Tech Briefs Magazine - February 2021 - 44

Software
deep convolutional generative adversarial
networks (DC-GANs).
These algorithms can learn to generate 3D image data of the microstructure
based on training data obtained from
nanoscale imaging-performed synchrotrons (a kind of particle accelerator the
size of a football stadium). The technique helps researchers zoom in on batteries and cells to see which properties
affect overall performance.

When running 3D simulations to predict cell performance, researchers need
a large enough volume of data to be considered statistically representative of the
whole cell. It is currently difficult to
obtain large volumes of microstructural
image data at the required resolution.
The team found they could train their
code to generate either much larger
datasets that have all the same properties or deliberately generate structures

that models suggest would result in better performing batteries.
By constraining the algorithm to only
produce results that are currently feasible to manufacture, the researchers
hope to apply their technique to designing optimized electrodes for next-generation cells.
For more information, contact Caroline
Brogan at caroline.brogan@imperial.ac.uk;
+44 (0)20 7594 3415.

High-Fidelity Sonic Boom Propagation Tool
This software predicts and mitigates ground noise generated during supersonic flight.
Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia

he primary challenge with supersonic
flight remains the mitigation of the
sonic boom to levels that will be acceptable to humans on the ground. As industry progresses towards realizing a commercial supersonic aircraft, the push
from regulators to reduce noise levels has
intensified. Innovators at NASA Langley
Research Center have developed a system
for predicting sonic boom propagation of
supersonic aircraft. The sBOOMTraj tool
enables efficient computation and mitigation of sonic boom loudness across the
entire duration of a flight mission.
To meet this need, sBOOMTraj was
developed to predict and mitigate sonic
boom levels without resorting to less
accurate shock theory or other numerical
post-processing techniques. The software
incorporates atmospheric and terrestrial
effects as well as functionality to handle
aircraft trajectories and maneuvers.
The sBOOMTraj tool can predict
ground signatures in the presence of atmospheric wind profiles and can even

handle non-standard atmospheres in
which users provide temperature, wind,
and relative or specific humidity distributions. Furthermore, sBOOMTraj can predict off-track signatures, ground intersection location with respect to the aircraft
location, the time taken for the pressure
disturbance to reach the ground, lateral
cutoff locations, and focus boom locations. The software has the ability to easily
interface with other standalone tools to
predict the magnitude of focus, postfocus, and evanescent booms and also has
the ability to handle different kinds of
input waveforms used in design exercises.
The sBOOMTraj tool could be extremely useful in supersonic aircraft operations as it can predict where sonic
booms hit the ground in addition to providing the magnitude of sonic boom
loudness levels using physics-based simulations. Using this tool, pilots may be
able to steer supersonic aircraft away
from populated areas while also allowing
real-time adjustments to their flight tra-

jectories, allowing tradeoffs associated
with sonic boom performance and acceptability. The predicted sonic boom
loudness contours during supersonic
flight may also be used in supersonic aircraft design and development including
certification of aircraft under future regulations that may be imposed.
sBOOMTraj can potentially aid in
supersonic aircraft operations with its
integration in a cockpit interactive application that can provide feedback to the
pilot on sonic boom impingement areas
on the ground with real-time atmospheric and terrain updates. It has the potential to support both aircraft design and
operations, which is extremely rare.
NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. Please contact
NASA's Licensing Concierge at AgencyPatent-Licensing@mail.nasa.gov or call us
at 202-358-7432 to initiate licensing discussions. Follow this link for more information:
https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/LARTOPS-329.

Damage Simulation Tool for Composite Laminates
This tool provides faster and more detailed composite damage simulation results.
Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia

that exceed the capability of currently
available simulation methods.
The simulation tool is in the form of a
subroutine for an enriched finite element. A user would create a numerical
model with the enriched element in an
initially low-fidelity form. The enriched
elements then have the ability to increase
fidelity locally to suit an ongoing damage
process if necessary.

www.techbriefs.com

his simulation tool is designed for
progressive failure simulation in composite laminates. It provides accurate
results equivalent to those of a high-fidelity model without the associated cost and
time. In doing this, the tool will generate
more rapid results compared to highfidelity modeling, be a viable evaluation
method for industry, and allow for consideration of more complex problems

Cov

ToC

The simulation combines existing fracture mechanics-based damage propagation techniques with a discrete approach
to modeling discontinuities in finite elements. Additionally, the use of an advanced laminate theory recovers deformation and stress information that would
normally require a high-fidelity model.
To accomplish this, the same theoretic
and analytical concepts that a highTech Briefs, February 2021

https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/LAR-TOPS-329 http://www.techbriefs.com http://www.abpi.net/ntbpdfclicks/l.php?202102TBNAV

Tech Briefs Magazine - February 2021

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