is frequently performed using 3D positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT), particularly in the radiotherapy treatment planning position, by generating an internal target volume (ITV) from the slow acquisition PET. We investigate the dosimetric consequences of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) planning on 3D PET/CT in comparison with gated (4D) PET/CT.Methods:In a prospective clinical trial, patients with lung metastases were prescribed 26 Gy single-fraction SABR to the covering isodose. Contemporaneous 3D PET/CT and 4D PET/CT was performed in the same patient position. An ITV was generated from each data set, with the planning target volume (PTV) being a 5-mm isotropic expansion. Dosimetric parameters from the SABR plan derived using the 3D volumes were evaluated against the same plan applied to 4D volumes.Results:Ten lung targets were evaluated. All 3D plans were successfully optimized to cover 99% of the PTV by the 26 Gy prescription. In all cases, the calculated dose delivered to the 4D target was less than the expected dose to the PTV based on 3D planning. Coverage of the 4D-PTV by the prescription isodose ranged from 74.48% to 98.58% (mean of 90.05%). The minimum dose to the 4D-ITV derived by the 3D treatment plan (mean = 93.11%) was significantly lower than the expected dose to ITV based on 3D PET/CT calculation (mean = 111.28%), p < 0.01. In all but one case, the planned prescription dose did not cover the 4D-PET/CT derived ITV.Conclusions:Target delineation using 3D PET/CT without additional respiratory compensation techniques results in significant target underdosing in the context of SABR

Revealing the Structure and Oxygen Transport at Interfaces in Complex Oxide Heterostructures via 17O NMR Spectroscopy

Vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) films, comprising nanopillars of one phase embedded in a matrix of another, have shown great promise for a range of applications due to their high interfacial areas oriented perpendicular to the substrate. In particular, oxide VANs show enhanced oxide-ion conductivity in directions that are orthogonal to those found in more conventional thin-film heterostructures, however the structure of the interfaces and its influence on conductivity remain unclear. In this work 17O NMR spectroscopy is used to study CeO2–SrTiO3 VAN thin films: selective isotopic enrichment is combined with a lift-off technique to remove the substrate, facilitating detection of the 17O NMR signal from single atomic layer interfaces. By performing the isotopic enrichment at variable temperatures, the superior oxide-ion conductivity of the VAN films compared to the bulk materials is shown to arise from enhanced oxygen mobility at this interface; oxygen motion at the interface is further identified from 17O relaxometry experiments. The structure of this interface is solved by calculating the NMR parameters using density functional theory combined with random structure searching, allowing the chemistry underpinning the enhanced oxide-ion transport to be proposed. Finally, a comparison is made with 1% Gd-doped CeO2–SrTiO3 VAN films, for which greater NMR signal can be obtained due to paramagnetic relaxation enhancement, while the relative oxide-ion conductivities of the phases remain similar. These results highlight the information that can be obtained on interfacial structure and dynamics with solid-state NMR spectroscopy, in this and other nanostructured systems, our methodology being generally applicable to overcome sensitivity limitations in thin-film studie

Effects of delayed-release dimethyl fumarate on MRI measures in the phase 3 CONFIRM study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of oral delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF; also known as gastro-resistant DMF) on MRI lesion activity and load, atrophy, and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) measures from the Comparator and an Oral Fumarate in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (CONFIRM) study. METHODS: CONFIRM was a 2-year, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of DMF 240 mg twice (BID) or 3 times daily (TID) in 1,417 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS); subcutaneous glatiramer acetate 20 mg once daily was included as an active reference comparator. The number and volume of T2-hyperintense, T1-hypointense, and gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions, as well as whole brain volume and MTR, were assessed in 681 patients (MRI cohort). RESULTS: DMF BID and TID produced significant and consistent reductions vs placebo in the number of new or enlarging T2-hyperintense lesions and new nonenhancing T1-hypointense lesions after 1 and 2 years of treatment and in the number of Gd+ lesions at week 24, year 1, and year 2. Lesion volumes were also significantly reduced. Reductions in brain atrophy and MTR changes with DMF relative to placebo did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The robust effects on MRI active lesion counts and total lesion volume in patients with RRMS demonstrate the ability of DMF to exert beneficial effects on inflammatory lesion activity in multiple sclerosis, and support DMF therapy as a valuable new treatment option in RRMS. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class I evidence of reduction in brain lesion number and volume, as assessed by MRI, over 2 years of delayed-release DMF treatment

Advancements on the use of Filtered Rayleigh Scattering (FRS) with machine learning methods for flow distortion in aero-engine intakes

In-flight measurements of aerodynamic quantities are a requirement to ensure the correct scaling of Reynolds and Mach number and for the airworthiness certification of an aircraft. The ability to obtain such measurement is subject to several challenges such as instrument installation, environment, type of measurand, and spatial and temporal resolution. Given expected, more frequent use of embedded propulsion systems in the near future, the measurement technology needs to adapt for the characterization of multi-type flow distortion in complex flow, to assess the operability of air-breathing propulsion systems. To meet this increasing demand for high-fidelity experimental data, the Filtered Rayleigh Scattering (FRS) method is identified as a promising technology, as it can provide measurements of pressure, temperature and 3D velocities simultaneously, across a full Aerodynamic Interface Plane (AIP). Τhis work demonstrates the application of a novel FRS instrument, to assess the flow distortion in an S-duct diffuser, in a ground testing facility. A comparison of FRS results with Stereo-Particle Image Velocimetry (S-PIV) measurements reveals good agreement of the out of plane velocities, within 3.3 % at the AIP. Furthermore, the introduction of machine learning methods significantly accelerates the processing of the FRS data by up to 200 times, offering a substantial prospect towards real time data analysis. This study demonstrates the further development of the FRS technique, with the ultimate goal of inlet flow distortion measurements for in-flight environments.European CommissionThe SINATRA project leading to this publication has received funding from the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement No 886521. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the Clean Sky 2 JU members other than the Union.Experimental Thermal and Fluid Scienc

Seeding-free inlet flow distortion measurements using filtered Rayleigh scattering: integration in a complex intake test facility

Highly integrated propulsion systems to achieve fuel savings and reduction of emissions in future aircrafts call for new measurement methods to assess inlet conditions at the engine fan face. Propulsion systems are expected to operate at higher levels of total pressure, total temperature, and swirl distortion due to flow interaction with aerodynamic surfaces and inherent flow distortion within convoluted intakes. Filtered Rayleigh Scattering (FRS) offers capability to assess all these quantities at once, and without the need of seeding particles which cannot be used for in-flight measurements. This paper aims at increasing the technology readiness level of this measurement technique through the application on a lab-scale S-duct diffuser tests and benchmark against Stereo-Particle Image Velocimetry (S-PIV) measurements. Methods to improve the optical integration and mitigate the effect of varying background conditions are hereby explored. Overall, this represents a step forward in the use of FRS as a turnkey solution for the testing and development phase of future propulsion systems

Vitamin D did not reduce multiple sclerosis disease activity after a clinically isolated syndrome

Low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), and low sunlight exposure, are known risk factors for the development of multiple sclerosis. Add-on vitamin D supplementation trials in established multiple sclerosis have been inconclusive. The effects of vitamin D supplementation to prevent multiple sclerosis is unknown. We aimed to test the hypothesis that oral vitamin D3 supplementation in high-risk clinically isolated syndrome (abnormal MRI, at least three T2 brain and/or spinal cord lesions), delays time to conversion to definite multiple sclerosis, that the therapeutic effect is dose-dependent, and that all doses are safe and well tolerated. We conducted a double-blind trial in Australia and New Zealand. Eligible participants were randomised 1:1:1:1 to placebo, 1000, 5000, or 10 000 IU of oral vitamin D3 daily within each study centre (n=23) and followed for up to 48 weeks. Between 2013 and 2021, we enrolled 204 participants. Brain MRI scans were performed at baseline, 24 and 48 weeks. The main study outcome was conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis based on the 2010 McDonald criteria defined as either a clinical relapse or new brain MRI T2 lesion development. We included 199 cases in the intention-to-treat analysis based on assigned dose. Of these, 116 converted to multiple sclerosis by 48 weeks (58%). Compared to placebo, the HRs (95%CI) for conversion were 1000 IU 0.87 (0.50, 1.50); 5000 IU 1.37 (0.82, 2.29); and 10 000 IU 1.28 (0.76, 2.14). In an adjusted model including age, sex, latitude, study centre, and baseline symptom number, clinically isolated syndrome onset site, presence of infratentorial lesions, and use of steroids, the HRs (versus placebo) were 1000 IU 0.80 (0.45, 1.44); 5000 IU 1.36 (0.78, 2.38); 10 000 IU 1.07 (0.62, 1.85). Vitamin D3 supplementation was safe and well tolerated. We did not demonstrate reduction in multiple sclerosis disease activity by vitamin D3 supplementation after a high-risk clinically isolated syndrome. Trial registration Australian Clinical Trials Registration Number ACTRN12612001160820