Modified polarized geometrical attenuation model for bidirectional reflection distribution function based on random surface microfacet theory.

PubMed

Liu, Hong; Zhu, Jingping; Wang, Kai

2015-08-24

The geometrical attenuation model given by Blinn was widely used in the geometrical optics bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) models. Blinn's geometrical attenuation model based on symmetrical V-groove assumption and ray scalar theory causes obvious inaccuracies in BRDF curves and negatives the effects of polarization. Aiming at these questions, a modified polarized geometrical attenuation model based on random surface microfacet theory is presented by combining of masking and shadowing effects and polarized effect. The p-polarized, s-polarized and unpolarized geometrical attenuation functions are given in their separate expressions and are validated with experimental data of two samples. It shows that the modified polarized geometrical attenuation function reaches better physical rationality, improves the precision of BRDF model, and widens the applications for different polarization.

Effect of geometric configuration on the electrocaloric properties of nanoscale ferroelectric materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Xu; Li, Huiyu; Shimada, Takahiro; Kitamura, Takayuki; Wang, Jie

2018-03-01

The electrocaloric properties of ferroelectrics are highly dependent on the domain structure in the materials. For nanoscale ferroelectric materials, the domain structure is greatly influenced by the geometric configuration of the system. Using a real-space phase field model based on the Ginzburg-Landau theory, we investigate the effect of geometric configurations on the electrocaloric properties of nanoscale ferroelectric materials. The ferroelectric hysteresis loops under different temperatures are simulated for the ferroelectric nano-metamaterials with square, honeycomb, and triangular Archimedean geometric configurations. The adiabatic temperature changes (ATCs) for three ferroelectric nano-metamaterials under different electric fields are calculated from the Maxwell relationship based on the hysteresis loops. It is found that the honeycomb specimen exhibits the largest ATC of Δ T = 4.3 °C under a field of 391.8 kV/cm among three geometric configurations, whereas the square specimen has the smallest ATC of Δ T = 2.7 °C under the same electric field. The different electrocaloric properties for three geometric configurations stem from the different domain structures. There are more free surfaces perpendicular to the electric field in the square specimen than the other two specimens, which restrict more polarizations perpendicular to the electric field, resulting in a small ATC. Due to the absence of free surfaces perpendicular to the electric field in the honeycomb specimen, the change of polarization with temperature in the direction of the electric field is more easy and thus leads to a large ATC. The present work suggests a novel approach to obtain the tunable electrocaloric properties in nanoscale ferroelectric materials by designing their geometric configurations.

Fitting C 2 Continuous Parametric Surfaces to Frontiers Delimiting Physiologic Structures

PubMed Central

Bayer, Jason D.

2014-01-01

We present a technique to fit C 2 continuous parametric surfaces to scattered geometric data points forming frontiers delimiting physiologic structures in segmented images. Such mathematical representation is interesting because it facilitates a large number of operations in modeling. While the fitting of C 2 continuous parametric curves to scattered geometric data points is quite trivial, the fitting of C 2 continuous parametric surfaces is not. The difficulty comes from the fact that each scattered data point should be assigned a unique parametric coordinate, and the fit is quite sensitive to their distribution on the parametric plane. We present a new approach where a polygonal (quadrilateral or triangular) surface is extracted from the segmented image. This surface is subsequently projected onto a parametric plane in a manner to ensure a one-to-one mapping. The resulting polygonal mesh is then regularized for area and edge length. Finally, from this point, surface fitting is relatively trivial. The novelty of our approach lies in the regularization of the polygonal mesh. Process performance is assessed with the reconstruction of a geometric model of mouse heart ventricles from a computerized tomography scan. Our results show an excellent reproduction of the geometric data with surfaces that are C 2 continuous. PMID:24782911

Volterra Series Approach for Nonlinear Aeroelastic Response of 2-D Lifting Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silva, Walter A.; Marzocca, Piergiovanni; Librescu, Liviu

2001-01-01

The problem of the determination of the subcritical aeroelastic response and flutter instability of nonlinear two-dimensional lifting surfaces in an incompressible flow-field via Volterra series approach is addressed. The related aeroelastic governing equations are based upon the inclusion of structural nonlinearities, of the linear unsteady aerodynamics and consideration of an arbitrary time-dependent external pressure pulse. Unsteady aeroelastic nonlinear kernels are determined, and based on these, frequency and time histories of the subcritical aeroelastic response are obtained, and in this context the influence of geometric nonlinearities is emphasized. Conclusions and results displaying the implications of the considered effects are supplied.

Backscattering from a Gaussian distributed, perfectly conducting, rough surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, G. S.

1977-01-01

The problem of scattering by random surfaces possessing many scales of roughness is analyzed. The approach is applicable to bistatic scattering from dielectric surfaces, however, this specific analysis is restricted to backscattering from a perfectly conducting surface in order to more clearly illustrate the method. The surface is assumed to be Gaussian distributed so that the surface height can be split into large and small scale components, relative to the electromagnetic wavelength. A first order perturbation approach is employed wherein the scattering solution for the large scale structure is perturbed by the small scale diffraction effects. The scattering from the large scale structure is treated via geometrical optics techniques. The effect of the large scale surface structure is shown to be equivalent to a convolution in k-space of the height spectrum with the following: the shadowing function, a polarization and surface slope dependent function, and a Gaussian factor resulting from the unperturbed geometrical optics solution. This solution provides a continuous transition between the near normal incidence geometrical optics and wide angle Bragg scattering results.

A three-dimensional microelectrode array composed of vertically aligned ultra-dense carbon nanotube networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nick, C.; Yadav, S.; Joshi, R.; Schneider, J. J.; Thielemann, C.

2015-07-01

Electrodes based on carbon nanotubes are a promising approach to manufacture highly sensitive sensors with a low limit of signal detection and a high signal-to-noise ratio. This is achieved by dramatically increasing the electrochemical active surface area without increasing the overall geometrical dimensions. Typically, carbon nanotube electrodes are nearly planar and composed of randomly distributed carbon nanotube networks having a limited surface gain for a specific geometrical surface area. To overcome this limitation, we have introduced vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) networks as electrodes, which are arranged in a microelectrode pattern of 60 single electrodes. Each microelectrode features a very high aspect ratio of more than 300 and thus a dramatically increased surface area. These microelectrodes composed of VACNT networks display dramatically decreased impedance over the entire frequency range compared to planar microelectrodes caused by the enormous capacity increase. This is experimentally verified by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.

Cognitive object recognition system (CORS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raju, Chaitanya; Varadarajan, Karthik Mahesh; Krishnamurthi, Niyant; Xu, Shuli; Biederman, Irving; Kelley, Troy

2010-04-01

We have developed a framework, Cognitive Object Recognition System (CORS), inspired by current neurocomputational models and psychophysical research in which multiple recognition algorithms (shape based geometric primitives, 'geons,' and non-geometric feature-based algorithms) are integrated to provide a comprehensive solution to object recognition and landmarking. Objects are defined as a combination of geons, corresponding to their simple parts, and the relations among the parts. However, those objects that are not easily decomposable into geons, such as bushes and trees, are recognized by CORS using "feature-based" algorithms. The unique interaction between these algorithms is a novel approach that combines the effectiveness of both algorithms and takes us closer to a generalized approach to object recognition. CORS allows recognition of objects through a larger range of poses using geometric primitives and performs well under heavy occlusion - about 35% of object surface is sufficient. Furthermore, geon composition of an object allows image understanding and reasoning even with novel objects. With reliable landmarking capability, the system improves vision-based robot navigation in GPS-denied environments. Feasibility of the CORS system was demonstrated with real stereo images captured from a Pioneer robot. The system can currently identify doors, door handles, staircases, trashcans and other relevant landmarks in the indoor environment.

An approach to constrained aerodynamic design with application to airfoils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Richard L.

1992-01-01

An approach was developed for incorporating flow and geometric constraints into the Direct Iterative Surface Curvature (DISC) design method. In this approach, an initial target pressure distribution is developed using a set of control points. The chordwise locations and pressure levels of these points are initially estimated either from empirical relationships and observed characteristics of pressure distributions for a given class of airfoils or by fitting the points to an existing pressure distribution. These values are then automatically adjusted during the design process to satisfy the flow and geometric constraints. The flow constraints currently available are lift, wave drag, pitching moment, pressure gradient, and local pressure levels. The geometric constraint options include maximum thickness, local thickness, leading-edge radius, and a 'glove' constraint involving inner and outer bounding surfaces. This design method was also extended to include the successive constraint release (SCR) approach to constrained minimization.

Orientational Order on Surfaces: The Coupling of Topology, Geometry, and Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nestler, M.; Nitschke, I.; Praetorius, S.; Voigt, A.

2018-02-01

We consider the numerical investigation of surface bound orientational order using unit tangential vector fields by means of a gradient flow equation of a weak surface Frank-Oseen energy. The energy is composed of intrinsic and extrinsic contributions, as well as a penalization term to enforce the unity of the vector field. Four different numerical discretizations, namely a discrete exterior calculus approach, a method based on vector spherical harmonics, a surface finite element method, and an approach utilizing an implicit surface description, the diffuse interface method, are described and compared with each other for surfaces with Euler characteristic 2. We demonstrate the influence of geometric properties on realizations of the Poincaré-Hopf theorem and show examples where the energy is decreased by introducing additional orientational defects.

An efficient approach for computing the geometrical optics field reflected from a numerically specified surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mittra, R.; Rushdi, A.

1979-01-01

An approach for computing the geometrical optic fields reflected from a numerically specified surface is presented. The approach includes the step of deriving a specular point and begins with computing the reflected rays off the surface at the points where their coordinates, as well as the partial derivatives (or equivalently, the direction of the normal), are numerically specified. Then, a cluster of three adjacent rays are chosen to define a 'mean ray' and the divergence factor associated with this mean ray. Finally, the ampilitude, phase, and vector direction of the reflected field at a given observation point are derived by associating this point with the nearest mean ray and determining its position relative to such a ray.

Expression of the degree of polarization based on the geometrical optics pBRDF model.

PubMed

Wang, Kai; Zhu, Jingping; Liu, Hong; Du, Bingzheng

2017-02-01

An expression of the degree of polarization (DOP) based on the geometrical optics polarimetric bidirectional reflectance distribution function model is presented. In this expression, the DOP is related to the surface roughness and decreases at different reflection angles because diffuse reflection is taken into consideration. A shadowing/masking function introduced into the specular reflection expression makes the DOP values decrease as the angle of incidence or observation approaches grazing. Different kinds of materials were measured to validate the accuracy of this DOP expression. The measured results suggest that the errors of the DOP are reduced significantly, and the polarized reflection characteristics can be described more reasonably and accurately.

New method for springback compensation for the stamping of sheet metal components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Birkert, A.; Hartmann, B.; Straub, M.

2017-09-01

The need for car body structures of higher strength and at the same time lower weight results in serious challenges for the stamping process. Especially the use of high strength steel and aluminium sheets is causing growing problems with regard to elastic springback. To produce accurate parts the stamping dies must be adjusted more or less by the amount of the springback in the opposite direction. For this purpose well-known software solutions use the Displacement Adjustment Method or algorithms which are closely based on that method. A crucial issue of this method is that the generated die surfaces deviate from those of the target geometry with regard to surface area. A new Physical Compensation Method has been developed and validated which takes geometrical nonlinearity into account and creates compensated die geometries with equal-in-area die surfaces. In contrast to the standard mathematical/geometrical approach, the adjusted geometry is generated by a physical approach, which makes use of the virtual part stiffness. Hereby the target geometry is being deformed mechanically in a virtual process based on the springback simulation results by applying virtual forces in an additional elastic simulation. By doing so better part dimensions can be obtained in less tool optimization loops.

Simplified versus geometrically accurate models of forefoot anatomy to predict plantar pressures: A finite element study.

PubMed

Telfer, Scott; Erdemir, Ahmet; Woodburn, James; Cavanagh, Peter R

2016-01-25

Integration of patient-specific biomechanical measurements into the design of therapeutic footwear has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in patients with diabetic foot disease. The addition of numerical simulations intended to optimise intervention design may help to build on these advances, however at present the time and labour required to generate and run personalised models of foot anatomy restrict their routine clinical utility. In this study we developed second-generation personalised simple finite element (FE) models of the forefoot with varying geometric fidelities. Plantar pressure predictions from barefoot, shod, and shod with insole simulations using simplified models were compared to those obtained from CT-based FE models incorporating more detailed representations of bone and tissue geometry. A simplified model including representations of metatarsals based on simple geometric shapes, embedded within a contoured soft tissue block with outer geometry acquired from a 3D surface scan was found to provide pressure predictions closest to the more complex model, with mean differences of 13.3kPa (SD 13.4), 12.52kPa (SD 11.9) and 9.6kPa (SD 9.3) for barefoot, shod, and insole conditions respectively. The simplified model design could be produced in <1h compared to >3h in the case of the more detailed model, and solved on average 24% faster. FE models of the forefoot based on simplified geometric representations of the metatarsal bones and soft tissue surface geometry from 3D surface scans may potentially provide a simulation approach with improved clinical utility, however further validity testing around a range of therapeutic footwear types is required. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A new approach for shaping of dual-reflector antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Teh-Hong; Burnside, W. D.; Rudduck, Roger C.

1987-01-01

The shaping of 2-D dual-reflector antenna systems to generate a prescribed distribution with uniform phase at the aperture of the second reflector is examined. This method is based on the geometrical nature of Cassegrain and Gregorian dual-reflector antennas. The method of syntheses satisfies the principles of geometrical optics which are the foundations of dual-reflector designs. Instead of setting up differential equations or heuristically designing the subreflector, a set of algebraic equations is formulated and solved numerically to obtain the desired surfaces. The caustics of the reflected rays from the subreflector can be obtained and examined. Several examples of 2-D dual-reflector shaping are shown to validate the study. Geometrical optics and physical optics are used to calculate the scattered fields from the reflectors.

gpICA: A Novel Nonlinear ICA Algorithm Using Geometric Linearization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Thang Viet; Patra, Jagdish Chandra; Emmanuel, Sabu

2006-12-01

A new geometric approach for nonlinear independent component analysis (ICA) is presented in this paper. Nonlinear environment is modeled by the popular post nonlinear (PNL) scheme. To eliminate the nonlinearity in the observed signals, a novel linearizing method named as geometric post nonlinear ICA (gpICA) is introduced. Thereafter, a basic linear ICA is applied on these linearized signals to estimate the unknown sources. The proposed method is motivated by the fact that in a multidimensional space, a nonlinear mixture is represented by a nonlinear surface while a linear mixture is represented by a plane, a special form of the surface. Therefore, by geometrically transforming the surface representing a nonlinear mixture into a plane, the mixture can be linearized. Through simulations on different data sets, superior performance of gpICA algorithm has been shown with respect to other algorithms.

Treatment of charge singularities in implicit solvent models.

PubMed

Geng, Weihua; Yu, Sining; Wei, Guowei

2007-09-21

This paper presents a novel method for solving the Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation based on a rigorous treatment of geometric singularities of the dielectric interface and a Green's function formulation of charge singularities. Geometric singularities, such as cusps and self-intersecting surfaces, in the dielectric interfaces are bottleneck in developing highly accurate PB solvers. Based on an advanced mathematical technique, the matched interface and boundary (MIB) method, we have recently developed a PB solver by rigorously enforcing the flux continuity conditions at the solvent-molecule interface where geometric singularities may occur. The resulting PB solver, denoted as MIBPB-II, is able to deliver second order accuracy for the molecular surfaces of proteins. However, when the mesh size approaches half of the van der Waals radius, the MIBPB-II cannot maintain its accuracy because the grid points that carry the interface information overlap with those that carry distributed singular charges. In the present Green's function formalism, the charge singularities are transformed into interface flux jump conditions, which are treated on an equal footing as the geometric singularities in our MIB framework. The resulting method, denoted as MIBPB-III, is able to provide highly accurate electrostatic potentials at a mesh as coarse as 1.2 A for proteins. Consequently, at a given level of accuracy, the MIBPB-III is about three times faster than the APBS, a recent multigrid PB solver. The MIBPB-III has been extensively validated by using analytically solvable problems, molecular surfaces of polyatomic systems, and 24 proteins. It provides reliable benchmark numerical solutions for the PB equation.

Treatment of charge singularities in implicit solvent models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geng, Weihua; Yu, Sining; Wei, Guowei

2007-09-01

This paper presents a novel method for solving the Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation based on a rigorous treatment of geometric singularities of the dielectric interface and a Green's function formulation of charge singularities. Geometric singularities, such as cusps and self-intersecting surfaces, in the dielectric interfaces are bottleneck in developing highly accurate PB solvers. Based on an advanced mathematical technique, the matched interface and boundary (MIB) method, we have recently developed a PB solver by rigorously enforcing the flux continuity conditions at the solvent-molecule interface where geometric singularities may occur. The resulting PB solver, denoted as MIBPB-II, is able to deliver second order accuracy for the molecular surfaces of proteins. However, when the mesh size approaches half of the van der Waals radius, the MIBPB-II cannot maintain its accuracy because the grid points that carry the interface information overlap with those that carry distributed singular charges. In the present Green's function formalism, the charge singularities are transformed into interface flux jump conditions, which are treated on an equal footing as the geometric singularities in our MIB framework. The resulting method, denoted as MIBPB-III, is able to provide highly accurate electrostatic potentials at a mesh as coarse as 1.2Å for proteins. Consequently, at a given level of accuracy, the MIBPB-III is about three times faster than the APBS, a recent multigrid PB solver. The MIBPB-III has been extensively validated by using analytically solvable problems, molecular surfaces of polyatomic systems, and 24 proteins. It provides reliable benchmark numerical solutions for the PB equation.

Impact of microstructure evolution on the difference between geometric and reactive surface areas in natural chalk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Y.; Bruns, S.; Stipp, S. L. S.; Sørensen, H. O.

2018-05-01

The coupling between flow and mineral dissolution drives the evolution of many natural and engineered flow systems. Pore surface changes as microstructure evolves but this transient behaviour has traditionally been difficult to model. We combined a reactor network model with experimental, greyscale tomography data to establish the morphological grounds for differences among geometric, reactive and apparent surface areas in dissolving chalk. This approach allowed us to study the effects of initial geometry and macroscopic flow rate independently. The simulations showed that geometric surface, which represents a form of local transport heterogeneity, increases in an imposed flow field, even when the porous structure is chemically homogeneous. Hence, the fluid-reaction coupling leads to solid channelisation, which further results in fluid focusing and an increase in geometric surface area. Fluid focusing decreases the area of reactive surface and the residence time of reactant, both contribute to the over-normalisation of reaction rate. In addition, the growing and merging of microchannels, near the fluid entrance, contribute to the macroscopic, fast initial dissolution rate of rocks.

Flight simulator with spaced visuals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilson, Richard D. (Inventor); Thurston, Marlin O. (Inventor); Olson, Karl W. (Inventor); Ventola, Ronald W. (Inventor)

1980-01-01

A flight simulator arrangement wherein a conventional, movable base flight trainer is combined with a visual cue display surface spaced a predetermined distance from an eye position within the trainer. Thus, three degrees of motive freedom (roll, pitch and crab) are provided for a visual proprioceptive, and vestibular cue system by the trainer while the remaining geometric visual cue image alterations are developed by a video system. A geometric approach to computing runway image eliminates a need to electronically compute trigonometric functions, while utilization of a line generator and designated vanishing point at the video system raster permits facile development of the images of the longitudinal edges of the runway.

Geometric and dosimetric evaluations of atlas-based segmentation methods of MR images in the head and neck region.

PubMed

Kieselmann, Jennifer Petra; Kamerling, Cornelis Philippus; Burgos, Ninon; Menten, Martin J; Fuller, Clifton David; Nill, Simeon; Cardoso, M Jorge; Oelfke, Uwe

2018-06-08

Owing to its excellent soft-tissue contrast, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has found an increased application in radiation therapy (RT). Harnessing these properties for treatment planning, automated segmentation methods can alleviate the manual workload burden to the clinical workflow. We investigated atlas-based segmentation methods of organs at risk (OARs) in the head and neck (H&N) region: one approach selecting the most similar atlas from a library of segmented images and two multi-atlas approaches. The latter were based on weighted majority voting and an iterative atlas-fusion approach called STEPS. We built the atlas library from pre-treatment T1-weighted MR images of 12 patients with manual contours of the parotids, spinal cord and mandible, delineated by a clinician. Following a leave-one-out cross-validation strategy, we measured geometric accuracy calculating Dice similarity coefficients (DSC), standard and 95% Hausdorff distances (HD and HD95), as well as the mean surface distance (MSD), whereby the manual contours served as the gold standard. To benchmark the algorithm, we determined the inter-expert variability (IEV) between three experts. To investigate the dosimetric effect of segmentation inaccuracies, we implemented an auto-planning strategy within the treatment planning system Monaco (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden). For each set of auto-segmented volumes of interest (VOIs), we generated a plan for a 9-beam step and shoot intensity modulated RT treatment, designed according to our institution's clinical H\\&N protocol. Superimposing the dose distributions on the gold standard VOIs, we calculated dose differences to OARs caused by contouring differences between auto-segmented and gold standard VOIs. We investigated the correlation between geometric and dosimetric differences. The mean DSC was larger than 0.8 and the mean MSD smaller than 2mm for the multi-atlas approaches, resulting in a geometric accuracy comparable to previously published results and within the range of the IEV. While dosimetric differences could be as large as 23% of the clinical goal, treatment plans fulfilled all imposed clinical goals for the gold standard OARs. Correlations between geometric and dosimetric measures were low with R²<0.5. The geometric accuracy and ability to achieve clinically acceptable treatment plans indicate the suitability of using atlas-based contours for RT treatment planning purposes. The low correlations between geometric and dosimetric measures indicate that geometric measures alone are not sufficient to predict the dosimetric impact of segmentation inaccuracies on treatment planning for the data utilised in this study. Creative Commons Attribution license.

An efficient hybrid technique in RCS predictions of complex targets at high frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Algar, María-Jesús; Lozano, Lorena; Moreno, Javier; González, Iván; Cátedra, Felipe

2017-09-01

Most computer codes in Radar Cross Section (RCS) prediction use Physical Optics (PO) and Physical theory of Diffraction (PTD) combined with Geometrical Optics (GO) and Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (GTD). The latter approaches are computationally cheaper and much more accurate for curved surfaces, but not applicable for the computation of the RCS of all surfaces of a complex object due to the presence of caustic problems in the analysis of concave surfaces or flat surfaces in the far field. The main contribution of this paper is the development of a hybrid method based on a new combination of two asymptotic techniques: GTD and PO, considering the advantages and avoiding the disadvantages of each of them. A very efficient and accurate method to analyze the RCS of complex structures at high frequencies is obtained with the new combination. The proposed new method has been validated comparing RCS results obtained for some simple cases using the proposed approach and RCS using the rigorous technique of Method of Moments (MoM). Some complex cases have been examined at high frequencies contrasting the results with PO. This study shows the accuracy and the efficiency of the hybrid method and its suitability for the computation of the RCS at really large and complex targets at high frequencies.

Influence of the Geometric Parameter on the Regimes of Natural Convection and Thermal Surface Radiation in a Closed Parallelepiped

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martyushev, S. G.; Miroshnichenko, I. V.; Sheremet, M. A.

2015-11-01

We have performed a numerical analysis of the stationary regimes of thermogravitational convection and thermal surface radiation in a closed differentially heated parallelepiped. The mathematical model formulated in dimensionless natural velocity-pressure-temperature variables was realized numerically in the control volume approach. Analysis of the radiative heat exchange was carried out on the basis of the surface radiation approach with the use of the balance method in the Polyak variant. We have obtained three-dimensional temperature and velocity fields, as well as dependences for the mean Nusselt number reflecting the influence of the geometric parameter, the Rayleigh number, and the reduced emissive factor of the walls on the flow structure and the heat transfer.

Virtual reality based adaptive dose assessment method for arbitrary geometries in nuclear facility decommissioning.

PubMed

Liu, Yong-Kuo; Chao, Nan; Xia, Hong; Peng, Min-Jun; Ayodeji, Abiodun

2018-05-17

This paper presents an improved and efficient virtual reality-based adaptive dose assessment method (VRBAM) applicable to the cutting and dismantling tasks in nuclear facility decommissioning. The method combines the modeling strength of virtual reality with the flexibility of adaptive technology. The initial geometry is designed with the three-dimensional computer-aided design tools, and a hybrid model composed of cuboids and a point-cloud is generated automatically according to the virtual model of the object. In order to improve the efficiency of dose calculation while retaining accuracy, the hybrid model is converted to a weighted point-cloud model, and the point kernels are generated by adaptively simplifying the weighted point-cloud model according to the detector position, an approach that is suitable for arbitrary geometries. The dose rates are calculated with the Point-Kernel method. To account for radiation scattering effects, buildup factors are calculated with the Geometric-Progression formula in the fitting function. The geometric modeling capability of VRBAM was verified by simulating basic geometries, which included a convex surface, a concave surface, a flat surface and their combination. The simulation results show that the VRBAM is more flexible and superior to other approaches in modeling complex geometries. In this paper, the computation time and dose rate results obtained from the proposed method were also compared with those obtained using the MCNP code and an earlier virtual reality-based method (VRBM) developed by the same authors. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Cortical surface registration using spherical thin-plate spline with sulcal lines and mean curvature as features.

PubMed

Park, Hyunjin; Park, Jun-Sung; Seong, Joon-Kyung; Na, Duk L; Lee, Jong-Min

2012-04-30

Analysis of cortical patterns requires accurate cortical surface registration. Many researchers map the cortical surface onto a unit sphere and perform registration of two images defined on the unit sphere. Here we have developed a novel registration framework for the cortical surface based on spherical thin-plate splines. Small-scale composition of spherical thin-plate splines was used as the geometric interpolant to avoid folding in the geometric transform. Using an automatic algorithm based on anisotropic skeletons, we extracted seven sulcal lines, which we then incorporated as landmark information. Mean curvature was chosen as an additional feature for matching between spherical maps. We employed a two-term cost function to encourage matching of both sulcal lines and the mean curvature between the spherical maps. Application of our registration framework to fifty pairwise registrations of T1-weighted MRI scans resulted in improved registration accuracy, which was computed from sulcal lines. Our registration approach was tested as an additional procedure to improve an existing surface registration algorithm. Our registration framework maintained an accurate registration over the sulcal lines while significantly increasing the cross-correlation of mean curvature between the spherical maps being registered. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rough surfaces: Is the dark stuff just shadow?. ;Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The shadow knows!;☆

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cuzzi, Jeffrey N.; Chambers, Lindsey B.; Hendrix, Amanda R.

2017-06-01

Remote observations of the surfaces of airless planetary objects are fundamental to inferring the physical structure and compositional makeup of the surface material. A number of forward models have been developed to reproduce the photometric behavior of these surfaces, based on specific, assumed structural properties such as macroscopic roughness and associated shadowing. Most work of this type is applied to geometric albedos, which are affected by complicated effects near zero phase angle that represent only a tiny fraction of the net energy reflected by the object. Other applications include parameter fits to resolved portions of some planetary surface as viewed over a range of geometries. The spherical albedo of the entire object (when it can be determined) captures the net energy balance of the particle more robustly than the geometric albedo. In most treatments involving spherical albedos, spherical albedos and particle phase functions are often treated as if they are independent, neglecting the effects of roughness. In this paper we take a different approach. We note that whatever function captures the phase angle dependence of the brightness of a realistic rough, shadowed, flat surface element relative to that of a smooth granular surface of the same material, it is manifested directly in both the integral phase function and the spherical albedo of the object. We suggest that, where broad phase angle coverage is possible, spherical albedos may be easily corrected for the effects of shadowing using observed (or assumed) phase functions, and then modeled more robustly using smooth-surface regolith radiative transfer models without further imposed (forward-modeled) shadowing corrections. Our approach attributes observed "powerlaw" phase functions of various slope (and "linear" ranges of magnitude-vs.-phase angle) to shadowing, as have others, and goes in to suggest that regolith-model-based inferences of composition based on shadow-uncorrected spherical albedos overestimate the amount of absorbing material contained in the regolith.

Rough Surfaces: Is the Dark Stuff Just Shadow?: "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The shadow knows!"

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cuzzi, Jeffrey N.; Chambers, Lindsey B.; Hendrix, Amanda R.

2016-01-01

Remote observations of the surfaces of airless planetary objects are fundamental to inferring the physical structure and compositional makeup of the surface material. A number of forward models have been developed to reproduce the photometric behavior of these surfaces, based on specific, assumed structural properties such as macroscopic roughness and associated shadowing. Most work of this type is applied to geometric albedos, which are affected by complicated effects near zero phase angle that represent only a tiny fraction of the net energy reflected by the object. Other applications include parameter fits to resolved portions of some planetary surface as viewed over a range of geometries. The spherical albedo of the entire object (when it can be determined) captures the net energy balance of the particle more robustly than the geometric albedo. In most treatments involving spherical albedos, spherical albedos and particle phase functions are often treated as if they are independent, neglecting the effects of roughness. In this paper we take a different approach. We note that whatever function captures the phase angle dependence of the brightness of a realistic rough, shadowed, flat surface element relative to that of a smooth granular surface of the same material, it is manifested directly in both the integral phase function and the spherical albedo of the object. We suggest that, where broad phase angle coverage is possible, spherical albedos may be easily corrected for the effects of shadowing using observed (or assumed) phase functions, and then modeled more robustly using smooth-surface regolith radiative transfer models without further imposed (forward-modeled) shadowing corrections. Our approach attributes observed "power law" phase functions of various slope (and "linear" ranges of magnitude-vs.-phase angle) to shadowing, as have others, and goes on to suggest that regolith-model-based inferences of composition based on shadow-uncorrected spherical albedos overestimate the amount of absorbing material contained in the regolith.

Graded nanowell arrays: a fine plasmonic "library" with an adjustable spectral range.

PubMed

Xue, Peihong; Ye, Shunsheng; Su, Hongyang; Wang, Shuli; Nan, Jingjie; Chen, Xingchi; Ruan, Weidong; Zhang, Junhu; Cui, Zhanchen; Yang, Bai

2017-05-25

We present an effective approach for fabricating graded plasmonic arrays based on ordered micro-/nanostructures with a geometric gradient. Ag nanowell arrays with graded geometric parameters were fabricated and systematically investigated. The order of the graded plasmonic arrays is generated by colloidal lithography, while the geometric gradient is the result of inclined reactive ion etching. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks were measured at different positions, which move gradually along the Ag nanowell arrays with a geometric gradient. Such micro-/nanostructure arrays with graded and integrated SPR peaks can work as a fine plasmonic "library" (FPL), and the spectral range can be controlled using a "coarse adjustment knob" (lattice constant) and a "fine adjustment knob" (pore diameter). Additionally, the spectral resolution of the FPL is high, which benefits from the high value of the full height/full width at half-maximum and the small step size of the wavelength shift (0.5 nm). Meanwhile, the FPL could be effectively applied as a well-defined model to verify the plasmonic enhancement in surface enhanced Raman scattering. As the FPL is an integrated optical material with graded individual SPR peaks, it can not only be a theoretical model for fundamental research, but also has great potential in high-throughput screening of optical materials, multiplex sensors, etc.

3D displacement field measurement with correlation based on the micro-geometrical surface texture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bubaker-Isheil, Halima; Serri, Jérôme; Fontaine, Jean-François

2011-07-01

Image correlation methods are widely used in experimental mechanics to obtain displacement field measurements. Currently, these methods are applied using digital images of the initial and deformed surfaces sprayed with black or white paint. Speckle patterns are then captured and the correlation is performed with a high degree of accuracy to an order of 0.01 pixels. In 3D, however, stereo-correlation leads to a lower degree of accuracy. Correlation techniques are based on the search for a sub-image (or pattern) displacement field. The work presented in this paper introduces a new correlation-based approach for 3D displacement field measurement that uses an additional 3D laser scanner and a CMM (Coordinate Measurement Machine). Unlike most existing methods that require the presence of markers on the observed object (such as black speckle, grids or random patterns), this approach relies solely on micro-geometrical surface textures such as waviness, roughness and aperiodic random defects. The latter are assumed to remain sufficiently small thus providing an adequate estimate of the particle displacement. The proposed approach can be used in a wide range of applications such as sheet metal forming with large strains. The method proceeds by first obtaining cloud points using the 3D laser scanner mounted on a CMM. These points are used to create 2D maps that are then correlated. In this respect, various criteria have been investigated for creating maps consisting of patterns, which facilitate the correlation procedure. Once the maps are created, the correlation between both configurations (initial and moved) is carried out using traditional methods developed for field measurements. Measurement validation was conducted using experiments in 2D and 3D with good results for rigid displacements in 2D, 3D and 2D rotations.

Adaptive scallop height tool path generation for robot-based incremental sheet metal forming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seim, Patrick; Möllensiep, Dennis; Störkle, Denis Daniel; Thyssen, Lars; Kuhlenkötter, Bernd

2016-10-01

Incremental sheet metal forming is an emerging process for the production of individualized products or prototypes in low batch sizes and with short times to market. In these processes, the desired shape is produced by the incremental inward motion of the workpiece-independent forming tool in depth direction and its movement along the contour in lateral direction. Based on this shape production, the tool path generation is a key factor on e.g. the resulting geometric accuracy, the resulting surface quality, and the working time. This paper presents an innovative tool path generation based on a commercial milling CAM package considering the surface quality and working time. This approach offers the ability to define a specific scallop height as an indicator of the surface quality for specific faces of a component. Moreover, it decreases the required working time for the production of the entire component compared to the use of a commercial software package without this adaptive approach. Different forming experiments have been performed to verify the newly developed tool path generation. Mainly, this approach serves to solve the existing conflict of combining the working time and the surface quality within the process of incremental sheet metal forming.

The Design of Case Products’ Shape Form Information Database Based on NURBS Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xing; Liu, Guo-zhong; Xu, Nuo-qi; Zhang, Wei-she

2017-07-01

In order to improve the computer design of product shape design,applying the Non-uniform Rational B-splines(NURBS) of curves and surfaces surface to the representation of the product shape helps designers to design the product effectively.On the basis of the typical product image contour extraction and using Pro/Engineer(Pro/E) to extract the geometric feature of scanning mold,in order to structure the information data base system of value point,control point and node vector parameter information,this paper put forward a unified expression method of using NURBS curves and surfaces to describe products’ geometric shape and using matrix laboratory(MATLAB) to simulate when products have the same or similar function.A case study of electric vehicle’s front cover illustrates the access process of geometric shape information of case product in this paper.This method can not only greatly reduce the capacity of information debate,but also improve the effectiveness of computer aided geometric innovation modeling.

A method for cone fitting based on certain sampling strategy in CMM metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Li; Guo, Chaopeng

2018-04-01

A method of cone fitting in engineering is explored and implemented to overcome shortcomings of current fitting method. In the current method, the calculations of the initial geometric parameters are imprecise which cause poor accuracy in surface fitting. A geometric distance function of cone is constructed firstly, then certain sampling strategy is defined to calculate the initial geometric parameters, afterwards nonlinear least-squares method is used to fit the surface. The experiment is designed to verify accuracy of the method. The experiment data prove that the proposed method can get initial geometric parameters simply and efficiently, also fit the surface precisely, and provide a new accurate way to cone fitting in the coordinate measurement.

New solutions and applications of 3D computer tomography image processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Effenberger, Ira; Kroll, Julia; Verl, Alexander

2008-02-01

As nowadays the industry aims at fast and high quality product development and manufacturing processes a modern and efficient quality inspection is essential. Compared to conventional measurement technologies, industrial computer tomography (CT) is a non-destructive technology for 3D-image data acquisition which helps to overcome their disadvantages by offering the possibility to scan complex parts with all outer and inner geometric features. In this paper new and optimized methods for 3D image processing, including innovative ways of surface reconstruction and automatic geometric feature detection of complex components, are presented, especially our work of developing smart online data processing and data handling methods, with an integrated intelligent online mesh reduction. Hereby the processing of huge and high resolution data sets is guaranteed. Besides, new approaches for surface reconstruction and segmentation based on statistical methods are demonstrated. On the extracted 3D point cloud or surface triangulation automated and precise algorithms for geometric inspection are deployed. All algorithms are applied to different real data sets generated by computer tomography in order to demonstrate the capabilities of the new tools. Since CT is an emerging technology for non-destructive testing and inspection more and more industrial application fields will use and profit from this new technology.

A Wave-Optics Approach to Paraxial Geometrical Laws Based on Continuity at Boundaries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Linares, J.; Nistal, M. C.

2011-01-01

We present a derivation of the paraxial geometrical laws starting from a wave-optics approach, in particular by using simple continuity conditions of paraxial spherical waves at boundaries (discontinuities) between optical media. Paraxial geometrical imaging and magnification laws, under refraction and reflection at boundaries, are derived for…

Geometric and radiometric preprocessing of airborne visible/infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS) data in rugged terrain for quantitative data analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Peter; Green, Robert O.; Staenz, Karl; Itten, Klaus I.

1994-01-01

A geocoding procedure for remotely sensed data of airborne systems in rugged terrain is affected by several factors: buffeting of the aircraft by turbulence, variations in ground speed, changes in altitude, attitude variations, and surface topography. The current investigation was carried out with an Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) scene of central Switzerland (Rigi) from NASA's Multi Aircraft Campaign (MAC) in Europe (1991). The parametric approach reconstructs for every pixel the observation geometry based on the flight line, aircraft attitude, and surface topography. To utilize the data for analysis of materials on the surface, the AVIRIS data are corrected to apparent reflectance using algorithms based on MODTRAN (moderate resolution transfer code).

Economic method for helical gear flank surface characterisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koulin, G.; Reavie, T.; Frazer, R. C.; Shaw, B. A.

2018-03-01

Typically the quality of a gear pair is assessed based on simplified geometric tolerances which do not always correlate with functional performance. In order to identify and quantify functional performance based parameters, further development of the gear measurement approach is required. Methodology for interpolation of the full active helical gear flank surface, from sparse line measurements, is presented. The method seeks to identify the minimum number of line measurements required to sufficiently characterise an active gear flank. In the form ground gear example presented, a single helix and three profile line measurements was considered to be acceptable. The resulting surfaces can be used to simulate the meshing engagement of a gear pair and therefore provide insight into functional performance based parameters. Therefore the assessment of the quality can be based on the predicted performance in the context of an application.

Restoring 2D content from distorted documents.

PubMed

Brown, Michael S; Sun, Mingxuan; Yang, Ruigang; Yun, Lin; Seales, W Brent

2007-11-01

This paper presents a framework to restore the 2D content printed on documents in the presence of geometric distortion and non-uniform illumination. Compared with textbased document imaging approaches that correct distortion to a level necessary to obtain sufficiently readable text or to facilitate optical character recognition (OCR), our work targets nontextual documents where the original printed content is desired. To achieve this goal, our framework acquires a 3D scan of the document's surface together with a high-resolution image. Conformal mapping is used to rectify geometric distortion by mapping the 3D surface back to a plane while minimizing angular distortion. This conformal "deskewing" assumes no parametric model of the document's surface and is suitable for arbitrary distortions. Illumination correction is performed by using the 3D shape to distinguish content gradient edges from illumination gradient edges in the high-resolution image. Integration is performed using only the content edges to obtain a reflectance image with significantly less illumination artifacts. This approach makes no assumptions about light sources and their positions. The results from the geometric and photometric correction are combined to produce the final output.

Geometric manipulation of trapped ions for quantum computation.

PubMed

Duan, L M; Cirac, J I; Zoller, P

2001-06-01

We propose an experimentally feasible scheme to achieve quantum computation based solely on geometric manipulations of a quantum system. The desired geometric operations are obtained by driving the quantum system to undergo appropriate adiabatic cyclic evolutions. Our implementation of the all-geometric quantum computation is based on laser manipulation of a set of trapped ions. An all-geometric approach, apart from its fundamental interest, offers a possible method for robust quantum computation.

Identification of black hole horizons using scalar curvature invariants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coley, Alan; McNutt, David

2018-01-01

We introduce the concept of a geometric horizon, which is a surface distinguished by the vanishing of certain curvature invariants which characterize its special algebraic character. We motivate its use for the detection of the event horizon of a stationary black hole by providing a set of appropriate scalar polynomial curvature invariants that vanish on this surface. We extend this result by proving that a non-expanding horizon, which generalizes a Killing horizon, coincides with the geometric horizon. Finally, we consider the imploding spherically symmetric metrics and show that the geometric horizon identifies a unique quasi-local surface corresponding to the unique spherically symmetric marginally trapped tube, implying that the spherically symmetric dynamical black holes admit a geometric horizon. Based on these results, we propose a suite of conjectures concerning the application of geometric horizons to more general dynamical black hole scenarios.

A New Method for Determining Hamaker Constants of Solids Based on the Dynamic Approach Behavior of an Atomic Force Microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fronczak, Sean G.

The Hamaker constant, A, is a quantitative measure of the fundamental attractive van der Waals (vdW) interaction for microscale and nanoscale materials. This parameter captures each material's compositional effects on the vdW force, which is often needed as input for predicting the vdW interactions between particles and surfaces. Experimental attempts to determine A using an atomic force microscope (AFM) are typically hindered by issues inherent to the cantilever-tip-surface contact regime, such as surface roughness and deformation, and contact separation distance. Thus, we developed a new method for estimating Hamaker constants from the non-contact approach regime of an AFM experiment (Fronczak et al., 2017, Langmuir 33, 714-725). This method invokes a quasi-dynamic description of the cantilever tip's approach to contact, in which the inertial effects of the tip motion are accounted for when analyzing the trajectory of the tip's approach towards the substrate. The method was tested experimentally using silica, alumina and polystyrene substrates, and was demonstrated to yield estimates of A for these materials that were in very good agreement with previously published Lifshitz calculations. As with various other approaches to determining A, our new method relies heavily on the accuracy of the geometric model used to predict the interaction between the AFM tip and the substrate. For the initial validation experiments of our new method, we therefore focused on describing the shape of the cantilever tip as closely as possible, utilizing a complex model of a truncated pyramid with a spherical cap. Although this pyramidal geometry can be confirmed and the dimensions estimated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), even high-resolution SEM images of the tip cannot provide sufficient detail to allow precise enough determination of the tip's geometric parameters. Consequently, we also propose an adaptation of the method, in which these difficult to quantify geometric effects are still fully captured via the convenient description of the tip as an 'effective' perfect sphere. Hence, the geometric complexity of the cantilever tip is no longer explicitly required for the determination of A. First, a tip is 'calibrated', whereby the deflection at first contact between the cantilever tip and a smooth surface of known vdW properties is determined and an effective radius, Reff, of the tip is calculated. The tip's approach to contact toward other similarly smooth surfaces can then be well-described by using only this single geometric parameter. We demonstrate the practicality and accuracy of this updated method by comparing the results with both the original pyramid model and Lifshitz approximations (when available) for flat substrates composed of silica, polystyrene, highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), sapphire (alpha-Al3O2), Plexiglas (PMMA), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Then, the modified quasi-dynamic model was employed to study the strength of the adhesive interaction between TNT and several swab materials which are used as explosive detection devices at security checkpoints. This information is crucial for the development and improvement of next-generation swab detection protocols to further advance this field. Finally, we also include the effects of thermal noise into our quasi-dynamic description of the cantilever motion to better understand how such noise might influence the accuracy of our method. We likewise determine, for the first time, the effects of instrument noise on the accuracy of other approach-to-contact methodologies for determining A.

Model-based conifer crown surface reconstruction from multi-ocular high-resolution aerial imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheng, Yongwei

2000-12-01

Tree crown parameters such as width, height, shape and crown closure are desirable in forestry and ecological studies, but they are time-consuming and labor intensive to measure in the field. The stereoscopic capability of high-resolution aerial imagery provides a way to crown surface reconstruction. Existing photogrammetric algorithms designed to map terrain surfaces, however, cannot adequately extract crown surfaces, especially for steep conifer crowns. Considering crown surface reconstruction in a broader context of tree characterization from aerial images, we develop a rigorous perspective tree image formation model to bridge image-based tree extraction and crown surface reconstruction, and an integrated model-based approach to conifer crown surface reconstruction. Based on the fact that most conifer crowns are in a solid geometric form, conifer crowns are modeled as a generalized hemi-ellipsoid. Both the automatic and semi-automatic approaches are investigated to optimal tree model development from multi-ocular images. The semi-automatic 3D tree interpreter developed in this thesis is able to efficiently extract reliable tree parameters and tree models in complicated tree stands. This thesis starts with a sophisticated stereo matching algorithm, and incorporates tree models to guide stereo matching. The following critical problems are addressed in the model-based surface reconstruction process: (1) the problem of surface model composition from tree models, (2) the occlusion problem in disparity prediction from tree models, (3) the problem of integrating the predicted disparities into image matching, (4) the tree model edge effect reduction on the disparity map, (5) the occlusion problem in orthophoto production, and (6) the foreshortening problem in image matching, which is very serious for conifer crown surfaces. Solutions to the above problems are necessary for successful crown surface reconstruction. The model-based approach was applied to recover the canopy surface of a dense redwood stand using tri-ocular high-resolution images scanned from 1:2,400 aerial photographs. The results demonstrate the approach's ability to reconstruct complicated stands. The model-based approach proposed in this thesis is potentially applicable to other surfaces recovering problems with a priori knowledge about objects.

Texture analysis improves level set segmentation of the anterior abdominal wall

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, Zhoubing; Allen, Wade M.; Baucom, Rebeccah B.

2013-12-15

Purpose: The treatment of ventral hernias (VH) has been a challenging problem for medical care. Repair of these hernias is fraught with failure; recurrence rates ranging from 24% to 43% have been reported, even with the use of biocompatible mesh. Currently, computed tomography (CT) is used to guide intervention through expert, but qualitative, clinical judgments, notably, quantitative metrics based on image-processing are not used. The authors propose that image segmentation methods to capture the three-dimensional structure of the abdominal wall and its abnormalities will provide a foundation on which to measure geometric properties of hernias and surrounding tissues and, therefore,more » to optimize intervention.Methods: In this study with 20 clinically acquired CT scans on postoperative patients, the authors demonstrated a novel approach to geometric classification of the abdominal. The authors’ approach uses a texture analysis based on Gabor filters to extract feature vectors and follows a fuzzy c-means clustering method to estimate voxelwise probability memberships for eight clusters. The memberships estimated from the texture analysis are helpful to identify anatomical structures with inhomogeneous intensities. The membership was used to guide the level set evolution, as well as to derive an initial start close to the abdominal wall.Results: Segmentation results on abdominal walls were both quantitatively and qualitatively validated with surface errors based on manually labeled ground truth. Using texture, mean surface errors for the outer surface of the abdominal wall were less than 2 mm, with 91% of the outer surface less than 5 mm away from the manual tracings; errors were significantly greater (2–5 mm) for methods that did not use the texture.Conclusions: The authors’ approach establishes a baseline for characterizing the abdominal wall for improving VH care. Inherent texture patterns in CT scans are helpful to the tissue classification, and texture analysis can improve the level set segmentation around the abdominal region.« less

Techniques to derive geometries for image-based Eulerian computations

PubMed Central

Dillard, Seth; Buchholz, James; Vigmostad, Sarah; Kim, Hyunggun; Udaykumar, H.S.

2014-01-01

Purpose The performance of three frequently used level set-based segmentation methods is examined for the purpose of defining features and boundary conditions for image-based Eulerian fluid and solid mechanics models. The focus of the evaluation is to identify an approach that produces the best geometric representation from a computational fluid/solid modeling point of view. In particular, extraction of geometries from a wide variety of imaging modalities and noise intensities, to supply to an immersed boundary approach, is targeted. Design/methodology/approach Two- and three-dimensional images, acquired from optical, X-ray CT, and ultrasound imaging modalities, are segmented with active contours, k-means, and adaptive clustering methods. Segmentation contours are converted to level sets and smoothed as necessary for use in fluid/solid simulations. Results produced by the three approaches are compared visually and with contrast ratio, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio measures. Findings While the active contours method possesses built-in smoothing and regularization and produces continuous contours, the clustering methods (k-means and adaptive clustering) produce discrete (pixelated) contours that require smoothing using speckle-reducing anisotropic diffusion (SRAD). Thus, for images with high contrast and low to moderate noise, active contours are generally preferable. However, adaptive clustering is found to be far superior to the other two methods for images possessing high levels of noise and global intensity variations, due to its more sophisticated use of local pixel/voxel intensity statistics. Originality/value It is often difficult to know a priori which segmentation will perform best for a given image type, particularly when geometric modeling is the ultimate goal. This work offers insight to the algorithm selection process, as well as outlining a practical framework for generating useful geometric surfaces in an Eulerian setting. PMID:25750470

Model-based RSA of a femoral hip stem using surface and geometrical shape models.

PubMed

Kaptein, Bart L; Valstar, Edward R; Spoor, Cees W; Stoel, Berend C; Rozing, Piet M

2006-07-01

Roentgen stereophotogrammetry (RSA) is a highly accurate three-dimensional measuring technique for assessing micromotion of orthopaedic implants. A drawback is that markers have to be attached to the implant. Model-based techniques have been developed to prevent using special marked implants. We compared two model-based RSA methods with standard marker-based RSA techniques. The first model-based RSA method used surface models, and the second method used elementary geometrical shape (EGS) models. We used a commercially available stem to perform experiments with a phantom as well as reanalysis of patient RSA radiographs. The data from the phantom experiment indicated the accuracy and precision of the elementary geometrical shape model-based RSA method is equal to marker-based RSA. For model-based RSA using surface models, the accuracy is equal to the accuracy of marker-based RSA, but its precision is worse. We found no difference in accuracy and precision between the two model-based RSA techniques in clinical data. For this particular hip stem, EGS model-based RSA is a good alternative for marker-based RSA.

Approach to solution of coupled heat transfer problem on the surface of hypersonic vehicle of arbitrary shape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bocharov, A. N.; Bityurin, V. A.; Golovin, N. N.; Evstigneev, N. M.; Petrovskiy, V. P.; Ryabkov, O. I.; Teplyakov, I. O.; Shustov, A. A.; Solomonov, Yu S.; Fortov, V. E.

2016-11-01

In this paper, an approach to solve conjugate heat- and mass-transfer problems is considered to be applied to hypersonic vehicle surface of arbitrary shape. The approach under developing should satisfy the following demands. (i) The surface of the body of interest may have arbitrary geometrical shape. (ii) The shape of the body can change during calculation. (iii) The flight characteristics may vary in a wide range, specifically flight altitude, free-stream Mach number, angle-of-attack, etc. (iv) The approach should be realized with using the high-performance-computing (HPC) technologies. The approach is based on coupled solution of 3D unsteady hypersonic flow equations and 3D unsteady heat conductance problem for the thick wall. Iterative process is applied to account for ablation of wall material and, consequently, mass injection from the surface and changes in the surface shape. While iterations, unstructured computational grids both in the flow region and within the wall interior are adapted to the current geometry and flow conditions. The flow computations are done on HPC platform and are most time-consuming part of the whole problem, while heat conductance problem can be solved on many kinds of computers.

Estimation of Gravity Parameters Related to Simple Geometrical Structures by Developing an Approach Based on Deconvolution and Linear Optimization Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asfahani, J.; Tlas, M.

2015-10-01

An easy and practical method for interpreting residual gravity anomalies due to simple geometrically shaped models such as cylinders and spheres has been proposed in this paper. This proposed method is based on both the deconvolution technique and the simplex algorithm for linear optimization to most effectively estimate the model parameters, e.g., the depth from the surface to the center of a buried structure (sphere or horizontal cylinder) or the depth from the surface to the top of a buried object (vertical cylinder), and the amplitude coefficient from the residual gravity anomaly profile. The method was tested on synthetic data sets corrupted by different white Gaussian random noise levels to demonstrate the capability and reliability of the method. The results acquired show that the estimated parameter values derived by this proposed method are close to the assumed true parameter values. The validity of this method is also demonstrated using real field residual gravity anomalies from Cuba and Sweden. Comparable and acceptable agreement is shown between the results derived by this method and those derived from real field data.

3D shape representation with spatial probabilistic distribution of intrinsic shape keypoints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghorpade, Vijaya K.; Checchin, Paul; Malaterre, Laurent; Trassoudaine, Laurent

2017-12-01

The accelerated advancement in modeling, digitizing, and visualizing techniques for 3D shapes has led to an increasing amount of 3D models creation and usage, thanks to the 3D sensors which are readily available and easy to utilize. As a result, determining the similarity between 3D shapes has become consequential and is a fundamental task in shape-based recognition, retrieval, clustering, and classification. Several decades of research in Content-Based Information Retrieval (CBIR) has resulted in diverse techniques for 2D and 3D shape or object classification/retrieval and many benchmark data sets. In this article, a novel technique for 3D shape representation and object classification has been proposed based on analyses of spatial, geometric distributions of 3D keypoints. These distributions capture the intrinsic geometric structure of 3D objects. The result of the approach is a probability distribution function (PDF) produced from spatial disposition of 3D keypoints, keypoints which are stable on object surface and invariant to pose changes. Each class/instance of an object can be uniquely represented by a PDF. This shape representation is robust yet with a simple idea, easy to implement but fast enough to compute. Both Euclidean and topological space on object's surface are considered to build the PDFs. Topology-based geodesic distances between keypoints exploit the non-planar surface properties of the object. The performance of the novel shape signature is tested with object classification accuracy. The classification efficacy of the new shape analysis method is evaluated on a new dataset acquired with a Time-of-Flight camera, and also, a comparative evaluation on a standard benchmark dataset with state-of-the-art methods is performed. Experimental results demonstrate superior classification performance of the new approach on RGB-D dataset and depth data.

An Energy-Based Approach for Detection and Characterization of Subtle Entities Within Laser Scanning Point-Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arav, Reuma; Filin, Sagi

2016-06-01

Airborne laser scans present an optimal tool to describe geomorphological features in natural environments. However, a challenge arises in the detection of such phenomena, as they are embedded in the topography, tend to blend into their surroundings and leave only a subtle signature within the data. Most object-recognition studies address mainly urban environments and follow a general pipeline where the data are partitioned into segments with uniform properties. These approaches are restricted to man-made domain and are capable to handle limited features that answer a well-defined geometric form. As natural environments present a more complex set of features, the common interpretation of the data is still manual at large. In this paper, we propose a data-aware detection scheme, unbound to specific domains or shapes. We define the recognition question as an energy optimization problem, solved by variational means. Our approach, based on the level-set method, characterizes geometrically local surfaces within the data, and uses these characteristics as potential field for minimization. The main advantage here is that it allows topological changes of the evolving curves, such as merging and breaking. We demonstrate the proposed methodology on the detection of collapse sinkholes.

A topological study of gravity free-surface waves generated by bluff bodies using the method of steepest descents

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

The standard analytical approach for studying steady gravity free-surface waves generated by a moving body often relies upon a linearization of the physical geometry, where the body is considered asymptotically small in one or several of its dimensions. In this paper, a methodology that avoids any such geometrical simplification is presented for the case of steady-state flows at low speeds. The approach is made possible through a reduction of the water-wave equations to a complex-valued integral equation that can be studied using the method of steepest descents. The main result is a theory that establishes a correspondence between different bluff-bodied free-surface flow configurations, with the topology of the Riemann surface formed by the steepest descent paths. Then, when a geometrical feature of the body is modified, a corresponding change to the Riemann surface is observed, and the resultant effects to the water waves can be derived. This visual procedure is demonstrated for the case of two-dimensional free-surface flow past a surface-piercing ship and over an angled step in a channel. PMID:27493559

Reconstruction and analysis of hybrid composite shells using meshless methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernardo, G. M. S.; Loja, M. A. R.

2017-06-01

The importance of focusing on the research of viable models to predict the behaviour of structures which may possess in some cases complex geometries is an issue that is growing in different scientific areas, ranging from the civil and mechanical engineering to the architecture or biomedical devices fields. In these cases, the research effort to find an efficient approach to fit laser scanning point clouds, to the desired surface, has been increasing, leading to the possibility of modelling as-built/as-is structures and components' features. However, combining the task of surface reconstruction and the implementation of a structural analysis model is not a trivial task. Although there are works focusing those different phases in separate, there is still an effective need to find approaches able to interconnect them in an efficient way. Therefore, achieving a representative geometric model able to be subsequently submitted to a structural analysis in a similar based platform is a fundamental step to establish an effective expeditious processing workflow. With the present work, one presents an integrated methodology based on the use of meshless approaches, to reconstruct shells described by points' clouds, and to subsequently predict their static behaviour. These methods are highly appropriate on dealing with unstructured points clouds, as they do not need to have any specific spatial or geometric requirement when implemented, depending only on the distance between the points. Details on the formulation, and a set of illustrative examples focusing the reconstruction of cylindrical and double-curvature shells, and its further analysis, are presented.

Continuous-variable geometric phase and its manipulation for quantum computation in a superconducting circuit.

PubMed

Song, Chao; Zheng, Shi-Biao; Zhang, Pengfei; Xu, Kai; Zhang, Libo; Guo, Qiujiang; Liu, Wuxin; Xu, Da; Deng, Hui; Huang, Keqiang; Zheng, Dongning; Zhu, Xiaobo; Wang, H

2017-10-20

Geometric phase, associated with holonomy transformation in quantum state space, is an important quantum-mechanical effect. Besides fundamental interest, this effect has practical applications, among which geometric quantum computation is a paradigm, where quantum logic operations are realized through geometric phase manipulation that has some intrinsic noise-resilient advantages and may enable simplified implementation of multi-qubit gates compared to the dynamical approach. Here we report observation of a continuous-variable geometric phase and demonstrate a quantum gate protocol based on this phase in a superconducting circuit, where five qubits are controllably coupled to a resonator. Our geometric approach allows for one-step implementation of n-qubit controlled-phase gates, which represents a remarkable advantage compared to gate decomposition methods, where the number of required steps dramatically increases with n. Following this approach, we realize these gates with n up to 4, verifying the high efficiency of this geometric manipulation for quantum computation.

Acoustic window planning for ultrasound acquisition.

PubMed

Göbl, Rüdiger; Virga, Salvatore; Rackerseder, Julia; Frisch, Benjamin; Navab, Nassir; Hennersperger, Christoph

2017-06-01

Autonomous robotic ultrasound has recently gained considerable interest, especially for collaborative applications. Existing methods for acquisition trajectory planning are solely based on geometrical considerations, such as the pose of the transducer with respect to the patient surface. This work aims at establishing acoustic window planning to enable autonomous ultrasound acquisitions of anatomies with restricted acoustic windows, such as the liver or the heart. We propose a fully automatic approach for the planning of acquisition trajectories, which only requires information about the target region as well as existing tomographic imaging data, such as X-ray computed tomography. The framework integrates both geometrical and physics-based constraints to estimate the best ultrasound acquisition trajectories with respect to the available acoustic windows. We evaluate the developed method using virtual planning scenarios based on real patient data as well as for real robotic ultrasound acquisitions on a tissue-mimicking phantom. The proposed method yields superior image quality in comparison with a naive planning approach, while maintaining the necessary coverage of the target. We demonstrate that by taking image formation properties into account acquisition planning methods can outperform naive plannings. Furthermore, we show the need for such planning techniques, since naive approaches are not sufficient as they do not take the expected image quality into account.

Comparison of microfacet BRDF model to modified Beckmann-Kirchhoff BRDF model for rough and smooth surfaces.

PubMed

Butler, Samuel D; Nauyoks, Stephen E; Marciniak, Michael A

2015-11-02

A popular class of BRDF models is the microfacet models, where geometric optics is assumed. In contrast, more complex physical optics models may more accurately predict the BRDF, but the calculation is more resource intensive. These seemingly disparate approaches are compared in detail for the rough and smooth surface approximations of the modified Beckmann-Kirchhoff BRDF model, assuming Gaussian surface statistics. An approximation relating standard Fresnel reflection with the semi-rough surface polarization term, Q, is presented for unpolarized light. For rough surfaces, the angular dependence of direction cosine space is shown to be identical to the angular dependence in the microfacet distribution function. For polished surfaces, the same comparison shows a breakdown in the microfacet models. Similarities and differences between microfacet BRDF models and the modified Beckmann-Kirchhoff model are identified. The rationale for the original Beckmann-Kirchhoff F(bk)(2) geometric term relative to both microfacet models and generalized Harvey-Shack model is presented. A modification to the geometric F(bk)(2) term in original Beckmann-Kirchhoff BRDF theory is proposed.

Symmetry analysis of talus bone: A Geometric morphometric approach.

PubMed

Islam, K; Dobbe, A; Komeili, A; Duke, K; El-Rich, M; Dhillon, S; Adeeb, S; Jomha, N M

2014-01-01

The main object of this study was to use a geometric morphometric approach to quantify the left-right symmetry of talus bones. Analysis was carried out using CT scan images of 11 pairs of intact tali. Two important geometric parameters, volume and surface area, were quantified for left and right talus bones. The geometric shape variations between the right and left talus bones were also measured using deviation analysis. Furthermore, location of asymmetry in the geometric shapes were identified. Numerical results showed that talus bones are bilaterally symmetrical in nature, and the difference between the surface area of the left and right talus bones was less than 7.5%. Similarly, the difference in the volume of both bones was less than 7.5%. Results of the three-dimensional (3D) deviation analyses demonstrated the mean deviation between left and right talus bones were in the range of -0.74 mm to 0.62 mm. It was observed that in eight of 11 subjects, the deviation in symmetry occurred in regions that are clinically less important during talus surgery. We conclude that left and right talus bones of intact human ankle joints show a strong degree of symmetry. The results of this study may have significance with respect to talus surgery, and in investigating traumatic talus injury where the geometric shape of the contralateral talus can be used as control. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:139-45.

Laser Measurements Based for Volumetric Accuracy Improvement of Multi-axis Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vladimir, Sokolov; Konstantin, Basalaev

The paper describes a new developed approach to CNC-controlled multi-axis systems geometric errors compensation based on optimal error correction strategy. Multi-axis CNC-controlled systems - machine-tools and CMM's are the basis of modern engineering industry. Similar design principles of both technological and measurement equipment allow usage of similar approaches to precision management. The approach based on geometric errors compensation are widely used at present time. The paper describes a system for compensation of geometric errors of multi-axis equipment based on the new approach. The hardware basis of the developed system is a multi-function laser interferometer. The principles of system's implementation, results of measurements and system's functioning simulation are described. The effectiveness of application of described principles to multi-axis equipment of different sizes and purposes for different machining directions and zones within workspace is presented. The concepts of optimal correction strategy is introduced and dynamic accuracy control is proposed.

A universal algorithm for an improved finite element mesh generation Mesh quality assessment in comparison to former automated mesh-generators and an analytic model.

PubMed

Kaminsky, Jan; Rodt, Thomas; Gharabaghi, Alireza; Forster, Jan; Brand, Gerd; Samii, Madjid

2005-06-01

The FE-modeling of complex anatomical structures is not solved satisfyingly so far. Voxel-based as opposed to contour-based algorithms allow an automated mesh generation based on the image data. Nonetheless their geometric precision is limited. We developed an automated mesh-generator that combines the advantages of voxel-based generation with improved representation of the geometry by displacement of nodes on the object-surface. Models of an artificial 3D-pipe-section and a skullbase were generated with different mesh-densities using the newly developed geometric, unsmoothed and smoothed voxel generators. Compared to the analytic calculation of the 3D-pipe-section model the normalized RMS error of the surface stress was 0.173-0.647 for the unsmoothed voxel models, 0.111-0.616 for the smoothed voxel models with small volume error and 0.126-0.273 for the geometric models. The highest element-energy error as a criterion for the mesh quality was 2.61x10(-2) N mm, 2.46x10(-2) N mm and 1.81x10(-2) N mm for unsmoothed, smoothed and geometric voxel models, respectively. The geometric model of the 3D-skullbase resulted in the lowest element-energy error and volume error. This algorithm also allowed the best representation of anatomical details. The presented geometric mesh-generator is universally applicable and allows an automated and accurate modeling by combining the advantages of the voxel-technique and of improved surface-modeling.

Computer prediction of dual reflector antenna radiation properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christodoulou, C.

1981-01-01

A program for calculating radiation patterns for reflector antennas with either smooth analytic surfaces or with surfaces composed of a number of panels. Techniques based on the geometrical optics (GO) approach were used in tracing rays over the following regions: from a feed antenna to the first reflector surface (subreflector); from this reflector to a larger reflector surface (main reflector); and from the main reflector to a mathematical plane (aperture plane) in front of the main reflector. The equations of GO were also used to calculate the reflected field components for each ray making use of the feed radiation pattern and the parameters defining the surfaces of the two reflectors. These resulting fields form an aperture distribution which is integrated numerically to compute the radiation pattern for a specified set of angles.

The effects of geometric uncertainties on computational modelling of knee biomechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Qingen; Fisher, John; Wilcox, Ruth

2017-08-01

The geometry of the articular components of the knee is an important factor in predicting joint mechanics in computational models. There are a number of uncertainties in the definition of the geometry of cartilage and meniscus, and evaluating the effects of these uncertainties is fundamental to understanding the level of reliability of the models. In this study, the sensitivity of knee mechanics to geometric uncertainties was investigated by comparing polynomial-based and image-based knee models and varying the size of meniscus. The results suggested that the geometric uncertainties in cartilage and meniscus resulting from the resolution of MRI and the accuracy of segmentation caused considerable effects on the predicted knee mechanics. Moreover, even if the mathematical geometric descriptors can be very close to the imaged-based articular surfaces, the detailed contact pressure distribution produced by the mathematical geometric descriptors was not the same as that of the image-based model. However, the trends predicted by the models based on mathematical geometric descriptors were similar to those of the imaged-based models.

Tailored protein encapsulation into a DNA host using geometrically organized supramolecular interactions

PubMed Central

Sprengel, Andreas; Lill, Pascal; Stegemann, Pierre; Bravo-Rodriguez, Kenny; Schöneweiß, Elisa-C.; Merdanovic, Melisa; Gudnason, Daniel; Aznauryan, Mikayel; Gamrad, Lisa; Barcikowski, Stephan; Sanchez-Garcia, Elsa; Birkedal, Victoria; Gatsogiannis, Christos; Ehrmann, Michael; Saccà, Barbara

2017-01-01

The self-organizational properties of DNA have been used to realize synthetic hosts for protein encapsulation. However, current strategies of DNA–protein conjugation still limit true emulation of natural host–guest systems, whose formation relies on non-covalent bonds between geometrically matching interfaces. Here we report one of the largest DNA–protein complexes of semisynthetic origin held in place exclusively by spatially defined supramolecular interactions. Our approach is based on the decoration of the inner surface of a DNA origami hollow structure with multiple ligands converging to their corresponding binding sites on the protein surface with programmable symmetry and range-of-action. Our results demonstrate specific host–guest recognition in a 1:1 stoichiometry and selectivity for the guest whose size guarantees sufficient molecular diffusion preserving short intermolecular distances. DNA nanocontainers can be thus rationally designed to trap single guest molecules in their native form, mimicking natural strategies of molecular recognition and anticipating a new method of protein caging. PMID:28205515

Tailored protein encapsulation into a DNA host using geometrically organized supramolecular interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sprengel, Andreas; Lill, Pascal; Stegemann, Pierre; Bravo-Rodriguez, Kenny; Schöneweiß, Elisa-C.; Merdanovic, Melisa; Gudnason, Daniel; Aznauryan, Mikayel; Gamrad, Lisa; Barcikowski, Stephan; Sanchez-Garcia, Elsa; Birkedal, Victoria; Gatsogiannis, Christos; Ehrmann, Michael; Saccà, Barbara

2017-02-01

The self-organizational properties of DNA have been used to realize synthetic hosts for protein encapsulation. However, current strategies of DNA-protein conjugation still limit true emulation of natural host-guest systems, whose formation relies on non-covalent bonds between geometrically matching interfaces. Here we report one of the largest DNA-protein complexes of semisynthetic origin held in place exclusively by spatially defined supramolecular interactions. Our approach is based on the decoration of the inner surface of a DNA origami hollow structure with multiple ligands converging to their corresponding binding sites on the protein surface with programmable symmetry and range-of-action. Our results demonstrate specific host-guest recognition in a 1:1 stoichiometry and selectivity for the guest whose size guarantees sufficient molecular diffusion preserving short intermolecular distances. DNA nanocontainers can be thus rationally designed to trap single guest molecules in their native form, mimicking natural strategies of molecular recognition and anticipating a new method of protein caging.

Dye-sensitization of CdS nano-cage - A density functional theory approach

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jain, Kalpna; Singh, Kh. S.; Kishor, Shyam

2016-05-23

Quantum dots a few nanometer in size exhibit unique properties in comparison to bulk due to quantum confinement. Their properties can be tuned according to their sizes. Dye sensitized quantum dot (DSQD) solar cells are based on the same principle with surface dangling bonds as a challenge. Researches have shown the existence and stability of nano-cages which are assembled such as to minimize the surface dangling bonds and hence maximize stability. Here, we report a first principles DFT study of optical and electronic properties of CdS-cage (Cd{sub 34}S{sub 34}) sensitized with nkx-2388 dye in three different geometric configurations of dyemore » attachment. A significant distortion is found to occur in the geometric structure of the cage when it interacts strongly with the dye. The relative positioning of dye and cage energy levels is found to be different in different configurations. The absorption spectrum has been analyzed with the help of natural transition orbitals (NTO).« less

Differential Geometry Based Multiscale Models

PubMed Central

Wei, Guo-Wei

2010-01-01

Large chemical and biological systems such as fuel cells, ion channels, molecular motors, and viruses are of great importance to the scientific community and public health. Typically, these complex systems in conjunction with their aquatic environment pose a fabulous challenge to theoretical description, simulation, and prediction. In this work, we propose a differential geometry based multiscale paradigm to model complex macromolecular systems, and to put macroscopic and microscopic descriptions on an equal footing. In our approach, the differential geometry theory of surfaces and geometric measure theory are employed as a natural means to couple the macroscopic continuum mechanical description of the aquatic environment with the microscopic discrete atom-istic description of the macromolecule. Multiscale free energy functionals, or multiscale action functionals are constructed as a unified framework to derive the governing equations for the dynamics of different scales and different descriptions. Two types of aqueous macromolecular complexes, ones that are near equilibrium and others that are far from equilibrium, are considered in our formulations. We show that generalized Navier–Stokes equations for the fluid dynamics, generalized Poisson equations or generalized Poisson–Boltzmann equations for electrostatic interactions, and Newton's equation for the molecular dynamics can be derived by the least action principle. These equations are coupled through the continuum-discrete interface whose dynamics is governed by potential driven geometric flows. Comparison is given to classical descriptions of the fluid and electrostatic interactions without geometric flow based micro-macro interfaces. The detailed balance of forces is emphasized in the present work. We further extend the proposed multiscale paradigm to micro-macro analysis of electrohydrodynamics, electrophoresis, fuel cells, and ion channels. We derive generalized Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations that are coupled to generalized Navier–Stokes equations for fluid dynamics, Newton's equation for molecular dynamics, and potential and surface driving geometric flows for the micro-macro interface. For excessively large aqueous macromolecular complexes in chemistry and biology, we further develop differential geometry based multiscale fluid-electro-elastic models to replace the expensive molecular dynamics description with an alternative elasticity formulation. PMID:20169418

Geometric, Kinematic and Radiometric Aspects of Image-Based Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Tianshu

2002-01-01

This paper discusses theoretical foundations of quantitative image-based measurements for extracting and reconstructing geometric, kinematic and dynamic properties of observed objects. New results are obtained by using a combination of methods in perspective geometry, differential geometry. radiometry, kinematics and dynamics. Specific topics include perspective projection transformation. perspective developable conical surface, perspective projection under surface constraint, perspective invariants, the point correspondence problem. motion fields of curves and surfaces. and motion equations of image intensity. The methods given in this paper arc useful for determining morphology and motion fields of deformable bodies such as elastic bodies. viscoelastic mediums and fluids.

A Review of Depth and Normal Fusion Algorithms

PubMed Central

Štolc, Svorad; Pock, Thomas

2018-01-01

Geometric surface information such as depth maps and surface normals can be acquired by various methods such as stereo light fields, shape from shading and photometric stereo techniques. We compare several algorithms which deal with the combination of depth with surface normal information in order to reconstruct a refined depth map. The reasons for performance differences are examined from the perspective of alternative formulations of surface normals for depth reconstruction. We review and analyze methods in a systematic way. Based on our findings, we introduce a new generalized fusion method, which is formulated as a least squares problem and outperforms previous methods in the depth error domain by introducing a novel normal weighting that performs closer to the geodesic distance measure. Furthermore, a novel method is introduced based on Total Generalized Variation (TGV) which further outperforms previous approaches in terms of the geodesic normal distance error and maintains comparable quality in the depth error domain. PMID:29389903

Anatomical medial surfaces with efficient resolution of branches singularities.

PubMed

Gil, Debora; Vera, Sergio; Borràs, Agnés; Andaluz, Albert; González Ballester, Miguel A

2017-01-01

Medial surfaces are powerful tools for shape description, but their use has been limited due to the sensibility of existing methods to branching artifacts. Medial branching artifacts are associated to perturbations of the object boundary rather than to geometric features. Such instability is a main obstacle for a confident application in shape recognition and description. Medial branches correspond to singularities of the medial surface and, thus, they are problematic for existing morphological and energy-based algorithms. In this paper, we use algebraic geometry concepts in an energy-based approach to compute a medial surface presenting a stable branching topology. We also present an efficient GPU-CPU implementation using standard image processing tools. We show the method computational efficiency and quality on a custom made synthetic database. Finally, we present some results on a medical imaging application for localization of abdominal pathologies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efficient 3D geometric and Zernike moments computation from unstructured surface meshes.

PubMed

Pozo, José María; Villa-Uriol, Maria-Cruz; Frangi, Alejandro F

2011-03-01

This paper introduces and evaluates a fast exact algorithm and a series of faster approximate algorithms for the computation of 3D geometric moments from an unstructured surface mesh of triangles. Being based on the object surface reduces the computational complexity of these algorithms with respect to volumetric grid-based algorithms. In contrast, it can only be applied for the computation of geometric moments of homogeneous objects. This advantage and restriction is shared with other proposed algorithms based on the object boundary. The proposed exact algorithm reduces the computational complexity for computing geometric moments up to order N with respect to previously proposed exact algorithms, from N(9) to N(6). The approximate series algorithm appears as a power series on the rate between triangle size and object size, which can be truncated at any desired degree. The higher the number and quality of the triangles, the better the approximation. This approximate algorithm reduces the computational complexity to N(3). In addition, the paper introduces a fast algorithm for the computation of 3D Zernike moments from the computed geometric moments, with a computational complexity N(4), while the previously proposed algorithm is of order N(6). The error introduced by the proposed approximate algorithms is evaluated in different shapes and the cost-benefit ratio in terms of error, and computational time is analyzed for different moment orders.

Investigating the Effect of Approach Angle and Nose Radius on Surface Quality of Inconel 718

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Sunil; Singh, Dilbag; Kalsi, Nirmal S.

2017-11-01

This experimental work presents a surface quality evaluation of a Nickel-Cr-Fe based Inconel 718 superalloy, which has many applications in the aero engine and turbine components. However, during machining, the early wear of tool leads to decrease in surface quality. The coating on cutting tool plays a significant role in increasing the wear resistance and life of the tool. In this work, the aim is to study the surface quality of Inconel 718 with TiAlN-coated carbide tools. Influence of various geometrical parameters (tool nose radius, approach angle) and machining variables (cutting velocity, feed rate) on the quality of machined surface (surface roughness) was determined by using central composite design (CCD) matrix. The mathematical model of the same was developed. Analysis of variance was used to find the significance of the parameters. Results showed that the tool nose radius and feed were the main active factors. The present experiment accomplished that TiAlN-coated carbide inserts result in better surface quality as compared with uncoated carbide inserts.

Optimal graph search segmentation using arc-weighted graph for simultaneous surface detection of bladder and prostate.

PubMed

Song, Qi; Wu, Xiaodong; Liu, Yunlong; Smith, Mark; Buatti, John; Sonka, Milan

2009-01-01

We present a novel method for globally optimal surface segmentation of multiple mutually interacting objects, incorporating both edge and shape knowledge in a 3-D graph-theoretic approach. Hard surface interacting constraints are enforced in the interacting regions, preserving the geometric relationship of those partially interacting surfaces. The soft smoothness a priori shape compliance is introduced into the energy functional to provide shape guidance. The globally optimal surfaces can be simultaneously achieved by solving a maximum flow problem based on an arc-weighted graph representation. Representing the segmentation problem in an arc-weighted graph, one can incorporate a wider spectrum of constraints into the formulation, thus increasing segmentation accuracy and robustness in volumetric image data. To the best of our knowledge, our method is the first attempt to introduce the arc-weighted graph representation into the graph-searching approach for simultaneous segmentation of multiple partially interacting objects, which admits a globally optimal solution in a low-order polynomial time. Our new approach was applied to the simultaneous surface detection of bladder and prostate. The result was quite encouraging in spite of the low saliency of the bladder and prostate in CT images.

A novel approach to characterizing the surface topography of niobium superconducting radio frequency (SRF) accelerator cavities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hui Tian, Guilhem Ribeill, Chen Xu, Charles E. Reece, Michael J. Kelley

2011-03-01

As superconducting niobium radio-frequency (SRF) cavities approach fundamental material limits, there is increased interest in understanding the details of topographical influences on realized performance limitations. Micro- and nano-roughness are implicated in both direct geometrical field enhancements as well as complications of the composition of the 50 nm surface layer in which the super-currents typically flow. Interior surface chemical treatments such as buffered chemical polishing (BCP) and electropolishing (EP) used to remove mechanical damage leave surface topography, including pits and protrusions of varying sharpness. These may promote RF magnetic field entry, locally quenching superconductivity, so as to degrade cavity performance. Amore » more incisive analysis of surface topography than the widely used average roughness is needed. In this study, a power spectral density (PSD) approach based on Fourier analysis of surface topography data acquired by both stylus profilometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM) is introduced to distinguish the scale-dependent smoothing effects, resulting in a novel qualitative and quantitative description of Nb surface topography. The topographical evolution of the Nb surface as a function of different steps of well-controlled EP is discussed. This study will greatly help to identify optimum EP parameter sets for controlled and reproducible surface levelling of Nb for cavity production.« less

Emergent propagation modes of ferromagnetic swimmers in constrained geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryan, M. T.; Shelley, S. R.; Parish, M. J.; Petrov, P. G.; Winlove, C. P.; Gilbert, A. D.; Ogrin, F. Y.

2017-02-01

Magnetic microswimmers, composed of hard and soft ferromagnets connected by an elastic spring, are modelled under low Reynolds number conditions in the presence of geometrical boundaries. Approaching a surface, the magneto-elastic swimmer's velocity increases and its trajectory bends parallel to the surface contour. Further confinement to form a planar channel generates new propagation modes as the channel width narrows, altering the magneto-elastic swimmer's speed, orientation, and direction of travel. Our results demonstrate that constricted geometric environments, such as occuring in microfluidic channels or blood vessels, may influence the functionality of magneto-elastic microswimmers for applications such as drug delivery.

Optimization of silver-dielectric-silver nanoshell for sensing applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shirzaditabar, Farzad; Saliminasab, Maryam

2013-08-15

In this paper, resonance light scattering (RLS) properties of a silver-dielectric-silver nanoshell, based on quasi-static approach and plasmon hybridization theory, are investigated. Scattering spectrum of silver-dielectric-silver nanoshell has two intense and clearly separated RLS peaks and provides a potential for biosensing based on surface plasmon resonance and surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The two RLS peaks in silver-dielectric-silver nanoshell are optimized by tuning the geometrical dimensions. In addition, the optimal geometry is discussed to obtain the high sensitivity of silver-dielectric-silver nanoshell. As the silver core radius increases, the sensitivity of silver-dielectric-silver nanoshell decreases whereas increasing the middle dielectric thickness increases the sensitivitymore » of silver-dielectric-silver nanoshell.« less

Adaptive multisensor fusion for planetary exploration rovers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collin, Marie-France; Kumar, Krishen; Pampagnin, Luc-Henri

1992-01-01

The purpose of the adaptive multisensor fusion system currently being designed at NASA/Johnson Space Center is to provide a robotic rover with assured vision and safe navigation capabilities during robotic missions on planetary surfaces. Our approach consists of using multispectral sensing devices ranging from visible to microwave wavelengths to fulfill the needs of perception for space robotics. Based on the illumination conditions and the sensors capabilities knowledge, the designed perception system should automatically select the best subset of sensors and their sensing modalities that will allow the perception and interpretation of the environment. Then, based on reflectance and emittance theoretical models, the sensor data are fused to extract the physical and geometrical surface properties of the environment surface slope, dielectric constant, temperature and roughness. The theoretical concepts, the design and first results of the multisensor perception system are presented.

Urbanisation and 3d Spatial - a Geometric Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duncan, E. E.; Rahman, A. Abdul

2013-09-01

Urbanisation creates immense competition for space, this may be attributed to an increase in population owing to domestic and external tourism. Most cities are constantly exploring all avenues in maximising its limited space. Hence, urban or city authorities need to plan, expand and use such three dimensional (3D) space above, on and below the city space. Thus, difficulties in property ownership and the geometric representation of the 3D city space is a major challenge. This research, investigates the concept of representing a geometric topological 3D spatial model capable of representing 3D volume parcels for man-made constructions above and below the 3D surface volume parcel. A review of spatial data models suggests that the 3D TIN (TEN) model is significant and can be used as a unified model. The concepts, logical and physical models of 3D TIN for 3D volumes using tetrahedrons as the base geometry is presented and implemented to show man-made constructions above and below the surface parcel within a user friendly graphical interface. Concepts for 3D topology and 3D analysis are discussed. Simulations of this model for 3D cadastre are implemented. This model can be adopted by most countries to enhance and streamline geometric 3D property ownership for urban centres. 3D TIN concept for spatial modelling can be adopted for the LA_Spatial part of the Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) (ISO/TC211, 2012), this satisfies the concept of 3D volumes.

Geometric Modelling of Tree Roots with Different Levels of Detail

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerrero Iñiguez, J. I.

2017-09-01

This paper presents a geometric approach for modelling tree roots with different Levels of Detail, suitable for analysis of the tree anchoring, potentially occupied underground space, interaction with urban elements and damage produced and taken in the built-in environment. Three types of tree roots are considered to cover several species: tap root, heart shaped root and lateral roots. Shrubs and smaller plants are not considered, however, a similar approach can be considered if the information is available for individual species. The geometrical approach considers the difficulties of modelling the actual roots, which are dynamic and almost opaque to direct observation, proposing generalized versions. For each type of root, different geometric models are considered to capture the overall shape of the root, a simplified block model, and a planar or surface projected version. Lower detail versions are considered as compatibility version for 2D systems while higher detail models are suitable for 3D analysis and visualization. The proposed levels of detail are matched with CityGML Levels of Detail, enabling both analysis and aesthetic views for urban modelling.

A protocol for the creation of useful geometric shape metrics illustrated with a newly derived geometric measure of leaf circularity.

PubMed

Krieger, Jonathan D

2014-08-01

I present a protocol for creating geometric leaf shape metrics to facilitate widespread application of geometric morphometric methods to leaf shape measurement. • To quantify circularity, I created a novel shape metric in the form of the vector between a circle and a line, termed geometric circularity. Using leaves from 17 fern taxa, I performed a coordinate-point eigenshape analysis to empirically identify patterns of shape covariation. I then compared the geometric circularity metric to the empirically derived shape space and the standard metric, circularity shape factor. • The geometric circularity metric was consistent with empirical patterns of shape covariation and appeared more biologically meaningful than the standard approach, the circularity shape factor. The protocol described here has the potential to make geometric morphometrics more accessible to plant biologists by generalizing the approach to developing synthetic shape metrics based on classic, qualitative shape descriptors.

Bidirectional reflection functions from surface bump maps

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cabral, B.; Max, N.; Springmeyer, R.

1987-04-29

The Torrance-Sparrow model for calculating bidirectional reflection functions contains a geometrical attenuation factor to account for shadowing and occlusions in a hypothetical distribution of grooves on a rough surface. Using an efficient table-based method for determining the shadows and occlusions, we calculate the geometric attenuation factor for surfaces defined by a specific table of bump heights. Diffuse and glossy specular reflection of the environment can be handled in a unified manner by using an integral of the bidirectional reflection function times the environmental illumination, over the hemisphere of solid angle above a surface. We present a method of estimating themore » integral, by expanding the bidirectional reflection coefficient in spherical harmonics, and show how the coefficients in this expansion can be determined efficiently by reorganizing our geometric attenuation calculation.« less

To 3D or Not to 3D, That Is the Question: Do 3D Surface Analyses Improve the Ecomorphological Power of the Distal Femur in Placental Mammals?

PubMed Central

Gould, Francois D. H.

2014-01-01

Improvements in three-dimensional imaging technologies have renewed interest in the study of functional and ecological morphology. Quantitative approaches to shape analysis are used increasingly to study form-function relationships. These methods are computationally intensive, technically demanding, and time-consuming, which may limit sampling potential. There have been few side-by-side comparisons of the effectiveness of such approaches relative to more traditional analyses using linear measurements and ratios. Morphological variation in the distal femur of mammals has been shown to reflect differences in locomotor modes across clades. Thus I tested whether a geometric morphometric analysis of surface shape was superior to a multivariate analysis of ratios for describing ecomorphological patterns in distal femoral variation. A sample of 164 mammalian specimens from 44 genera was assembled. Each genus was assigned to one of six locomotor categories. The same hypotheses were tested using two methods. Six linear measurements of the distal femur were taken with calipers, from which four ratios were calculated. A 3D model was generated with a laser scanner, and analyzed using three dimensional geometric morphometrics. Locomotor category significantly predicted variation in distal femoral morphology in both analyses. Effect size was larger in the geometric morphometric analysis than in the analysis of ratios. Ordination reveals a similar pattern with arboreal and cursorial taxa as extremes on a continuum of morphologies in both analyses. Discriminant functions calculated from the geometric morphometric analysis were more accurate than those calculated from ratios. Both analysis of ratios and geometric morphometric surface analysis reveal similar, biologically meaningful relationships between distal femoral shape and locomotor mode. The functional signal from the morphology is slightly higher in the geometric morphometric analysis. The practical costs of conducting these sorts of analyses should be weighed against potentially slight increases in power when designing protocols for ecomorphological studies. PMID:24633081

A Geometric Model for Specularity Prediction on Planar Surfaces with Multiple Light Sources.

PubMed

Morgand, Alexandre; Tamaazousti, Mohamed; Bartoli, Adrien

2018-05-01

Specularities are often problematic in computer vision since they impact the dynamic range of the image intensity. A natural approach would be to predict and discard them using computer graphics models. However, these models depend on parameters which are difficult to estimate (light sources, objects' material properties and camera). We present a geometric model called JOLIMAS: JOint LIght-MAterial Specularity, which predicts the shape of specularities. JOLIMAS is reconstructed from images of specularities observed on a planar surface. It implicitly includes light and material properties, which are intrinsic to specularities. This model was motivated by the observation that specularities have a conic shape on planar surfaces. The conic shape is obtained by projecting a fixed quadric on the planar surface. JOLIMAS thus predicts the specularity using a simple geometric approach with static parameters (object material and light source shape). It is adapted to indoor light sources such as light bulbs and fluorescent lamps. The prediction has been tested on synthetic and real sequences. It works in a multi-light context by reconstructing a quadric for each light source with special cases such as lights being switched on or off. We also used specularity prediction for dynamic retexturing and obtained convincing rendering results. Further results are presented as supplementary video material, which can be found on the Computer Society Digital Library at http://doi.ieeecomputersociety.org/10.1109/TVCG.2017.2677445.

A MS-lesion pattern discrimination plot based on geostatistics.

PubMed

Marschallinger, Robert; Schmidt, Paul; Hofmann, Peter; Zimmer, Claus; Atkinson, Peter M; Sellner, Johann; Trinka, Eugen; Mühlau, Mark

2016-03-01

A geostatistical approach to characterize MS-lesion patterns based on their geometrical properties is presented. A dataset of 259 binary MS-lesion masks in MNI space was subjected to directional variography. A model function was fit to express the observed spatial variability in x, y, z directions by the geostatistical parameters Range and Sill. Parameters Range and Sill correlate with MS-lesion pattern surface complexity and total lesion volume. A scatter plot of ln(Range) versus ln(Sill), classified by pattern anisotropy, enables a consistent and clearly arranged presentation of MS-lesion patterns based on geometry: the so-called MS-Lesion Pattern Discrimination Plot. The geostatistical approach and the graphical representation of results are considered efficient exploratory data analysis tools for cross-sectional, follow-up, and medication impact analysis.

Does a Transformation Approach Improve Students' Ability in Constructing Auxiliary Lines for Solving Geometric Problems? An Intervention-Based Study with Two Chinese Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fan, Lianghuo; Qi, Chunxia; Liu, Xiaomei; Wang, Yi; Lin, Mengwei

2017-01-01

We conducted an intervention-based study in secondary classrooms to explore whether the use of geometric transformations can help improve students' ability in constructing auxiliary lines to solve geometric proof problems, especially high-level cognitive problems. A pre- and post-test quasi-experimental design was employed. The participants were…

Algorithm for lens calculations in the geometrized Maxwell theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulyabov, Dmitry S.; Korolkova, Anna V.; Sevastianov, Leonid A.; Gevorkyan, Migran N.; Demidova, Anastasia V.

2018-04-01

Nowadays the geometric approach in optics is often used to find out media parameters based on propagation paths of the rays because in this case it is a direct problem. However inverse problem in the framework of geometrized optics is usually not given attention. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the work of the proposed the algorithm in the framework of geometrized approach to optics for solving the problem of finding the propagation path of the electromagnetic radiation depending on environmental parameters. The methods of differential geometry are used for effective metrics construction for isotropic and anisotropic media. For effective metric space ray trajectories are obtained in the form of geodesic curves. The introduced algorithm is applied to well-known objects, Maxwell and Luneburg lenses. The similarity of results obtained by classical and geometric approach is demonstrated.

Geometric morphometrics and virtual anthropology: advances in human evolutionary studies.

PubMed

Rein, Thomas R; Harvati, Katerina

2014-01-01

Geometric morphometric methods have been increasingly used in paleoanthropology in the last two decades, lending greater power to the analysis and interpretation of the human fossil record. More recently the advent of the wide use of computed tomography and surface scanning, implemented in combination with geometric morphometrics (GM), characterizes a new approach, termed Virtual Anthropology (VA). These methodological advances have led to a number of developments in human evolutionary studies. We present some recent examples of GM and VA related research in human evolution with an emphasis on work conducted at the University of Tübingen and other German research institutions.

The effects of geometric uncertainties on computational modelling of knee biomechanics

PubMed Central

Fisher, John; Wilcox, Ruth

2017-01-01

The geometry of the articular components of the knee is an important factor in predicting joint mechanics in computational models. There are a number of uncertainties in the definition of the geometry of cartilage and meniscus, and evaluating the effects of these uncertainties is fundamental to understanding the level of reliability of the models. In this study, the sensitivity of knee mechanics to geometric uncertainties was investigated by comparing polynomial-based and image-based knee models and varying the size of meniscus. The results suggested that the geometric uncertainties in cartilage and meniscus resulting from the resolution of MRI and the accuracy of segmentation caused considerable effects on the predicted knee mechanics. Moreover, even if the mathematical geometric descriptors can be very close to the imaged-based articular surfaces, the detailed contact pressure distribution produced by the mathematical geometric descriptors was not the same as that of the image-based model. However, the trends predicted by the models based on mathematical geometric descriptors were similar to those of the imaged-based models. PMID:28879008

Geometry modeling and grid generation using 3D NURBS control volume

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yu, Tzu-Yi; Soni, Bharat K.; Shih, Ming-Hsin

1995-01-01

The algorithms for volume grid generation using NURBS geometric representation are presented. The parameterization algorithm is enhanced to yield a desired physical distribution on the curve, surface and volume. This approach bridges the gap between CAD surface/volume definition and surface/volume grid generation. Computational examples associated with practical configurations have shown the utilization of these algorithms.

Reprogrammable Assembly of Molecular Motor on Solid Surfaces via Dynamic Bonds.

PubMed

Yu, Li; Sun, Jian; Wang, Qian; Guan, Yan; Zhou, Le; Zhang, Jingxuan; Zhang, Lanying; Yang, Huai

2017-06-01

Controllable assembly of molecular motors on solid surfaces is a fundamental issue for providing them to perform physical tasks. However, it can hardly be achieved by most previous methods due to their inherent limitations. Here, a general strategy is designed for the reprogrammable assembly of molecular motors on solid surfaces based on dynamic bonds. In this method, molecular motors with disulfide bonds can be remotely, reversibly, and precisely attached to solid surfaces with disulfide bonds, regardless of their chemical composition and microstructure. More importantly, it not only allows encoding geometric information referring to a pattern of molecular motors, but also enables erasing and re-encoding of geometric information via hemolytic photocleavage and recombination of disulfide bonds. Thus, solid surfaces can be regarded as "computer hardware", where molecular motors can be reformatted and reprogramed as geometric information. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Dietary Ecology of Murinae (Muridae, Rodentia): A Geometric Morphometric Approach

PubMed Central

Gómez Cano, Ana Rosa; Hernández Fernández, Manuel; Álvarez-Sierra, M. Ángeles

2013-01-01

Murine rodents represent a highly diverse group, which displays great ecological versatility. In the present paper we analyse the relationship between dental morphology, on one hand, using geometric morphometrics based upon the outline of first upper molar and the dietary preference of extant murine genera, on the other. This ecomorphological study of extant murine rodents demonstrates that dietary groups can be distinguished with the use of a quantitative geometric morphometric approach based on first upper molar outline. A discriminant analysis of the geometric morphometric variables of the first upper molars enables us to infer the dietary preferences of extinct murine genera from the Iberian Peninsula. Most of the extinct genera were omnivore; only Stephanomys showed a pattern of dental morphology alike that of the herbivore genera. PMID:24236090

From face to interface recognition: a differential geometric approach to distinguish DNA from RNA binding surfaces.

PubMed

Shazman, Shula; Elber, Gershon; Mandel-Gutfreund, Yael

2011-09-01

Protein nucleic acid interactions play a critical role in all steps of the gene expression pathway. Nucleic acid (NA) binding proteins interact with their partners, DNA or RNA, via distinct regions on their surface that are characterized by an ensemble of chemical, physical and geometrical properties. In this study, we introduce a novel methodology based on differential geometry, commonly used in face recognition, to characterize and predict NA binding surfaces on proteins. Applying the method on experimentally solved three-dimensional structures of proteins we successfully classify double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) from single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) binding proteins, with 83% accuracy. We show that the method is insensitive to conformational changes that occur upon binding and can be applicable for de novo protein-function prediction. Remarkably, when concentrating on the zinc finger motif, we distinguish successfully between RNA and DNA binding interfaces possessing the same binding motif even within the same protein, as demonstrated for the RNA polymerase transcription-factor, TFIIIA. In conclusion, we present a novel methodology to characterize protein surfaces, which can accurately tell apart dsDNA from an ssRNA binding interfaces. The strength of our method in recognizing fine-tuned differences on NA binding interfaces make it applicable for many other molecular recognition problems, with potential implications for drug design.

n-D shape/texture optimal synthetic description and modeling by GEOGINE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiorini, Rodolfo A.; Dacquino, Gianfranco F.

2004-12-01

GEOGINE(GEOmetrical enGINE), a state-of-the-art OMG (Ontological Model Generator) based on n-D Tensor Invariants for multidimensional shape/texture optimal synthetic description and learning, is presented. Usually elementary geometric shape robust characterization, subjected to geometric transformation, on a rigorous mathematical level is a key problem in many computer applications in different interest areas. The past four decades have seen solutions almost based on the use of n-Dimensional Moment and Fourier descriptor invariants. The present paper introduces a new approach for automatic model generation based on n -Dimensional Tensor Invariants as formal dictionary. An ontological model is the kernel used for specifying ontologies so that how close an ontology can be from the real world depends on the possibilities offered by the ontological model. By this approach even chromatic information content can be easily and reliably decoupled from target geometric information and computed into robus colour shape parameter attributes. Main GEOGINEoperational advantages over previous approaches are: 1) Automated Model Generation, 2) Invariant Minimal Complete Set for computational efficiency, 3) Arbitrary Model Precision for robust object description.

A holistic calibration method with iterative distortion compensation for stereo deflectometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yongjia; Gao, Feng; Zhang, Zonghua; Jiang, Xiangqian

2018-07-01

This paper presents a novel holistic calibration method for stereo deflectometry system to improve the system measurement accuracy. The reconstruction result of stereo deflectometry is integrated with the calculated normal data of the measured surface. The calculation accuracy of the normal data is seriously influenced by the calibration accuracy of the geometrical relationship of the stereo deflectometry system. Conventional calibration approaches introduce form error to the system due to inaccurate imaging model and distortion elimination. The proposed calibration method compensates system distortion based on an iterative algorithm instead of the conventional distortion mathematical model. The initial value of the system parameters are calculated from the fringe patterns displayed on the systemic LCD screen through a reflection of a markless flat mirror. An iterative algorithm is proposed to compensate system distortion and optimize camera imaging parameters and system geometrical relation parameters based on a cost function. Both simulation work and experimental results show the proposed calibration method can significantly improve the calibration and measurement accuracy of a stereo deflectometry. The PV (peak value) of measurement error of a flat mirror can be reduced to 69.7 nm by applying the proposed method from 282 nm obtained with the conventional calibration approach.

Geometric modeling of space-optimal unit-cell-based tissue engineering scaffolds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajagopalan, Srinivasan; Lu, Lichun; Yaszemski, Michael J.; Robb, Richard A.

2005-04-01

Tissue engineering involves regenerating damaged or malfunctioning organs using cells, biomolecules, and synthetic or natural scaffolds. Based on their intended roles, scaffolds can be injected as space-fillers or be preformed and implanted to provide mechanical support. Preformed scaffolds are biomimetic "trellis-like" structures which, on implantation and integration, act as tissue/organ surrogates. Customized, computer controlled, and reproducible preformed scaffolds can be fabricated using Computer Aided Design (CAD) techniques and rapid prototyping devices. A curved, monolithic construct with minimal surface area constitutes an efficient substrate geometry that promotes cell attachment, migration and proliferation. However, current CAD approaches do not provide such a biomorphic construct. We address this critical issue by presenting one of the very first physical realizations of minimal surfaces towards the construction of efficient unit-cell based tissue engineering scaffolds. Mask programmability, and optimal packing density of triply periodic minimal surfaces are used to construct the optimal pore geometry. Budgeted polygonization, and progressive minimal surface refinement facilitate the machinability of these surfaces. The efficient stress distributions, as deduced from the Finite Element simulations, favor the use of these scaffolds for orthopedic applications.

U-folds as K3 fibrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braun, Andreas P.; Fucito, Francesco; Morales, Jose Francisco

2013-10-01

We study four-dimensional flux vacua describing intrinsic non- perturbative systems of 3 and 7 branes in type IIB string theory. The solutions are described as compactifications of a G(ravity) theory on a Calabi Yau threefold which consists of a fibration of an auxiliary K3 surface over an S 2 base. In the spirit of F-theory, the complex structure of the K3 surface varying over the base codifies the details of the fluxes, the dilaton and the warp factors in type IIB string theory. We discuss in detail some simple examples of geometric and non-geometric solutions where the precise flux/geometry dictionary can be explicitly worked out. In particular, we describe non-geometric T-fold solutions exhibiting non-trivial T-duality monodromies exchanging 3- and 7-branes.

Development and first use of a novel cylindrical ball bearing phantom for 9-DOF geometric calibrations of flat panel imaging devices used in image-guided ion beam therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zechner, A.; Stock, M.; Kellner, D.; Ziegler, I.; Keuschnigg, P.; Huber, P.; Mayer, U.; Sedlmayer, F.; Deutschmann, H.; Steininger, P.

2016-11-01

Image guidance during highly conformal radiotherapy requires accurate geometric calibration of the moving components of the imager. Due to limited manufacturing accuracy and gravity-induced flex, an x-ray imager’s deviation from the nominal geometrical definition has to be corrected for. For this purpose a ball bearing phantom applicable for nine degrees of freedom (9-DOF) calibration of a novel cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner was designed and validated. In order to ensure accurate automated marker detection, as many uniformly distributed markers as possible should be used with a minimum projected inter-marker distance of 10 mm. Three different marker distributions on the phantom cylinder surface were simulated. First, a fixed number of markers are selected and their coordinates are randomly generated. Second, the quasi-random method is represented by setting a constraint on the marker distances in the projections. The third approach generates the ball coordinates helically based on the Golden ratio, ϕ. Projection images of the phantom incorporating the CBCT scanner’s geometry were simulated and analysed with respect to uniform distribution and intra-marker distance. Based on the evaluations a phantom prototype was manufactured and validated by a series of flexmap calibration measurements and analyses. The simulation with randomly distributed markers as well as the quasi-random approach showed an insufficient uniformity of the distribution over the detector area. The best compromise between uniform distribution and a high packing fraction of balls is provided by the Golden section approach. A prototype was manufactured accordingly. The phantom was validated for 9-DOF geometric calibrations of the CBCT scanner with independently moveable source and detector arms. A novel flexmap calibration phantom intended for 9-DOF was developed. The ball bearing distribution based on the Golden section was found to be highly advantageous. The phantom showed satisfying results for calibrations of the CBCT scanner and provides the basis for further flexmap correction and reconstruction developments.

Development and first use of a novel cylindrical ball bearing phantom for 9-DOF geometric calibrations of flat panel imaging devices used in image-guided ion beam therapy.

PubMed

Zechner, A; Stock, M; Kellner, D; Ziegler, I; Keuschnigg, P; Huber, P; Mayer, U; Sedlmayer, F; Deutschmann, H; Steininger, P

2016-11-21

Image guidance during highly conformal radiotherapy requires accurate geometric calibration of the moving components of the imager. Due to limited manufacturing accuracy and gravity-induced flex, an x-ray imager's deviation from the nominal geometrical definition has to be corrected for. For this purpose a ball bearing phantom applicable for nine degrees of freedom (9-DOF) calibration of a novel cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner was designed and validated. In order to ensure accurate automated marker detection, as many uniformly distributed markers as possible should be used with a minimum projected inter-marker distance of 10 mm. Three different marker distributions on the phantom cylinder surface were simulated. First, a fixed number of markers are selected and their coordinates are randomly generated. Second, the quasi-random method is represented by setting a constraint on the marker distances in the projections. The third approach generates the ball coordinates helically based on the Golden ratio, ϕ. Projection images of the phantom incorporating the CBCT scanner's geometry were simulated and analysed with respect to uniform distribution and intra-marker distance. Based on the evaluations a phantom prototype was manufactured and validated by a series of flexmap calibration measurements and analyses. The simulation with randomly distributed markers as well as the quasi-random approach showed an insufficient uniformity of the distribution over the detector area. The best compromise between uniform distribution and a high packing fraction of balls is provided by the Golden section approach. A prototype was manufactured accordingly. The phantom was validated for 9-DOF geometric calibrations of the CBCT scanner with independently moveable source and detector arms. A novel flexmap calibration phantom intended for 9-DOF was developed. The ball bearing distribution based on the Golden section was found to be highly advantageous. The phantom showed satisfying results for calibrations of the CBCT scanner and provides the basis for further flexmap correction and reconstruction developments.

Time scale of random sequential adsorption.

PubMed

Erban, Radek; Chapman, S Jonathan

2007-04-01

A simple multiscale approach to the diffusion-driven adsorption from a solution to a solid surface is presented. The model combines two important features of the adsorption process: (i) The kinetics of the chemical reaction between adsorbing molecules and the surface and (ii) geometrical constraints on the surface made by molecules which are already adsorbed. The process (i) is modeled in a diffusion-driven context, i.e., the conditional probability of adsorbing a molecule provided that the molecule hits the surface is related to the macroscopic surface reaction rate. The geometrical constraint (ii) is modeled using random sequential adsorption (RSA), which is the sequential addition of molecules at random positions on a surface; one attempt to attach a molecule is made per one RSA simulation time step. By coupling RSA with the diffusion of molecules in the solution above the surface the RSA simulation time step is related to the real physical time. The method is illustrated on a model of chemisorption of reactive polymers to a virus surface.

Lagrangian based methods for coherent structure detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allshouse, Michael R.; Peacock, Thomas

2015-09-01

There has been a proliferation in the development of Lagrangian analytical methods for detecting coherent structures in fluid flow transport, yielding a variety of qualitatively different approaches. We present a review of four approaches and demonstrate the utility of these methods via their application to the same sample analytic model, the canonical double-gyre flow, highlighting the pros and cons of each approach. Two of the methods, the geometric and probabilistic approaches, are well established and require velocity field data over the time interval of interest to identify particularly important material lines and surfaces, and influential regions, respectively. The other two approaches, implementing tools from cluster and braid theory, seek coherent structures based on limited trajectory data, attempting to partition the flow transport into distinct regions. All four of these approaches share the common trait that they are objective methods, meaning that their results do not depend on the frame of reference used. For each method, we also present a number of example applications ranging from blood flow and chemical reactions to ocean and atmospheric flows.

A new digitized reverse correction method for hypoid gears based on a one-dimensional probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Tianxing; Li, Jubo; Deng, Xiaozhong; Yang, Jianjun; Li, Genggeng; Ma, Wensuo

2017-12-01

In order to improve the tooth surface geometric accuracy and transmission quality of hypoid gears, a new digitized reverse correction method is proposed based on the measurement data from a one-dimensional probe. The minimization of tooth surface geometrical deviations is realized from the perspective of mathematical analysis and reverse engineering. Combining the analysis of complex tooth surface generation principles and the measurement mechanism of one-dimensional probes, the mathematical relationship between the theoretical designed tooth surface, the actual machined tooth surface and the deviation tooth surface is established, the mapping relation between machine-tool settings and tooth surface deviations is derived, and the essential connection between the accurate calculation of tooth surface deviations and the reverse correction method of machine-tool settings is revealed. Furthermore, a reverse correction model of machine-tool settings is built, a reverse correction strategy is planned, and the minimization of tooth surface deviations is achieved by means of the method of numerical iterative reverse solution. On this basis, a digitized reverse correction system for hypoid gears is developed by the organic combination of numerical control generation, accurate measurement, computer numerical processing, and digitized correction. Finally, the correctness and practicability of the digitized reverse correction method are proved through a reverse correction experiment. The experimental results show that the tooth surface geometric deviations meet the engineering requirements after two trial cuts and one correction.

Payload/orbiter contamination control requirement study, volume 2, exhibit A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bareiss, L. E.; Hooper, V. W.; Rantanen, R. O.; Ress, E. B.

1974-01-01

The computer printout data generated during the Payload/Orbiter Contamination Control Requirement Study are presented. The computer listings of the input surface data matrices, the viewfactor data matrices, and the geometric relationship data matrices for the three orbiter/spacelab configurations analyzed in this study are given. These configurations have been broken up into the geometrical surfaces and nodes necessary to define the principal critical surfaces whether they are contaminant sources, experimental surfaces, or operational surfaces. A numbering scheme was established based upon nodal numbers that relates the various spacelab surfaces to a specific surface material or function. This numbering system was developed for the spacelab configurations such that future extension to a surface mapping capability could be developed as required.

A stochastic two-scale model for pressure-driven flow between rough surfaces

PubMed Central

Larsson, Roland; Lundström, Staffan; Wall, Peter; Almqvist, Andreas

2016-01-01

Seal surface topography typically consists of global-scale geometric features as well as local-scale roughness details and homogenization-based approaches are, therefore, readily applied. These provide for resolving the global scale (large domain) with a relatively coarse mesh, while resolving the local scale (small domain) in high detail. As the total flow decreases, however, the flow pattern becomes tortuous and this requires a larger local-scale domain to obtain a converged solution. Therefore, a classical homogenization-based approach might not be feasible for simulation of very small flows. In order to study small flows, a model allowing feasibly-sized local domains, for really small flow rates, is developed. Realization was made possible by coupling the two scales with a stochastic element. Results from numerical experiments, show that the present model is in better agreement with the direct deterministic one than the conventional homogenization type of model, both quantitatively in terms of flow rate and qualitatively in reflecting the flow pattern. PMID:27436975

Closed geometric models in medical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jagannathan, Lakshmipathy; Nowinski, Wieslaw L.; Raphel, Jose K.; Nguyen, Bonnie T.

1996-04-01

Conventional surface fitting methods give twisted surfaces and complicates capping closures. This is a typical character of surfaces that lack rectangular topology. We suggest an algorithm which overcomes these limitations. The analysis of the algorithm is presented with experimental results. This algorithm assumes the mass center lying inside the object. Both capping closure and twisting are results of inadequate information on the geometric proximity of the points and surfaces which are proximal in the parametric space. Geometric proximity at the contour level is handled by mapping the points along the contour onto a hyper-spherical space. The resulting angular gradation with respect to the centroid is monotonic and hence avoids the twisting problem. Inter-contour geometric proximity is achieved by partitioning the point set based on the angle it makes with the respective centroids. Avoidance of capping complications is achieved by generating closed cross curves connecting curves which are reflections about the abscissa. The method is of immense use for the generation of the deep cerebral structures and is applied to the deep structures generated from the Schaltenbrand- Wahren brain atlas.

Target surface finding using 3D SAR data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiter, Jason R.; Burns, Joseph W.; Subotic, Nikola S.

2005-05-01

Methods of generating more literal, easily interpretable imagery from 3-D SAR data are being studied to provide all weather, near-visual target identification and/or scene interpretation. One method of approaching this problem is to automatically generate shape-based geometric renderings from the SAR data. In this paper we describe the application of the Marching Tetrahedrons surface finding algorithm to 3-D SAR data. The Marching Tetrahedrons algorithm finds a surface through the 3-D data cube, which provides a recognizable representation of the target surface. This algorithm was applied to the public-release X-patch simulations of a backhoe, which provided densely sampled 3-D SAR data sets. The performance of the algorithm to noise and spatial resolution were explored. Surface renderings were readily recognizable over a range of spatial resolution, and maintained their fidelity even under relatively low Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) conditions.

Enhancements to NURBS-Based FEA Airfoil Modeler: SABER

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saleeb, A. F.; Trowbridge, D. A.

2003-01-01

NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) have become a common way for CAD programs to fit a smooth surface to discrete geometric data. This concept has been extended to allow for the fitting of analysis data in a similar manner and "attaching" the analysis data to the geometric definition of the structure. The "attaching" of analysis data to the geometric definition allows for a more seamless sharing of data between analysis disciplines. NURBS have become a useful tool in the modeling of airfoils. The use of NURBS has allowed for the development of software that easily and consistently generates plate finite element models of the midcamber surface of a given airfoil. The resulting displacements can then be applied to the original airfoil surface and the deformed shape calculated.

Depth and thermal sensor fusion to enhance 3D thermographic reconstruction.

PubMed

Cao, Yanpeng; Xu, Baobei; Ye, Zhangyu; Yang, Jiangxin; Cao, Yanlong; Tisse, Christel-Loic; Li, Xin

2018-04-02

Three-dimensional geometrical models with incorporated surface temperature data provide important information for various applications such as medical imaging, energy auditing, and intelligent robots. In this paper we present a robust method for mobile and real-time 3D thermographic reconstruction through depth and thermal sensor fusion. A multimodal imaging device consisting of a thermal camera and a RGB-D sensor is calibrated geometrically and used for data capturing. Based on the underlying principle that temperature information remains robust against illumination and viewpoint changes, we present a Thermal-guided Iterative Closest Point (T-ICP) methodology to facilitate reliable 3D thermal scanning applications. The pose of sensing device is initially estimated using correspondences found through maximizing the thermal consistency between consecutive infrared images. The coarse pose estimate is further refined by finding the motion parameters that minimize a combined geometric and thermographic loss function. Experimental results demonstrate that complimentary information captured by multimodal sensors can be utilized to improve performance of 3D thermographic reconstruction. Through effective fusion of thermal and depth data, the proposed approach generates more accurate 3D thermal models using significantly less scanning data.

α clustering with a hollow structure: Geometrical structure of α clusters from platonic solids to fullerene shape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tohsaki, Akihiro; Itagaki, Naoyuki

2018-01-01

We study α -cluster structure based on the geometric configurations with a microscopic framework, which takes full account of the Pauli principle, and which also employs an effective internucleon force including finite-range three-body terms suitable for microscopic α -cluster models. Here, special attention is focused upon the α clustering with a hollow structure; all the α clusters are put on the surface of a sphere. All the platonic solids (five regular polyhedra) and the fullerene-shaped polyhedron coming from icosahedral structure are considered. Furthermore, two configurations with dual polyhedra, hexahedron-octahedron and dodecahedron-icosahedron, are also scrutinized. When approaching each other from large distances with these symmetries, α clusters create certain local energy pockets. As a consequence, we insist on the possible existence of α clustering with a geometric shape and hollow structure, which is favored from Coulomb energy point of view. Especially, two configurations, that is, dual polyhedra of dodecahedron-icosahedron and fullerene, have a prominent hollow structure compared with the other six configurations.

Element sensitive reconstruction of nanostructured surfaces with finite elements and grazing incidence soft X-ray fluorescence.

PubMed

Soltwisch, Victor; Hönicke, Philipp; Kayser, Yves; Eilbracht, Janis; Probst, Jürgen; Scholze, Frank; Beckhoff, Burkhard

2018-03-29

The geometry of a Si3N4 lamellar grating was investigated experimentally with reference-free grazing-incidence X-ray fluorescence analysis. While simple layered systems are usually treated with the matrix formalism to determine the X-ray standing-wave field, this approach fails for laterally structured surfaces. Maxwell solvers based on finite elements are often used to model electrical field strengths for any 2D or 3D structures in the optical spectral range. We show that this approach can also be applied in the field of X-rays. The electrical field distribution obtained with the Maxwell solver can subsequently be used to calculate the fluorescence intensities in full analogy to the X-ray standing-wave field obtained by the matrix formalism. Only the effective 1D integration for the layer system has to be replaced by a 2D integration of the finite elements, taking into account the local excitation conditions. We will show that this approach is capable of reconstructing the geometric line shape of a structured surface with high elemental sensitivity. This combination of GIXRF and finite-element simulations paves the way for a versatile characterization of nanoscale-structured surfaces.

Further development of imaging near-field scatterometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uebeler, Denise; Pescoller, Lukas; Hahlweg, Cornelius

2015-09-01

In continuation of last year's paper on the use of near field imaging, which basically is a reflective shadowgraph method, for characterization of glossy surfaces like printed matter or laminated material, further developments are discussed. Beside the identification of several types of surfaces and related features, for which the method is applicable, several refinements are introduced. The theory of the method is extended, based on a mixed Fourier optical and geometrical approach, leading to rules of thumb for the resolution to be expected, giving a framework for design. Further, a refined experimental set-up is introduced. Variation of plane of focus and incident angle are used for separation of various the images of he layers of the surface under test, cross and parallel polarization techniques are applied. Finally, exemplary measurement results and examples are included.

Designing perturbative metamaterials from discrete models.

PubMed

Matlack, Kathryn H; Serra-Garcia, Marc; Palermo, Antonio; Huber, Sebastian D; Daraio, Chiara

2018-04-01

Identifying material geometries that lead to metamaterials with desired functionalities presents a challenge for the field. Discrete, or reduced-order, models provide a concise description of complex phenomena, such as negative refraction, or topological surface states; therefore, the combination of geometric building blocks to replicate discrete models presenting the desired features represents a promising approach. However, there is no reliable way to solve such an inverse problem. Here, we introduce 'perturbative metamaterials', a class of metamaterials consisting of weakly interacting unit cells. The weak interaction allows us to associate each element of the discrete model with individual geometric features of the metamaterial, thereby enabling a systematic design process. We demonstrate our approach by designing two-dimensional elastic metamaterials that realize Veselago lenses, zero-dispersion bands and topological surface phonons. While our selected examples are within the mechanical domain, the same design principle can be applied to acoustic, thermal and photonic metamaterials composed of weakly interacting unit cells.

Vibronic eigenstates and the geometric phase effect in the 2E″ state of NO3.

PubMed

Eisfeld, Wolfgang; Viel, Alexandra

2017-01-21

The 2 E″ state of NO 3 , a prototype for the Jahn-Teller effect, has been an enigma and a challenge for a long time for both experiment and theory. We present a detailed theoretical study of the vibronic quantum dynamics in this electronic state, uncovering the effects of tunnelling, geometric phase, and symmetry. To this end, 45 vibronic levels of NO 3 in the 2 E″ state are determined accurately and analyzed thoroughly. The computation is based on a high quality diabatic potential representation of the two-sheeted surface of the 2 E″ state developed by us [W. Eisfeld et al., J. Chem. Phys. 140, 224109 (2014)] and on the multi-configuration time dependent Hartree approach. The vibrational eigenstates of the NO 3 - anion are determined and analyzed as well to gain a deeper understanding of the symmetry properties of such D 3h symmetric systems. To this end, 61 eigenstates of the NO 3 - anion ground state are computed using the single sheeted potential surface of the 1 A 1 state published in the same reference quoted above. The assignments of both the vibrational and vibronic levels are discussed. A simple model is proposed to rationalize the computed NO 3 spectrum strongly influenced by the Jahn-Teller couplings, the associated geometric phase effect, and the tunnelling. Comparison with the available spectroscopic data is also presented.

A novel fuzzy approach for automatic Brunnstrom stage classification using surface electromyography.

PubMed

Liparulo, Luca; Zhang, Zhe; Panella, Massimo; Gu, Xudong; Fang, Qiang

2017-08-01

Clinical assessment plays a major role in post-stroke rehabilitation programs for evaluating impairment level and tracking recovery progress. Conventionally, this process is manually performed by clinicians using chart-based ordinal scales which can be both subjective and inefficient. In this paper, a novel approach based on fuzzy logic is proposed which automatically evaluates stroke patients' impairment level using single-channel surface electromyography (sEMG) signals and generates objective classification results based on the widely used Brunnstrom stages of recovery. The correlation between stroke-induced motor impairment and sEMG features on both time and frequency domain is investigated, and a specifically designed fuzzy kernel classifier based on geometrically unconstrained membership function is introduced in the study to tackle the challenges in discriminating data classes with complex separating surfaces. Experiments using sEMG data collected from stroke patients have been carried out to examine the validity and feasibility of the proposed method. In order to ensure the generalization capability of the classifier, a cross-validation test has been performed. The results, verified using the evaluation decisions provided by an expert panel, have reached a rate of success of the 92.47%. The proposed fuzzy classifier is also compared with other pattern recognition techniques to demonstrate its superior performance in this application.

Geometric processing workflow for vertical and oblique hyperspectral frame images collected using UAV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markelin, L.; Honkavaara, E.; Näsi, R.; Nurminen, K.; Hakala, T.

2014-08-01

Remote sensing based on unmanned airborne vehicles (UAVs) is a rapidly developing field of technology. UAVs enable accurate, flexible, low-cost and multiangular measurements of 3D geometric, radiometric, and temporal properties of land and vegetation using various sensors. In this paper we present a geometric processing chain for multiangular measurement system that is designed for measuring object directional reflectance characteristics in a wavelength range of 400-900 nm. The technique is based on a novel, lightweight spectral camera designed for UAV use. The multiangular measurement is conducted by collecting vertical and oblique area-format spectral images. End products of the geometric processing are image exterior orientations, 3D point clouds and digital surface models (DSM). This data is needed for the radiometric processing chain that produces reflectance image mosaics and multiangular bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF) observations. The geometric processing workflow consists of the following three steps: (1) determining approximate image orientations using Visual Structure from Motion (VisualSFM) software, (2) calculating improved orientations and sensor calibration using a method based on self-calibrating bundle block adjustment (standard photogrammetric software) (this step is optional), and finally (3) creating dense 3D point clouds and DSMs using Photogrammetric Surface Reconstruction from Imagery (SURE) software that is based on semi-global-matching algorithm and it is capable of providing a point density corresponding to the pixel size of the image. We have tested the geometric processing workflow over various targets, including test fields, agricultural fields, lakes and complex 3D structures like forests.

MULTI: a shared memory approach to cooperative molecular modeling.

PubMed

Darden, T; Johnson, P; Smith, H

1991-03-01

A general purpose molecular modeling system, MULTI, based on the UNIX shared memory and semaphore facilities for interprocess communication is described. In addition to the normal querying or monitoring of geometric data, MULTI also provides processes for manipulating conformations, and for displaying peptide or nucleic acid ribbons, Connolly surfaces, close nonbonded contacts, crystal-symmetry related images, least-squares superpositions, and so forth. This paper outlines the basic techniques used in MULTI to ensure cooperation among these specialized processes, and then describes how they can work together to provide a flexible modeling environment.

An Accurate Non-Cooperative Method for Measuring Textureless Spherical Target Based on Calibrated Lasers.

PubMed

Wang, Fei; Dong, Hang; Chen, Yanan; Zheng, Nanning

2016-12-09

Strong demands for accurate non-cooperative target measurement have been arising recently for the tasks of assembling and capturing. Spherical objects are one of the most common targets in these applications. However, the performance of the traditional vision-based reconstruction method was limited for practical use when handling poorly-textured targets. In this paper, we propose a novel multi-sensor fusion system for measuring and reconstructing textureless non-cooperative spherical targets. Our system consists of four simple lasers and a visual camera. This paper presents a complete framework of estimating the geometric parameters of textureless spherical targets: (1) an approach to calibrate the extrinsic parameters between a camera and simple lasers; and (2) a method to reconstruct the 3D position of the laser spots on the target surface and achieve the refined results via an optimized scheme. The experiment results show that our proposed calibration method can obtain a fine calibration result, which is comparable to the state-of-the-art LRF-based methods, and our calibrated system can estimate the geometric parameters with high accuracy in real time.

An Accurate Non-Cooperative Method for Measuring Textureless Spherical Target Based on Calibrated Lasers

PubMed Central

Wang, Fei; Dong, Hang; Chen, Yanan; Zheng, Nanning

2016-01-01

Strong demands for accurate non-cooperative target measurement have been arising recently for the tasks of assembling and capturing. Spherical objects are one of the most common targets in these applications. However, the performance of the traditional vision-based reconstruction method was limited for practical use when handling poorly-textured targets. In this paper, we propose a novel multi-sensor fusion system for measuring and reconstructing textureless non-cooperative spherical targets. Our system consists of four simple lasers and a visual camera. This paper presents a complete framework of estimating the geometric parameters of textureless spherical targets: (1) an approach to calibrate the extrinsic parameters between a camera and simple lasers; and (2) a method to reconstruct the 3D position of the laser spots on the target surface and achieve the refined results via an optimized scheme. The experiment results show that our proposed calibration method can obtain a fine calibration result, which is comparable to the state-of-the-art LRF-based methods, and our calibrated system can estimate the geometric parameters with high accuracy in real time. PMID:27941705

3D morphometry of red blood cells by digital holography.

PubMed

Memmolo, Pasquale; Miccio, Lisa; Merola, Francesco; Gennari, Oriella; Netti, Paolo Antonio; Ferraro, Pietro

2014-12-01

Three dimensional (3D) morphometric analysis of flowing and not-adherent cells is an important aspect for diagnostic purposes. However, diagnostics tools need to be quantitative, label-free and, as much as possible, accurate. Recently, a simple holographic approach, based on shape from silhouette algorithm, has been demonstrated for accurate calculation of cells biovolume and displaying their 3D shapes. Such approach has been adopted in combination with holographic optical tweezers and successfully applied to cells with convex shape. Nevertheless, unfortunately, the method fails in case of specimen with concave surfaces. Here, we propose an effective approach to achieve correct 3D shape measurement that can be extended in case of cells having concave surfaces, thus overcoming the limit of the previous technique. We prove the new procedure for healthy red blood cells (RBCs) (i.e., discocytes) having a concave surface in their central region. Comparative analysis of experimental results with a theoretical 3D geometrical model of RBC is discussed in order to evaluate accuracy of the proposed approach. Finally, we show that the method can be also useful to classify, in terms of morphology, different varieties of RBCs. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

Treatment of geometric singularities in implicit solvent models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Sining; Geng, Weihua; Wei, G. W.

2007-06-01

Geometric singularities, such as cusps and self-intersecting surfaces, are major obstacles to the accuracy, convergence, and stability of the numerical solution of the Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation. In earlier work, an interface technique based PB solver was developed using the matched interface and boundary (MIB) method, which explicitly enforces the flux jump condition at the solvent-solute interfaces and leads to highly accurate biomolecular electrostatics in continuum electric environments. However, such a PB solver, denoted as MIBPB-I, cannot maintain the designed second order convergence whenever there are geometric singularities, such as cusps and self-intersecting surfaces. Moreover, the matrix of the MIBPB-I is not optimally symmetrical, resulting in the convergence difficulty. The present work presents a new interface method based PB solver, denoted as MIBPB-II, to address the aforementioned problems. The present MIBPB-II solver is systematical and robust in treating geometric singularities and delivers second order convergence for arbitrarily complex molecular surfaces of proteins. A new procedure is introduced to make the MIBPB-II matrix optimally symmetrical and diagonally dominant. The MIBPB-II solver is extensively validated by the molecular surfaces of few-atom systems and a set of 24 proteins. Converged electrostatic potentials and solvation free energies are obtained at a coarse grid spacing of 0.5Å and are considerably more accurate than those obtained by the PBEQ and the APBS at finer grid spacings.

Optimal control of underactuated mechanical systems: A geometric approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colombo, Leonardo; Martín De Diego, David; Zuccalli, Marcela

2010-08-01

In this paper, we consider a geometric formalism for optimal control of underactuated mechanical systems. Our techniques are an adaptation of the classical Skinner and Rusk approach for the case of Lagrangian dynamics with higher-order constraints. We study a regular case where it is possible to establish a symplectic framework and, as a consequence, to obtain a unique vector field determining the dynamics of the optimal control problem. These developments will allow us to develop a new class of geometric integrators based on discrete variational calculus.

Geometrical Theory of Spherical Harmonics for Geosciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svehla, Drazen

2010-05-01

Spherical harmonics play a central role in the modelling of spatial and temporal processes in the system Earth. The gravity field of the Earth and its temporal variations, sea surface topography, geomagnetic field, ionosphere etc., are just a few examples where spherical harmonics are used to represent processes in the system Earth. We introduce a novel method for the computation and rotation of spherical harmonics, Legendre polynomials and associated Legendre functions without making use of recursive relations. This novel geometrical approach allows calculation of spherical harmonics without any numerical instability up to an arbitrary degree and order, e.g. up to degree and order 106 and beyond. The algorithm is based on the trigonometric reduction of Legendre polynomials and the geometric rotation in hyperspace. It is shown that Legendre polynomials can be computed using trigonometric series by pre-computing amplitudes and translation terms for all angular arguments. It is shown that they can be treated as vectors in the Hilbert hyperspace leading to unitary hermitian rotation matrices with geometric properties. Thus, rotation of spherical harmonics about e.g. a polar or an equatorial axis can be represented in the similar way. This novel method allows stable calculation of spherical harmonics up to an arbitrary degree and order, i.e. up to degree and order 106 and beyond.

Fast non-Abelian geometric gates via transitionless quantum driving.

PubMed

Zhang, J; Kyaw, Thi Ha; Tong, D M; Sjöqvist, Erik; Kwek, Leong-Chuan

2015-12-21

A practical quantum computer must be capable of performing high fidelity quantum gates on a set of quantum bits (qubits). In the presence of noise, the realization of such gates poses daunting challenges. Geometric phases, which possess intrinsic noise-tolerant features, hold the promise for performing robust quantum computation. In particular, quantum holonomies, i.e., non-Abelian geometric phases, naturally lead to universal quantum computation due to their non-commutativity. Although quantum gates based on adiabatic holonomies have already been proposed, the slow evolution eventually compromises qubit coherence and computational power. Here, we propose a general approach to speed up an implementation of adiabatic holonomic gates by using transitionless driving techniques and show how such a universal set of fast geometric quantum gates in a superconducting circuit architecture can be obtained in an all-geometric approach. Compared with standard non-adiabatic holonomic quantum computation, the holonomies obtained in our approach tends asymptotically to those of the adiabatic approach in the long run-time limit and thus might open up a new horizon for realizing a practical quantum computer.

Fast non-Abelian geometric gates via transitionless quantum driving

PubMed Central

Zhang, J.; Kyaw, Thi Ha; Tong, D. M.; Sjöqvist, Erik; Kwek, Leong-Chuan

2015-01-01

A practical quantum computer must be capable of performing high fidelity quantum gates on a set of quantum bits (qubits). In the presence of noise, the realization of such gates poses daunting challenges. Geometric phases, which possess intrinsic noise-tolerant features, hold the promise for performing robust quantum computation. In particular, quantum holonomies, i.e., non-Abelian geometric phases, naturally lead to universal quantum computation due to their non-commutativity. Although quantum gates based on adiabatic holonomies have already been proposed, the slow evolution eventually compromises qubit coherence and computational power. Here, we propose a general approach to speed up an implementation of adiabatic holonomic gates by using transitionless driving techniques and show how such a universal set of fast geometric quantum gates in a superconducting circuit architecture can be obtained in an all-geometric approach. Compared with standard non-adiabatic holonomic quantum computation, the holonomies obtained in our approach tends asymptotically to those of the adiabatic approach in the long run-time limit and thus might open up a new horizon for realizing a practical quantum computer. PMID:26687580

Enhanced definition and required examples of common datum imposed by ISO standard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Yiqing; Bohn, Martin

2017-12-01

According to the ISO Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS), the establishment and definition of common datum for geometrical components are not fully defined. There are two main limitations of this standard. Firstly: the explications of ISO examples of common datums are not matched with their corresponding definitions, and secondly: a full definition of common datum is missing. This paper suggests a new approach for an enhanced definition and concrete examples of common datum and proposes a holistic methodology for establishment of common datum for each geometrical component. This research is based on the analysis of physical behaviour of geometrical components, orientation constraints and invariance classes of datums. This approach fills the definition gaps of common datum based on ISO GPS, thereby eliminating those deficits. As a result, an improved methodology for a fully functional defined definition of common datum was formulated.

Rapid, High-Resolution Detection of Environmental Change over Continental Scales from Satellite Data - the Earth Observation Data Cube

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, Adam; Lymburner, Leo; Purss, Matthew B. J.; Brooke, Brendan; Evans, Ben; Ip, Alex; Dekker, Arnold G.; Irons, James R.; Minchin, Stuart; Mueller, Norman

2015-01-01

The effort and cost required to convert satellite Earth Observation (EO) data into meaningful geophysical variables has prevented the systematic analysis of all available observations. To overcome these problems, we utilise an integrated High Performance Computing and Data environment to rapidly process, restructure and analyse the Australian Landsat data archive. In this approach, the EO data are assigned to a common grid framework that spans the full geospatial and temporal extent of the observations - the EO Data Cube. This approach is pixel-based and incorporates geometric and spectral calibration and quality assurance of each Earth surface reflectance measurement. We demonstrate the utility of the approach with rapid time-series mapping of surface water across the entire Australian continent using 27 years of continuous, 25 m resolution observations. Our preliminary analysis of the Landsat archive shows how the EO Data Cube can effectively liberate high-resolution EO data from their complex sensor-specific data structures and revolutionise our ability to measure environmental change.

An Adaptive Unstructured Grid Method by Grid Subdivision, Local Remeshing, and Grid Movement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pirzadeh, Shahyar Z.

1999-01-01

An unstructured grid adaptation technique has been developed and successfully applied to several three dimensional inviscid flow test cases. The approach is based on a combination of grid subdivision, local remeshing, and grid movement. For solution adaptive grids, the surface triangulation is locally refined by grid subdivision, and the tetrahedral grid in the field is partially remeshed at locations of dominant flow features. A grid redistribution strategy is employed for geometric adaptation of volume grids to moving or deforming surfaces. The method is automatic and fast and is designed for modular coupling with different solvers. Several steady state test cases with different inviscid flow features were tested for grid/solution adaptation. In all cases, the dominant flow features, such as shocks and vortices, were accurately and efficiently predicted with the present approach. A new and robust method of moving tetrahedral "viscous" grids is also presented and demonstrated on a three-dimensional example.

Analysis of Geometric Thinking Students’ and Process-Guided Inquiry Learning Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardianti, D.; Priatna, N.; Priatna, B. A.

2017-09-01

This research aims to analysis students’ geometric thinking ability and theoretically examine the process-oriented guided iquiry (POGIL) model. This study uses qualitative approach with descriptive method because this research was done without any treatment on subjects. Data were collected naturally. This study was conducted in one of the State Junior High School in Bandung. The population was second grade students and the sample was 32 students. Data of students’ geometric thinking ability were collected through geometric thinking test. These questions are made based on the characteristics of geometry thinking based on van hiele’s theory. Based on the results of the analysis and discussion, students’ geometric thinking ability is still low so it needs to be improved. Therefore, an effort is needed to overcome the problems related to students’ geometric thinking ability. One of the efforts that can be done by doing the learning that can facilitate the students to construct their own geometry concept, especially quadrilateral’s concepts so that students’ geometric thinking ability can enhance maximally. Based on study of the theory, one of the learning models that can enhance the students’ geometric thinking ability is POGIL model.

Gauge freedom in observables and Landsberg's nonadiabatic geometric phase: Pumping spectroscopy of interacting open quantum systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pluecker, T.; Wegewijs, M. R.; Splettstoesser, J.

2017-04-01

We set up a general density-operator approach to geometric steady-state pumping through slowly driven open quantum systems. This approach applies to strongly interacting systems that are weakly coupled to multiple reservoirs at high temperature, illustrated by an Anderson quantum dot. Pumping gives rise to a nonadiabatic geometric phase that can be described by a framework originally developed for classical dissipative systems by Landsberg. This geometric phase is accumulated by the transported observable (charge, spin, energy) and not by the quantum state. It thus differs radically from the adiabatic Berry-Simon phase, even when generalizing it to mixed states, following Sarandy and Lidar. As a key feature, our geometric formulation of pumping stays close to a direct physical intuition (i) by tying gauge transformations to calibration of the meter registering the transported observable and (ii) by deriving a geometric connection from a driving-frequency expansion of the current. Furthermore, our approach provides a systematic and efficient way to compute the geometric pumping of various observables, including charge, spin, energy, and heat. These insights seem to be generalizable beyond the present paper's working assumptions (e.g., Born-Markov limit) to more general open-system evolutions involving memory and strong-coupling effects due to low-temperature reservoirs as well. Our geometric curvature formula reveals a general experimental scheme for performing geometric transport spectroscopy that enhances standard nonlinear spectroscopies based on measurements for static parameters. We indicate measurement strategies for separating the useful geometric pumping contribution to transport from nongeometric effects. A large part of the paper is devoted to an explicit comparison with the Sinitsyn-Nemenmann full-counting-statistics (FCS) approach to geometric pumping, restricting attention to the first moments of the pumped observable. Covering all key aspects, gauge freedom, pumping connection, curvature, and gap condition, we argue that our approach is physically more transparent and, importantly, simpler for practical calculations. In particular, this comparison allows us to clarify how in the FCS approach an "adiabatic" approximation leads to a manifestly nonadiabatic result involving a finite retardation time of the response to parameter driving.

On-Ground Processing of Yaogan-24 Remote Sensing Satellite Attitude Data and Verification Using Geometric Field Calibration

PubMed Central

Wang, Mi; Fan, Chengcheng; Yang, Bo; Jin, Shuying; Pan, Jun

2016-01-01

Satellite attitude accuracy is an important factor affecting the geometric processing accuracy of high-resolution optical satellite imagery. To address the problem whereby the accuracy of the Yaogan-24 remote sensing satellite’s on-board attitude data processing is not high enough and thus cannot meet its image geometry processing requirements, we developed an approach involving on-ground attitude data processing and digital orthophoto (DOM) and the digital elevation model (DEM) verification of a geometric calibration field. The approach focuses on three modules: on-ground processing based on bidirectional filter, overall weighted smoothing and fitting, and evaluation in the geometric calibration field. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed on-ground processing method is both robust and feasible, which ensures the reliability of the observation data quality, convergence and stability of the parameter estimation model. In addition, both the Euler angle and quaternion could be used to build a mathematical fitting model, while the orthogonal polynomial fitting model is more suitable for modeling the attitude parameter. Furthermore, compared to the image geometric processing results based on on-board attitude data, the image uncontrolled and relative geometric positioning result accuracy can be increased by about 50%. PMID:27483287

From face to interface recognition: a differential geometric approach to distinguish DNA from RNA binding surfaces

PubMed Central

Shazman, Shula; Elber, Gershon; Mandel-Gutfreund, Yael

2011-01-01

Protein nucleic acid interactions play a critical role in all steps of the gene expression pathway. Nucleic acid (NA) binding proteins interact with their partners, DNA or RNA, via distinct regions on their surface that are characterized by an ensemble of chemical, physical and geometrical properties. In this study, we introduce a novel methodology based on differential geometry, commonly used in face recognition, to characterize and predict NA binding surfaces on proteins. Applying the method on experimentally solved three-dimensional structures of proteins we successfully classify double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) from single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) binding proteins, with 83% accuracy. We show that the method is insensitive to conformational changes that occur upon binding and can be applicable for de novo protein-function prediction. Remarkably, when concentrating on the zinc finger motif, we distinguish successfully between RNA and DNA binding interfaces possessing the same binding motif even within the same protein, as demonstrated for the RNA polymerase transcription-factor, TFIIIA. In conclusion, we present a novel methodology to characterize protein surfaces, which can accurately tell apart dsDNA from an ssRNA binding interfaces. The strength of our method in recognizing fine-tuned differences on NA binding interfaces make it applicable for many other molecular recognition problems, with potential implications for drug design. PMID:21693557

Novel 3-D free-form surface profilometry for reverse engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Liang-Chia; Huang, Zhi-Xue

2005-01-01

This article proposes an innovative 3-D surface contouring approach for automatic and accurate free-form surface reconstruction using a sensor integration concept. The study addresses a critical problem in accurate measurement of free-form surfaces by developing an automatic reconstruction approach. Unacceptable measuring accuracy issues are mainly due to the errors arising from the use of inadequate measuring strategies, ending up with inaccurate digitised data and costly post-data processing in Reverse Engineering (RE). This article is thus aimed to develop automatic digitising strategies for ensuring surface reconstruction efficiency, as well as accuracy. The developed approach consists of two main stages, namely the rapid shape identification (RSI) and the automated laser scanning (ALS) for completing 3-D surface profilometry. This developed approach effectively utilises the advantages of on-line geometric information to evaluate the degree of satisfaction of user-defined digitising accuracy under a triangular topological patch. An industrial case study was used to attest the feasibility of the approach.

Geometric Brownian Motion with Tempered Stable Waiting Times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gajda, Janusz; Wyłomańska, Agnieszka

2012-08-01

One of the earliest system that was used to asset prices description is Black-Scholes model. It is based on geometric Brownian motion and was used as a tool for pricing various financial instruments. However, when it comes to data description, geometric Brownian motion is not capable to capture many properties of present financial markets. One can name here for instance periods of constant values. Therefore we propose an alternative approach based on subordinated tempered stable geometric Brownian motion which is a combination of the popular geometric Brownian motion and inverse tempered stable subordinator. In this paper we introduce the mentioned process and present its main properties. We propose also the estimation procedure and calibrate the analyzed system to real data.

New vistas in refractive laser beam shaping with an analytic design approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duerr, Fabian; Thienpont, Hugo

2014-05-01

Many commercial, medical and scientific applications of the laser have been developed since its invention. Some of these applications require a specific beam irradiance distribution to ensure optimal performance. Often, it is possible to apply geometrical methods to design laser beam shapers. This common design approach is based on the ray mapping between the input plane and the output beam. Geometric ray mapping designs with two plano-aspheric lenses have been thoroughly studied in the past. Even though analytic expressions for various ray mapping functions do exist, the surface profiles of the lenses are still calculated numerically. In this work, we present an alternative novel design approach that allows direct calculation of the rotational symmetric lens profiles described by analytic functions. Starting from the example of a basic beam expander, a set of functional differential equations is derived from Fermat's principle. This formalism allows calculating the exact lens profiles described by Taylor series coefficients up to very high orders. To demonstrate the versatility of this new approach, two further cases are solved: a Gaussian to at-top irradiance beam shaping system, and a beam shaping system that generates a more complex dark-hollow Gaussian (donut-like) irradiance profile with zero intensity in the on-axis region. The presented ray tracing results confirm the high accuracy of all calculated solutions and indicate the potential of this design approach for refractive beam shaping applications.

Temporal Subtraction of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Images for Improved Mass Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-01

imaging using two distinct methods7-15: mathematically based models defined by geometric primitives and voxelized models derived from real human...trees to complete them. We also plan to add further detail by defining the Cooper’s ligaments using geometrical NURBS surfaces. Realistic...generated model for the coronary arterial tree based on multislice CT and morphometric data," Medical Imaging 2006: Physics of Medical Imaging 6142

Effects of Corrugated Temperature Sheets on Optical Propagation along Quasi-Horizontal Paths in the Stably Stratified Atmosphere

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-11

diameter) are consistent with theoretical predictions based on Taylor’s frozen- turbulence hypothesis and the geometrical - optics approximation. Short...theoretical predictions based on Taylor’s frozen- turbulence hypothesis and the geometrical - optics approximation. Short-term (less than a few seconds... turbulent , quasi-horizontal interfaces, or “sheets”. Collocated in- situ and optical field measurements conducted in the atmospheric surface layer

Genetic Algorithm Approaches for Actuator Placement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crossley, William A.

2000-01-01

This research investigated genetic algorithm approaches for smart actuator placement to provide aircraft maneuverability without requiring hinged flaps or other control surfaces. The effort supported goals of the Multidisciplinary Design Optimization focus efforts in NASA's Aircraft au program. This work helped to properly identify various aspects of the genetic algorithm operators and parameters that allow for placement of discrete control actuators/effectors. An improved problem definition, including better definition of the objective function and constraints, resulted from this research effort. The work conducted for this research used a geometrically simple wing model; however, an increasing number of potential actuator placement locations were incorporated to illustrate the ability of the GA to determine promising actuator placement arrangements. This effort's major result is a useful genetic algorithm-based approach to assist in the discrete actuator/effector placement problem.

Matching Real and Synthetic Panoramic Images Using a Variant of Geometric Hashing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li-Chee-Ming, J.; Armenakis, C.

2017-05-01

This work demonstrates an approach to automatically initialize a visual model-based tracker, and recover from lost tracking, without prior camera pose information. These approaches are commonly referred to as tracking-by-detection. Previous tracking-by-detection techniques used either fiducials (i.e. landmarks or markers) or the object's texture. The main contribution of this work is the development of a tracking-by-detection algorithm that is based solely on natural geometric features. A variant of geometric hashing, a model-to-image registration algorithm, is proposed that searches for a matching panoramic image from a database of synthetic panoramic images captured in a 3D virtual environment. The approach identifies corresponding features between the matched panoramic images. The corresponding features are to be used in a photogrammetric space resection to estimate the camera pose. The experiments apply this algorithm to initialize a model-based tracker in an indoor environment using the 3D CAD model of the building.

Equivalent Linearization Analysis of Geometrically Nonlinear Random Vibrations Using Commercial Finite Element Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rizzi, Stephen A.; Muravyov, Alexander A.

2002-01-01

Two new equivalent linearization implementations for geometrically nonlinear random vibrations are presented. Both implementations are based upon a novel approach for evaluating the nonlinear stiffness within commercial finite element codes and are suitable for use with any finite element code having geometrically nonlinear static analysis capabilities. The formulation includes a traditional force-error minimization approach and a relatively new version of a potential energy-error minimization approach, which has been generalized for multiple degree-of-freedom systems. Results for a simply supported plate under random acoustic excitation are presented and comparisons of the displacement root-mean-square values and power spectral densities are made with results from a nonlinear time domain numerical simulation.

3D tracking of laparoscopic instruments using statistical and geometric modeling.

PubMed

Wolf, Rémi; Duchateau, Josselin; Cinquin, Philippe; Voros, Sandrine

2011-01-01

During a laparoscopic surgery, the endoscope can be manipulated by an assistant or a robot. Several teams have worked on the tracking of surgical instruments, based on methods ranging from the development of specific devices to image processing methods. We propose to exploit the instruments' insertion points, which are fixed on the patients abdominal cavity, as a geometric constraint for the localization of the instruments. A simple geometric model of a laparoscopic instrument is described, as well as a parametrization that exploits a spherical geometric grid, which offers attracting homogeneity and isotropy properties. The general architecture of our proposed approach is based on the probabilistic Condensation algorithm.

A geometric modeler based on a dual-geometry representation polyhedra and rational b-splines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klosterman, A. L.

1984-01-01

For speed and data base reasons, solid geometric modeling of large complex practical systems is usually approximated by a polyhedra representation. Precise parametric surface and implicit algebraic modelers are available but it is not yet practical to model the same level of system complexity with these precise modelers. In response to this contrast the GEOMOD geometric modeling system was built so that a polyhedra abstraction of the geometry would be available for interactive modeling without losing the precise definition of the geometry. Part of the reason that polyhedra modelers are effective is that all bounded surfaces can be represented in a single canonical format (i.e., sets of planar polygons). This permits a very simple and compact data structure. Nonuniform rational B-splines are currently the best representation to describe a very large class of geometry precisely with one canonical format. The specific capabilities of the modeler are described.

Tissue resistivity estimation in the presence of positional and geometrical uncertainties.

PubMed

Baysal, U; Eyüboğlu, B M

2000-08-01

Geometrical uncertainties (organ boundary variation and electrode position uncertainties) are the biggest sources of error in estimating electrical resistivity of tissues from body surface measurements. In this study, in order to decrease estimation errors, the statistically constrained minimum mean squared error estimation algorithm (MiMSEE) is constrained with a priori knowledge of the geometrical uncertainties in addition to the constraints based on geometry, resistivity range, linearization and instrumentation errors. The MiMSEE calculates an optimum inverse matrix, which maps the surface measurements to the unknown resistivity distribution. The required data are obtained from four-electrode impedance measurements, similar to injected-current electrical impedance tomography (EIT). In this study, the surface measurements are simulated by using a numerical thorax model. The data are perturbed with additive instrumentation noise. Simulated surface measurements are then used to estimate the tissue resistivities by using the proposed algorithm. The results are compared with the results of conventional least squares error estimator (LSEE). Depending on the region, the MiMSEE yields an estimation error between 0.42% and 31.3% compared with 7.12% to 2010% for the LSEE. It is shown that the MiMSEE is quite robust even in the case of geometrical uncertainties.

Human eyeball model reconstruction and quantitative analysis.

PubMed

Xing, Qi; Wei, Qi

2014-01-01

Determining shape of the eyeball is important to diagnose eyeball disease like myopia. In this paper, we present an automatic approach to precisely reconstruct three dimensional geometric shape of eyeball from MR Images. The model development pipeline involved image segmentation, registration, B-Spline surface fitting and subdivision surface fitting, neither of which required manual interaction. From the high resolution resultant models, geometric characteristics of the eyeball can be accurately quantified and analyzed. In addition to the eight metrics commonly used by existing studies, we proposed two novel metrics, Gaussian Curvature Analysis and Sphere Distance Deviation, to quantify the cornea shape and the whole eyeball surface respectively. The experiment results showed that the reconstructed eyeball models accurately represent the complex morphology of the eye. The ten metrics parameterize the eyeball among different subjects, which can potentially be used for eye disease diagnosis.

Numerical Estimation of the Curvature of Biological Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Todd, P. H.

1985-01-01

Many biological systems may profitably be studied as surface phenomena. A model consisting of isotropic growth of a curved surface from a flat sheet is assumed. With such a model, the Gaussian curvature of the final surface determines whether growth rate of the surface is subharmonic or superharmonic. These properties correspond to notions of convexity and concavity, and thus to local excess growth and local deficiency of growth. In biological models where the major factors controlling surface growth are intrinsic to the surface, researchers thus gained from geometrical study information on the differential growth undergone by the surface. These ideas were applied to an analysis of the folding of the cerebral cortex, a geometrically rather complex surface growth. A numerical surface curvature technique based on an approximation to the Dupin indicatrix of the surface was developed. A metric for comparing curvature estimates is introduced, and considerable numerical testing indicated the reliability of this technique.

Assessing the Increase in Specific Surface Area for Electrospun Fibrous Network due to Pore Induction.

PubMed

Katsogiannis, Konstantinos Alexandros G; Vladisavljević, Goran T; Georgiadou, Stella; Rahmani, Ramin

2016-10-26

The effect of pore induction on increasing electrospun fibrous network specific surface area was investigated in this study. Theoretical models based on the available surface area of the fibrous network and exclusion of the surface area lost due to fiber-to-fiber contacts were developed. The models for calculation of the excluded area are based on Hertzian, Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov (DMT), and Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) contact models. Overall, the theoretical models correlated the network specific surface area to the material properties including density, surface tension, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, as well as network physical properties, such as density and geometrical characteristics including fiber radius, fiber aspect ratio and network thickness. Pore induction proved to increase the network specific surface area up to 52%, compared to the maximum surface area that could be achieved by nonporous fiber network with the same physical properties and geometrical characteristics. The model based on Johnson-Kendall-Roberts contact model describes accurately the fiber-to-fiber contact area under the experimental conditions used for pore generation. The experimental results and the theoretical model based on Johnson-Kendall-Roberts contact model show that the increase in network surface area due to pore induction can reach to up to 58%.

The single-scattering properties of black carbon aggregates determined from the geometric-optics surface-wave approach and the T-matrix method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takano, Y.; Liou, K. N.; Kahnert, M.; Yang, P.

2013-08-01

The single-scattering properties of eight black carbon (BC, soot) fractal aggregates, composed of primary spheres from 7 to 600, computed by the geometric-optics surface-wave (GOS) approach coupled with the Rayleigh-Gans-Debye (RGD) adjustment for size parameters smaller than approximately 2, are compared with those determined from the superposition T-matrix method. We show that under the condition of random orientation, the results from GOS/RGD are in general agreement with those from T-matrix in terms of the extinction and absorption cross-sections, the single-scattering co-albedo, and the asymmetry factor. When compared with the specific absorption (m2/g) measured in the laboratory, we illustrate that using the observed radii of primary spheres ranging from 3.3 to 25 nm, the theoretical values determined from GOS/RGD for primary sphere numbers of 100-600 are within the range of measured values. The GOS approach can be effectively applied to aggregates composed of a large number of primary spheres (e.g., >6000) and large size parameters (≫2) in terms of computational efforts.

A CAD Approach to Developing Mass Distribution and Composition Models for Spaceflight Radiation Risk Analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zapp, E.; Shelfer, T.; Semones, E.; Johnson, A.; Weyland, M.; Golightly, M.; Smith, G.; Dardano, C.

For roughly the past three decades, combinatorial geometries have been the predominant mode for the development of mass distribution models associated with the estimation of radiological risk for manned space flight. Examples of these are the MEVDP (Modified Elemental Volume Dose Program) vehicle representation of Liley and Hamilton, and the quadratic functional representation of the CAM/CAF (Computerized Anatomical Male/Female) human body models as modified by Billings and Yucker. These geometries, have the advantageous characteristics of being simple for a familiarized user to maintain, and because of the relative lack of any operating system or run-time library dependence, they are also easy to transfer from one computing platform to another. Unfortunately they are also limited in the amount of modeling detail possible, owing to the abstract geometric representation. In addition, combinatorial representations are also known to be error-prone in practice, since there is no convenient method for error identification (i.e. overlap, etc.), and extensive calculation and/or manual comparison may is often necessary to demonstrate that the geometry is adequately represented. We present an alternate approach linking materials -specific, CAD-based mass models directly to geometric analysis tools requiring no approximation with respect to materials , nor any meshing (i.e. tessellation) of the representative geometry. A new approach to ray tracing is presented which makes use of the fundamentals of the CAD representation to perform geometric analysis directly on the NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational BSpline) surfaces themselves. In this way we achieve a framework for- the rapid, precise development and analysis of materials-specific mass distribution models.

Simulation Experiment on Landing Site Selection Using a Simple Geometric Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, W.; Tong, X.; Xie, H.; Jin, Y.; Liu, S.; Wu, D.; Liu, X.; Guo, L.; Zhou, Q.

2017-07-01

Safe landing is an important part of the planetary exploration mission. Even fine scale terrain hazards (such as rocks, small craters, steep slopes, which would not be accurately detected from orbital reconnaissance) could also pose a serious risk on planetary lander or rover and scientific instruments on-board it. In this paper, a simple geometric approach on planetary landing hazard detection and safe landing site selection is proposed. In order to achieve full implementation of this algorithm, two easy-to-compute metrics are presented for extracting the terrain slope and roughness information. Unlike conventional methods which must do the robust plane fitting and elevation interpolation for DEM generation, in this work, hazards is identified through the processing directly on LiDAR point cloud. For safe landing site selection, a Generalized Voronoi Diagram is constructed. Based on the idea of maximum empty circle, the safest landing site can be determined. In this algorithm, hazards are treated as general polygons, without special simplification (e.g. regarding hazards as discrete circles or ellipses). So using the aforementioned method to process hazards is more conforming to the real planetary exploration scenario. For validating the approach mentioned above, a simulated planetary terrain model was constructed using volcanic ash with rocks in indoor environment. A commercial laser scanner mounted on a rail was used to scan the terrain surface at different hanging positions. The results demonstrate that fairly hazard detection capability and reasonable site selection was obtained compared with conventional method, yet less computational time and less memory usage was consumed. Hence, it is a feasible candidate approach for future precision landing selection on planetary surface.

Lagrangian based methods for coherent structure detection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Allshouse, Michael R., E-mail: mallshouse@chaos.utexas.edu; Peacock, Thomas, E-mail: tomp@mit.edu

There has been a proliferation in the development of Lagrangian analytical methods for detecting coherent structures in fluid flow transport, yielding a variety of qualitatively different approaches. We present a review of four approaches and demonstrate the utility of these methods via their application to the same sample analytic model, the canonical double-gyre flow, highlighting the pros and cons of each approach. Two of the methods, the geometric and probabilistic approaches, are well established and require velocity field data over the time interval of interest to identify particularly important material lines and surfaces, and influential regions, respectively. The other twomore » approaches, implementing tools from cluster and braid theory, seek coherent structures based on limited trajectory data, attempting to partition the flow transport into distinct regions. All four of these approaches share the common trait that they are objective methods, meaning that their results do not depend on the frame of reference used. For each method, we also present a number of example applications ranging from blood flow and chemical reactions to ocean and atmospheric flows.« less

Controlling Surface Plasmons Through Covariant Transformation of the Spin-Dependent Geometric Phase Between Curved Metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Fan; Li, Jensen; Liu, Hui; Zhu, Shining

2018-06-01

General relativity uses curved space-time to describe accelerating frames. The movement of particles in different curved space-times can be regarded as equivalent physical processes based on the covariant transformation between different frames. In this Letter, we use one-dimensional curved metamaterials to mimic accelerating particles in curved space-times. The different curved shapes of structures are used to mimic different accelerating frames. The different geometric phases along the structure are used to mimic different movements in the frame. Using the covariant principle of general relativity, we can obtain equivalent nanostructures based on space-time transformations, such as the Lorentz transformation and conformal transformation. In this way, many covariant structures can be found that produce the same surface plasmon fields when excited by spin photons. A new kind of accelerating beam, the Rindler beam, is obtained based on the Rindler metric in gravity. Very large effective indices can be obtained in such systems based on geometric-phase gradient. This general covariant design method can be extended to many other optical media.

Aerodynamic Shape Sensitivity Analysis and Design Optimization of Complex Configurations Using Unstructured Grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Arthur C., III; Newman, James C., III; Barnwell, Richard W.

1997-01-01

A three-dimensional unstructured grid approach to aerodynamic shape sensitivity analysis and design optimization has been developed and is extended to model geometrically complex configurations. The advantage of unstructured grids (when compared with a structured-grid approach) is their inherent ability to discretize irregularly shaped domains with greater efficiency and less effort. Hence, this approach is ideally suited for geometrically complex configurations of practical interest. In this work the nonlinear Euler equations are solved using an upwind, cell-centered, finite-volume scheme. The discrete, linearized systems which result from this scheme are solved iteratively by a preconditioned conjugate-gradient-like algorithm known as GMRES for the two-dimensional geometry and a Gauss-Seidel algorithm for the three-dimensional; similar procedures are used to solve the accompanying linear aerodynamic sensitivity equations in incremental iterative form. As shown, this particular form of the sensitivity equation makes large-scale gradient-based aerodynamic optimization possible by taking advantage of memory efficient methods to construct exact Jacobian matrix-vector products. Simple parameterization techniques are utilized for demonstrative purposes. Once the surface has been deformed, the unstructured grid is adapted by considering the mesh as a system of interconnected springs. Grid sensitivities are obtained by differentiating the surface parameterization and the grid adaptation algorithms with ADIFOR (which is an advanced automatic-differentiation software tool). To demonstrate the ability of this procedure to analyze and design complex configurations of practical interest, the sensitivity analysis and shape optimization has been performed for a two-dimensional high-lift multielement airfoil and for a three-dimensional Boeing 747-200 aircraft.

A simple geometrical model describing shapes of soap films suspended on two rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrmann, Felix J.; Kilvington, Charles D.; Wildenberg, Rebekah L.; Camacho, Franco E.; Walecki, Wojciech J.; Walecki, Peter S.; Walecki, Eve S.

2016-09-01

We measured and analysed the stability of two types of soap films suspended on two rings using the simple conical frusta-based model, where we use common definition of conical frustum as a portion of a cone that lies between two parallel planes cutting it. Using frusta-based we reproduced very well-known results for catenoid surfaces with and without a central disk. We present for the first time a simple conical frusta based spreadsheet model of the soap surface. This very simple, elementary, geometrical model produces results surprisingly well matching the experimental data and known exact analytical solutions. The experiment and the spreadsheet model can be used as a powerful teaching tool for pre-calculus and geometry students.

PCSYS: The optimal design integration system picture drawing system with hidden line algorithm capability for aerospace vehicle configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hague, D. S.; Vanderburg, J. D.

1977-01-01

A vehicle geometric definition based upon quadrilateral surface elements to produce realistic pictures of an aerospace vehicle. The PCSYS programs can be used to visually check geometric data input, monitor geometric perturbations, and to visualize the complex spatial inter-relationships between the internal and external vehicle components. PCSYS has two major component programs. The between program, IMAGE, draws a complex aerospace vehicle pictorial representation based on either an approximate but rapid hidden line algorithm or without any hidden line algorithm. The second program, HIDDEN, draws a vehicle representation using an accurate but time consuming hidden line algorithm.

A comparative study of multi-sensor data fusion methods for highly accurate assessment of manufactured parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hannachi, Ammar; Kohler, Sophie; Lallement, Alex; Hirsch, Ernest

2015-04-01

3D modeling of scene contents takes an increasing importance for many computer vision based applications. In particular, industrial applications of computer vision require efficient tools for the computation of this 3D information. Routinely, stereo-vision is a powerful technique to obtain the 3D outline of imaged objects from the corresponding 2D images. As a consequence, this approach provides only a poor and partial description of the scene contents. On another hand, for structured light based reconstruction techniques, 3D surfaces of imaged objects can often be computed with high accuracy. However, the resulting active range data in this case lacks to provide data enabling to characterize the object edges. Thus, in order to benefit from the positive points of various acquisition techniques, we introduce in this paper promising approaches, enabling to compute complete 3D reconstruction based on the cooperation of two complementary acquisition and processing techniques, in our case stereoscopic and structured light based methods, providing two 3D data sets describing respectively the outlines and surfaces of the imaged objects. We present, accordingly, the principles of three fusion techniques and their comparison based on evaluation criterions related to the nature of the workpiece and also the type of the tackled application. The proposed fusion methods are relying on geometric characteristics of the workpiece, which favour the quality of the registration. Further, the results obtained demonstrate that the developed approaches are well adapted for 3D modeling of manufactured parts including free-form surfaces and, consequently quality control applications using these 3D reconstructions.

Voluminator 2.0 - Speeding up the Approximation of the Volume of Defective 3d Building Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sindram, M.; Machl, T.; Steuer, H.; Pültz, M.; Kolbe, T. H.

2016-06-01

Semantic 3D city models are increasingly used as a data source in planning and analyzing processes of cities. They represent a virtual copy of the reality and are a common information base and source of information for examining urban questions. A significant advantage of virtual city models is that important indicators such as the volume of buildings, topological relationships between objects and other geometric as well as thematic information can be derived. Knowledge about the exact building volume is an essential base for estimating the building energy demand. In order to determine the volume of buildings with conventional algorithms and tools, the buildings may not contain any topological and geometrical errors. The reality, however, shows that city models very often contain errors such as missing surfaces, duplicated faces and misclosures. To overcome these errors (Steuer et al., 2015) have presented a robust method for approximating the volume of building models. For this purpose, a bounding box of the building is divided into a regular grid of voxels and it is determined which voxels are inside the building. The regular arrangement of the voxels leads to a high number of topological tests and prevents the application of this method using very high resolutions. In this paper we present an extension of the algorithm using an octree approach limiting the subdivision of space to regions around surfaces of the building models and to regions where, in the case of defective models, the topological tests are inconclusive. We show that the computation time can be significantly reduced, while preserving the robustness against geometrical and topological errors.

Locating low-frequency earthquakes using amplitude signals from seismograph stations: Examples from events at Montserrat, West Indies and from synthetic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jolly, A.; Jousset, P.; Neuberg, J.

2003-04-01

We determine locations for low-frequency earthquakes occurring prior to a collapse on June 25th, 1997 using signal amplitudes from a 7-station local seismograph network at the Soufriere Hills volcano on Montserrat, West Indies. Locations are determined by averaging the signal amplitude over the event waveform and inverting these data using an assumed amplitude decay model comprising geometrical spreading and attenuation. Resulting locations are centered beneath the active dome from 500 to 2000 m below sea level assuming body wave geometrical spreading and a quality factor of Q=22. Locations for the same events shifted systematically shallower by about 500 m assuming a surface wave geometrical spreading. Locations are consistent to results obtained using arrival time methods. The validity of the method is tested against synthetic low-frequency events constructed from a 2-D finite difference model including visco-elastic properties. Two example events are tested; one from a point source triggered in a low velocity conduit ranging between 100-1100 m below the surface, and the second triggered in a conduit located 1500-2500 m below the surface. Resulting seismograms have emergent onsets and extended codas and include the effect of conduit resonance. Employing geometrical spreading and attenuation from the finite-difference modelling, we obtain locations within the respective model conduits validating our approach.The location depths are sensitive to the assumed geometric spreading and Q model. We can distinguish between two sources separated by about 1000 meters only if we know the decay parameters.

Photonic and phononic surface and edge modes in three-dimensional phoxonic crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Tian-Xue; Wang, Yue-Sheng; Zhang, Chuanzeng

2018-04-01

We investigate the photonic and phononic surface and edge modes in finite-size three-dimensional phoxonic crystals. By appropriately terminating the phoxonic crystals, the photons and phonons can be simultaneously guided at the two-dimensional surface and/or the one-dimensional edge of the terminated crystals. The Bloch surface and edge modes show that the electromagnetic and acoustic waves are highly localized near the surface and edge, respectively. The surface and edge geometries play important roles in tailoring the dispersion relations of the surface and edge modes, and dual band gaps for the surface or edge modes can be simultaneously achieved by changing the geometrical configurations. Furthermore, as the band gaps for the bulk modes are the essential prerequisites for the realization of dual surface and edge modes, the photonic and phononic bulk-mode band gap properties of three different types of phoxonic crystals with six-connected networks are revealed. It is found that the geometrical characteristic of the crystals with six-connected networks leads to dual large bulk-mode band gaps. Compared with the conventional bulk modes, the surface and edge modes provide a new approach for the photon and phonon manipulation and show great potential for phoxonic crystal devices and optomechanics.

Portable, space-saving medical patient support system

DOEpatents

Bzorgi,; Fariborz, [Knoxville, TN

2011-02-01

A support platform having a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration on a floor. The support platform is related to stretcher devices that are used for transporting, confining, or conducting medical procedures on medical patients in medical emergencies. The support platform typically includes a work surface that has a geometric extent. A base that typically includes a plurality of frame members is provided, and the frame members are disposed across the geometric extent of, and proximal to, the work surface in the stowed configuration. The frame members are typically disposed on the floor in the deployed configuration. There is a foldable bracing system engaged with the work surface and engaged with the base. At least a portion of the foldable bracing system is disposed substantially inside at least a portion of the plurality of frame members in the stowed configuration. Further, the foldable bracing system is configured for translocation of the work surface distal from the base in the deployed configuration.

Quasi-automatic 3D finite element model generation for individual single-rooted teeth and periodontal ligament.

PubMed

Clement, R; Schneider, J; Brambs, H-J; Wunderlich, A; Geiger, M; Sander, F G

2004-02-01

The paper demonstrates how to generate an individual 3D volume model of a human single-rooted tooth using an automatic workflow. It can be implemented into finite element simulation. In several computational steps, computed tomography data of patients are used to obtain the global coordinates of the tooth's surface. First, the large number of geometric data is processed with several self-developed algorithms for a significant reduction. The most important task is to keep geometrical information of the real tooth. The second main part includes the creation of the volume model for tooth and periodontal ligament (PDL). This is realized with a continuous free form surface of the tooth based on the remaining points. Generating such irregular objects for numerical use in biomechanical research normally requires enormous manual effort and time. The finite element mesh of the tooth, consisting of hexahedral elements, is composed of different materials: dentin, PDL and surrounding alveolar bone. It is capable of simulating tooth movement in a finite element analysis and may give valuable information for a clinical approach without the restrictions of tetrahedral elements. The mesh generator of FE software ANSYS executed the mesh process for hexahedral elements successfully.

One-step volumetric additive manufacturing of complex polymer structures

DOE PAGES

Shusteff, Maxim; Browar, Allison E. M.; Kelly, Brett E.; ...

2017-12-01

Two limitations of additive manufacturing methods that arise from layer-based fabrication are slow speed and geometric constraints (which include poor surface quality). Both limitations are overcome in the work reported here, introducing a new volumetric additive fabrication paradigm that produces photopolymer structures with complex non-periodic 3D geometries on a timescale of seconds. We implement this approach using holographic patterning of light fields, demonstrate the fabrication of a variety of structures, and study the properties of the light patterns and photosensitive resins required for this fabrication approach. The results indicate that lowabsorbing resins containing ~0.1% photoinitiator, illuminated at modest powers (~10-100more » mW) may be successfully used to build full structures in ~1-10 s.« less

One-step volumetric additive manufacturing of complex polymer structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shusteff, Maxim; Browar, Allison E. M.; Kelly, Brett E.

Two limitations of additive manufacturing methods that arise from layer-based fabrication are slow speed and geometric constraints (which include poor surface quality). Both limitations are overcome in the work reported here, introducing a new volumetric additive fabrication paradigm that produces photopolymer structures with complex non-periodic 3D geometries on a timescale of seconds. We implement this approach using holographic patterning of light fields, demonstrate the fabrication of a variety of structures, and study the properties of the light patterns and photosensitive resins required for this fabrication approach. The results indicate that lowabsorbing resins containing ~0.1% photoinitiator, illuminated at modest powers (~10-100more » mW) may be successfully used to build full structures in ~1-10 s.« less

One-step volumetric additive manufacturing of complex polymer structures

PubMed Central

Shusteff, Maxim; Browar, Allison E. M.; Kelly, Brett E.; Henriksson, Johannes; Weisgraber, Todd H.; Panas, Robert M.; Fang, Nicholas X.; Spadaccini, Christopher M.

2017-01-01

Two limitations of additive manufacturing methods that arise from layer-based fabrication are slow speed and geometric constraints (which include poor surface quality). Both limitations are overcome in the work reported here, introducing a new volumetric additive fabrication paradigm that produces photopolymer structures with complex nonperiodic three-dimensional geometries on a time scale of seconds. We implement this approach using holographic patterning of light fields, demonstrate the fabrication of a variety of structures, and study the properties of the light patterns and photosensitive resins required for this fabrication approach. The results indicate that low-absorbing resins containing ~0.1% photoinitiator, illuminated at modest powers (~10 to 100 mW), may be successfully used to build full structures in ~1 to 10 s. PMID:29230437

One-step volumetric additive manufacturing of complex polymer structures.

PubMed

Shusteff, Maxim; Browar, Allison E M; Kelly, Brett E; Henriksson, Johannes; Weisgraber, Todd H; Panas, Robert M; Fang, Nicholas X; Spadaccini, Christopher M

2017-12-01

Two limitations of additive manufacturing methods that arise from layer-based fabrication are slow speed and geometric constraints (which include poor surface quality). Both limitations are overcome in the work reported here, introducing a new volumetric additive fabrication paradigm that produces photopolymer structures with complex nonperiodic three-dimensional geometries on a time scale of seconds. We implement this approach using holographic patterning of light fields, demonstrate the fabrication of a variety of structures, and study the properties of the light patterns and photosensitive resins required for this fabrication approach. The results indicate that low-absorbing resins containing ~0.1% photoinitiator, illuminated at modest powers (~10 to 100 mW), may be successfully used to build full structures in ~1 to 10 s.

Sensorless position estimation and control of permanent-magnet synchronous motors using a saturation model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kassem Jebai, Al; Malrait, François; Martin, Philippe; Rouchon, Pierre

2016-03-01

Sensorless control of permanent-magnet synchronous motors at low velocity remains a challenging task. A now well-established method consists of injecting a high-frequency signal and using the rotor saliency, both geometric and magnetic-saturation induced. This paper proposes a clear and original analysis based on second-order averaging of how to recover the position information from signal injection; this analysis blends well with a general model of magnetic saturation. It also proposes a simple parametric model of the saturated motor, based on an energy function which simply encompasses saturation and cross-saturation effects. Experimental results on a surface-mounted motor and an interior magnet motor illustrate the relevance of the approach.

Geometrical approach to tumor growth.

PubMed

Escudero, Carlos

2006-08-01

Tumor growth has a number of features in common with a physical process known as molecular beam epitaxy. Both growth processes are characterized by the constraint of growth development to the body border, and surface diffusion of cells and particles at the growing edge. However, tumor growth implies an approximate spherical symmetry that makes necessary a geometrical treatment of the growth equations. The basic model was introduced in a former paper [C. Escudero, Phys. Rev. E 73, 020902(R) (2006)], and in the present work we extend our analysis and try to shed light on the possible geometrical principles that drive tumor growth. We present two-dimensional models that reproduce the experimental observations, and analyze the unexplored three-dimensional case, for which interesting conclusions on tumor growth are derived.

The next-generation ESL continuum gyrokinetic edge code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, R.; Dorr, M.; Hittinger, J.; Rognlien, T.; Collela, P.; Martin, D.

2009-05-01

The Edge Simulation Laboratory (ESL) project is developing continuum-based approaches to kinetic simulation of edge plasmas. A new code is being developed, based on a conservative formulation and fourth-order discretization of full-f gyrokinetic equations in parallel-velocity, magnetic-moment coordinates. The code exploits mapped multiblock grids to deal with the geometric complexities of the edge region, and utilizes a new flux limiter [P. Colella and M.D. Sekora, JCP 227, 7069 (2008)] to suppress unphysical oscillations about discontinuities while maintaining high-order accuracy elsewhere. The code is just becoming operational; we will report initial tests for neoclassical orbit calculations in closed-flux surface and limiter (closed plus open flux surfaces) geometry. It is anticipated that the algorithmic refinements in the new code will address the slow numerical instability that was observed in some long simulations with the existing TEMPEST code. We will also discuss the status and plans for physics enhancements to the new code.

Extension of geometrical-optics approximation to on-axis Gaussian beam scattering. I. By a spherical particle.

PubMed

Xu, Feng; Ren, Kuan Fang; Cai, Xiaoshu

2006-07-10

The geometrical-optics approximation of light scattering by a transparent or absorbing spherical particle is extended from plane wave to Gaussian beam incidence. The formulas for the calculation of the phase of each ray and the divergence factor are revised, and the interference of all the emerging rays is taken into account. The extended geometrical-optics approximation (EGOA) permits one to calculate the scattering diagram in all directions from 0 degrees to 180 degrees. The intensities of the scattered field calculated by the EGOA are compared with those calculated by the generalized Lorenz-Mie theory, and good agreement is found. The surface wave effect in Gaussian beam scattering is also qualitatively analyzed by introducing a flux ratio factor. The approach proposed is particularly important to the further extension of the geometrical-optics approximation to the scattering of large spheroidal particles.

Programming curvature using origami tessellations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dudte, Levi H.; Vouga, Etienne; Tachi, Tomohiro; Mahadevan, L.

2016-05-01

Origami describes rules for creating folded structures from patterns on a flat sheet, but does not prescribe how patterns can be designed to fit target shapes. Here, starting from the simplest periodic origami pattern that yields one-degree-of-freedom collapsible structures--we show that scale-independent elementary geometric constructions and constrained optimization algorithms can be used to determine spatially modulated patterns that yield approximations to given surfaces of constant or varying curvature. Paper models confirm the feasibility of our calculations. We also assess the difficulty of realizing these geometric structures by quantifying the energetic barrier that separates the metastable flat and folded states. Moreover, we characterize the trade-off between the accuracy to which the pattern conforms to the target surface, and the effort associated with creating finer folds. Our approach enables the tailoring of origami patterns to drape complex surfaces independent of absolute scale, as well as the quantification of the energetic and material cost of doing so.

A solution to the surface intersection problem. [Boolean functions in geometric modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Timer, H. G.

1977-01-01

An application-independent geometric model within a data base framework should support the use of Boolean operators which allow the user to construct a complex model by appropriately combining a series of simple models. The use of these operators leads to the concept of implicitly and explicitly defined surfaces. With an explicitly defined model, the surface area may be computed by simply summing the surface areas of the bounding surfaces. For an implicitly defined model, the surface area computation must deal with active and inactive regions. Because the surface intersection problem involves four unknowns and its solution is a space curve, the parametric coordinates of each surface must be determined as a function of the arc length. Various subproblems involved in the general intersection problem are discussed, and the mathematical basis for their solution is presented along with a program written in FORTRAN IV for implementation on the IBM 370 TSO system.

Microtexture diagnostics of asphalt pavement surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Florková, Zuzana; Pepucha, L.'ubomír

2017-09-01

The microtexture of asphalt pavement surface is an essential parameter from the traffic safety point of view and it closely relates to a geometrical, petrological and physical properties of aggregate particle used in asphalt pavement. Microtexture has a significant influence for assurance basic friction values between tire and pavement in relation to a skid resistance properties. Therefore, the microtexture detecting methods are necessary. The British pendulum tester measurements have been carried out on selected sections of roads with different asphalt surfaces. Individual grains of aggregates were taken from the surface of each section from the sliding path and also from the core sample after the extraction. The laboratory profilometry measurements have been practiced on these aggregate samples and subsequently the surface microtexture was investigated based on commonly used texture characteristics and the filtration approach was applied in calculation process. The results have shown the degradation of microtexture values occurs due to polishing of aggregate under loading from traffic in relation to the type of used aggregate. Some correlation between BPN values and texture characteristics was found.

Biomaterial design for specific cellular interactions: Role of surface functionalization and geometric features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolhar, Poornima

The areas of drug delivery and tissue engineering have experienced extraordinary growth in recent years with the application of engineering principles and their potential to support and improve the field of medicine. The tremendous progress in nanotechnology and biotechnology has lead to this explosion of research and development in biomedical applications. Biomaterials can now be engineered at a nanoscale and their specific interactions with the biological tissues can be modulated. Various design parameters are being established and researched for design of drug-delivery carriers and scaffolds to be implanted into humans. Nanoparticles made from versatile biomaterial can deliver both small-molecule drugs and various classes of bio-macromolecules, such as proteins and oligonucleotides. Similarly in the field of tissue engineering, current approaches emphasize nanoscale control of cell behavior by mimicking the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) unlike, traditional scaffolds. Drug delivery and tissue engineering are closely connected fields and both of these applications require materials with exceptional physical, chemical, biological, and biomechanical properties to provide superior therapy. In the current study the surface functionalization and the geometric features of the biomaterials has been explored. In particular, a synthetic surface for culture of human embryonic stem cells has been developed, demonstrating the importance of surface functionalization in maintaining the pluripotency of hESCs. In the second study, the geometric features of the drug delivery carriers are investigated and the polymeric nanoneedles mediated cellular permeabilization and direct cytoplasmic delivery is reported. In the third study, the combined effect of surface functionalization and geometric modification of carriers for vascular targeting is enunciated. These studies illustrate how the biomaterials can be designed to achieve various cellular behaviors and control the interactions with cells in vivo .

Temporal Subtraction of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Images for Improved Mass Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-01

K. Fishman and B. M. W. Tsui, "Development of a computer-generated model for the coronary arterial tree based on multislice CT and morphometric data...mathematical models based on geometric primitives8-22. Bakic et al created synthetic x-ray mammograms using a 3D simulated breast tissue model consisting of...utilized a combination of voxel matrices and geometric primitives to create a breast phantom that includes the breast surface, the duct system, and

A basis for the analysis of surface geometry of spiral bevel gears

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huston, R. L.; Coy, J. J.

1983-01-01

Geometrical procedures helpful in the fundamental studies of the surface geometry of spiral bevel gears are summarized. These procedures are based upon: (1) fundamental gear geometry and kinematics as exposited by Buckingham, et al; (2) formulas developed from differential geometry; and (3) geometrical concepts developed in recent papers and reports on spiral bevel gear surface geometry. Procedures which characterize the geometry so that the surface parametric equations, the principal radii of curvature, and the meshing kinematics are systematically determined are emphasized. Initially, the focus in on theoretical, logarithmic spiral bevel gears as defined by Buckingham. The gears, however, are difficult to fabricate and are sometimes considered to be too straight. Circular-cut spiral bevel gears are an alternative to this. Surface characteristics of crown circular cut gears are analyzed.

Multi-Scale Voxel Segmentation for Terrestrial Lidar Data within Marshes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, C. T.; Starek, M. J.; Tissot, P.; Gibeaut, J. C.

2016-12-01

The resilience of marshes to a rising sea is dependent on their elevation response. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is a detailed topographic approach for accurate, dense surface measurement with high potential for monitoring of marsh surface elevation response. The dense point cloud provides a 3D representation of the surface, which includes both terrain and non-terrain objects. Extraction of topographic information requires filtering of the data into like-groups or classes, therefore, methods must be incorporated to identify structure in the data prior to creation of an end product. A voxel representation of three-dimensional space provides quantitative visualization and analysis for pattern recognition. The objectives of this study are threefold: 1) apply a multi-scale voxel approach to effectively extract geometric features from the TLS point cloud data, 2) investigate the utility of K-means and Self Organizing Map (SOM) clustering algorithms for segmentation, and 3) utilize a variety of validity indices to measure the quality of the result. TLS data were collected at a marsh site along the central Texas Gulf Coast using a Riegl VZ 400 TLS. The site consists of both exposed and vegetated surface regions. To characterize structure of the point cloud, octree segmentation is applied to create a tree data structure of voxels containing the points. The flexibility of voxels in size and point density makes this algorithm a promising candidate to locally extract statistical and geometric features of the terrain including surface normal and curvature. The characteristics of the voxel itself such as the volume and point density are also computed and assigned to each point as are laser pulse characteristics. The features extracted from the voxelization are then used as input for clustering of the points using the K-means and SOM clustering algorithms. Optimal number of clusters are then determined based on evaluation of cluster separability criterions. Results for different combinations of the feature space vector and differences between K-means and SOM clustering will be presented. The developed method provides a novel approach for compressing TLS scene complexity in marshes, such as for vegetation biomass studies or erosion monitoring.

Using an Adjoint Approach to Eliminate Mesh Sensitivities in Computational Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nielsen, Eric J.; Park, Michael A.

2006-01-01

An algorithm for efficiently incorporating the effects of mesh sensitivities in a computational design framework is introduced. The method is based on an adjoint approach and eliminates the need for explicit linearizations of the mesh movement scheme with respect to the geometric parameterization variables, an expense that has hindered practical large-scale design optimization using discrete adjoint methods. The effects of the mesh sensitivities can be accounted for through the solution of an adjoint problem equivalent in cost to a single mesh movement computation, followed by an explicit matrix-vector product scaling with the number of design variables and the resolution of the parameterized surface grid. The accuracy of the implementation is established and dramatic computational savings obtained using the new approach are demonstrated using several test cases. Sample design optimizations are also shown.

Using an Adjoint Approach to Eliminate Mesh Sensitivities in Computational Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nielsen, Eric J.; Park, Michael A.

2005-01-01

An algorithm for efficiently incorporating the effects of mesh sensitivities in a computational design framework is introduced. The method is based on an adjoint approach and eliminates the need for explicit linearizations of the mesh movement scheme with respect to the geometric parameterization variables, an expense that has hindered practical large-scale design optimization using discrete adjoint methods. The effects of the mesh sensitivities can be accounted for through the solution of an adjoint problem equivalent in cost to a single mesh movement computation, followed by an explicit matrix-vector product scaling with the number of design variables and the resolution of the parameterized surface grid. The accuracy of the implementation is established and dramatic computational savings obtained using the new approach are demonstrated using several test cases. Sample design optimizations are also shown.

Modelisation geometrique par NURBS pour le design aerodynamique des ailes d'avion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bentamy, Anas

The constant evolution of the computer science gives rise to many research areas especially in computer aided design. This study is part, of the advancement of the numerical methods in engineering computer aided design, specifically in aerospace science. The geometric modeling based on NURBS has been applied successfully to generate a parametric wing surface for aerodynamic design while satisfying manufacturing constraints. The goal of providing a smooth geometry described with few parameters has been achieved. In that case, a wing design including ruled surfaces at the leading edge slat and at the flap, and, curved central surfaces with intrinsic geometric property coming from conic curves, necessitates 130 control points and 15 geometric design variables. The 3D character of the wing need to be analyzed by techniques of investigation of surfaces in order to judge conveniently the visual aspect and detect any sign inversion in both directions of parametrization u and nu. Color mapping of the Gaussian curvature appears to be a very effective tools in visualization. The automation of the construction has been attained using an heuristic optimization algorithm, simulated annealing. The relative high speed of convergence to the solutions confirms its practical interest in engineering problems nowadays. The robustness of the geometric model has been tested successfully with an academic inverse design problem. The results obtained allow to foresee multiple possible applications from an extension to a complete geometric description of an airplane to the interaction with others disciplines belonging to a preliminary aeronautical design process.

On three dimensional object recognition and pose-determination: An abstraction based approach. Ph.D. Thesis - Michigan Univ. Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quek, Kok How Francis

1990-01-01

A method of computing reliable Gaussian and mean curvature sign-map descriptors from the polynomial approximation of surfaces was demonstrated. Such descriptors which are invariant under perspective variation are suitable for hypothesis generation. A means for determining the pose of constructed geometric forms whose algebraic surface descriptors are nonlinear in terms of their orienting parameters was developed. This was done by means of linear functions which are capable of approximating nonlinear forms and determining their parameters. It was shown that biquadratic surfaces are suitable companion linear forms for cylindrical approximation and parameter estimation. The estimates provided the initial parametric approximations necessary for a nonlinear regression stage to fine tune the estimates by fitting the actual nonlinear form to the data. A hypothesis-based split-merge algorithm for extraction and pose determination of cylinders and planes which merge smoothly into other surfaces was developed. It was shown that all split-merge algorithms are hypothesis-based. A finite-state algorithm for the extraction of the boundaries of run-length regions was developed. The computation takes advantage of the run list topology and boundary direction constraints implicit in the run-length encoding.

Freeze-cast alumina pore networks: Effects of freezing conditions and dispersion medium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miller, S. M.; Xiao, X.; Faber, K. T.

Alumina ceramics were freeze-cast from water- and camphene-based slurries under varying freezing conditions and examined using X-ray computed tomography (XCT). Pore network characteristics, i.e., porosity, pore size, geometric surface area, and tortuosity, were measured from XCT reconstructions and the data were used to develop a model to predict feature size from processing conditions. Classical solidification theory was used to examine relationships between pore size, temperature gradients, and freezing front velocity. Freezing front velocity was subsequently predicted from casting conditions via the two-phase Stefan problem. Resulting models for water-based samples agreed with solidification-based theories predicting lamellar spacing of binary eutectic alloys,more » and models for camphene-based samples concurred with those for dendritic growth. Relationships between freezing conditions and geometric surface area were also modeled by considering the inverse relationship between pore size and surface area. Tortuosity was determined to be dependent primarily on the type of dispersion medium. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.« less

A calibration method for fringe reflection technique based on the analytical phase-slope description

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yuxiang; Yue, Huimin; Pan, Zhipeng; Liu, Yong

2018-05-01

The fringe reflection technique (FRT) has been one of the most popular methods to measure the shape of specular surface these years. The existing system calibration methods of FRT usually contain two parts, which are camera calibration and geometric calibration. In geometric calibration, the liquid crystal display (LCD) screen position calibration is one of the most difficult steps among all the calibration procedures, and its accuracy is affected by the factors such as the imaging aberration, the plane mirror flatness, and LCD screen pixel size accuracy. In this paper, based on the deduction of FRT analytical phase-slope description, we present a novel calibration method with no requirement to calibrate the position of LCD screen. On the other hand, the system can be arbitrarily arranged, and the imaging system can either be telecentric or non-telecentric. In our experiment of measuring the 5000mm radius sphere mirror, the proposed calibration method achieves 2.5 times smaller measurement error than the geometric calibration method. In the wafer surface measuring experiment, the measurement result with the proposed calibration method is closer to the interferometer result than the geometric calibration method.

Microfocusing of the FERMI@Elettra FEL beam with a K-B active optics system: Spot size predictions by application of the WISE code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raimondi, L.; Svetina, C.; Mahne, N.; Cocco, D.; Abrami, A.; De Marco, M.; Fava, C.; Gerusina, S.; Gobessi, R.; Capotondi, F.; Pedersoli, E.; Kiskinova, M.; De Ninno, G.; Zeitoun, P.; Dovillaire, G.; Lambert, G.; Boutu, W.; Merdji, H.; Gonzalez, A. I.; Gauthier, D.; Zangrando, M.

2013-05-01

FERMI@Elettra, the first seeded EUV-SXR free electron laser (FEL) facility located at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste has been conceived to provide very short (10-100 fs) pulses with ultrahigh peak brightness and wavelengths from 100 nm to 4 nm. A section fully dedicated to the photon transport and analysis diagnostics, named PADReS, has already been installed and commissioned. Three of the beamlines, EIS-TIMEX, DiProI and LDM, installed after the PADReS section, are in advanced commissioning state and will accept the first users in December 2012. These beam lines employ active X-ray optics in order to focus the FEL beam as well as to perform a controlled beam-shaping at focus. Starting from mirror surface metrology characterization, it is difficult to predict the focal spot shape applying only methods based on geometrical optics such as the ray tracing. Within the geometrical optics approach one cannot take into account the diffraction effect from the optics edges, i.e. the aperture diffraction, and the impact of different surface spatial wavelengths to the spot size degradation. Both these effects are strongly dependent on the photon beam energy and mirror incident angles. We employed a method based on physical optics, which applies the Huygens-Fresnel principle to reflection (on which the WISE code is based). In this work we report the results of the first measurements of the focal spot in the DiProI beamline end-station and compare them to the predictions computed with Shadow code and WISE code, starting from the mirror surface profile characterization.

Protein-protein docking using region-based 3D Zernike descriptors

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background Protein-protein interactions are a pivotal component of many biological processes and mediate a variety of functions. Knowing the tertiary structure of a protein complex is therefore essential for understanding the interaction mechanism. However, experimental techniques to solve the structure of the complex are often found to be difficult. To this end, computational protein-protein docking approaches can provide a useful alternative to address this issue. Prediction of docking conformations relies on methods that effectively capture shape features of the participating proteins while giving due consideration to conformational changes that may occur. Results We present a novel protein docking algorithm based on the use of 3D Zernike descriptors as regional features of molecular shape. The key motivation of using these descriptors is their invariance to transformation, in addition to a compact representation of local surface shape characteristics. Docking decoys are generated using geometric hashing, which are then ranked by a scoring function that incorporates a buried surface area and a novel geometric complementarity term based on normals associated with the 3D Zernike shape description. Our docking algorithm was tested on both bound and unbound cases in the ZDOCK benchmark 2.0 dataset. In 74% of the bound docking predictions, our method was able to find a near-native solution (interface C-αRMSD ≤ 2.5 Å) within the top 1000 ranks. For unbound docking, among the 60 complexes for which our algorithm returned at least one hit, 60% of the cases were ranked within the top 2000. Comparison with existing shape-based docking algorithms shows that our method has a better performance than the others in unbound docking while remaining competitive for bound docking cases. Conclusion We show for the first time that the 3D Zernike descriptors are adept in capturing shape complementarity at the protein-protein interface and useful for protein docking prediction. Rigorous benchmark studies show that our docking approach has a superior performance compared to existing methods. PMID:20003235

Protein-protein docking using region-based 3D Zernike descriptors.

PubMed

Venkatraman, Vishwesh; Yang, Yifeng D; Sael, Lee; Kihara, Daisuke

2009-12-09

Protein-protein interactions are a pivotal component of many biological processes and mediate a variety of functions. Knowing the tertiary structure of a protein complex is therefore essential for understanding the interaction mechanism. However, experimental techniques to solve the structure of the complex are often found to be difficult. To this end, computational protein-protein docking approaches can provide a useful alternative to address this issue. Prediction of docking conformations relies on methods that effectively capture shape features of the participating proteins while giving due consideration to conformational changes that may occur. We present a novel protein docking algorithm based on the use of 3D Zernike descriptors as regional features of molecular shape. The key motivation of using these descriptors is their invariance to transformation, in addition to a compact representation of local surface shape characteristics. Docking decoys are generated using geometric hashing, which are then ranked by a scoring function that incorporates a buried surface area and a novel geometric complementarity term based on normals associated with the 3D Zernike shape description. Our docking algorithm was tested on both bound and unbound cases in the ZDOCK benchmark 2.0 dataset. In 74% of the bound docking predictions, our method was able to find a near-native solution (interface C-alphaRMSD < or = 2.5 A) within the top 1000 ranks. For unbound docking, among the 60 complexes for which our algorithm returned at least one hit, 60% of the cases were ranked within the top 2000. Comparison with existing shape-based docking algorithms shows that our method has a better performance than the others in unbound docking while remaining competitive for bound docking cases. We show for the first time that the 3D Zernike descriptors are adept in capturing shape complementarity at the protein-protein interface and useful for protein docking prediction. Rigorous benchmark studies show that our docking approach has a superior performance compared to existing methods.

Geometrical Constructions in Dynamic and Interactive Mathematics Learning Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kondratieva, Margo

2013-01-01

This paper concerns teaching Euclidean geometry at the university level. It is based on the authors' personal experience. It describes a sequence of learning activities that combine geometrical constructions with explorations, observations, and explanations of facts related to the geometry of triangle. Within this approach, a discussion of the…

Regular Mechanical Transformation of Rotations Into Translations: Part 2. Kinematic Synthesis of the Elements of High Kinematic Joints, Realizing the Process of Motions Transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abadjieva, Emilia; Abadjiev, Valentin

2017-09-01

This work is developed on the basis of the illustrated main parts of the kinematic theory (theory of gearing) of the spatial rack drives in Part 1 of this study. The applied theoretical approach to their synthesis, based on the T. Olivier's second principle is defined. A study of the geometric nature of the surface of action (mesh region, respectively) of these class transmissions is shown. Research software programs for synthesis and visualization of these transmissions and their specific elements are elaborated, on the basis of the given algorithms to the synthesis of the elements of high kinematic joints (active tooth surfaces), with which the movable links of the studied gear systems are equipped.

[Quantitative Evaluation of Intracardiac Blood Flow by Left Ventricle Dynamic Anatovy Based On Exact Solutions of Non-Stationary Navier-Stocks Equations for Selforganized tornado-Like Flows of Viscous Incompresssible Fluid].

PubMed

Talygin, E A; Zazybo, N A; Zhorzholiany, S T; Krestinich, I M; Mironov, A A; Kiknadze, G I; Bokerya, L A; Gorodkov, A Y; Makarenko, V N; Alexandrova, S A

2016-01-01

New approach to intracardiac blood flow condition analysis based on geometric parameters of left ventricle flow channel has been suggested. Parameters, that used in this method, follow from exact solutions of nonstationary Navier-Stocks equations for selforganized tornado-like flows of viscous incompressible fluid. The main advantage of this method is considering dynamic anatomy of intracardiac cavity and trabeculae relief of left ventricle streamlined surface, both registered in a common mri-process, as flow condition indicator. Calculated quantity options that characterizes blood flow condition can be use as diagnostic criterias for estimation of violation in blood circulation function which entails heart ejection reduction. Developed approach allows to clarify heart jet organization mechanism and estimate the share of the tornado-like flow self-organization in heart ejection structure.

Geometric saliency to characterize radar exploitation performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nolan, Adam; Keserich, Brad; Lingg, Andrew; Goley, Steve

2014-06-01

Based on the fundamental scattering mechanisms of facetized computer-aided design (CAD) models, we are able to define expected contributions (EC) to the radar signature. The net result of this analysis is the prediction of the salient aspects and contributing vehicle morphology based on the aspect. Although this approach does not provide the fidelity of an asymptotic electromagnetic (EM) simulation, it does provide very fast estimates of the unique scattering that can be consumed by a signature exploitation algorithm. The speed of this approach is particularly relevant when considering the high dimensionality of target configuration variability due to articulating parts which are computationally burdensome to predict. The key scattering phenomena considered in this work are the specular response from a single bounce interaction with surfaces and dihedral response formed between the ground plane and vehicle. Results of this analysis are demonstrated for a set of civilian target models.

A practical implementation of wave front construction for 3-D isotropic media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chambers, K.; Kendall, J.-M.

2008-06-01

Wave front construction (WFC) methods are a useful tool for tracking wave fronts and are a natural extension to standard ray shooting methods. Here we describe and implement a simple WFC method that is used to interpolate wavefield properties throughout a 3-D heterogeneous medium. Our approach differs from previous 3-D WFC procedures primarily in the use of a ray interpolation scheme, based on approximating the wave front as a `locally spherical' surface and a `first arrival mode', which reduces computation times, where only first arrivals are required. Both of these features have previously been included in 2-D WFC algorithms; however, until now they have not been extended to 3-D systems. The wave front interpolation scheme allows for rays to be traced from a nearly arbitrary distribution of take-off angles, and the calculation of derivatives with respect to take-off angles is not required for wave front interpolation. However, in regions of steep velocity gradient, the locally spherical approximation is not valid, and it is necessary to backpropagate rays to a sufficiently homogenous region before interpolation of the new ray. Our WFC technique is illustrated using a realistic velocity model, based on a North Sea oil reservoir. We examine wavefield quantities such as traveltimes, ray angles, source take-off angles and geometrical spreading factors, all of which are interpolated on to a regular grid. We compare geometrical spreading factors calculated using two methods: using the ray Jacobian and by taking the ratio of a triangular area of wave front to the corresponding solid angle at the source. The results show that care must be taken when using ray Jacobians to calculate geometrical spreading factors, as the poles of the source coordinate system produce unreliable values, which can be spread over a large area, as only a few initial rays are traced in WFC. We also show that the use of the first arrival mode can reduce computation time by ~65 per cent, with the accuracy of the interpolated traveltimes, ray angles and source take-off angles largely unchanged. However, the first arrival mode does lead to inaccuracies in interpolated angles near caustic surfaces, as well as small variations in geometrical spreading factors for ray tubes that have passed through caustic surfaces.

Parameters influencing focalization spot in time reversal of acoustic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zophoniasson, Harald; Bolzmacher, Christian; Hafez, Moustafa

2015-05-01

Time reversal is an approach that can be used to focus acoustic waves in a particular location on a surface, allowing a multitouch tactile feedback interaction. The spatial resolution in this case depends on several parameters, such as geometrical parameters, frequency used and material properties, described by the Lamb wave theory. This paper highlights the impact of frequency, geometrical parameters such as plate thickness and transducer's surface on the focused spot dimensions. In this paper a study of the influence of the plate's thickness and the frequency bandwidth used in the focusing process is presented. It is also shown that the dimension of the piezoelectric diaphragms used has little influence on the spatial resolution. Resonant behavior of the plate and its implication on focus point dimension and focalization contrast were investigated.

Differential geometry based solvation model I: Eulerian formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhan; Baker, Nathan A.; Wei, G. W.

2010-11-01

This paper presents a differential geometry based model for the analysis and computation of the equilibrium property of solvation. Differential geometry theory of surfaces is utilized to define and construct smooth interfaces with good stability and differentiability for use in characterizing the solvent-solute boundaries and in generating continuous dielectric functions across the computational domain. A total free energy functional is constructed to couple polar and nonpolar contributions to the solvation process. Geometric measure theory is employed to rigorously convert a Lagrangian formulation of the surface energy into an Eulerian formulation so as to bring all energy terms into an equal footing. By optimizing the total free energy functional, we derive coupled generalized Poisson-Boltzmann equation (GPBE) and generalized geometric flow equation (GGFE) for the electrostatic potential and the construction of realistic solvent-solute boundaries, respectively. By solving the coupled GPBE and GGFE, we obtain the electrostatic potential, the solvent-solute boundary profile, and the smooth dielectric function, and thereby improve the accuracy and stability of implicit solvation calculations. We also design efficient second-order numerical schemes for the solution of the GPBE and GGFE. Matrix resulted from the discretization of the GPBE is accelerated with appropriate preconditioners. An alternative direct implicit (ADI) scheme is designed to improve the stability of solving the GGFE. Two iterative approaches are designed to solve the coupled system of nonlinear partial differential equations. Extensive numerical experiments are designed to validate the present theoretical model, test computational methods, and optimize numerical algorithms. Example solvation analysis of both small compounds and proteins are carried out to further demonstrate the accuracy, stability, efficiency and robustness of the present new model and numerical approaches. Comparison is given to both experimental and theoretical results in the literature.

Differential geometry based solvation model I: Eulerian formulation

PubMed Central

Chen, Zhan; Baker, Nathan A.; Wei, G. W.

2010-01-01

This paper presents a differential geometry based model for the analysis and computation of the equilibrium property of solvation. Differential geometry theory of surfaces is utilized to define and construct smooth interfaces with good stability and differentiability for use in characterizing the solvent-solute boundaries and in generating continuous dielectric functions across the computational domain. A total free energy functional is constructed to couple polar and nonpolar contributions to the salvation process. Geometric measure theory is employed to rigorously convert a Lagrangian formulation of the surface energy into an Eulerian formulation so as to bring all energy terms into an equal footing. By minimizing the total free energy functional, we derive coupled generalized Poisson-Boltzmann equation (GPBE) and generalized geometric flow equation (GGFE) for the electrostatic potential and the construction of realistic solvent-solute boundaries, respectively. By solving the coupled GPBE and GGFE, we obtain the electrostatic potential, the solvent-solute boundary profile, and the smooth dielectric function, and thereby improve the accuracy and stability of implicit solvation calculations. We also design efficient second order numerical schemes for the solution of the GPBE and GGFE. Matrix resulted from the discretization of the GPBE is accelerated with appropriate preconditioners. An alternative direct implicit (ADI) scheme is designed to improve the stability of solving the GGFE. Two iterative approaches are designed to solve the coupled system of nonlinear partial differential equations. Extensive numerical experiments are designed to validate the present theoretical model, test computational methods, and optimize numerical algorithms. Example solvation analysis of both small compounds and proteins are carried out to further demonstrate the accuracy, stability, efficiency and robustness of the present new model and numerical approaches. Comparison is given to both experimental and theoretical results in the literature. PMID:20938489

Dynamic Heights in the Great Lakes using OPUS Projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roman, D. R.; Li, X.

2015-12-01

The U.S. will be implementing new geometric and vertical reference frames in 2022 to replace the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88), respectively. Less emphasized is the fact that a new dynamic height datum will also be defined about the same time to replace the International Great Lakes Datum of 1985 (IGLD 85). IGLD 85 was defined concurrent with NAVD 88 and used the same geopotential values. This paper focuses on the use of an existing tool for determining geometric coordinates and a developing geopotential model as a means of determining dynamic heights. The Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) Projects (OP) is an online tool available from the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) for use in developing geometric coordinates from simultaneous observations at multiple sites during multiple occupations. With observations performed at the water level gauges throughout the Great Lakes, the geometric coordinates of the mean water level surface can be determined. NGS has also developed the xGEOID15B model from satellite, airborne and surface gravity data. Using the input geometric coordinates determined through OP, the geopotential values for the water surface at the water level stations around the Great Lakes were determined using the xGEOID15B model. Comparisons were made between water level sites for each Lake as well as to existing IGLD 85 heights. A principal advantage to this approach is the ability to generate new water level control stations using OP, while maintaining the consistency between orthometric and dynamic heights by using the same gravity field model. Such a process may provide a means for determining dynamic heights for a future Great Lakes Datum.

Reflections in computer modeling of rooms: Current approaches and possible extensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svensson, U. Peter

2005-09-01

Computer modeling of rooms is most commonly done by some calculation technique that is based on decomposing the sound field into separate reflection components. In a first step, a list of possible reflection paths is found and in a second step, an impulse response is constructed from the list of reflections. Alternatively, the list of reflections is used for generating a simpler echogram, the energy decay as function of time. A number of geometrical acoustics-based methods can handle specular reflections, diffuse reflections, edge diffraction, curved surfaces, and locally/non-locally reacting surfaces to various degrees. This presentation gives an overview of how reflections are handled in the image source method and variants of the ray-tracing methods, which are dominating today in commercial software, as well as in the radiosity method and edge diffraction methods. The use of the recently standardized scattering and diffusion coefficients of surfaces is discussed. Possibilities for combining edge diffraction, surface scattering, and impedance boundaries are demonstrated for an example surface. Finally, the number of reflection paths becomes prohibitively high when all such combinations are included as demonstrated for a simple concert hall model. [Work supported by the Acoustic Research Centre through NFR, Norway.

Syntactic Approach To Geometric Surface Shell Determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeGryse, Donald G.; Panton, Dale J.

1980-12-01

Autonomous terminal homing of a smart missile requires a stored reference scene of the target for which the missle is destined. The reference scene is produced from stereo source imagery by deriving a three-dimensional model containing cultural structures such as buildings, towers, bridges, and tanks. This model is obtained by the precise matching of cultural features from one image of the stereo pair to the other. In the past, this stereo matching process has relied heavily on local edge operators and a gray scale matching metric. The processing is performed line by line over the imagery and the amount of geometric control is minimal. As a result, the gross structure of the scene is determined but the derived three-dimensional data is noisy, oscillatory, and at times significantly inaccurate. This paper discusses new concepts that are currently being developed to stabilize this geometric reference preparation process. The new concepts involve the use of a structural syntax which will be used as a geometric constraint on automatic stereo matching. The syntax arises from the stereo configuration of the imaging platforms at the time of exposure and the knowledge of how various cultural structures are constructed. The syntax is used to parse a scene in terms of its cultural surfaces and to dictate to the matching process the allowable relative positions and orientations of surface edges in the image planes. Using the syntax, extensive searches using a gray scale matching metric are reduced.

Surface-structured bacterial cellulose with guided assembly-based biolithography (GAB).

PubMed

Bottan, Simone; Robotti, Francesco; Jayathissa, Prageeth; Hegglin, Alicia; Bahamonde, Nicolas; Heredia-Guerrero, José A; Bayer, Ilker S; Scarpellini, Alice; Merker, Hannes; Lindenblatt, Nicole; Poulikakos, Dimos; Ferrari, Aldo

2015-01-27

A powerful replica molding methodology to transfer on-demand functional topographies to the surface of bacterial cellulose nanofiber textures is presented. With this method, termed guided assembly-based biolithography (GAB), a surface-structured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold is introduced at the gas-liquid interface of an Acetobacter xylinum culture. Upon bacterial fermentation, the generated bacterial cellulose nanofibers are assembled in a three-dimensional network reproducing the geometric shape imposed by the mold. Additionally, GAB yields directional alignment of individual nanofibers and memory of the transferred geometrical features upon dehydration and rehydration of the substrates. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy are used to establish the good fidelity of this facile and affordable method. Interaction of surface-structured bacterial cellulose substrates with human fibroblasts and keratinocytes illustrates the efficient control of cellular activities which are fundamental in skin wound healing and tissue regeneration. The deployment of surface-structured bacterial cellulose substrates in model animals as skin wound dressing or body implant further proves the high durability and low inflammatory response to the material over a period of 21 days, demonstrating beneficial effects of surface structure on skin regeneration.

Increase of Breakthrough Pressure of Cotton Fabric by Fluoropolymer/Fluoroposs Treatment

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-29

obtaining superhydrophobic and superolcophobic textured surfaces. Geometrical parameters based on these textures have been developed to model predicted...contact angles with liquids of varying surfaces tensions. One way of determining the robustness of the superhydrophobic state is to study the

Optimal Information Extraction of Laser Scanning Dataset by Scale-Adaptive Reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zang, Y.; Yang, B.

2018-04-01

3D laser technology is widely used to collocate the surface information of object. For various applications, we need to extract a good perceptual quality point cloud from the scanned points. To solve the problem, most of existing methods extract important points based on a fixed scale. However, geometric features of 3D object come from various geometric scales. We propose a multi-scale construction method based on radial basis function. For each scale, important points are extracted from the point cloud based on their importance. We apply a perception metric Just-Noticeable-Difference to measure degradation of each geometric scale. Finally, scale-adaptive optimal information extraction is realized. Experiments are undertaken to evaluate the effective of the proposed method, suggesting a reliable solution for optimal information extraction of object.

Geometric effects on surface states in topological insulator Bi2Te3 nanowire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sengupta, Parijat; Kubis, Tillman; Povolotskyi, Michael; Klimeck, Gerhard

2012-02-01

Bismuth Telluride (BT) is a 3D topological insulator (TI) with surface states that have energy dispersion linear in momentum and forms a Dirac cone at low energy. In this work we investigate the surface properties of a BT nanowire and demonstrate the existence of TI states. We also show how such states vanish under certain geometric conditions. An atomistic model (sp3d5s* TB) is used to compute the energy dispersion in a BT nanowire. Penetration depth of the surface states is estimated by ratio of Fermi velocity and band-gap. BT possesses a tiny band-gap, which creates small localization of surface states and greater penetration in to the bulk. To offset this large spatial penetration, which is undesirable to avoid a direct coupling between surfaces, we expect that bigger cross-sections of BT nanowires would be needed to obtain stable TI states. Our numerical work validates this prediction. Furthermore, geometry of the nanowire is shown to influence the TI states. Using a combined analytical and numerical approach our results reveal that surface roughness impact electronic structure leading to Rashba type splits along z-direction. Cylindrical and square cross-sections are given as illustrative examples.

Diabatic Definition of Geometric Phase Effects.

PubMed

Izmaylov, Artur F; Li, Jiaru; Joubert-Doriol, Loïc

2016-11-08

Electronic wave functions in the adiabatic representation acquire nontrivial geometric phases (GPs) when corresponding potential energy surfaces undergo conical intersection (CI). These GPs have profound effects on the nuclear quantum dynamics and cannot be eliminated in the adiabatic representation without changing the physics of the system. To define dynamical effects arising from the GP presence, the nuclear quantum dynamics of the CI containing system is compared with that of the system with artificially removed GP. We explore a new construction of the system with removed GP via a modification of the diabatic representation for the original CI containing system. Using an absolute value function of diabatic couplings, we remove the GP while preserving adiabatic potential energy surfaces and CI. We assess GP effects in dynamics of a two-dimensional linear vibronic coupling model both for ground and excited state dynamics. Results are compared with those obtained with a conventional removal of the GP by ignoring double-valued boundary conditions of the real electronic wave functions. Interestingly, GP effects appear similar in two approaches only for the low energy dynamics. In contrast with the conventional approach, the new approach does not have substantial GP effects in the ultrafast excited state dynamics.

Empirical Allometric Models to Estimate Total Needle Biomass For Loblolly Pine

Treesearch

Hector M. de los Santos-Posadas; Bruce E. Borders

2002-01-01

Empirical geometric models based on the cone surface formula were adapted and used to estimate total dry needle biomass (TNB) and live branch basal area (LBBA). The results suggest that the empirical geometric equations produced good fit and stable parameters while estimating TNB and LBBA. The data used include trees form a spacing study of 12 years old and a set of...

On the role of modeling choices in estimation of cerebral aneurysm wall tension.

PubMed

Ramachandran, Manasi; Laakso, Aki; Harbaugh, Robert E; Raghavan, Madhavan L

2012-11-15

To assess various approaches to estimating pressure-induced wall tension in intracranial aneurysms (IA) and their effect on the stratification of subjects in a study population. Three-dimensional models of 26 IAs (9 ruptured and 17 unruptured) were segmented from Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) images. Wall tension distributions in these patient-specific geometric models were estimated based on various approaches such as differences in morphological detail utilized or modeling choices made. For all subjects in the study population, the peak wall tension was estimated using all investigated approaches and were compared to a reference approach-nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis using the Fung anisotropic model with regionally varying material fiber directions. Comparisons between approaches were focused toward assessing the similarity in stratification of IAs within the population based on peak wall tension. The stratification of IAs tension deviated to some extent from the reference approach as less geometric detail was incorporated. Interestingly, the size of the cerebral aneurysm as captured by a single size measure was the predominant determinant of peak wall tension-based stratification. Within FE approaches, simplifications to isotropy, material linearity and geometric linearity caused a gradual deviation from the reference estimates, but it was minimal and resulted in little to no impact on stratifications of IAs. Differences in modeling choices made without patient-specificity in parameters of such models had little impact on tension-based IA stratification in this population. Increasing morphological detail did impact the estimated peak wall tension, but size was the predominant determinant. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Density Functional Theory Study of Leaching Performance of Different Acids on Pyrochlore (100) Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiuli; Fang, Qing; Ouyang, Hui

2018-04-01

Pyrochlore leaching using hydrofluoric, sulfuric, and hydrochloric acids has been studied via experimental methods for years, but the interactions between niobium atoms on the pyrochlore surface and different acids have not been investigated. In this work, first-principles calculations based on density functional theory were used to elucidate the leaching performance of these three acids from the viewpoint of geometrical and electronic structures. The calculation results indicate that sulfate, chloride, and fluoride anions influence the geometric structure of pyrochlore (100) to different extents, decreasing in the order: sulfate, fluoride, chloride. Orbitals of O1 and O2 atoms of sulfate hybridized with those of surface niobium atom. Fluorine orbitals hybridized with those of surface niobium atoms. However, no obvious overlap exists between any orbitals of chlorine and surface niobium, revealing that chlorine does not interact chemically with surface niobium atoms.

Density Functional Theory Study of Leaching Performance of Different Acids on Pyrochlore (100) Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiuli; Fang, Qing; Ouyang, Hui

2018-06-01

Pyrochlore leaching using hydrofluoric, sulfuric, and hydrochloric acids has been studied via experimental methods for years, but the interactions between niobium atoms on the pyrochlore surface and different acids have not been investigated. In this work, first-principles calculations based on density functional theory were used to elucidate the leaching performance of these three acids from the viewpoint of geometrical and electronic structures. The calculation results indicate that sulfate, chloride, and fluoride anions influence the geometric structure of pyrochlore (100) to different extents, decreasing in the order: sulfate, fluoride, chloride. Orbitals of O1 and O2 atoms of sulfate hybridized with those of surface niobium atom. Fluorine orbitals hybridized with those of surface niobium atoms. However, no obvious overlap exists between any orbitals of chlorine and surface niobium, revealing that chlorine does not interact chemically with surface niobium atoms.

[INVITED] Recent advances in surface plasmon resonance based fiber optic chemical and biosensors utilizing bulk and nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Banshi D.; Kant, Ravi

2018-05-01

Surface plasmon resonance has established itself as an immensely acclaimed and influential optical sensing tool with quintessential applications in life sciences, environmental monitoring, clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical developments and ensuring food safety. The implementation of sensing principle of surface plasmon resonance employing an optical fiber as a substrate has concomitantly resulted in the evolution of fiber optic surface plasmon resonance as an exceptionally lucrative scaffold for chemical and biosensing applications. This perspective article outlines the contemporary studies on fiber optic sensors founded on the sensing architecture of propagating as well as localized surface plasmon resonance. An in-depth review of the prevalent analytical and surface chemical tactics involved in configuring the sensing layer over an optical fiber for the detection of various chemical and biological entities is presented. The involvement of nanomaterials as a strategic approach to enhance the sensor sensitivity is furnished concurrently providing an insight into the diverse geometrical blueprints for designing fiber optic sensing probes. Representative examples from the literature are discussed to appreciate the latest advancements in this potentially valuable research avenue. The article concludes by identifying some of the key challenges and exploring the opportunities for expanding the scope and impact of surface plasmon resonance based fiber optic sensors.

Volumetric Forest Change Detection Through Vhr Satellite Imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akca, Devrim; Stylianidis, Efstratios; Smagas, Konstantinos; Hofer, Martin; Poli, Daniela; Gruen, Armin; Sanchez Martin, Victor; Altan, Orhan; Walli, Andreas; Jimeno, Elisa; Garcia, Alejandro

2016-06-01

Quick and economical ways of detecting of planimetric and volumetric changes of forest areas are in high demand. A research platform, called FORSAT (A satellite processing platform for high resolution forest assessment), was developed for the extraction of 3D geometric information from VHR (very-high resolution) imagery from satellite optical sensors and automatic change detection. This 3D forest information solution was developed during a Eurostars project. FORSAT includes two main units. The first one is dedicated to the geometric and radiometric processing of satellite optical imagery and 2D/3D information extraction. This includes: image radiometric pre-processing, image and ground point measurement, improvement of geometric sensor orientation, quasiepipolar image generation for stereo measurements, digital surface model (DSM) extraction by using a precise and robust image matching approach specially designed for VHR satellite imagery, generation of orthoimages, and 3D measurements in single images using mono-plotting and in stereo images as well as triplets. FORSAT supports most of the VHR optically imagery commonly used for civil applications: IKONOS, OrbView - 3, SPOT - 5 HRS, SPOT - 5 HRG, QuickBird, GeoEye-1, WorldView-1/2, Pléiades 1A/1B, SPOT 6/7, and sensors of similar type to be expected in the future. The second unit of FORSAT is dedicated to 3D surface comparison for change detection. It allows users to import digital elevation models (DEMs), align them using an advanced 3D surface matching approach and calculate the 3D differences and volume changes between epochs. To this end our 3D surface matching method LS3D is being used. FORSAT is a single source and flexible forest information solution with a very competitive price/quality ratio, allowing expert and non-expert remote sensing users to monitor forests in three and four dimensions from VHR optical imagery for many forest information needs. The capacity and benefits of FORSAT have been tested in six case studies located in Austria, Cyprus, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey, using optical data from different sensors and with the purpose to monitor forest with different geometric characteristics. The validation run on Cyprus dataset is reported and commented.

Edge detection and mathematic fitting for corneal surface with Matlab software.

PubMed

Di, Yue; Li, Mei-Yan; Qiao, Tong; Lu, Na

2017-01-01

To select the optimal edge detection methods to identify the corneal surface, and compare three fitting curve equations with Matlab software. Fifteen subjects were recruited. The corneal images from optical coherence tomography (OCT) were imported into Matlab software. Five edge detection methods (Canny, Log, Prewitt, Roberts, Sobel) were used to identify the corneal surface. Then two manual identifying methods (ginput and getpts) were applied to identify the edge coordinates respectively. The differences among these methods were compared. Binomial curve (y=Ax 2 +Bx+C), Polynomial curve [p(x)=p1x n +p2x n-1 +....+pnx+pn+1] and Conic section (Ax 2 +Bxy+Cy 2 +Dx+Ey+F=0) were used for curve fitting the corneal surface respectively. The relative merits among three fitting curves were analyzed. Finally, the eccentricity (e) obtained by corneal topography and conic section were compared with paired t -test. Five edge detection algorithms all had continuous coordinates which indicated the edge of the corneal surface. The ordinates of manual identifying were close to the inside of the actual edges. Binomial curve was greatly affected by tilt angle. Polynomial curve was lack of geometrical properties and unstable. Conic section could calculate the tilted symmetry axis, eccentricity, circle center, etc . There were no significant differences between 'e' values by corneal topography and conic section ( t =0.9143, P =0.3760 >0.05). It is feasible to simulate the corneal surface with mathematical curve with Matlab software. Edge detection has better repeatability and higher efficiency. The manual identifying approach is an indispensable complement for detection. Polynomial and conic section are both the alternative methods for corneal curve fitting. Conic curve was the optimal choice based on the specific geometrical properties.

A sound and efficient measure of joint congruence.

PubMed

Conconi, Michele; Castelli, Vincenzo Parenti

2014-09-01

In the medical world, the term "congruence" is used to describe by visual inspection how the articular surfaces mate each other, evaluating the joint capability to distribute an applied load from a purely geometrical perspective. Congruence is commonly employed for assessing articular physiology and for the comparison between normal and pathological states. A measure of it would thus represent a valuable clinical tool. Several approaches for the quantification of joint congruence have been proposed in the biomechanical literature, differing on how the articular contact is modeled. This makes it difficult to compare different measures. In particular, in previous articles a congruence measure has been presented which proved to be efficient and suitable for the clinical practice, but it was still empirically defined. This article aims at providing a sound theoretical support to this congruence measure by means of the Winkler elastic foundation contact model which, with respect to others, has the advantage to hold also for highly conforming surfaces as most of the human articulations are. First, the geometrical relation between the applied load and the resulting peak of pressure is analytically derived from the elastic foundation contact model, providing a theoretically sound approach to the definition of a congruence measure. Then, the capability of congruence measure to capture the same geometrical relation is shown. Finally, the reliability of congruence measure is discussed. © IMechE 2014.

Photometric models of disk-integrated observations of the OSIRIS-REx target Asteroid (101955) Bennu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takir, Driss; Clark, Beth Ellen; Drouet d'Aubigny, Christian; Hergenrother, Carl W.; Li, Jian-Yang; Lauretta, Dante S.; Binzel, Richard P.

2015-05-01

We used ground-based photometric phase curve data of the OSIRIS-REx target Asteroid (101955) Bennu and low phase angle data from Asteroid (253) Mathilde as a proxy to fit Bennu data with Minnaert, Lommel-Seeliger, (RObotic Lunar Orbiter) ROLO, Hapke, and McEwen photometric models, which capture the global light scattering properties of the surface and subsequently allow us to calculate the geometric albedo, phase integral, spherical Bond albedo, and the average surface normal albedo for Bennu. We find that Bennu has low reflectance and geometric albedo values, such that multiple scattering is expected to be insignificant. Our photometric models relate the reflectance from Bennu's surface to viewing geometry as functions of the incidence, emission, and phase angles. Radiance Factor functions (RADFs) are used to model the disk-resolved brightness of Bennu. The Minnaert, Lommel-Seeliger, ROLO, and Hapke photometric models work equally well in fitting the best ground-based photometric phase curve data of Bennu. The McEwen model works reasonably well at phase angles from 20° to 70°. Our calculated geometric albedo values of 0.047-0.014+0.012,0.047-0.014+0.005 , and 0.048-0.022+0.012 for the Minnaert, the Lommel-Seeliger, and the ROLO models respectively are consistent with the geometric albedo of 0.045 ± 0.015 computed by Emery et al. (Emery, J.P. et al. [2014]. Icarus 234, 17-35) and Hergenrother et al. (Hergenrother, C.W. et al. [2014].

Increasing the efficiency of designing hemming processes by using an element-based metamodel approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaiser, C.; Roll, K.; Volk, W.

2017-09-01

In the automotive industry, the manufacturing of automotive outer panels requires hemming processes in which two sheet metal parts are joined together by bending the flange of the outer part over the inner part. Because of decreasing development times and the steadily growing number of vehicle derivatives, an efficient digital product and process validation is necessary. Commonly used simulations, which are based on the finite element method, demand significant modelling effort, which results in disadvantages especially in the early product development phase. To increase the efficiency of designing hemming processes this paper presents a hemming-specific metamodel approach. The approach includes a part analysis in which the outline of the automotive outer panels is initially split into individual segments. By doing a para-metrization of each of the segments and assigning basic geometric shapes, the outline of the part is approximated. Based on this, the hemming parameters such as flange length, roll-in, wrinkling and plastic strains are calculated for each of the geometric basic shapes by performing a meta-model-based segmental product validation. The metamodel is based on an element similar formulation that includes a reference dataset of various geometric basic shapes. A random automotive outer panel can now be analysed and optimized based on the hemming-specific database. By implementing this approach into a planning system, an efficient optimization of designing hemming processes will be enabled. Furthermore, valuable time and cost benefits can be realized in a vehicle’s development process.

Structured light stereo catadioptric scanner based on a spherical mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barone, S.; Neri, P.; Paoli, A.; Razionale, A. V.

2018-08-01

The present paper describes the development and characterization of a structured light stereo catadioptric scanner for the omnidirectional reconstruction of internal surfaces. The proposed approach integrates two digital cameras, a multimedia projector and a spherical mirror, which is used to project the structured light patterns generated by the light emitter and, at the same time, to reflect into the cameras the modulated fringe patterns diffused from the target surface. The adopted optical setup defines a non-central catadioptric system, thus relaxing any geometrical constraint in the relative placement between optical devices. An analytical solution for the reflection on a spherical surface is proposed with the aim at modelling forward and backward projection tasks for a non-central catadioptric setup. The feasibility of the proposed active catadioptric scanner has been verified by reconstructing various target surfaces. Results demonstrated a great influence of the target surface distance from the mirror's centre on the measurement accuracy. The adopted optical configuration allows the definition of a metrological 3D scanner for surfaces disposed within 120 mm from the mirror centre.

Prevention of unrecognized joint penetration during internal fixation of hip fractures: a geometric model based on Steinmetz Solid.

PubMed

Mao, Yujiang; Song, Jie; Wei, Jie; Wang, Manyi

2010-01-01

Unrecognized joint penetration (UJP) by screw penetration through the articular surface undetectable on routine anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs can cause serious complications. We have developed a geometric model to analyze UJP, and methods for the prevention of the problem. A Steinmetz Solid (SS) is the overlapping portion between two identical, vertically intersecting cylinders. The AP and lateral radiographs of a femoral head (simplified as a sphere) are projections of two cylinder-shaped images. A screw that appears to be within the femoral head in fact only lies within the cylinder. A screw apparently within the femoral head on both AP and lateral images is only confined to the SS generated by two cylinders, but not necessarily confined to the femoral head itself. We have therefore analyzed UJP using a geometric model based on SS. The geometric basis of UJP lies in the fact that the SS is larger than the sphere (femoral head) with a volume ratio of 4: π. The theoretical risk of UJP for any screw therefore can be as high as 21.5% ((4-π)/4). In reality, screws are always carefully placed to ensure a distance between the screw's tip and the edge of femoral head (tip-to-edge distance, or TED). This TED effectively lowers the risk of UJP by reducing the size of the screw-confining SS. When the SS entirely fits into (internally tangential to) the femoral head, the risk of UJP approaches zero. A TED fulfilling this requirement can be regarded as safe (approximately 0.29 x femoral head radius). With a femoral head diameter of 5 cm, the safe TED is approximately 7 mm.

PL-PatchSurfer: a novel molecular local surface-based method for exploring protein-ligand interactions.

PubMed

Hu, Bingjie; Zhu, Xiaolei; Monroe, Lyman; Bures, Mark G; Kihara, Daisuke

2014-08-27

Structure-based computational methods have been widely used in exploring protein-ligand interactions, including predicting the binding ligands of a given protein based on their structural complementarity. Compared to other protein and ligand representations, the advantages of a surface representation include reduced sensitivity to subtle changes in the pocket and ligand conformation and fast search speed. Here we developed a novel method named PL-PatchSurfer (Protein-Ligand PatchSurfer). PL-PatchSurfer represents the protein binding pocket and the ligand molecular surface as a combination of segmented surface patches. Each patch is characterized by its geometrical shape and the electrostatic potential, which are represented using the 3D Zernike descriptor (3DZD). We first tested PL-PatchSurfer on binding ligand prediction and found it outperformed the pocket-similarity based ligand prediction program. We then optimized the search algorithm of PL-PatchSurfer using the PDBbind dataset. Finally, we explored the utility of applying PL-PatchSurfer to a larger and more diverse dataset and showed that PL-PatchSurfer was able to provide a high early enrichment for most of the targets. To the best of our knowledge, PL-PatchSurfer is the first surface patch-based method that treats ligand complementarity at protein binding sites. We believe that using a surface patch approach to better understand protein-ligand interactions has the potential to significantly enhance the design of new ligands for a wide array of drug-targets.

PL-PatchSurfer: A Novel Molecular Local Surface-Based Method for Exploring Protein-Ligand Interactions

PubMed Central

Hu, Bingjie; Zhu, Xiaolei; Monroe, Lyman; Bures, Mark G.; Kihara, Daisuke

2014-01-01

Structure-based computational methods have been widely used in exploring protein-ligand interactions, including predicting the binding ligands of a given protein based on their structural complementarity. Compared to other protein and ligand representations, the advantages of a surface representation include reduced sensitivity to subtle changes in the pocket and ligand conformation and fast search speed. Here we developed a novel method named PL-PatchSurfer (Protein-Ligand PatchSurfer). PL-PatchSurfer represents the protein binding pocket and the ligand molecular surface as a combination of segmented surface patches. Each patch is characterized by its geometrical shape and the electrostatic potential, which are represented using the 3D Zernike descriptor (3DZD). We first tested PL-PatchSurfer on binding ligand prediction and found it outperformed the pocket-similarity based ligand prediction program. We then optimized the search algorithm of PL-PatchSurfer using the PDBbind dataset. Finally, we explored the utility of applying PL-PatchSurfer to a larger and more diverse dataset and showed that PL-PatchSurfer was able to provide a high early enrichment for most of the targets. To the best of our knowledge, PL-PatchSurfer is the first surface patch-based method that treats ligand complementarity at protein binding sites. We believe that using a surface patch approach to better understand protein-ligand interactions has the potential to significantly enhance the design of new ligands for a wide array of drug-targets. PMID:25167137

Symmetry analysis of talus bone

PubMed Central

Islam, K.; Dobbe, A.; Komeili, A.; Duke, K.; El-Rich, M.; Dhillon, S.; Adeeb, S.; Jomha, N. M.

2014-01-01

Objective The main object of this study was to use a geometric morphometric approach to quantify the left-right symmetry of talus bones. Methods Analysis was carried out using CT scan images of 11 pairs of intact tali. Two important geometric parameters, volume and surface area, were quantified for left and right talus bones. The geometric shape variations between the right and left talus bones were also measured using deviation analysis. Furthermore, location of asymmetry in the geometric shapes were identified. Results Numerical results showed that talus bones are bilaterally symmetrical in nature, and the difference between the surface area of the left and right talus bones was less than 7.5%. Similarly, the difference in the volume of both bones was less than 7.5%. Results of the three-dimensional (3D) deviation analyses demonstrated the mean deviation between left and right talus bones were in the range of -0.74 mm to 0.62 mm. It was observed that in eight of 11 subjects, the deviation in symmetry occurred in regions that are clinically less important during talus surgery. Conclusions We conclude that left and right talus bones of intact human ankle joints show a strong degree of symmetry. The results of this study may have significance with respect to talus surgery, and in investigating traumatic talus injury where the geometric shape of the contralateral talus can be used as control. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:139–45. PMID:24802391

Thin plate spline feature point matching for organ surfaces in minimally invasive surgery imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Bingxiong; Sun, Yu; Qian, Xiaoning

2013-03-01

Robust feature point matching for images with large view angle changes in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is a challenging task due to low texture and specular reflections in these images. This paper presents a new approach that can improve feature matching performance by exploiting the inherent geometric property of the organ surfaces. Recently, intensity based template image tracking using a Thin Plate Spline (TPS) model has been extended for 3D surface tracking with stereo cameras. The intensity based tracking is also used here for 3D reconstruction of internal organ surfaces. To overcome the small displacement requirement of intensity based tracking, feature point correspondences are used for proper initialization of the nonlinear optimization in the intensity based method. Second, we generate simulated images from the reconstructed 3D surfaces under all potential view positions and orientations, and then extract feature points from these simulated images. The obtained feature points are then filtered and re-projected to the common reference image. The descriptors of the feature points under different view angles are stored to ensure that the proposed method can tolerate a large range of view angles. We evaluate the proposed method with silicon phantoms and in vivo images. The experimental results show that our method is much more robust with respect to the view angle changes than other state-of-the-art methods.

Analysis of Formation Flying in Eccentric Orbits Using Linearized Equations of Relative Motion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lane, Christopher; Axelrad, Penina

2004-01-01

Geometrical methods for formation flying design based on the analytical solution to Hill's equations have been previously developed and used to specify desired relative motions in near circular orbits. By generating relationships between the vehicles that are intuitive, these approaches offer valuable insight into the relative motion and allow for the rapid design of satellite configurations to achieve mission specific requirements, such as vehicle separation at perigee or apogee, minimum separation, or a specific geometrical shape. Furthermore, the results obtained using geometrical approaches can be used to better constrain numerical optimization methods; allowing those methods to converge to optimal satellite configurations faster. This paper presents a set of geometrical relationships for formations in eccentric orbits, where Hill.s equations are not valid, and shows how these relationships can be used to investigate formation designs and how they evolve with time.

3D geometric modeling and simulation of laser propagation through turbulence with plenoptic functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Chensheng; Nelson, William; Davis, Christopher C.

2014-10-01

Plenoptic functions are functions that preserve all the necessary light field information of optical events. Theoretical work has demonstrated that geometric based plenoptic functions can serve equally well in the traditional wave propagation equation known as the "scalar stochastic Helmholtz equation". However, in addressing problems of 3D turbulence simulation, the dominant methods using phase screen models have limitations both in explaining the choice of parameters (on the transverse plane) in real-world measurements, and finding proper correlations between neighboring phase screens (the Markov assumption breaks down). Though possible corrections to phase screen models are still promising, the equivalent geometric approach based on plenoptic functions begins to show some advantages. In fact, in these geometric approaches, a continuous wave problem is reduced to discrete trajectories of rays. This allows for convenience in parallel computing and guarantees conservation of energy. Besides the pairwise independence of simulated rays, the assigned refractive index grids can be directly tested by temperature measurements with tiny thermoprobes combined with other parameters such as humidity level and wind speed. Furthermore, without loss of generality one can break the causal chain in phase screen models by defining regional refractive centers to allow rays that are less affected to propagate through directly. As a result, our work shows that the 3D geometric approach serves as an efficient and accurate method in assessing relevant turbulence problems with inputs of several environmental measurements and reasonable guesses (such as Cn 2 levels). This approach will facilitate analysis and possible corrections in lateral wave propagation problems, such as image de-blurring, prediction of laser propagation over long ranges, and improvement of free space optic communication systems. In this paper, the plenoptic function model and relevant parallel algorithm computing will be presented, and its primary results and applications are demonstrated.

Measuring bacterial cells size with AFM

PubMed Central

Osiro, Denise; Filho, Rubens Bernardes; Assis, Odilio Benedito Garrido; Jorge, Lúcio André de Castro; Colnago, Luiz Alberto

2012-01-01

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) can be used to obtain high-resolution topographical images of bacteria revealing surface details and cell integrity. During scanning however, the interactions between the AFM probe and the membrane results in distortion of the images. Such distortions or artifacts are the result of geometrical effects related to bacterial cell height, specimen curvature and the AFM probe geometry. The most common artifact in imaging is surface broadening, what can lead to errors in bacterial sizing. Several methods of correction have been proposed to compensate for these artifacts and in this study we describe a simple geometric model for the interaction between the tip (a pyramidal shaped AFM probe) and the bacterium (Escherichia coli JM-109 strain) to minimize the enlarging effect. Approaches to bacteria immobilization and examples of AFM images analysis are also described. PMID:24031837

Synthetic river valleys: Creating prescribed topography for form-process inquiry and river rehabilitation design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, R. A.; Pasternack, G. B.; Wallender, W. W.

2014-06-01

The synthesis of artificial landforms is complementary to geomorphic analysis because it affords a reflection on both the characteristics and intrinsic formative processes of real world conditions. Moreover, the applied terminus of geomorphic theory is commonly manifested in the engineering and rehabilitation of riverine landforms where the goal is to create specific processes associated with specific morphology. To date, the synthesis of river topography has been explored outside of geomorphology through artistic renderings, computer science applications, and river rehabilitation design; while within geomorphology it has been explored using morphodynamic modeling, such as one-dimensional simulation of river reach profiles, two-dimensional simulation of river networks, and three-dimensional simulation of subreach scale river morphology. To date, no approach allows geomorphologists, engineers, or river rehabilitation practitioners to create landforms of prescribed conditions. In this paper a method for creating topography of synthetic river valleys is introduced that utilizes a theoretical framework that draws from fluvial geomorphology, computer science, and geometric modeling. Such a method would be valuable to geomorphologists in understanding form-process linkages as well as to engineers and river rehabilitation practitioners in developing design surfaces that can be rapidly iterated. The method introduced herein relies on the discretization of river valley topography into geometric elements associated with overlapping and orthogonal two-dimensional planes such as the planform, profile, and cross section that are represented by mathematical functions, termed geometric element equations. Topographic surfaces can be parameterized independently or dependently using a geomorphic covariance structure between the spatial series of geometric element equations. To illustrate the approach and overall model flexibility examples are provided that are associated with mountain, lowland, and hybrid synthetic river valleys. To conclude, recommended advances such as multithread channels are discussed along with potential applications.

Geometric and energetic considerations of surface fluctuations during ion transfer across the water-immiscible organic liquid interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karnes, John J.; Benjamin, Ilan

2016-07-01

Molecular dynamics simulations and umbrella sampling free energy calculations are used to examine the thermodynamics, energetics, and structural fluctuations that accompany the transfer of a small hydrophilic ion (Cl-) across the water/nitrobenzene interface. By examining several constrained interface structures, we isolate the energetic costs of interfacial deformation and co-transfer of hydration waters during the ion transfer. The process is monitored using both energy-based solvation coordinates and a geometric coordinate recently introduced by Morita and co-workers to describe surface fluctuations. Our simulations show that these coordinates provide a complimentary description of the water surface fluctuations during the transfer and are necessary for elucidating the mechanism of the ion transfer.

Wavelet Algorithms for Illumination Computations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schroder, Peter

One of the core problems of computer graphics is the computation of the equilibrium distribution of light in a scene. This distribution is given as the solution to a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind involving an integral over all surfaces in the scene. In the general case such solutions can only be numerically approximated, and are generally costly to compute, due to the geometric complexity of typical computer graphics scenes. For this computation both Monte Carlo and finite element techniques (or hybrid approaches) are typically used. A simplified version of the illumination problem is known as radiosity, which assumes that all surfaces are diffuse reflectors. For this case hierarchical techniques, first introduced by Hanrahan et al. (32), have recently gained prominence. The hierarchical approaches lead to an asymptotic improvement when only finite precision is required. The resulting algorithms have cost proportional to O(k^2 + n) versus the usual O(n^2) (k is the number of input surfaces, n the number of finite elements into which the input surfaces are meshed). Similarly a hierarchical technique has been introduced for the more general radiance problem (which allows glossy reflectors) by Aupperle et al. (6). In this dissertation we show the equivalence of these hierarchical techniques to the use of a Haar wavelet basis in a general Galerkin framework. By so doing, we come to a deeper understanding of the properties of the numerical approximations used and are able to extend the hierarchical techniques to higher orders. In particular, we show the correspondence of the geometric arguments underlying hierarchical methods to the theory of Calderon-Zygmund operators and their sparse realization in wavelet bases. The resulting wavelet algorithms for radiosity and radiance are analyzed and numerical results achieved with our implementation are reported. We find that the resulting algorithms achieve smaller and smoother errors at equivalent work.

Nonlinear Time Delayed Feedback Control of Aeroelastic Systems: A Functional Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marzocca, Piergiovanni; Librescu, Liviu; Silva, Walter A.

2003-01-01

In addition to its intrinsic practical importance, nonlinear time delayed feedback control applied to lifting surfaces can result in interesting aeroelastic behaviors. In this paper, nonlinear aeroelastic response to external time-dependent loads and stability boundary for actively controlled lifting surfaces, in an incompressible flow field, are considered. The structural model and the unsteady aerodynamics are considered linear. The implications of the presence of time delays in the linear/nonlinear feedback control and of geometrical parameters on the aeroelasticity of lifting surfaces are analyzed and conclusions on their implications are highlighted.

Ambient occlusion effects for combined volumes and tubular geometry.

PubMed

Schott, Mathias; Martin, Tobias; Grosset, A V Pascal; Smith, Sean T; Hansen, Charles D

2013-06-01

This paper details a method for interactive direct volume rendering that computes ambient occlusion effects for visualizations that combine both volumetric and geometric primitives, specifically tube-shaped geometric objects representing streamlines, magnetic field lines or DTI fiber tracts. The algorithm extends the recently presented the directional occlusion shading model to allow the rendering of those geometric shapes in combination with a context providing 3D volume, considering mutual occlusion between structures represented by a volume or geometry. Stream tube geometries are computed using an effective spline-based interpolation and approximation scheme that avoids self-intersection and maintains coherent orientation of the stream tube segments to avoid surface deforming twists. Furthermore, strategies to reduce the geometric and specular aliasing of the stream tubes are discussed.

Ambient Occlusion Effects for Combined Volumes and Tubular Geometry

PubMed Central

Schott, Mathias; Martin, Tobias; Grosset, A.V. Pascal; Smith, Sean T.; Hansen, Charles D.

2013-01-01

This paper details a method for interactive direct volume rendering that computes ambient occlusion effects for visualizations that combine both volumetric and geometric primitives, specifically tube-shaped geometric objects representing streamlines, magnetic field lines or DTI fiber tracts. The algorithm extends the recently presented the directional occlusion shading model to allow the rendering of those geometric shapes in combination with a context providing 3D volume, considering mutual occlusion between structures represented by a volume or geometry. Stream tube geometries are computed using an effective spline-based interpolation and approximation scheme that avoids self-intersection and maintains coherent orientation of the stream tube segments to avoid surface deforming twists. Furthermore, strategies to reduce the geometric and specular aliasing of the stream tubes are discussed. PMID:23559506

Structural and Functional Model of Organization of Geometric and Graphic Training of the Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Poluyanov, Valery B.; Pyankova, Zhanna A.; Chukalkina, Marina I.; Smolina, Ekaterina S.

2016-01-01

The topicality of the investigated problem is stipulated by the social need for training competitive engineers with a high level of graphical literacy; especially geometric and graphic training of students and its projected results in a competence-based approach; individual characteristics and interests of the students, as well as methodological…

Laser Direct Metal Deposition of 2024 Al Alloy: Trace Geometry Prediction via Machine Learning.

PubMed

Caiazzo, Fabrizia; Caggiano, Alessandra

2018-03-19

Laser direct metal deposition is an advanced additive manufacturing technology suitably applicable in maintenance, repair, and overhaul of high-cost products, allowing for minimal distortion of the workpiece, reduced heat affected zones, and superior surface quality. Special interest is growing for the repair and coating of 2024 aluminum alloy parts, extensively utilized for a wide range of applications in the automotive, military, and aerospace sectors due to its excellent plasticity, corrosion resistance, electric conductivity, and strength-to-weight ratio. A critical issue in the laser direct metal deposition process is related to the geometrical parameters of the cross-section of the deposited metal trace that should be controlled to meet the part specifications. In this research, a machine learning approach based on artificial neural networks is developed to find the correlation between the laser metal deposition process parameters and the output geometrical parameters of the deposited metal trace produced by laser direct metal deposition on 5-mm-thick 2024 aluminum alloy plates. The results show that the neural network-based machine learning paradigm is able to accurately estimate the appropriate process parameters required to obtain a specified geometry for the deposited metal trace.

Laser Direct Metal Deposition of 2024 Al Alloy: Trace Geometry Prediction via Machine Learning

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Laser direct metal deposition is an advanced additive manufacturing technology suitably applicable in maintenance, repair, and overhaul of high-cost products, allowing for minimal distortion of the workpiece, reduced heat affected zones, and superior surface quality. Special interest is growing for the repair and coating of 2024 aluminum alloy parts, extensively utilized for a wide range of applications in the automotive, military, and aerospace sectors due to its excellent plasticity, corrosion resistance, electric conductivity, and strength-to-weight ratio. A critical issue in the laser direct metal deposition process is related to the geometrical parameters of the cross-section of the deposited metal trace that should be controlled to meet the part specifications. In this research, a machine learning approach based on artificial neural networks is developed to find the correlation between the laser metal deposition process parameters and the output geometrical parameters of the deposited metal trace produced by laser direct metal deposition on 5-mm-thick 2024 aluminum alloy plates. The results show that the neural network-based machine learning paradigm is able to accurately estimate the appropriate process parameters required to obtain a specified geometry for the deposited metal trace. PMID:29562682

Modeling of normal contact of elastic bodies with surface relief taken into account

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goryacheva, I. G.; Tsukanov, I. Yu

2018-04-01

An approach to account the surface relief in normal contact problems for rough bodies on the basis of an additional displacement function for asperities is considered. The method and analytic expressions for calculating the additional displacement function for one-scale and two-scale wavy relief are presented. The influence of the microrelief geometric parameters, including the number of scales and asperities density, on additional displacements of the rough layer is analyzed.

Quantum image encryption based on restricted geometric and color transformations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Xian-Hua; Wang, Shen; Abd El-Latif, Ahmed A.; Niu, Xia-Mu

2014-08-01

A novel encryption scheme for quantum images based on restricted geometric and color transformations is proposed. The new strategy comprises efficient permutation and diffusion properties for quantum image encryption. The core idea of the permutation stage is to scramble the codes of the pixel positions through restricted geometric transformations. Then, a new quantum diffusion operation is implemented on the permutated quantum image based on restricted color transformations. The encryption keys of the two stages are generated by two sensitive chaotic maps, which can ensure the security of the scheme. The final step, measurement, is built by the probabilistic model. Experiments conducted on statistical analysis demonstrate that significant improvements in the results are in favor of the proposed approach.

Detailed Primitive-Based 3d Modeling of Architectural Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Remondino, F.; Lo Buglio, D.; Nony, N.; De Luca, L.

2012-07-01

The article describes a pipeline, based on image-data, for the 3D reconstruction of building façades or architectural elements and the successive modeling using geometric primitives. The approach overcome some existing problems in modeling architectural elements and deliver efficient-in-size reality-based textured 3D models useful for metric applications. For the 3D reconstruction, an opensource pipeline developed within the TAPENADE project is employed. In the successive modeling steps, the user manually selects an area containing an architectural element (capital, column, bas-relief, window tympanum, etc.) and then the procedure fits geometric primitives and computes disparity and displacement maps in order to tie visual and geometric information together in a light but detailed 3D model. Examples are reported and commented.

Analysis of diffusion in curved surfaces and its application to tubular membranes

PubMed Central

Klaus, Colin James Stockdale; Raghunathan, Krishnan; DiBenedetto, Emmanuele; Kenworthy, Anne K.

2016-01-01

Diffusion of particles in curved surfaces is inherently complex compared with diffusion in a flat membrane, owing to the nonplanarity of the surface. The consequence of such nonplanar geometry on diffusion is poorly understood but is highly relevant in the case of cell membranes, which often adopt complex geometries. To address this question, we developed a new finite element approach to model diffusion on curved membrane surfaces based on solutions to Fick’s law of diffusion and used this to study the effects of geometry on the entry of surface-bound particles into tubules by diffusion. We show that variations in tubule radius and length can distinctly alter diffusion gradients in tubules over biologically relevant timescales. In addition, we show that tubular structures tend to retain concentration gradients for a longer time compared with a comparable flat surface. These findings indicate that sorting of particles along the surfaces of tubules can arise simply as a geometric consequence of the curvature without any specific contribution from the membrane environment. Our studies provide a framework for modeling diffusion in curved surfaces and suggest that biological regulation can emerge purely from membrane geometry. PMID:27733625

Electroencephalography (EEG) forward modeling via H(div) finite element sources with focal interpolation.

PubMed

Pursiainen, S; Vorwerk, J; Wolters, C H

2016-12-21

The goal of this study is to develop focal, accurate and robust finite element method (FEM) based approaches which can predict the electric potential on the surface of the computational domain given its structure and internal primary source current distribution. While conducting an EEG evaluation, the placement of source currents to the geometrically complex grey matter compartment is a challenging but necessary task to avoid forward errors attributable to tissue conductivity jumps. Here, this task is approached via a mathematically rigorous formulation, in which the current field is modeled via divergence conforming H(div) basis functions. Both linear and quadratic functions are used while the potential field is discretized via the standard linear Lagrangian (nodal) basis. The resulting model includes dipolar sources which are interpolated into a random set of positions and orientations utilizing two alternative approaches: the position based optimization (PBO) and the mean position/orientation (MPO) method. These results demonstrate that the present dipolar approach can reach or even surpass, at least in some respects, the accuracy of two classical reference methods, the partial integration (PI) and St. Venant (SV) approach which utilize monopolar loads instead of dipolar currents.

An installed nacelle design code using a multiblock Euler solver. Volume 1: Theory document

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, H. C.

1992-01-01

An efficient multiblock Euler design code was developed for designing a nacelle installed on geometrically complex airplane configurations. This approach employed a design driver based on a direct iterative surface curvature method developed at LaRC. A general multiblock Euler flow solver was used for computing flow around complex geometries. The flow solver used a finite-volume formulation with explicit time-stepping to solve the Euler Equations. It used a multiblock version of the multigrid method to accelerate the convergence of the calculations. The design driver successively updated the surface geometry to reduce the difference between the computed and target pressure distributions. In the flow solver, the change in surface geometry was simulated by applying surface transpiration boundary conditions to avoid repeated grid generation during design iterations. Smoothness of the designed surface was ensured by alternate application of streamwise and circumferential smoothings. The capability and efficiency of the code was demonstrated through the design of both an isolated nacelle and an installed nacelle at various flow conditions. Information on the execution of the computer program is provided in volume 2.

Surface Curvatures Computation from Equidistance Contours

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Hiromi T.; Kling, Olivier; Lee, Daniel T. L.

1990-03-01

The subject of our research is on the 3D shape representation problem for a special class of range image, one where the natural mode of the acquired range data is in the form of equidistance contours, as exemplified by a moire interferometry range system. In this paper we present a novel surface curvature computation scheme that directly computes the surface curvatures (the principal curvatures, Gaussian curvature and mean curvature) from the equidistance contours without any explicit computations or implicit estimates of partial derivatives. We show how the special nature of the equidistance contours, specifically, the dense information of the surface curves in the 2D contour plane, turns into an advantage for the computation of the surface curvatures. The approach is based on using simple geometric construction to obtain the normal sections and the normal curvatures. This method is general and can be extended to any dense range image data. We show in details how this computation is formulated and give an analysis on the error bounds of the computation steps showing that the method is stable. Computation results on real equidistance range contours are also shown.

Geometric entropy and edge modes of the electromagnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donnelly, William; Wall, Aron C.

2016-11-01

We calculate the vacuum entanglement entropy of Maxwell theory in a class of curved spacetimes by Kaluza-Klein reduction of the theory onto a two-dimensional base manifold. Using two-dimensional duality, we express the geometric entropy of the electromagnetic field as the entropy of a tower of scalar fields, constant electric and magnetic fluxes, and a contact term, whose leading-order divergence was discovered by Kabat. The complete contact term takes the form of one negative scalar degree of freedom confined to the entangling surface. We show that the geometric entropy agrees with a statistical definition of entanglement entropy that includes edge modes: classical solutions determined by their boundary values on the entangling surface. This resolves a long-standing puzzle about the statistical interpretation of the contact term in the entanglement entropy. We discuss the implications of this negative term for black hole thermodynamics and the renormalization of Newton's constant.

Dimensional, Geometrical, and Physical Constraints in Skull Growth.

PubMed

Weickenmeier, Johannes; Fischer, Cedric; Carter, Dennis; Kuhl, Ellen; Goriely, Alain

2017-06-16

After birth, the skull grows and remodels in close synchrony with the brain to allow for an increase in intracranial volume. Increase in skull area is provided primarily by bone accretion at the sutures. Additional remodeling, to allow for a change in curvatures, occurs by resorption on the inner surface of the bone plates and accretion on their outer surfaces. When a suture fuses too early, normal skull growth is disrupted, leading to a deformed final skull shape. The leading theory assumes that the main stimulus for skull growth is provided by mechanical stresses. Based on these ideas, we first discuss the dimensional, geometrical, and kinematic synchrony between brain, skull, and suture growth. Second, we present two mechanical models for skull growth that account for growth at the sutures and explain the various observed dysmorphologies. These models demonstrate the particular role of physical and geometrical constraints taking place in skull growth.

Dimensional, Geometrical, and Physical Constraints in Skull Growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weickenmeier, Johannes; Fischer, Cedric; Carter, Dennis; Kuhl, Ellen; Goriely, Alain

2017-06-01

After birth, the skull grows and remodels in close synchrony with the brain to allow for an increase in intracranial volume. Increase in skull area is provided primarily by bone accretion at the sutures. Additional remodeling, to allow for a change in curvatures, occurs by resorption on the inner surface of the bone plates and accretion on their outer surfaces. When a suture fuses too early, normal skull growth is disrupted, leading to a deformed final skull shape. The leading theory assumes that the main stimulus for skull growth is provided by mechanical stresses. Based on these ideas, we first discuss the dimensional, geometrical, and kinematic synchrony between brain, skull, and suture growth. Second, we present two mechanical models for skull growth that account for growth at the sutures and explain the various observed dysmorphologies. These models demonstrate the particular role of physical and geometrical constraints taking place in skull growth.

Geometric and boundary element method simulations of acoustic reflections from rough, finite, or non-planar surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rathsam, Jonathan

This dissertation seeks to advance the current state of computer-based sound field simulations for room acoustics. The first part of the dissertation assesses the reliability of geometric sound-field simulations, which are approximate in nature. The second part of the dissertation uses the rigorous boundary element method (BEM) to learn more about reflections from finite reflectors: planar and non-planar. Acoustical designers commonly use geometric simulations to predict sound fields quickly. Geometric simulation of reflections from rough surfaces is still under refinement. The first project in this dissertation investigates the scattering coefficient, which quantifies the degree of diffuse reflection from rough surfaces. The main result is that predicted reverberation time varies inversely with scattering coefficient if the sound field is nondiffuse. Additional results include a flow chart that enables acoustical designers to gauge how sensitive predicted results are to their choice of scattering coefficient. Geometric acoustics is a high-frequency approximation to wave acoustics. At low frequencies, more pronounced wave phenomena cause deviations between real-world values and geometric predictions. Acoustical designers encounter the limits of geometric acoustics in particular when simulating the low frequency response from finite suspended reflector panels. This dissertation uses the rigorous BEM to develop an improved low-frequency radiation model for smooth, finite reflectors. The improved low frequency model is suggested in two forms for implementation in geometric models. Although BEM simulations require more computation time than geometric simulations, BEM results are highly accurate. The final section of this dissertation uses the BEM to investigate the sound field around non-planar reflectors. The author has added convex edges rounded away from the source side of finite, smooth reflectors to minimize coloration of reflections caused by interference from boundary waves. Although the coloration could not be fully eliminated, the convex edge increases the sound energy reflected into previously nonspecular zones. This excess reflected energy is marginally audible using a standard of 20 dB below direct sound energy. The convex-edged panel is recommended for use when designers want to extend reflected energy spatially beyond the specular reflection zone of a planar panel.

Aeroelastic coupling of geometrically nonlinear structures and linear unsteady aerodynamics: Two formulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demasi, L.; Livne, E.

2009-07-01

Two different time domain formulations of integrating commonly used frequency-domain unsteady aerodynamic models based on a modal approach with full order finite element models for structures with geometric nonlinearities are presented. Both approaches are tailored to flight vehicle configurations where geometric stiffness effects are important but where deformations are moderate, flow is attached, and linear unsteady aerodynamic modeling is adequate, such as low aspect ratio wings or joined-wing and strut-braced wings at small to moderate angles of attack. Results obtained using the two approaches are compared using both planar and non-planar wing configurations. Sub-critical and post-flutter speeds are considered. It is demonstrated that the two methods lead to the same steady solution for the sub-critical case after the transients subside. It is also shown that the two methods predict the amplitude and frequency of limit cycle oscillation (when present) with the same accuracy.

Automatic construction of subject-specific human airway geometry including trifurcations based on a CT-segmented airway skeleton and surface

PubMed Central

Miyawaki, Shinjiro; Tawhai, Merryn H.; Hoffman, Eric A.; Wenzel, Sally E.; Lin, Ching-Long

2016-01-01

We propose a method to construct three-dimensional airway geometric models based on airway skeletons, or centerlines (CLs). Given a CT-segmented airway skeleton and surface, the proposed CL-based method automatically constructs subject-specific models that contain anatomical information regarding branches, include bifurcations and trifurcations, and extend from the trachea to terminal bronchioles. The resulting model can be anatomically realistic with the assistance of an image-based surface; alternatively a model with an idealized skeleton and/or branch diameters is also possible. This method systematically identifies and classifies trifurcations to successfully construct the models, which also provides the number and type of trifurcations for the analysis of the airways from an anatomical point of view. We applied this method to 16 normal and 16 severe asthmatic subjects using their computed tomography images. The average distance between the surface of the model and the image-based surface was 11% of the average voxel size of the image. The four most frequent locations of trifurcations were the left upper division bronchus, left lower lobar bronchus, right upper lobar bronchus, and right intermediate bronchus. The proposed method automatically constructed accurate subject-specific three-dimensional airway geometric models that contain anatomical information regarding branches using airway skeleton, diameters, and image-based surface geometry. The proposed method can construct (i) geometry automatically for population-based studies, (ii) trifurcations to retain the original airway topology, (iii) geometry that can be used for automatic generation of computational fluid dynamics meshes, and (iv) geometry based only on a skeleton and diameters for idealized branches. PMID:27704229

Enhancing microscopic cascading contributions to higher-order nonlinear-optical responses through forced geometric constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dawson, Nathan J.; Andrews, James H.; Crescimanno, Michael

2012-10-01

We review a model that was developed to take into account all possible microscopic cascading schemes in a single species system out to the fifth order using a self-consistent field approach. This model was designed to study the effects of boundaries in mesoscopic systems with constrained boundaries. These geometric constraints on the macroscopic structure show how the higher-ordered susceptibilities are manipulated by increasing the surface to volume ratio, while the microscopic structure influences the local field from all other molecules in the system. In addition to the review, we discuss methods of modeling real systems of molecules, where efforts are currently underway.

Assessment of inlet efficiency through a 3D simulation: numerical and experimental comparison.

PubMed

Gómez, Manuel; Recasens, Joan; Russo, Beniamino; Martínez-Gomariz, Eduardo

2016-10-01

Inlet efficiency is a requirement for characterizing the flow transfers between surface and sewer flow during rain events. The dual drainage approach is based on the joint analysis of both upper and lower drainage levels, and the flow transfer is one of the relevant elements to define properly this joint behaviour. This paper presents the results of an experimental and numerical investigation about the inlet efficiency definition. A full scale (1:1) test platform located in the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) reproduces both the runoff process in streets and the water entering the inlet. Data from tests performed on this platform allow the inlet efficiency to be estimated as a function of significant hydraulic and geometrical parameters. A reproduction of these tests through a numerical three-dimensional code (Flow-3D) has been carried out simulating this type of flow by solving the RANS equations. The aim of the work was to reproduce the hydraulic performance of a previously tested grated inlet under several flow and geometric conditions using Flow-3D as a virtual laboratory. This will allow inlet efficiencies to be obtained without previous experimental tests. Moreover, the 3D model allows a better understanding of the hydraulics of the flow interception and the flow patterns approaching the inlet.

Design of refractive laser beam shapers to generate complex irradiance profiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Meijie; Meuret, Youri; Duerr, Fabian; Vervaeke, Michael; Thienpont, Hugo

2014-05-01

A Gaussian laser beam is reshaped to have specific irradiance distributions in many applications in order to ensure optimal system performance. Refractive optics are commonly used for laser beam shaping. A refractive laser beam shaper is typically formed by either two plano-aspheric lenses or by one thick lens with two aspherical surfaces. Ray mapping is a general optical design technique to design refractive beam shapers based on geometric optics. This design technique in principle allows to generate any rotational-symmetric irradiance profile, yet in literature ray mapping is mainly developed to transform a Gaussian irradiance profile to a uniform profile. For more complex profiles especially with low intensity in the inner region, like a Dark Hollow Gaussian (DHG) irradiance profile, ray mapping technique is not directly applicable in practice. In order to these complex profiles, the numerical effort of calculating the aspherical surface points and fitting a surface with sufficient accuracy increases considerably. In this work we evaluate different sampling approaches and surface fitting methods. This allows us to propose and demonstrate a comprehensive numerical approach to efficiently design refractive laser beam shapers to generate rotational-symmetric collimated beams with a complex irradiance profile. Ray tracing analysis for several complex irradiance profiles demonstrates excellent performance of the designed lenses and the versatility of our design procedure.

Localization of Mobile Robots Using Odometry and an External Vision Sensor

PubMed Central

Pizarro, Daniel; Mazo, Manuel; Santiso, Enrique; Marron, Marta; Jimenez, David; Cobreces, Santiago; Losada, Cristina

2010-01-01

This paper presents a sensor system for robot localization based on the information obtained from a single camera attached in a fixed place external to the robot. Our approach firstly obtains the 3D geometrical model of the robot based on the projection of its natural appearance in the camera while the robot performs an initialization trajectory. This paper proposes a structure-from-motion solution that uses the odometry sensors inside the robot as a metric reference. Secondly, an online localization method based on a sequential Bayesian inference is proposed, which uses the geometrical model of the robot as a link between image measurements and pose estimation. The online approach is resistant to hard occlusions and the experimental setup proposed in this paper shows its effectiveness in real situations. The proposed approach has many applications in both the industrial and service robot fields. PMID:22319318

Localization of mobile robots using odometry and an external vision sensor.

PubMed

Pizarro, Daniel; Mazo, Manuel; Santiso, Enrique; Marron, Marta; Jimenez, David; Cobreces, Santiago; Losada, Cristina

2010-01-01

This paper presents a sensor system for robot localization based on the information obtained from a single camera attached in a fixed place external to the robot. Our approach firstly obtains the 3D geometrical model of the robot based on the projection of its natural appearance in the camera while the robot performs an initialization trajectory. This paper proposes a structure-from-motion solution that uses the odometry sensors inside the robot as a metric reference. Secondly, an online localization method based on a sequential Bayesian inference is proposed, which uses the geometrical model of the robot as a link between image measurements and pose estimation. The online approach is resistant to hard occlusions and the experimental setup proposed in this paper shows its effectiveness in real situations. The proposed approach has many applications in both the industrial and service robot fields.

Shell Buckling Design Criteria Based on Manufacturing Imperfection Signatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hilburger, Mark W.; Nemeth, Michael P.; Starnes, James H., Jr.

2004-01-01

An analysis-based approach .for developing shell-buckling design criteria for laminated-composite cylindrical shells that accurately accounts for the effects of initial geometric imperfections is presented. With this approach, measured initial geometric imperfection data from six graphite-epoxy shells are used to determine a manufacturing-process-specific imperfection signature for these shells. This imperfection signature is then used as input into nonlinear finite-element analyses. The imperfection signature represents a "first-approximation" mean imperfection shape that is suitable for developing preliminary-design data. Comparisons of test data and analytical results obtained by using several different imperfection shapes are presented for selected shells. Overall, the results indicate that the analysis-based approach presented for developing reliable preliminary-design criteria has the potential to provide improved, less conservative buckling-load estimates, and to reduce the weight and cost of developing buckling-resistant shell structures.

Bat Species Comparisons Based on External Morphology: A Test of Traditional versus Geometric Morphometric Approaches

PubMed Central

Schmieder, Daniela A.; Benítez, Hugo A.; Borissov, Ivailo M.; Fruciano, Carmelo

2015-01-01

External morphology is commonly used to identify bats as well as to investigate flight and foraging behavior, typically relying on simple length and area measures or ratios. However, geometric morphometrics is increasingly used in the biological sciences to analyse variation in shape and discriminate among species and populations. Here we compare the ability of traditional versus geometric morphometric methods in discriminating between closely related bat species – in this case European horseshoe bats (Rhinolophidae, Chiroptera) – based on morphology of the wing, body and tail. In addition to comparing morphometric methods, we used geometric morphometrics to detect interspecies differences as shape changes. Geometric morphometrics yielded improved species discrimination relative to traditional methods. The predicted shape for the variation along the between group principal components revealed that the largest differences between species lay in the extent to which the wing reaches in the direction of the head. This strong trend in interspecific shape variation is associated with size, which we interpret as an evolutionary allometry pattern. PMID:25965335

Feasibility study for image guided kidney surgery: assessment of required intraoperative surface for accurate image to physical space registrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benincasa, Anne B.; Clements, Logan W.; Herrell, S. Duke; Chang, Sam S.; Cookson, Michael S.; Galloway, Robert L.

2006-03-01

Currently, the removal of kidney tumor masses uses only direct or laparoscopic visualizations, resulting in prolonged procedure and recovery times and reduced clear margin. Applying current image guided surgery (IGS) techniques, as those used in liver cases, to kidney resections (nephrectomies) presents a number of complications. Most notably is the limited field of view of the intraoperative kidney surface, which constrains the ability to obtain a surface delineation that is geometrically descriptive enough to drive a surface-based registration. Two different phantom orientations were used to model the laparoscopic and traditional partial nephrectomy views. For the laparoscopic view, fiducial point sets were compiled from a CT image volume using anatomical features such as the renal artery and vein. For the traditional view, markers attached to the phantom set-up were used for fiducials and targets. The fiducial points were used to perform a point-based registration, which then served as a guide for the surface-based registration. Laser range scanner (LRS) obtained surfaces were registered to each phantom surface using a rigid iterative closest point algorithm. Subsets of each phantom's LRS surface were used in a robustness test to determine the predictability of their registrations to transform the entire surface. Results from both orientations suggest that about half of the kidney's surface needs to be obtained intraoperatively for accurate registrations between the image surface and the LRS surface, suggesting the obtained kidney surfaces were geometrically descriptive enough to perform accurate registrations. This preliminary work paves the way for further development of kidney IGS systems.

Geometric correction of satellite data using curvilinear features and virtual control points

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Algazi, V. R.; Ford, G. E.; Meyer, D. I.

1979-01-01

A simple, yet effective procedure for the geometric correction of partial Landsat scenes is described. The procedure is based on the acquisition of actual and virtual control points from the line printer output of enhanced curvilinear features. The accuracy of this method compares favorably with that of the conventional approach in which an interactive image display system is employed.

Mixing geometric and radiometric features for change classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fournier, Alexandre; Descombes, Xavier; Zerubia, Josiane

2008-02-01

Most basic change detection algorithms use a pixel-based approach. Whereas such approach is quite well defined for monitoring important area changes (such as urban growth monitoring) in low resolution images, an object based approach seems more relevant when the change detection is specifically aimed toward targets (such as small buildings and vehicles). In this paper, we present an approach that mixes radiometric and geometric features to qualify the changed zones. The goal is to establish bounds (appearance, disappearance, substitution ...) between the detected changes and the underlying objects. We proceed by first clustering the change map (containing each pixel bitemporal radiosity) in different classes using the entropy-kmeans algorithm. Assuming that most man-made objects have a polygonal shape, a polygonal approximation algorithm is then used in order to characterize the resulting zone shapes. Hence allowing us to refine the primary rough classification, by integrating the polygon orientations in the state space. Tests are currently conducted on Quickbird data.

A study on laser-based ultrasonic technique by the use of guided wave tomographic imaging

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Junpil, E-mail: jpp@pusan.ac.kr; Lim, Juyoung, E-mail: jpp@pusan.ac.kr; Cho, Younho

2015-03-31

Guided wave tests are impractical for investigating specimens with limited accessibility and coarse surfaces or geometrically complicated features. A non-contact setup with a laser ultrasonic transmitter and receiver is the classic attractive for guided wave inspection. The present work was done to develop a non-contact guided-wave tomography technique by laser ultrasonic technique in a plate-like structure. A method for Lam wave generation and detection in an aluminum plate with a pulse laser ultrasonic transmitter and a Michelson interferometer receiver has been developed. In the images obtained by laser scanning, the defect shape and area showed good agreement with the actualmore » defect. The proposed approach can be used as a non-contact-based online inspection and monitoring technique.« less

Intelligent visual localization of wireless capsule endoscopes enhanced by color information.

PubMed

Dimas, George; Spyrou, Evaggelos; Iakovidis, Dimitris K; Koulaouzidis, Anastasios

2017-10-01

Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is performed with a miniature swallowable endoscope enabling the visualization of the whole gastrointestinal (GI) tract. One of the most challenging problems in WCE is the localization of the capsule endoscope (CE) within the GI lumen. Contemporary, radiation-free localization approaches are mainly based on the use of external sensors and transit time estimation techniques, with practically low localization accuracy. Latest advances for the solution of this problem include localization approaches based solely on visual information from the CE camera. In this paper we present a novel visual localization approach based on an intelligent, artificial neural network, architecture which implements a generic visual odometry (VO) framework capable of estimating the motion of the CE in physical units. Unlike the conventional, geometric, VO approaches, the proposed one is adaptive to the geometric model of the CE used; therefore, it does not require any prior knowledge about and its intrinsic parameters. Furthermore, it exploits color as a cue to increase localization accuracy and robustness. Experiments were performed using a robotic-assisted setup providing ground truth information about the actual location of the CE. The lowest average localization error achieved is 2.70 ± 1.62 cm, which is significantly lower than the error obtained with the geometric approach. This result constitutes a promising step towards the in-vivo application of VO, which will open new horizons for accurate local treatment, including drug infusion and surgical interventions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simulation of blood flow in deformable vessels using subject-specific geometry and spatially varying wall properties

PubMed Central

Xiong, Guanglei; Figueroa, C. Alberto; Xiao, Nan; Taylor, Charles A.

2011-01-01

SUMMARY Simulation of blood flow using image-based models and computational fluid dynamics has found widespread application to quantifying hemodynamic factors relevant to the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases and for planning interventions. Methods for creating subject-specific geometric models from medical imaging data have improved substantially in the last decade but for many problems, still require significant user interaction. In addition, while fluid–structure interaction methods are being employed to model blood flow and vessel wall dynamics, tissue properties are often assumed to be uniform. In this paper, we propose a novel workflow for simulating blood flow using subject-specific geometry and spatially varying wall properties. The geometric model construction is based on 3D segmentation and geometric processing. Variable wall properties are assigned to the model based on combining centerline-based and surface-based methods. We finally demonstrate these new methods using an idealized cylindrical model and two subject-specific vascular models with thoracic and cerebral aneurysms. PMID:21765984

Shape-based diffeomorphic registration on hippocampal surfaces using Beltrami holomorphic flow.

PubMed

Lui, Lok Ming; Wong, Tsz Wai; Thompson, Paul; Chan, Tony; Gu, Xianfeng; Yau, Shing-Tung

2010-01-01

We develop a new algorithm to automatically register hippocampal (HP) surfaces with complete geometric matching, avoiding the need to manually label landmark features. A good registration depends on a reasonable choice of shape energy that measures the dissimilarity between surfaces. In our work, we first propose a complete shape index using the Beltrami coefficient and curvatures, which measures subtle local differences. The proposed shape energy is zero if and only if two shapes are identical up to a rigid motion. We then seek the best surface registration by minimizing the shape energy. We propose a simple representation of surface diffeomorphisms using Beltrami coefficients, which simplifies the optimization process. We then iteratively minimize the shape energy using the proposed Beltrami Holomorphic flow (BHF) method. Experimental results on 212 HP of normal and diseased (Alzheimer's disease) subjects show our proposed algorithm is effective in registering HP surfaces with complete geometric matching. The proposed shape energy can also capture local shape differences between HP for disease analysis.

Online measurement for geometrical parameters of wheel set based on structure light and CUDA parallel processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Kaihua; Shao, Zhencheng; Chen, Nian; Wang, Wenjie

2018-01-01

The wearing degree of the wheel set tread is one of the main factors that influence the safety and stability of running train. Geometrical parameters mainly include flange thickness and flange height. Line structure laser light was projected on the wheel tread surface. The geometrical parameters can be deduced from the profile image. An online image acquisition system was designed based on asynchronous reset of CCD and CUDA parallel processing unit. The image acquisition was fulfilled by hardware interrupt mode. A high efficiency parallel segmentation algorithm based on CUDA was proposed. The algorithm firstly divides the image into smaller squares, and extracts the squares of the target by fusion of k_means and STING clustering image segmentation algorithm. Segmentation time is less than 0.97ms. A considerable acceleration ratio compared with the CPU serial calculation was obtained, which greatly improved the real-time image processing capacity. When wheel set was running in a limited speed, the system placed alone railway line can measure the geometrical parameters automatically. The maximum measuring speed is 120km/h.

Integrated multidisciplinary analysis of segmented reflector telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Briggs, Hugh C.; Needels, Laura

1992-01-01

The present multidisciplinary telescope-analysis approach, which encompasses thermal, structural, control and optical considerations, is illustrated for the case of an IR telescope in LEO; attention is given to end-to-end evaluations of the effects of mechanical disturbances and thermal gradients in measures of optical performance. Both geometric ray-tracing and surface-to-surface diffraction approximations are used in the telescope's optical model. Also noted is the role played by NASA-JPL's Integrated Modeling of Advanced Optical Systems computation tool, in view of numerical samples.

Cartesian oval representation of freeform optics in illumination systems.

PubMed

Michaelis, D; Schreiber, P; Bräuer, A

2011-03-15

The geometrical method for constructing optical surfaces for illumination purpose developed by Oliker and co-workers [Trends in Nonlinear Analysis (Springer, 2003)] is generalized in order to obtain freeform designs in arbitrary optical systems. The freeform is created by a set of primitive surface elements, which are generalized Cartesian ovals adapted to the given optical system. Those primitives are determined by Hamiltonian theory of ray optics. The potential of this approach is demonstrated by some examples, e.g., freeform lenses with collimating front elements.

Surface electrical properties experiment. Part 2: Theory of radio-frequency interferometry in geophysical subsurface probing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kong, J. A.; Tsang, L.

1974-01-01

The radiation fields due to a horizontal electric dipole laid on the surface of a stratified medium were calculated using a geometrical optics approximation, a modal approach, and direct numerical integration. The solutions were obtained from the reflection coefficient formulation and written in integral forms. The calculated interference patterns are compared in terms of the usefulness of the methods used to obtain them. Scattering effects are also discussed and all numerical results for anisotropic and isotropic cases are presented.

Mesh quality oriented 3D geometric vascular modeling based on parallel transport frame.

PubMed

Guo, Jixiang; Li, Shun; Chui, Yim Pan; Qin, Jing; Heng, Pheng Ann

2013-08-01

While a number of methods have been proposed to reconstruct geometrically and topologically accurate 3D vascular models from medical images, little attention has been paid to constantly maintain high mesh quality of these models during the reconstruction procedure, which is essential for many subsequent applications such as simulation-based surgical training and planning. We propose a set of methods to bridge this gap based on parallel transport frame. An improved bifurcation modeling method and two novel trifurcation modeling methods are developed based on 3D Bézier curve segments in order to ensure the continuous surface transition at furcations. In addition, a frame blending scheme is implemented to solve the twisting problem caused by frame mismatch of two successive furcations. A curvature based adaptive sampling scheme combined with a mesh quality guided frame tilting algorithm is developed to construct an evenly distributed, non-concave and self-intersection free surface mesh for vessels with distinct radius and high curvature. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our methodology can generate vascular models with better mesh quality than previous methods in terms of surface mesh quality criteria. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Numerical procedure to determine geometric view factors for surfaces occluded by cylinders

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sawyer, P. L.

1978-01-01

A numerical procedure was developed to determine geometric view factors between connected infinite strips occluded by any number of infinite circular cylinders. The procedure requires a two-dimensional cross-sectional model of the configuration of interest. The two-dimensional model consists of a convex polygon enclosing any number of circles. Each side of the polygon represents one strip, and each circle represents a circular cylinder. A description and listing of a computer program based on this procedure are included in this report. The program calculates geometric view factors between individual strips and between individual strips and the collection of occluding cylinders.

Corrections to the geometrical interpretation of bosonization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steiner, Manfred; Marston, Brad

2012-02-01

Bosonization is a powerful approach for understanding certain strongly-correlated fermion systems, especially in one spatial dimension but also in higher dimensionsootnotetextA.Houghton, H.-J. Kwon and J. B. Marston, Adv. in Phys. 49, 141 (2000).. The method may be interpreted geometrically in terms of deformations of the Fermi surface, and the quantum operator that effects the deformations may be expressed in terms of a bilinear combination of fermion creation and annihilation operators. Alternatively the deformation operator has an approximate representation in terms of coherent states of bosonic fieldsootnotetextA. H. Castro Neto and E. Fradkin, Phys. Rev. B 49, 10877 (1994).. Calculation of the inner product of deformed Fermi surfaces within the two representations reveals corrections to the bosonic picture both in one and higher spatial dimensions. We discuss the implications of the corrections for efforts to improve the usefulness of multidimensional bosonization.

Algebraic reasoning for the enhancement of data-driven building reconstructions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meidow, Jochen; Hammer, Horst

2016-04-01

Data-driven approaches for the reconstruction of buildings feature the flexibility needed to capture objects of arbitrary shape. To recognize man-made structures, geometric relations such as orthogonality or parallelism have to be detected. These constraints are typically formulated as sets of multivariate polynomials. For the enforcement of the constraints within an adjustment process, a set of independent and consistent geometric constraints has to be determined. Gröbner bases are an ideal tool to identify such sets exactly. A complete workflow for geometric reasoning is presented to obtain boundary representations of solids based on given point clouds. The constraints are formulated in homogeneous coordinates, which results in simple polynomials suitable for the successful derivation of Gröbner bases for algebraic reasoning. Strategies for the reduction of the algebraical complexity are presented. To enforce the constraints, an adjustment model is introduced, which is able to cope with homogeneous coordinates along with their singular covariance matrices. The feasibility and the potential of the approach are demonstrated by the analysis of a real data set.

High-performance shape-engineerable thermoelectric painting

PubMed Central

Park, Sung Hoon; Jo, Seungki; Kwon, Beomjin; Kim, Fredrick; Ban, Hyeong Woo; Lee, Ji Eun; Gu, Da Hwi; Lee, Se Hwa; Hwang, Younghun; Kim, Jin-Sang; Hyun, Dow-Bin; Lee, Sukbin; Choi, Kyoung Jin; Jo, Wook; Son, Jae Sung

2016-01-01

Output power of thermoelectric generators depends on device engineering minimizing heat loss as well as inherent material properties. However, the device engineering has been largely neglected due to the limited flat or angular shape of devices. Considering that the surface of most heat sources where these planar devices are attached is curved, a considerable amount of heat loss is inevitable. To address this issue, here, we present the shape-engineerable thermoelectric painting, geometrically compatible to surfaces of any shape. We prepared Bi2Te3-based inorganic paints using the molecular Sb2Te3 chalcogenidometalate as a sintering aid for thermoelectric particles, with ZT values of 0.67 for n-type and 1.21 for p-type painted materials that compete the bulk values. Devices directly brush-painted onto curved surfaces produced the high output power of 4.0 mW cm−2. This approach paves the way to designing materials and devices that can be easily transferred to other applications. PMID:27834369

Free-form geometric modeling by integrating parametric and implicit PDEs.

PubMed

Du, Haixia; Qin, Hong

2007-01-01

Parametric PDE techniques, which use partial differential equations (PDEs) defined over a 2D or 3D parametric domain to model graphical objects and processes, can unify geometric attributes and functional constraints of the models. PDEs can also model implicit shapes defined by level sets of scalar intensity fields. In this paper, we present an approach that integrates parametric and implicit trivariate PDEs to define geometric solid models containing both geometric information and intensity distribution subject to flexible boundary conditions. The integrated formulation of second-order or fourth-order elliptic PDEs permits designers to manipulate PDE objects of complex geometry and/or arbitrary topology through direct sculpting and free-form modeling. We developed a PDE-based geometric modeling system for shape design and manipulation of PDE objects. The integration of implicit PDEs with parametric geometry offers more general and arbitrary shape blending and free-form modeling for objects with intensity attributes than pure geometric models.

Assessing the contributions of surface waves and complex rays to far-field Mie scattering by use of the Debye series

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hovenac, Edward A.; Lock, James A.

1991-01-01

The contributions of complex rays and the secondary radiation shed by surface waves to scattering by a dielectric sphere are calculated in the context of the Debye series expansion of the Mie scattering amplitudes. Also, the contributions of geometrical rays are reviewed and compared with the Debye series. Interference effects between surface waves, complex waves, and geometrical waves are calculated, and the possibility of observing these interference effects is discussed. Experimental data supporting the observation of a surface wave-geometrical pattern is presented.

A voxel-based investigation for MRI-only radiotherapy of the brain using ultra short echo times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edmund, Jens M.; Kjer, Hans M.; Van Leemput, Koen; Hansen, Rasmus H.; Andersen, Jon AL; Andreasen, Daniel

2014-12-01

Radiotherapy (RT) based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the only modality, so-called MRI-only RT, would remove the systematic registration error between MR and computed tomography (CT), and provide co-registered MRI for assessment of treatment response and adaptive RT. Electron densities, however, need to be assigned to the MRI images for dose calculation and patient setup based on digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs). Here, we investigate the geometric and dosimetric performance for a number of popular voxel-based methods to generate a so-called pseudo CT (pCT). Five patients receiving cranial irradiation, each containing a co-registered MRI and CT scan, were included. An ultra short echo time MRI sequence for bone visualization was used. Six methods were investigated for three popular types of voxel-based approaches; (1) threshold-based segmentation, (2) Bayesian segmentation and (3) statistical regression. Each approach contained two methods. Approach 1 used bulk density assignment of MRI voxels into air, soft tissue and bone based on logical masks and the transverse relaxation time T2 of the bone. Approach 2 used similar bulk density assignments with Bayesian statistics including or excluding additional spatial information. Approach 3 used a statistical regression correlating MRI voxels with their corresponding CT voxels. A similar photon and proton treatment plan was generated for a target positioned between the nasal cavity and the brainstem for all patients. The CT agreement with the pCT of each method was quantified and compared with the other methods geometrically and dosimetrically using both a number of reported metrics and introducing some novel metrics. The best geometrical agreement with CT was obtained with the statistical regression methods which performed significantly better than the threshold and Bayesian segmentation methods (excluding spatial information). All methods agreed significantly better with CT than a reference water MRI comparison. The mean dosimetric deviation for photons and protons compared to the CT was about 2% and highest in the gradient dose region of the brainstem. Both the threshold based method and the statistical regression methods showed the highest dosimetrical agreement. Generation of pCTs using statistical regression seems to be the most promising candidate for MRI-only RT of the brain. Further, the total amount of different tissues needs to be taken into account for dosimetric considerations regardless of their correct geometrical position.

Network based approaches reveal clustering in protein point patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parker, Joshua; Barr, Valarie; Aldridge, Joshua; Samelson, Lawrence E.; Losert, Wolfgang

2014-03-01

Recent advances in super-resolution imaging have allowed for the sub-diffraction measurement of the spatial location of proteins on the surfaces of T-cells. The challenge is to connect these complex point patterns to the internal processes and interactions, both protein-protein and protein-membrane. We begin analyzing these patterns by forming a geometric network amongst the proteins and looking at network measures, such the degree distribution. This allows us to compare experimentally observed patterns to models. Specifically, we find that the experimental patterns differ from heterogeneous Poisson processes, highlighting an internal clustering structure. Further work will be to compare our results to simulated protein-protein interactions to determine clustering mechanisms.

An information geometric approach to least squares minimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Transtrum, Mark; Machta, Benjamin; Sethna, James

2009-03-01

Parameter estimation by nonlinear least squares minimization is a ubiquitous problem that has an elegant geometric interpretation: all possible parameter values induce a manifold embedded within the space of data. The minimization problem is then to find the point on the manifold closest to the origin. The standard algorithm for minimizing sums of squares, the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm, also has geometric meaning. When the standard algorithm fails to efficiently find accurate fits to the data, geometric considerations suggest improvements. Problems involving large numbers of parameters, such as often arise in biological contexts, are notoriously difficult. We suggest an algorithm based on geodesic motion that may offer improvements over the standard algorithm for a certain class of problems.

Geometric screening of core/shell hydrogel microcapsules using a tapered microchannel with interdigitated electrodes.

PubMed

Niu, Ye; Qi, Lin; Zhang, Fen; Zhao, Yi

2018-07-30

Core/shell hydrogel microcapsules attract increasing research attention due to their potentials in tissue engineering, food engineering, and drug delivery. Current approaches for generating core/shell hydrogel microcapsules suffer from large geometric variations. Geometrically defective core/shell microcapsules need to be removed before further use. High-throughput geometric characterization of such core/shell microcapsules is therefore necessary. In this work, a continuous-flow device was developed to measure the geometric properties of microcapsules with a hydrogel shell and an aqueous core. The microcapsules were pumped through a tapered microchannel patterned with an array of interdigitated microelectrodes. The geometric parameters (the shell thickness and the diameter) were derived from the displacement profiles of the microcapsules. The results show that this approach can successfully distinguish all unencapsulated microparticles. The geometric properties of core/shell microcapsules can be determined with high accuracy. The efficacy of this method was demonstrated through a drug releasing experiment where the optimization of the electrospray process based on geometric screening can lead to controlled and extended drug releasing profiles. This method does not require high-speed optical systems, simplifying the system configuration and making it an indeed miniaturized device. The throughput of up to 584 microcapsules per minute was achieved. This study provides a powerful tool for screening core/shell hydrogel microcapsules and is expected to facilitate the applications of these microcapsules in various fields. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Perceptual geometry of space and form: visual perception of natural scenes and their virtual representation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Assadi, Amir H.

2001-11-01

Perceptual geometry is an emerging field of interdisciplinary research whose objectives focus on study of geometry from the perspective of visual perception, and in turn, apply such geometric findings to the ecological study of vision. Perceptual geometry attempts to answer fundamental questions in perception of form and representation of space through synthesis of cognitive and biological theories of visual perception with geometric theories of the physical world. Perception of form and space are among fundamental problems in vision science. In recent cognitive and computational models of human perception, natural scenes are used systematically as preferred visual stimuli. Among key problems in perception of form and space, we have examined perception of geometry of natural surfaces and curves, e.g. as in the observer's environment. Besides a systematic mathematical foundation for a remarkably general framework, the advantages of the Gestalt theory of natural surfaces include a concrete computational approach to simulate or recreate images whose geometric invariants and quantities might be perceived and estimated by an observer. The latter is at the very foundation of understanding the nature of perception of space and form, and the (computer graphics) problem of rendering scenes to visually invoke virtual presence.

The Thin Border between Light and Shadow

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guglielmino, M.; Gratton, L. M.; Oss, S.

2010-01-01

We propose a simple, direct estimate of the Sun's diameter based on penumbra observation and measurement in a two-level approach, the first for middle-school pupils and making use of simple geometrical arguments, the second more appropriate to high-school students and based on a slightly more sophisticated approach. (Contains 5 figures.)

Bioinspired Surface Treatments for Improved Decontamination: Icephobic Surfaces

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-26

standing droplets of water (left) and methyl salicylate (right) immediately following liquid application (top) and 5 min after liquid application...average of nine measurements for each liquid ). Geometric surface energy was calculated based on the water and ethylene glycol interactions using software...supporting platform angle was gradually increased up to 60°. Sliding angles for each of the liquids were identified as the angle for which movement

Method for deploying and recovering a wave energy converter

DOEpatents

Mundon, Timothy R

2017-05-23

A system for transporting a buoy and a heave plate. The system includes a buoy and a heave plate. An outer surface of the buoy has a first geometrical shape. A surface of the heave plate has a geometrical shape complementary to the first geometrical shape of the buoy. The complementary shapes of the buoy and the heave plate facilitate coupling of the heave plate to the outer surface of the buoy in a transport mode.

A Multiscale Model for Virus Capsid Dynamics

PubMed Central

Chen, Changjun; Saxena, Rishu; Wei, Guo-Wei

2010-01-01

Viruses are infectious agents that can cause epidemics and pandemics. The understanding of virus formation, evolution, stability, and interaction with host cells is of great importance to the scientific community and public health. Typically, a virus complex in association with its aquatic environment poses a fabulous challenge to theoretical description and prediction. In this work, we propose a differential geometry-based multiscale paradigm to model complex biomolecule systems. In our approach, the differential geometry theory of surfaces and geometric measure theory are employed as a natural means to couple the macroscopic continuum domain of the fluid mechanical description of the aquatic environment from the microscopic discrete domain of the atomistic description of the biomolecule. A multiscale action functional is constructed as a unified framework to derive the governing equations for the dynamics of different scales. We show that the classical Navier-Stokes equation for the fluid dynamics and Newton's equation for the molecular dynamics can be derived from the least action principle. These equations are coupled through the continuum-discrete interface whose dynamics is governed by potential driven geometric flows. PMID:20224756

Computational theory of line drawing interpretation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witkin, A. P.

1981-01-01

The recovery of the three dimensional structure of visible surfaces depicted in an image by emphasizing the role of geometric cues present in line drawings, was studied. Three key components are line classification, line interpretation, and surface interpolation. A model for three dimensional line interpretation and surface orientation was refined and a theory for the recovery of surface shape from surface marking geometry was developed. A new approach to the classification of edges was developed and implemented signatures were deduced for each of several edge types, expressed in terms of correlational properties of the image intensities in the vicinity of the edge. A computer program was developed that evaluates image edges as compared with these prototype signatures.

Global geometric torsion estimation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PubMed

Kadoury, Samuel; Shen, Jesse; Parent, Stefan

2014-04-01

Several attempts have been made to measure geometrical torsion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and quantify the three-dimensional (3D) deformation of the spine. However, these approaches are sensitive to imprecisions in the 3D modeling of the anatomy and can only capture the effect locally at the vertebrae, ignoring the global effect at the regional level and thus have never been widely used to follow the progression of a deformity. The goal of this work was to evaluate the relevance of a novel geometric torsion descriptor based on a parametric modeling of the spinal curve as a 3D index of scoliosis. First, an image-based approach anchored on prior statistical distributions is used to reconstruct the spine in 3D from biplanar X-rays. Geometric torsion measuring the twisting effect of the spine is then estimated using a technique that approximates local arc-lengths with parametric curve fitting centered at the neutral vertebra in different spinal regions. We first evaluated the method with simulated experiments, demonstrating the method's robustness toward added noise and reconstruction inaccuracies. A pilot study involving 65 scoliotic patients exhibiting different types of deformities was also conducted. Results show the method is able to discriminate between different types of deformation based on this novel 3D index evaluated in the main thoracic and thoracolumbar/lumbar regions. This demonstrates that geometric torsion modeled by parametric spinal curve fitting is a robust tool that can be used to quantify the 3D deformation of AIS and possibly exploited as an index to classify the 3D shape.

Simplified and refined finite element approaches for determining stresses and internal forces in geometrically nonlinear structural analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, J. C.

1979-01-01

Two methods for determining stresses and internal forces in geometrically nonlinear structural analysis are presented. The simplified approach uses the mid-deformed structural position to evaluate strains when rigid body rotation is present. The important feature of this approach is that it can easily be used with a general-purpose finite-element computer program. The refined approach uses element intrinsic or corotational coordinates and a geometric transformation to determine element strains from joint displacements. Results are presented which demonstrate the capabilities of these potentially useful approaches for geometrically nonlinear structural analysis.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Esfahani, M. Nasr; Yilmaz, M.; Sonne, M. R.

The trend towards nanomechanical resonator sensors with increasing sensitivity raises the need to address challenges encountered in the modeling of their mechanical behavior. Selecting the best approach in mechanical response modeling amongst the various potential computational solid mechanics methods is subject to controversy. A guideline for the selection of the appropriate approach for a specific set of geometry and mechanical properties is needed. In this study, geometrical limitations in frequency response modeling of flexural nanomechanical resonators are investigated. Deviation of Euler and Timoshenko beam theories from numerical techniques including finite element modeling and Surface Cauchy-Born technique are studied. The resultsmore » provide a limit beyond which surface energy contribution dominates the mechanical behavior. Using the Surface Cauchy-Born technique as the reference, a maximum error on the order of 50 % is reported for high-aspect ratio resonators.« less

Empirical Measurement and Model Validation of Infrared Spectra of Contaminated Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Archer, Sean

The goal of this thesis was to validate predicted infrared spectra of liquid contaminated surfaces from a micro-scale bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) model through the use of empirical measurement. Liquid contaminated surfaces generally require more sophisticated radiometric modeling to numerically describe surface properties. The Digital Image and Remote Sensing Image Generation (DIRSIG) model utilizes radiative transfer modeling to generate synthetic imagery for a variety of applications. Aside from DIRSIG, a micro-scale model known as microDIRSIG has been developed as a rigorous ray tracing physics-based model that could predict the BRDF of geometric surfaces that are defined as micron to millimeter resolution facets. The model offers an extension from the conventional BRDF models by allowing contaminants to be added as geometric objects to a micro-facet surface. This model was validated through the use of Fourier transform infrared spectrometer measurements. A total of 18 different substrate and contaminant combinations were measured and compared against modeled outputs. The substrates used in this experiment were wood and aluminum that contained three different paint finishes. The paint finishes included no paint, Krylon ultra-flat black, and Krylon glossy black. A silicon based oil (SF96) was measured out and applied to each surface to create three different contamination cases for each surface. Radiance in the longwave infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum was measured by a Design and Prototypes (D&P) Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and a Physical Sciences Inc. Adaptive Infrared Imaging Spectroradiometer (AIRIS). The model outputs were compared against the measurements quantitatively in both the emissivity and radiance domains. A temperature emissivity separation (TES) algorithm had to be applied to the measured radiance spectra for comparison with the microDIRSIG predicted emissivity spectra. The model predicted emissivity spectra was also forward modeled through a DIRSIG simulation for comparisons to the radiance measurements. The results showed a promising agreement for homogeneous surfaces with liquid contamination that could be well characterized geometrically. Limitations arose in substrates that were modeled as homogeneous surfaces, but had spatially varying artifacts due to uncertainties with contaminant and surface interactions. There is high desire for accurate physics based modeling of liquid contaminated surfaces and this validation framework may be extended to include a wider array of samples for more realistic natural surfaces that are often found in real world scenarios.

Electrostatics in protein–protein docking

PubMed Central

Heifetz, Alexander; Katchalski-Katzir, Ephraim; Eisenstein, Miriam

2002-01-01

A novel geometric-electrostatic docking algorithm is presented, which tests and quantifies the electrostatic complementarity of the molecular surfaces together with the shape complementarity. We represent each molecule to be docked as a grid of complex numbers, storing information regarding the shape of the molecule in the real part and information regarding the electrostatic character of the molecule in the imaginary part. The electrostatic descriptors are derived from the electrostatic potential of the molecule. Thus, the electrostatic character of the molecule is represented as patches of positive, neutral, or negative values. The potential for each molecule is calculated only once and stored as potential spheres adequate for exhaustive rotation/translation scans. The geometric-electrostatic docking algorithm is applied to 17 systems, starting form the structures of the unbound molecules. The results—in terms of the complementarity scores of the nearly correct solutions, their ranking in the lists of sorted solutions, and their statistical uniqueness—are compared with those of geometric docking, showing that the inclusion of electrostatic complementarity in docking is very important, in particular in docking of unbound structures. Based on our results, we formulate several "good electrostatic docking rules": The geometric-electrostatic docking procedure is more successful than geometric docking when the potential patches are large and when the potential extends away from the molecular surface and protrudes into the solvent. In contrast, geometric docking is recommended when the electrostatic potential around the molecules to be docked appears homogenous, that is, with a similar sign all around the molecule. PMID:11847280

Ducting arrangement for cooling a gas turbine structure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Ching-Pang; Morrison, Jay A.

2015-07-21

A ducting arrangement (10) for a can annular gas turbine engine, including: a duct (12, 14) disposed between a combustor (16) and a first row of turbine blades and defining a hot gas path (30) therein, the duct (12, 14) having raised geometric features (54) incorporated into an outer surface (80); and a flow sleeve (72) defining a cooling flow path (84) between an inner surface (78) of the flow sleeve (72) and the duct outer surface (80). After a cooling fluid (86) traverses a relatively upstream raised geometric feature (90), the inner surface (78) of the flow sleeve (72)more » is effective to direct the cooling fluid (86) toward a landing (94) separating the relatively upstream raised geometric feature (90) from a relatively downstream raised geometric feature (94).« less

Direct k-space imaging of Mahan cones at clean and Bi-covered Cu(111) surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winkelmann, Aimo; Akin Ünal, A.; Tusche, Christian; Ellguth, Martin; Chiang, Cheng-Tien; Kirschner, Jürgen

2012-08-01

Using a specifically tailored experimental approach, we revisit the exemplary effect of photoemission from quasi-free electronic states in crystals. Applying a momentum microscope, we measure photoelectron momentum patterns emitted into the complete half-space above the sample after excitation from a linearly polarized laser light source. By the application of a fully three-dimensional (3D) geometrical model of direct optical transitions, we explain the characteristic intensity distributions that are formed by the photoelectrons in k-space under the combination of energy conservation and crystal momentum conservation in the 3D bulk as well as at the two-dimensional (2D) surface. For bismuth surface alloys on Cu(111), the energy-resolved photoelectron momentum patterns allow us to identify specific emission processes in which bulk excited electrons are subsequently diffracted by an atomic 2D surface grating. The polarization dependence of the observed intensity features in momentum space is explained based on the different relative orientations of characteristic reciprocal space directions with respect to the electric field vector of the incident light.

Short-Range-Order for fcc-based Binary Alloys Revisited from Microscopic Geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuge, Koretaka

2018-04-01

Short-range order (SRO) in disordered alloys is typically interpreted as competition between chemical effect of negative (or positive) energy gain by mixing constituent elements and geometric effects comes from difference in effective atomic radius. Although we have a number of theoretical approaches to quantitatively estimate SRO at given temperatures, it is still unclear to systematically understand trends in SRO for binary alloys in terms of geometric character, e.g., effective atomic radius for constituents. Since chemical effect plays significant role on SRO, it has been believed that purely geometric character cannot capture the SRO trends. Despite these considerations, based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculations on fcc-based 28 equiatomic binary alloys, we find that while conventional Goldschmidt or DFT-based atomic radius for constituents have no significant correlation with SRO, atomic radius for specially selected structure, constructed purely from information about underlying lattice, can successfully capture the magnitude of SRO. These facts strongly indicate that purely geometric information of the system plays central role to determine characteristic disordered structure.

Improving automated 3D reconstruction methods via vision metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toschi, Isabella; Nocerino, Erica; Hess, Mona; Menna, Fabio; Sargeant, Ben; MacDonald, Lindsay; Remondino, Fabio; Robson, Stuart

2015-05-01

This paper aims to provide a procedure for improving automated 3D reconstruction methods via vision metrology. The 3D reconstruction problem is generally addressed using two different approaches. On the one hand, vision metrology (VM) systems try to accurately derive 3D coordinates of few sparse object points for industrial measurement and inspection applications; on the other, recent dense image matching (DIM) algorithms are designed to produce dense point clouds for surface representations and analyses. This paper strives to demonstrate a step towards narrowing the gap between traditional VM and DIM approaches. Efforts are therefore intended to (i) test the metric performance of the automated photogrammetric 3D reconstruction procedure, (ii) enhance the accuracy of the final results and (iii) obtain statistical indicators of the quality achieved in the orientation step. VM tools are exploited to integrate their main functionalities (centroid measurement, photogrammetric network adjustment, precision assessment, etc.) into the pipeline of 3D dense reconstruction. Finally, geometric analyses and accuracy evaluations are performed on the raw output of the matching (i.e. the point clouds) by adopting a metrological approach. The latter is based on the use of known geometric shapes and quality parameters derived from VDI/VDE guidelines. Tests are carried out by imaging the calibrated Portable Metric Test Object, designed and built at University College London (UCL), UK. It allows assessment of the performance of the image orientation and matching procedures within a typical industrial scenario, characterised by poor texture and known 3D/2D shapes.

Geometric modeling of Plateau borders using the orthographic projection method for closed cell rigid polyurethane foam thermal conductivity prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jie; Wu, Tao; Peng, Chuang; Adegbite, Stephen

2017-09-01

The geometric Plateau border model for closed cell polyurethane foam was developed based on volume integrations of approximated 3D four-cusp hypocycloid structure. The tetrahedral structure of convex struts was orthogonally projected into 2D three-cusp deltoid with three central cylinders. The idealized single unit strut was modeled by superposition. The volume of each component was calculated by geometric analyses. The strut solid fraction f s and foam porosity coefficient δ were calculated based on representative elementary volume of Kelvin and Weaire-Phelan structures. The specific surface area Sv derived respectively from packing structures and deltoid approximation model were put into contrast against strut dimensional ratio ɛ. The characteristic foam parameters obtained from this semi-empirical model were further employed to predict foam thermal conductivity.

Nonthermal and geometric effects on the symmetric and anti-symmetric surface waves in a Lorentzian dusty plasma slab

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Myoung-Jae; Jung, Young-Dae, E-mail: ydjung@hanyang.ac.kr; Department of Applied Physics and Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Kyunggi-Do 426-791

2015-02-15

The nonthermal and geometric effects on the propagation of the surface dust acoustic waves are investigated in a Lorentzian dusty plasma slab. The symmetric and anti-symmetric dispersion modes of the dust acoustic waves are obtained by the plasma dielectric function with the spectral reflection conditions the slab geometry. The variation of the nonthermal and geometric effects on the symmetric and the anti-symmetric modes of the surface plasma waves is also discussed.

Department of Defense Strategy to Support Multi-Agency Bat Conservation Initiative within the State of Utah

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-28

Range, and Section are entered. Datum: Geometric reference surface. Original Site Location datum is defined by user’s map datum; e.g. NAD27...Section are entered. Datum: Geometric reference surface. Original Site Location datum is defined by user’s map datum; e.g. NAD27 Conus or NAD83...Calculated and recorded automatically if the fields UTM_N and UTM_E or Township, Range, and Section are entered. 41 Datum: Geometric reference surface

Practical quality control tools for curves and surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Small, Scott G.

1992-01-01

Curves (geometry) and surfaces created by Computer Aided Geometric Design systems in the engineering environment must satisfy two basic quality criteria: the geometric shape must have the desired engineering properties; and the objects must be parameterized in a way which does not cause computational difficulty for geometric processing and engineering analysis. Interactive techniques are described which are in use at Boeing to evaluate the quality of aircraft geometry prior to Computational Fluid Dynamic analysis, including newly developed methods for examining surface parameterization and its effects.

Inherent Structure versus Geometric Metric for State Space Discretization

PubMed Central

Liu, Hanzhong; Li, Minghai; Fan, Jue; Huo, Shuanghong

2016-01-01

Inherent structure (IS) and geometry-based clustering methods are commonly used for analyzing molecular dynamics trajectories. ISs are obtained by minimizing the sampled conformations into local minima on potential/effective energy surface. The conformations that are minimized into the same energy basin belong to one cluster. We investigate the influence of the applications of these two methods of trajectory decomposition on our understanding of the thermodynamics and kinetics of alanine tetrapeptide. We find that at the micro cluster level, the IS approach and root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) based clustering method give totally different results. Depending on the local features of energy landscape, the conformations with close RMSDs can be minimized into different minima, while the conformations with large RMSDs could be minimized into the same basin. However, the relaxation timescales calculated based on the transition matrices built from the micro clusters are similar. The discrepancy at the micro cluster level leads to different macro clusters. Although the dynamic models established through both clustering methods are validated approximately Markovian, the IS approach seems to give a meaningful state space discretization at the macro cluster level. PMID:26915811

Geometric metasurface enabling polarization independent beam splitting.

PubMed

Yoon, Gwanho; Lee, Dasol; Nam, Ki Tae; Rho, Junsuk

2018-06-21

A polarization independent holographic beam splitter that generates equal-intensity beams based on geometric metasurface is demonstrated. Although conventional geometric metasurfaces have the advantages of working over a broad frequency range and having intuitive design principles, geometric metasurfaces have the limitation that they only work for circular polarization. In this work, Fourier holography is used to overcome this limitation. A perfect overlap resulting from the origin-symmetry of the encoded image enables polarization independent operation of geometric metasurfaces. The designed metasurface beam splitter is experimentally demonstrated by using hydrogenated amorphous silicon, and the device performs consistent beam splitting regardless of incident polarizations as well as wavelengths. Our device can be applied to generate equal-intensity beams for entangled photon light sources in quantum optics, and the design approach provides a way to develop ultra-thin broadband polarization independent components for modern optics.

Update: Advancement of Contact Dynamics Modeling for Human Spaceflight Simulation Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brain, Thomas A.; Kovel, Erik B.; MacLean, John R.; Quiocho, Leslie J.

2017-01-01

Pong is a new software tool developed at the NASA Johnson Space Center that advances interference-based geometric contact dynamics based on 3D graphics models. The Pong software consists of three parts: a set of scripts to extract geometric data from 3D graphics models, a contact dynamics engine that provides collision detection and force calculations based on the extracted geometric data, and a set of scripts for visualizing the dynamics response with the 3D graphics models. The contact dynamics engine can be linked with an external multibody dynamics engine to provide an integrated multibody contact dynamics simulation. This paper provides a detailed overview of Pong including the overall approach and modeling capabilities, which encompasses force generation from contact primitives and friction to computational performance. Two specific Pong-based examples of International Space Station applications are discussed, and the related verification and validation using this new tool are also addressed.

Investigation of tidal displacements of the Earth's surface by laser ranging to GEOS-3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bower, D. R.; Halpenny, J.; Paul, M. K.; Lambert, A.

1980-01-01

An analysis of laser ranging data from three stations was carried out in an attempt to measure the geometric Earth tide. Two different approaches to the problem were investigated. The dynamic method computes pass to pass apparent movements in stations height relative to short arcs fitted to several passes of data from the same station by the program GEODYNE. The quasi-geometric method reduces the dependence on unmodelled satellite dynamics to a knowledge of only the radial position of the satellite by considering two station simultaneous ranging at the precise time that the satellite passes through the plane defined by two stations and the center of mass of the Earth.

Geometric Phase of a Transported Oscillator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dittirich, W.

2004-02-25

An oscillator constrained to a plane that is transported along some surface will rotate by an angle dependent only on the path and the surface, not on the speed at which it is transported. This is thus an example of a geometric phase. We analyze this phase using the methods of parallel transport. This concept plays a key role in General Relativity, but it can also be applied in classical mechanics. The Foucault pendulum can be seen as an application of this analysis, where the surface is a sphere and the curve is a line of constant latitude. In viewmore » of some considerable confusion and erroneous treatments in the recent literature, we here present a rather simple way for visualizing the motion of the Foucault pendulum using concepts that are based on Frenet's formulae and the methods of parallel displacement.« less

The Influence of Parameters on the Generatrix of the Helicoid Form Guide of Geokhod Bar Working Body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aksenov, Vladimir; Sadovets, Vladimir; Pashkov, Dmitriy

2017-11-01

Influence of geometrical parameters of generatrix of helicoid on a guide of geokhod bar working body is proved in article. The relevance of the conducted research is considered and proved. General characteristics of the geokhod are presented. Features of geokhod working body, in particular formation of irregular shape of a surface of a face and working body are formulated and also it is told that at screw movement of geokhod working body of a face, points of working body will be formed a helicoid (screw) surface of a face. For establishing of die goals and objectives of research general geometrical parameters of generatrix is marked and justified which treat length of generatrix, width of generatrix of helicoid. pitch of hehcoid and it's form. Forms of guides of geokhod bar working body based on basis parameters of geokhod and accepted general geometrical parameters of geokhod working body are received and presented. In virtue of the conducted research the dependence of a form of a guide of bar on general geometrical parameters of helicoid is defined and also basis parameters of hehcoid in influencing a form of guide of working body.

A Wafer-Bonded, Floating Element Shear-Stress Sensor Using a Geometric Moire Optical Transduction Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horowitz, Stephen; Chen, Tai-An; Chandrasekaran, Venkataraman; Tedjojuwono, Ken; Cattafesta, Louis; Nishida, Toshikazu; Sheplak, Mark

2004-01-01

This paper presents a geometric Moir optical-based floating-element shear stress sensor for wind tunnel turbulence measurements. The sensor was fabricated using an aligned wafer-bond/thin-back process producing optical gratings on the backside of a floating element and on the top surface of the support wafer. Measured results indicate a static sensitivity of 0.26 microns/Pa, a resonant frequency of 1.7 kHz, and a noise floor of 6.2 mPa/(square root)Hz.

Floating-point geometry: toward guaranteed geometric computations with approximate arithmetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bajard, Jean-Claude; Langlois, Philippe; Michelucci, Dominique; Morin, Géraldine; Revol, Nathalie

2008-08-01

Geometric computations can fail because of inconsistencies due to floating-point inaccuracy. For instance, the computed intersection point between two curves does not lie on the curves: it is unavoidable when the intersection point coordinates are non rational, and thus not representable using floating-point arithmetic. A popular heuristic approach tests equalities and nullities up to a tolerance ɛ. But transitivity of equality is lost: we can have A approx B and B approx C, but A not approx C (where A approx B means ||A - B|| < ɛ for A,B two floating-point values). Interval arithmetic is another, self-validated, alternative; the difficulty is to limit the swell of the width of intervals with computations. Unfortunately interval arithmetic cannot decide equality nor nullity, even in cases where it is decidable by other means. A new approach, developed in this paper, consists in modifying the geometric problems and algorithms, to account for the undecidability of the equality test and unavoidable inaccuracy. In particular, all curves come with a non-zero thickness, so two curves (generically) cut in a region with non-zero area, an inner and outer representation of which is computable. This last approach no more assumes that an equality or nullity test is available. The question which arises is: which geometric problems can still be solved with this last approach, and which cannot? This paper begins with the description of some cases where every known arithmetic fails in practice. Then, for each arithmetic, some properties of the problems they can solve are given. We end this work by proposing the bases of a new approach which aims to fulfill the geometric computations requirements.

An algorithm for converting a virtual-bond chain into a complete polypeptide backbone chain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luo, N.; Shibata, M.; Rein, R.

1991-01-01

A systematic analysis is presented of the algorithm for converting a virtual-bond chain, defined by the coordinates of the alpha-carbons of a given protein, into a complete polypeptide backbone. An alternative algorithm, based upon the same set of geometric parameters used in the Purisima-Scheraga algorithm but with a different "linkage map" of the algorithmic procedures, is proposed. The global virtual-bond chain geometric constraints are more easily separable from the loal peptide geometric and energetic constraints derived from, for example, the Ramachandran criterion, within the framework of this approach.

High-Fidelity Geometric Modeling and Mesh Generation for Mechanics Characterization of Polycrystalline Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-26

From the parameterization results, we extract adaptive and anisotropic T-meshes for the further T- spline surface construction. Finally, a gradient flow...field-based method [7, 12] to generate adaptive and anisotropic quadrilateral meshes, which can be used as the control mesh for high-order T- spline ...parameterization results, we extract adaptive and anisotropic T-meshes for the further T- spline surface construction. Finally, a gradient flow-based

A Novel Approach for Weed Type Classification Based on Shape Descriptors and a Fuzzy Decision-Making Method

PubMed Central

Herrera, Pedro Javier; Dorado, José.; Ribeiro, Ángela.

2014-01-01

An important objective in weed management is the discrimination between grasses (monocots) and broad-leaved weeds (dicots), because these two weed groups can be appropriately controlled by specific herbicides. In fact, efficiency is higher if selective treatment is performed for each type of infestation instead of using a broadcast herbicide on the whole surface. This work proposes a strategy where weeds are characterised by a set of shape descriptors (the seven Hu moments and six geometric shape descriptors). Weeds appear in outdoor field images which display real situations obtained from a RGB camera. Thus, images present a mixture of both weed species under varying conditions of lighting. In the presented approach, four decision-making methods were adapted to use the best shape descriptors as attributes and a choice was taken. This proposal establishes a novel methodology with a high success rate in weed species discrimination. PMID:25195854

Using Nonprinciple Rays to Form Images in Geometrical Optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marx, Jeff; Mian, Shabbir

2015-11-01

Constructing ray diagrams to locate the image of an object formed by thin lenses and mirrors is a staple of many introductory physics courses at the high school and college levels, and has been the subject of some pedagogy-related articles. Our review of textbooks distributed in the United States suggests that the singular approach involves drawing principle rays to locate an object's image. We were pleasantly surprised to read an article in this journal by Suppapittayaporn et al. in which they use an alternative method to construct rays for thin lenses based on a "tilted principle axis" (TPA). In particular, we were struck by the generality of the approach (a single rule for tracing rays as compared to the typical two or three rules), and how it could help students more easily tackle challenging situations, such as multi-lens systems and occluded lenses, where image construction using principle rays may be impractical. In this paper, we provide simple "proofs" for this alternative approach for the case of thin lenses and single refracting surfaces.

Structured Overlapping Grid Simulations of Contra-rotating Open Rotor Noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Housman, Jeffrey A.; Kiris, Cetin C.

2015-01-01

Computational simulations using structured overlapping grids with the Launch Ascent and Vehicle Aerodynamics (LAVA) solver framework are presented for predicting tonal noise generated by a contra-rotating open rotor (CROR) propulsion system. A coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Computational AeroAcoustics (CAA) numerical approach is applied. Three-dimensional time-accurate hybrid Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes/Large Eddy Simulation (RANS/LES) CFD simulations are performed in the inertial frame, including dynamic moving grids, using a higher-order accurate finite difference discretization on structured overlapping grids. A higher-order accurate free-stream preserving metric discretization with discrete enforcement of the Geometric Conservation Law (GCL) on moving curvilinear grids is used to create an accurate, efficient, and stable numerical scheme. The aeroacoustic analysis is based on a permeable surface Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) approach, evaluated in the frequency domain. A time-step sensitivity study was performed using only the forward row of blades to determine an adequate time-step. The numerical approach is validated against existing wind tunnel measurements.

Modeling and Calibration of a Novel One-Mirror Galvanometric Laser Scanner

PubMed Central

Yu, Chengyi; Chen, Xiaobo; Xi, Juntong

2017-01-01

A laser stripe sensor has limited application when a point cloud of geometric samples on the surface of the object needs to be collected, so a galvanometric laser scanner is designed by using a one-mirror galvanometer element as its mechanical device to drive the laser stripe to sweep along the object. A novel mathematical model is derived for the proposed galvanometer laser scanner without any position assumptions and then a model-driven calibration procedure is proposed. Compared with available model-driven approaches, the influence of machining and assembly errors is considered in the proposed model. Meanwhile, a plane-constraint-based approach is proposed to extract a large number of calibration points effectively and accurately to calibrate the galvanometric laser scanner. Repeatability and accuracy of the galvanometric laser scanner are evaluated on the automobile production line to verify the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed calibration method. Experimental results show that the proposed calibration approach yields similar measurement performance compared with a look-up table calibration method. PMID:28098844

Discrete bivariate population balance modelling of heteroaggregation processes.

PubMed

Rollié, Sascha; Briesen, Heiko; Sundmacher, Kai

2009-08-15

Heteroaggregation in binary particle mixtures was simulated with a discrete population balance model in terms of two internal coordinates describing the particle properties. The considered particle species are of different size and zeta-potential. Property space is reduced with a semi-heuristic approach to enable an efficient solution. Aggregation rates are based on deterministic models for Brownian motion and stability, under consideration of DLVO interaction potentials. A charge-balance kernel is presented, relating the electrostatic surface potential to the property space by a simple charge balance. Parameter sensitivity with respect to the fractal dimension, aggregate size, hydrodynamic correction, ionic strength and absolute particle concentration was assessed. Results were compared to simulations with the literature kernel based on geometric coverage effects for clusters with heterogeneous surface properties. In both cases electrostatic phenomena, which dominate the aggregation process, show identical trends: impeded cluster-cluster aggregation at low particle mixing ratio (1:1), restabilisation at high mixing ratios (100:1) and formation of complex clusters for intermediate ratios (10:1). The particle mixing ratio controls the surface coverage extent of the larger particle species. Simulation results are compared to experimental flow cytometric data and show very satisfactory agreement.

The dynamic monitoring of warm-water discharge based on the airborne high-resolution thermal infrared remote sensing data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Honglan; Xie, Feng; Liu, Chengyu; Liu, Zhihui; Zhang, Changxing; Yang, Gui; Wang, Jianyu

2016-04-01

The cooling water discharged from the coastal plants flow into the sea continuously, whose temperature is higher than original sea surface temperature (SST). The fact will have non-negligible influence on the marine environment in and around where the plants site. Hence, it's significant to monitor the temporal and spatial variation of the warm-water discharge for the assessment of the effect of the plant on its surrounding marine environment. The paper describes an approach for the dynamic monitoring of the warm-water discharge of coastal plants based on the airborne high-resolution thermal infrared remote sensing technology. Firstly, the geometric correction was carried out for the thermal infrared remote sensing images acquired on the aircraft. Secondly, the atmospheric correction method was used to retrieve the sea surface temperature of the images. Thirdly, the temperature-rising districts caused by the warm-water discharge were extracted. Lastly, the temporal and spatial variations of the warm-water discharge were analyzed through the geographic information system (GIS) technology. The approach was applied to Qinshan nuclear power plant (NPP), in Zhejiang Province, China. In considering with the tide states, the diffusion, distribution and temperature-rising values of the warm-water discharged from the plant were calculated and analyzed, which are useful to the marine environment assessment.

AlphaSpace: Fragment-Centric Topographical Mapping To Target Protein–Protein Interaction Interfaces

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Inhibition of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) is emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy despite the difficulty in targeting such interfaces with drug-like small molecules. PPIs generally feature large and flat binding surfaces as compared to typical drug targets. These features pose a challenge for structural characterization of the surface using geometry-based pocket-detection methods. An attractive mapping strategy—that builds on the principles of fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD)—is to detect the fragment-centric modularity at the protein surface and then characterize the large PPI interface as a set of localized, fragment-targetable interaction regions. Here, we introduce AlphaSpace, a computational analysis tool designed for fragment-centric topographical mapping (FCTM) of PPI interfaces. Our approach uses the alpha sphere construct, a geometric feature of a protein’s Voronoi diagram, to map out concave interaction space at the protein surface. We introduce two new features—alpha-atom and alpha-space—and the concept of the alpha-atom/alpha-space pair to rank pockets for fragment-targetability and to facilitate the evaluation of pocket/fragment complementarity. The resulting high-resolution interfacial map of targetable pocket space can be used to guide the rational design and optimization of small molecule or biomimetic PPI inhibitors. PMID:26225450

Spherical Harmonic-based Random Fields Based on Real Particle 3D Data: Improved Numerical Algorithm and Quantitative Comparison to Real Particles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

X Liu; E Garboczi; m Grigoriu

Many parameters affect the cyclone efficiency, and these parameters can have different effects in different flow regimes. Therefore the maximum-efficiency cyclone length is a function of the specific geometry and operating conditions in use. In this study, we obtained a relationship describing the minimum particle diameter or maximum cyclone efficiency by using a theoretical approach based on cyclone geometry and fluid properties. We have compared the empirical predictions with corresponding literature data and observed good agreement. The results address the importance of fluid properties. Inlet and vortex finder cross-sections, cone-apex diameter, inlet Reynolds number and surface roughness are found tomore » be the other important parameters affecting cyclone height. The surface friction coefficient, on the other hand, is difficult to employ in the calculations.We developed a theoretical approach to find the maximum-efficiency heights for cyclones with tangential inlet and we suggested a relation for this height as a function of cyclone geometry and operating parameters. In order to generalize use of the relation, two dimensionless parameters, namely for geometric and operational variables, we defined and results were presented in graphical form such that one can calculate and enter the values of these dimensionless parameters and then can find the maximum efficiency height of his own specific cyclone.« less

Acceleration ramps along high operating speed roadways.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-11-01

Until recently, guidelines for the geometric design of acceleration lanes used for the : successful merge of an entering vehicle into a high-speed surface transportation system : through-traffic lane have been based upon concepts and vehicle characte...

Rule-based spatial modeling with diffusing, geometrically constrained molecules.

PubMed

Gruenert, Gerd; Ibrahim, Bashar; Lenser, Thorsten; Lohel, Maiko; Hinze, Thomas; Dittrich, Peter

2010-06-07

We suggest a new type of modeling approach for the coarse grained, particle-based spatial simulation of combinatorially complex chemical reaction systems. In our approach molecules possess a location in the reactor as well as an orientation and geometry, while the reactions are carried out according to a list of implicitly specified reaction rules. Because the reaction rules can contain patterns for molecules, a combinatorially complex or even infinitely sized reaction network can be defined. For our implementation (based on LAMMPS), we have chosen an already existing formalism (BioNetGen) for the implicit specification of the reaction network. This compatibility allows to import existing models easily, i.e., only additional geometry data files have to be provided. Our simulations show that the obtained dynamics can be fundamentally different from those simulations that use classical reaction-diffusion approaches like Partial Differential Equations or Gillespie-type spatial stochastic simulation. We show, for example, that the combination of combinatorial complexity and geometric effects leads to the emergence of complex self-assemblies and transportation phenomena happening faster than diffusion (using a model of molecular walkers on microtubules). When the mentioned classical simulation approaches are applied, these aspects of modeled systems cannot be observed without very special treatment. Further more, we show that the geometric information can even change the organizational structure of the reaction system. That is, a set of chemical species that can in principle form a stationary state in a Differential Equation formalism, is potentially unstable when geometry is considered, and vice versa. We conclude that our approach provides a new general framework filling a gap in between approaches with no or rigid spatial representation like Partial Differential Equations and specialized coarse-grained spatial simulation systems like those for DNA or virus capsid self-assembly.

Rule-based spatial modeling with diffusing, geometrically constrained molecules

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background We suggest a new type of modeling approach for the coarse grained, particle-based spatial simulation of combinatorially complex chemical reaction systems. In our approach molecules possess a location in the reactor as well as an orientation and geometry, while the reactions are carried out according to a list of implicitly specified reaction rules. Because the reaction rules can contain patterns for molecules, a combinatorially complex or even infinitely sized reaction network can be defined. For our implementation (based on LAMMPS), we have chosen an already existing formalism (BioNetGen) for the implicit specification of the reaction network. This compatibility allows to import existing models easily, i.e., only additional geometry data files have to be provided. Results Our simulations show that the obtained dynamics can be fundamentally different from those simulations that use classical reaction-diffusion approaches like Partial Differential Equations or Gillespie-type spatial stochastic simulation. We show, for example, that the combination of combinatorial complexity and geometric effects leads to the emergence of complex self-assemblies and transportation phenomena happening faster than diffusion (using a model of molecular walkers on microtubules). When the mentioned classical simulation approaches are applied, these aspects of modeled systems cannot be observed without very special treatment. Further more, we show that the geometric information can even change the organizational structure of the reaction system. That is, a set of chemical species that can in principle form a stationary state in a Differential Equation formalism, is potentially unstable when geometry is considered, and vice versa. Conclusions We conclude that our approach provides a new general framework filling a gap in between approaches with no or rigid spatial representation like Partial Differential Equations and specialized coarse-grained spatial simulation systems like those for DNA or virus capsid self-assembly. PMID:20529264

Graph-based geometric-iconic guide-wire tracking.

PubMed

Honnorat, Nicolas; Vaillant, Régis; Paragios, Nikos

2011-01-01

In this paper we introduce a novel hybrid graph-based approach for Guide-wire tracking. The image support is captured by steerable filters and improved through tensor voting. Then, a graphical model is considered that represents guide-wire extraction/tracking through a B-spline control-point model. Points with strong geometric interest (landmarks) are automatically determined and anchored to such a representation. Tracking is then performed through discrete MRFs that optimize the spatio-temporal positions of the control points while establishing landmark temporal correspondences. Promising results demonstrate the potentials of our method.

Undefined freeform surfaces having deterministic structure: issues of their characterization for functionality and manufacture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitehouse, David J.

2016-09-01

There is an increasing use of surfaces which have structure, an increase in the use of freeform surfaces, and most importantly an increase in the number of surfaces having both characteristics. These can be called multi-function surfaces, where more than one function is helped by the geometrical features: the structure can help one, the freeform another. Alternatively, they can be complementary to optimize a single function, but in all cases both geometries are involved. This paper examines some of the problems posed by having such disparate geometries on one surface; in particular, the methods of characterization needed to help understand the functionality and also to some extent their manufacture. This involves investigating ways of expressing how local and global geometric features of undefined freeform surfaces might influence function and how surface structure on top of or in series with the freeform affects the nature of the characterization. Some methods have been found of identifying possible strategies for tackling the characterization problem, based in part on the principles of least action and on the way that nature has solved the marriage of flexible freeform geometry and structure on surfaces.

Geometric modeling of subcellular structures, organelles, and multiprotein complexes

PubMed Central

Feng, Xin; Xia, Kelin; Tong, Yiying; Wei, Guo-Wei

2013-01-01

SUMMARY Recently, the structure, function, stability, and dynamics of subcellular structures, organelles, and multi-protein complexes have emerged as a leading interest in structural biology. Geometric modeling not only provides visualizations of shapes for large biomolecular complexes but also fills the gap between structural information and theoretical modeling, and enables the understanding of function, stability, and dynamics. This paper introduces a suite of computational tools for volumetric data processing, information extraction, surface mesh rendering, geometric measurement, and curvature estimation of biomolecular complexes. Particular emphasis is given to the modeling of cryo-electron microscopy data. Lagrangian-triangle meshes are employed for the surface presentation. On the basis of this representation, algorithms are developed for surface area and surface-enclosed volume calculation, and curvature estimation. Methods for volumetric meshing have also been presented. Because the technological development in computer science and mathematics has led to multiple choices at each stage of the geometric modeling, we discuss the rationales in the design and selection of various algorithms. Analytical models are designed to test the computational accuracy and convergence of proposed algorithms. Finally, we select a set of six cryo-electron microscopy data representing typical subcellular complexes to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithms in handling biomolecular surfaces and explore their capability of geometric characterization of binding targets. This paper offers a comprehensive protocol for the geometric modeling of subcellular structures, organelles, and multiprotein complexes. PMID:23212797

Geometric Lagrangian approach to the physical degree of freedom count in field theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Díaz, Bogar; Montesinos, Merced

2018-05-01

To circumvent some technical difficulties faced by the geometric Lagrangian approach to the physical degree of freedom count presented in the work of Díaz, Higuita, and Montesinos [J. Math. Phys. 55, 122901 (2014)] that prevent its direct implementation to field theory, in this paper, we slightly modify the geometric Lagrangian approach in such a way that its resulting version works perfectly for field theory (and for particle systems, of course). As in previous work, the current approach also allows us to directly get the Lagrangian constraints, a new Lagrangian formula for the counting of the number of physical degrees of freedom, the gauge transformations, and the number of first- and second-class constraints for any action principle based on a Lagrangian depending on the fields and their first derivatives without performing any Dirac's canonical analysis. An advantage of this approach over the previous work is that it also allows us to handle the reducibility of the constraints and to get the off-shell gauge transformations. The theoretical framework is illustrated in 3-dimensional generalized general relativity (Palatini and Witten's exotic actions), Chern-Simons theory, 4-dimensional BF theory, and 4-dimensional general relativity given by Palatini's action with a cosmological constant.

Enhancing Adhesion: Relative Merits of Different Approaches

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Penn, L. S.; Pater, R.

1996-01-01

Adhesive performance is improved mainly by manipulation of the bimaterials interface zone, which is only a few molecules thick. There are three approaches to enhancement of interfacial adhesion at the molecular level. They are 1) changing the nonchemically bonded interactions across the interface from weak ones to strong ones, 2) making the true interfacial area much larger than the simple geometric area, and 3) inducing chemical bonding between the two materials forming the interface. Our goal this summer was to question some of the built-in assumptions contained within these approaches and to determine the most promising approach, both theoretically and practically, for enhancing adhesion in NASA structures. Our computations revealed that all three of these approaches have, in theory, the potential to enhance molecular adhesion approximately ten-fold. Experiments, however, revealed that this excellent level of enhancement is not likely to be reached in practice. Each approach was found to be severely limited by practical problems. In addition, some of the built-in assumptions associated with these approaches were found to be insufficient or inadequate. The first approach, changing the nonchemically bonded interactions from weak to strong, Is an example of one containing inadequate assumptions. The extensive literature on intermolecular interactions, based on solution studies, shows that certain functional group pairs interact much more strongly than others. It has always been assumed that these data can be reliably extended to systems where only one member of the pair is in solution and the other Is contained in a solid surface. Our experiments this summer demonstrated that solution data do not adequately predict the strength of functional group interaction at the solid-liquid interface. Furthermore, the strong solvents needed to dissolve the monomers or polymers to which the functional groups of interest are attached compete successfully with the solid surface for the functional group. As a result, functional groups in solution cannot pair with the complementary groups in the solid surface, and the expected enhancement of nonchemically bonded interactions is not realized. The second approach, increasing the true interfacial area, is an example of one containing inadequate assumptions and suffering from numerous practical problems. First, practitioners have assumed that material removal, such as bead blasting or etching, increases true surface area (and therefore interfacial area) in a meaningful way. Our geometric analysis demonstrated that removal methods increase area by a factor of two at most. To increase interfacial area by an order of magnitude or more. a thin layer of high porosity must be added to the substrate surface prior to application of the adhesive phase. Consistent with this finding, we attempted to create a thin layer of rigid, highly porous glass on the surface of our smooth glass substrate by means of sol-gel technology. We were unable to surmount a wide variety of practical problems and obtained only collapsed, nonporous layers. Thus this approach, appealing in principle, would require long term development and is not promising in the near term. The third approach, inducing chemical bonding at the interface, is an example of one having neither inadequate assumptions nor insurmountable practical problems. When silicate glass is the substrate, there are only a few chemical reactions that can be successfully conducted to create these chemical bonds, and these reactions usually involve silicon-containing reagents. We compared the silazane reagents to the silane reagents and found through experiment that the silazanes react with the glass surface much more readily, and under milder conditions, than the silanes. The functional groups attached to the glass surface by silazane reactions were not able to be removed by solvent extraction, elevated temperature exposure, or mechanical action. This clearly indicates that the formation of chemical bonds at the interface is the most effective approach for enhancing molecular adhesion.

SAR Polarimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

vanZyl, Jakob J.

2012-01-01

Radar Scattering includes: Surface Characteristics, Geometric Properties, Dielectric Properties, Rough Surface Scattering, Geometrical Optics and Small Perturbation Method Solutions, Integral Equation Method, Magellan Image of Pancake Domes on Venus, Dickinson Impact Crater on Venus (Magellan), Lakes on Titan (Cassini Radar, Longitudinal Dunes on Titan (Cassini Radar), Rough Surface Scattering: Effect of Dielectric Constant, Vegetation Scattering, Effect of Soil Moisture. Polarimetric Radar includes: Principles of Polarimetry: Field Descriptions, Wave Polarizations: Geometrical Representations, Definition of Ellipse Orientation Angles, Scatter as Polarization Transformer, Scattering Matrix, Coordinate Systems, Scattering Matrix, Covariance Matrix, Pauli Basis and Coherency Matrix, Polarization Synthesis, Polarimeter Implementation.

Local digital control of power electronic converters in a dc microgrid based on a-priori derivation of switching surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Bibaswan

In power electronic basedmicrogrids, the computational requirements needed to implement an optimized online control strategy can be prohibitive. The work presented in this dissertation proposes a generalized method of derivation of geometric manifolds in a dc microgrid that is based on the a-priori computation of the optimal reactions and trajectories for classes of events in a dc microgrid. The proposed states are the stored energies in all the energy storage elements of the dc microgrid and power flowing into them. It is anticipated that calculating a large enough set of dissimilar transient scenarios will also span many scenarios not specifically used to develop the surface. These geometric manifolds will then be used as reference surfaces in any type of controller, such as a sliding mode hysteretic controller. The presence of switched power converters in microgrids involve different control actions for different system events. The control of the switch states of the converters is essential for steady state and transient operations. A digital memory look-up based controller that uses a hysteretic sliding mode control strategy is an effective technique to generate the proper switch states for the converters. An example dcmicrogrid with three dc-dc boost converters and resistive loads is considered for this work. The geometric manifolds are successfully generated for transient events, such as step changes in the loads and the sources. The surfaces corresponding to a specific case of step change in the loads are then used as reference surfaces in an EEPROM for experimentally validating the control strategy. The required switch states corresponding to this specific transient scenario are programmed in the EEPROM as a memory table. This controls the switching of the dc-dc boost converters and drives the system states to the reference manifold. In this work, it is shown that this strategy effectively controls the system for a transient condition such as step changes in the loads for the example case.

Grating-coupled surface plasmons on InSb: a versatile platform for terahertz plasmonic sensing (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talbayev, Diyar; Zhou, Jiangfeng; Lin, Shuai; Bhattarai, Khagendra

2017-05-01

Detection and identification of molecular materials based on their THz frequency vibrational resonances remains an open technological challenge. The need for such technology is illustrated by its potential uses in explosives detection (e.g., RDX) or identification of large biomolecules based on their THz-frequency vibrational fingerprints. The prevailing approaches to THz sensing often rely on a form of waveguide spectroscopy, either utilizing geometric waveguides, such as metallic parallel plate, or plasmonic waveguides made of structured metallic surfaces with sub-wavelength corrugation. The sensitivity of waveguide-based sensing devices is derived from the long (1 cm or longer) propagation and interaction distance of the THz wave with the analyte. We have demonstrated that thin InSb layers with metallic gratings can support high quality factor "true" surface plasmon (SP) resonances that can be used for THz plasmonic sensing. We find two strong SP absorption resonances in normal-incidence transmission and investigate their dispersion relations, dependence on InSb thickness, and the spatial distribution of the electric field. The sensitivity of this approach relies on the frequency shift of the SP resonance when the dielectric function changes in the immediate vicinity of the sensor, in the region of deeply sub-wavelength thickness. Our computational modeling indicates that the sensor sensitivity can exceed 0.25 THz per refractive index unit. One of the SP resonances also exhibits a splitting when tuned in resonance with a vibrational mode of an analyte, which could lead to new sensing modalities for the detection of THz vibrational features of the analyte.

Orienting proteins by nanostructured surfaces: evidence of a curvature-driven geometrical resonance.

PubMed

Messina, Grazia M L; Bocchinfuso, Gianfranco; Giamblanco, Nicoletta; Mazzuca, Claudia; Palleschi, Antonio; Marletta, Giovanni

2018-04-26

Experimental and theoretical reports have shown that nanostructured surfaces have a dramatic effect on the amount of protein adsorbed and the conformational state and, in turn, on the performances of the related devices in tissue engineering strategies. Here we report an innovative method to prepare silica-based nanostructured surfaces with a reproducible, well-defined local curvature, consisting of ordered hexagonally packed arrays of curved hemispheres, from nanoparticles of different diameters (respectively 147 nm, 235 nm and 403 nm). The nanostructured surfaces have been made chemically homogeneous by partially embedding silica nanoparticles in poly(hydroxymethylsiloxane) films, further modified by means of UV-O3 treatments. This paper has been focused on the experimental and theoretical study of laminin, taken as a model protein, to study the nanocurvature effects on the protein configuration at nanostructured surfaces. A simple model, based on the interplay of electrostatic interactions between the charged terminal domains of laminin and the nanocurved charged surfaces, closely reproduces the experimental findings. In particular, the model suggests that nanocurvature drives the orientation of rigid proteins by means of a "geometrical resonance" effect, involving the matching of dimensions, charge distribution and spatial arrangement of both adsorbed molecules and adsorbent nanostructures. Overall, the results pave the way to unravel the nanostructured surface effects on the intra- and inter-molecular organization processes of proteins.

Automatic Aircraft Collision Avoidance System and Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skoog, Mark (Inventor); Hook, Loyd (Inventor); McWherter, Shaun (Inventor); Willhite, Jaimie (Inventor)

2014-01-01

The invention is a system and method of compressing a DTM to be used in an Auto-GCAS system using a semi-regular geometric compression algorithm. In general, the invention operates by first selecting the boundaries of the three dimensional map to be compressed and dividing the three dimensional map data into regular areas. Next, a type of free-edged, flat geometric surface is selected which will be used to approximate terrain data of the three dimensional map data. The flat geometric surface is used to approximate terrain data for each regular area. The approximations are checked to determine if they fall within selected tolerances. If the approximation for a specific regular area is within specified tolerance, the data is saved for that specific regular area. If the approximation for a specific area falls outside the specified tolerances, the regular area is divided and a flat geometric surface approximation is made for each of the divided areas. This process is recursively repeated until all of the regular areas are approximated by flat geometric surfaces. Finally, the compressed three dimensional map data is provided to the automatic ground collision system for an aircraft.

Empirical equation for predicting the surface tension of some liquid metals at their melting point

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceotto, D.

2014-07-01

A new empirical equation is proposed for predicting the surface tension of some pure metals at their melting point. The investigation has been conducted adopting a statistical approach using some of the most accredited data available in literature. It is found that for Ag, Al, Au, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Pb the surface tension can be conveniently expressed in function of the latent heat of fusion and of the geometrical parameters of an ideal liquid spherical drop. The equation proposed has been compared also with the model proposed by Lu and Jiang giving satisfactory agreement for the metals considered.

A probabilistic approach to segmentation and classification of neoplasia in uterine cervix images using color and geometric features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, Yeshwanth; Hernes, Dana; Tulpule, Bhakti; Yang, Shuyu; Guo, Jiangling; Mitra, Sunanda; Yagneswaran, Sriraja; Nutter, Brian; Jeronimo, Jose; Phillips, Benny; Long, Rodney; Ferris, Daron

2005-04-01

Automated segmentation and classification of diagnostic markers in medical imagery are challenging tasks. Numerous algorithms for segmentation and classification based on statistical approaches of varying complexity are found in the literature. However, the design of an efficient and automated algorithm for precise classification of desired diagnostic markers is extremely image-specific. The National Library of Medicine (NLM), in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), is creating an archive of 60,000 digitized color images of the uterine cervix. NLM is developing tools for the analysis and dissemination of these images over the Web for the study of visual features correlated with precancerous neoplasia and cancer. To enable indexing of images of the cervix, it is essential to develop algorithms for the segmentation of regions of interest, such as acetowhitened regions, and automatic identification and classification of regions exhibiting mosaicism and punctation. Success of such algorithms depends, primarily, on the selection of relevant features representing the region of interest. We present color and geometric features based statistical classification and segmentation algorithms yielding excellent identification of the regions of interest. The distinct classification of the mosaic regions from the non-mosaic ones has been obtained by clustering multiple geometric and color features of the segmented sections using various morphological and statistical approaches. Such automated classification methodologies will facilitate content-based image retrieval from the digital archive of uterine cervix and have the potential of developing an image based screening tool for cervical cancer.

Computer Graphics Meets Image Fusion: the Power of Texture Baking to Simultaneously Visualise 3d Surface Features and Colour

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verhoeven, G. J.

2017-08-01

Since a few years, structure-from-motion and multi-view stereo pipelines have become omnipresent in the cultural heritage domain. The fact that such Image-Based Modelling (IBM) approaches are capable of providing a photo-realistic texture along the threedimensional (3D) digital surface geometry is often considered a unique selling point, certainly for those cases that aim for a visually pleasing result. However, this texture can very often also obscure the underlying geometrical details of the surface, making it very hard to assess the morphological features of the digitised artefact or scene. Instead of constantly switching between the textured and untextured version of the 3D surface model, this paper presents a new method to generate a morphology-enhanced colour texture for the 3D polymesh. The presented approach tries to overcome this switching between objects visualisations by fusing the original colour texture data with a specific depiction of the surface normals. Whether applied to the original 3D surface model or a lowresolution derivative, this newly generated texture does not solely convey the colours in a proper way but also enhances the smalland large-scale spatial and morphological features that are hard or impossible to perceive in the original textured model. In addition, the technique is very useful for low-end 3D viewers, since no additional memory and computing capacity are needed to convey relief details properly. Apart from simple visualisation purposes, the textured 3D models are now also better suited for on-surface interpretative mapping and the generation of line drawings.

3D Geo: An Alternative Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgopoulos, A.

2016-10-01

The expression GEO is mostly used to denote relation to the earth. However it should not be confined to what is related to the earth's surface, as other objects also need three dimensional representation and documentation, like cultural heritage objects. They include both tangible and intangible ones. In this paper the 3D data acquisition and 3D modelling of cultural heritage assets are briefly described and their significance is also highlighted. Moreover the organization of such information, related to monuments and artefacts, into relational data bases and its use for various purposes, other than just geometric documentation is also described and presented. In order to help the reader understand the above, several characteristic examples are presented and their methodology explained and their results evaluated.

Application of geometric approximation to the CPMG experiment: Two- and three-site exchange.

PubMed

Chao, Fa-An; Byrd, R Andrew

2017-04-01

The Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) experiment is one of the most classical and well-known relaxation dispersion experiments in NMR spectroscopy, and it has been successfully applied to characterize biologically relevant conformational dynamics in many cases. Although the data analysis of the CPMG experiment for the 2-site exchange model can be facilitated by analytical solutions, the data analysis in a more complex exchange model generally requires computationally-intensive numerical analysis. Recently, a powerful computational strategy, geometric approximation, has been proposed to provide approximate numerical solutions for the adiabatic relaxation dispersion experiments where analytical solutions are neither available nor feasible. Here, we demonstrate the general potential of geometric approximation by providing a data analysis solution of the CPMG experiment for both the traditional 2-site model and a linear 3-site exchange model. The approximate numerical solution deviates less than 0.5% from the numerical solution on average, and the new approach is computationally 60,000-fold more efficient than the numerical approach. Moreover, we find that accurate dynamic parameters can be determined in most cases, and, for a range of experimental conditions, the relaxation can be assumed to follow mono-exponential decay. The method is general and applicable to any CPMG RD experiment (e.g. N, C', C α , H α , etc.) The approach forms a foundation of building solution surfaces to analyze the CPMG experiment for different models of 3-site exchange. Thus, the geometric approximation is a general strategy to analyze relaxation dispersion data in any system (biological or chemical) if the appropriate library can be built in a physically meaningful domain. Published by Elsevier Inc.

In Vitro Drug Interaction Modeling of Combinations of Azoles with Terbinafine against Clinical Scedosporium prolificans Isolates

PubMed Central

Meletiadis, Joseph; Mouton, Johan W.; Meis, Jacques F. G. M.; Verweij, Paul E.

2003-01-01

The in vitro interaction between terbinafine and the azoles voriconazole, miconazole, and itraconazole against five clinical Scedosporium prolificans isolates after 48 and 72 h of incubation was tested by a microdilution checkerboard (eight-by-twelve) technique. The antifungal effects of the drugs alone and in combination on the fungal biomass as well as on the metabolic activity of fungi were measured using a spectrophotometric method and two colorimetric methods, based on the lowest drug concentrations showed 75 and 50% growth inhibition (MIC-1 and MIC-2, respectively). The nature and the intensity of the interactions were assessed using a nonparametric approach (fractional inhibitory concentration [FIC] index model) and a fully parametric response surface approach (Greco model) of the Loewe additivity (LA) no-interaction theory as well as a nonparametric (Prichard model) and a semiparametric response surface approaches of the Bliss independence (BI) no-interaction theory. Statistically significant synergy was found between each of the three azoles and terbinafine in all cases, although with different intensities. A 27- to 64-fold and 16- to 90-fold reduction of the geometric mean of the azole and terbinafine MICs, respectively, was observed when they were combined, resulting in FIC indices of <1 to 0.02. Using the MIC-1 higher levels of synergy were obtained, , which were more consistent between the two incubation periods than using the MIC-2. The strongest synergy among the azoles was found with miconazole using the BI-based models and with voriconazole using the LA-based models. The synergistic effects both on fungal growth and metabolic activity were more potent after 72 h of incubation. Fully parametric approaches in combination with the modified colorimetric method might prove useful for testing the in vitro interaction of antifungal drugs against filamentous fungi. PMID:12499177

Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering: Its geometric quantification and witness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ku, Huan-Yu; Chen, Shin-Liang; Budroni, Costantino; Miranowicz, Adam; Chen, Yueh-Nan; Nori, Franco

2018-02-01

We propose a measure of quantum steerability, namely, a convex steering monotone, based on the trace distance between a given assemblage and its corresponding closest assemblage admitting a local-hidden-state (LHS) model. We provide methods to estimate such a quantity, via lower and upper bounds, based on semidefinite programming. One of these upper bounds has a clear geometrical interpretation as a linear function of rescaled Euclidean distances in the Bloch sphere between the normalized quantum states of (i) a given assemblage and (ii) an LHS assemblage. For a qubit-qubit quantum state, these ideas also allow us to visualize various steerability properties of the state in the Bloch sphere via the so-called LHS surface. In particular, some steerability properties can be obtained by comparing such an LHS surface with a corresponding quantum steering ellipsoid. Thus, we propose a witness of steerability corresponding to the difference of the volumes enclosed by these two surfaces. This witness (which reveals the steerability of a quantum state) enables one to find an optimal measurement basis, which can then be used to determine the proposed steering monotone (which describes the steerability of an assemblage) optimized over all mutually unbiased bases.

D Virtual Reconstruction of AN Urban Historical Space: a Consideration on the Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galizia, M.; Santagati, C.

2011-09-01

Urban historical spaces are often characterized by a variety of shapes, geometries, volumes, materials. Their virtual reconstruction requires a critical approach in terms of acquired data's density, timing optimization, final product's quality and slimness. The research team has focused its attention on the study on Francesco Neglia square (previously named Saint Thomas square) in Enna. This square is an urban space fronted by architectures which present historical and stylistic differences. For example you can find the Saint Thomas'church belfry (in aragounese-catalan stile dated XIV century) and the porch, the Anime Sante baroque's church (XVII century), Saint Mary of the Grace's nunnery (XVIII century) and as well as some civil buildings of minor importance built in the mid twentieth century. The research has compared two different modeling tools approaches: the first one is based on the construction of triangulated surfaces which are segmented and simplified; the second one is based on the detection of surfaces geometrical features, the extraction of the more significant profiles by using a software dedicated to the elaboration of cloud points and the subsequent mathematical reconstruction by using a 3d modelling software. The following step was aimed to process the virtual reconstruction of urban scene by assembling the single optimized models. This work highlighted the importance of the image of the operator and of its cultural contribution, essential to recognize geometries which generates surfaces in order to create high quality semantic models.

Geometrical eigen-subspace framework based molecular conformation representation for efficient structure recognition and comparison

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiao-Tian; Yang, Xiao-Bao; Zhao, Yu-Jun

2017-04-01

We have developed an extended distance matrix approach to study the molecular geometric configuration through spectral decomposition. It is shown that the positions of all atoms in the eigen-space can be specified precisely by their eigen-coordinates, while the refined atomic eigen-subspace projection array adopted in our approach is demonstrated to be a competent invariant in structure comparison. Furthermore, a visual eigen-subspace projection function (EPF) is derived to characterize the surrounding configuration of an atom naturally. A complete set of atomic EPFs constitute an intrinsic representation of molecular conformation, based on which the interatomic EPF distance and intermolecular EPF distance can be reasonably defined. Exemplified with a few cases, the intermolecular EPF distance shows exceptional rationality and efficiency in structure recognition and comparison.

Computational approach to seasonal changes of living leaves.

PubMed

Tang, Ying; Wu, Dong-Yan; Fan, Jing

2013-01-01

This paper proposes a computational approach to seasonal changes of living leaves by combining the geometric deformations and textural color changes. The geometric model of a leaf is generated by triangulating the scanned image of a leaf using an optimized mesh. The triangular mesh of the leaf is deformed by the improved mass-spring model, while the deformation is controlled by setting different mass values for the vertices on the leaf model. In order to adaptively control the deformation of different regions in the leaf, the mass values of vertices are set to be in proportion to the pixels' intensities of the corresponding user-specified grayscale mask map. The geometric deformations as well as the textural color changes of a leaf are used to simulate the seasonal changing process of leaves based on Markov chain model with different environmental parameters including temperature, humidness, and time. Experimental results show that the method successfully simulates the seasonal changes of leaves.

Bayesian comparison of protein structures using partial Procrustes distance.

PubMed

Ejlali, Nasim; Faghihi, Mohammad Reza; Sadeghi, Mehdi

2017-09-26

An important topic in bioinformatics is the protein structure alignment. Some statistical methods have been proposed for this problem, but most of them align two protein structures based on the global geometric information without considering the effect of neighbourhood in the structures. In this paper, we provide a Bayesian model to align protein structures, by considering the effect of both local and global geometric information of protein structures. Local geometric information is incorporated to the model through the partial Procrustes distance of small substructures. These substructures are composed of β-carbon atoms from the side chains. Parameters are estimated using a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach. We evaluate the performance of our model through some simulation studies. Furthermore, we apply our model to a real dataset and assess the accuracy and convergence rate. Results show that our model is much more efficient than previous approaches.

Geometric decomposition of the conformation tensor in viscoelastic turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hameduddin, Ismail; Meneveau, Charles; Zaki, Tamer A.; Gayme, Dennice F.

2018-05-01

This work introduces a mathematical approach to analysing the polymer dynamics in turbulent viscoelastic flows that uses a new geometric decomposition of the conformation tensor, along with associated scalar measures of the polymer fluctuations. The approach circumvents an inherent difficulty in traditional Reynolds decompositions of the conformation tensor: the fluctuating tensor fields are not positive-definite and so do not retain the physical meaning of the tensor. The geometric decomposition of the conformation tensor yields both mean and fluctuating tensor fields that are positive-definite. The fluctuating tensor in the present decomposition has a clear physical interpretation as a polymer deformation relative to the mean configuration. Scalar measures of this fluctuating conformation tensor are developed based on the non-Euclidean geometry of the set of positive-definite tensors. Drag-reduced viscoelastic turbulent channel flow is then used an example case study. The conformation tensor field, obtained using direct numerical simulations, is analysed using the proposed framework.

Near-field plasmonic beam engineering with complex amplitude modulation based on metasurface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Xu; Huang, Lingling; Sun, Lin; Zhang, Xiaomeng; Zhao, Ruizhe; Li, Xiaowei; Wang, Jia; Bai, Benfeng; Wang, Yongtian

2018-02-01

Metasurfaces have recently intrigued extensive interest due to their ability to locally manipulate electromagnetic waves, which provide great feasibility for tailoring both propagation waves and surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). Manipulation of SPPs with arbitrary complex fields is an important issue in integrated nanophotonics due to their capability of guiding waves with subwavelength footprints. Here, an approach with metasurfaces composed of nanoaperture arrays is proposed and experimentally demonstrated which can effectively manipulate the complex amplitude of SPPs in the near-field regime. Tailoring the azimuthal angles of individual nanoapertures and simultaneously tuning their geometric parameters, the phase and amplitude are controlled based on the Pancharatnam-Berry phases and their individual transmission coefficients. For the verification of the concept, Airy plasmons and axisymmetric Airy-SPPs are generated. The results of numerical simulations and near-field imaging are consistent with each other. Besides the rigorous simulations, we applied a 2D dipole analysis for additional analysis. This strategy of complex amplitude manipulation with metasurfaces can be used for potential applications in plasmonic beam shaping, integrated optoelectronic systems, and surface wave holography.

Structured-Light Based 3d Laser Scanning of Semi-Submerged Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Lucht, J.; Bleier, M.; Leutert, F.; Schilling, K.; Nüchter, A.

2018-05-01

In this work we look at 3D acquisition of semi-submerged structures with a triangulation based underwater laser scanning system. The motivation is that we want to simultaneously capture data above and below water to create a consistent model without any gaps. The employed structured light scanner consist of a machine vision camera and a green line laser. In order to reconstruct precise surface models of the object it is necessary to model and correct for the refraction of the laser line and camera rays at the water-air boundary. We derive a geometric model for the refraction at the air-water interface and propose a method for correcting the scans. Furthermore, we show how the water surface is directly estimated from sensor data. The approach is verified using scans captured with an industrial manipulator to achieve reproducible scanner trajectories with different incident angles. We show that the proposed method is effective for refractive correction and that it can be applied directly to the raw sensor data without requiring any external markers or targets.

Intuitionistic uncertain linguistic partitioned Bonferroni means and their application to multiple attribute decision-making

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhengmin; Liu, Peide

2017-04-01

The Bonferroni mean (BM) was originally introduced by Bonferroni and generalised by many other researchers due to its capacity to capture the interrelationship between input arguments. Nevertheless, in many situations, interrelationships do not always exist between all of the attributes. Attributes can be partitioned into several different categories and members of intra-partition are interrelated while no interrelationship exists between attributes of different partitions. In this paper, as complements to the existing generalisations of BM, we investigate the partitioned Bonferroni mean (PBM) under intuitionistic uncertain linguistic environments and develop two linguistic aggregation operators: intuitionistic uncertain linguistic partitioned Bonferroni mean (IULPBM) and its weighted form (WIULPBM). Then, motivated by the ideal of geometric mean and PBM, we further present the partitioned geometric Bonferroni mean (PGBM) and develop two linguistic geometric aggregation operators: intuitionistic uncertain linguistic partitioned geometric Bonferroni mean (IULPGBM) and its weighted form (WIULPGBM). Some properties and special cases of these proposed operators are also investigated and discussed in detail. Based on these operators, an approach for multiple attribute decision-making problems with intuitionistic uncertain linguistic information is developed. Finally, a practical example is presented to illustrate the developed approach and comparison analyses are conducted with other representative methods to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the developed approach.

Geometric state space uncertainty as a new type of uncertainty addressing disparity in ';emergent properties' between real and modeled systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montero, J. T.; Lintz, H. E.; Sharp, D.

2013-12-01

Do emergent properties that result from models of complex systems match emergent properties from real systems? This question targets a type of uncertainty that we argue requires more attention in system modeling and validation efforts. We define an ';emergent property' to be an attribute or behavior of a modeled or real system that can be surprising or unpredictable and result from complex interactions among the components of a system. For example, thresholds are common across diverse systems and scales and can represent emergent system behavior that is difficult to predict. Thresholds or other types of emergent system behavior can be characterized by their geometry in state space (where state space is the space containing the set of all states of a dynamic system). One way to expedite our growing mechanistic understanding of how emergent properties emerge from complex systems is to compare the geometry of surfaces in state space between real and modeled systems. Here, we present an index (threshold strength) that can quantify a geometric attribute of a surface in state space. We operationally define threshold strength as how strongly a surface in state space resembles a step or an abrupt transition between two system states. First, we validated the index for application in greater than three dimensions of state space using simulated data. Then, we demonstrated application of the index in measuring geometric state space uncertainty between a real system and a deterministic, modeled system. In particular, we looked at geometric space uncertainty between climate behavior in 20th century and modeled climate behavior simulated by global climate models (GCMs) in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5). Surfaces from the climate models came from running the models over the same domain as the real data. We also created response surfaces from a real, climate data based on an empirical model that produces a geometric surface of predicted values in state space. We used a kernel regression method designed to capture the geometry of real data pattern without imposing shape assumptions a priori on the data; this kernel regression method is known as Non-parametric Multiplicative Regression (NPMR). We found that quantifying and comparing a geometric attribute in more than three dimensions of state space can discern whether the emergent nature of complex interactions in modeled systems matches that of real systems. Further, this method has potentially wider application in contexts where searching for abrupt change or ';action' in any hyperspace is desired.

Current Approach in Surface Plasmons for Thin Film and Wire Array Solar Cell Applications

PubMed Central

Zhou, Keya; Guo, Zhongyi; Liu, Shutian; Lee, Jung-Ho

2015-01-01

Surface plasmons, which exist along the interface of a metal and a dielectric, have been proposed as an efficient alternative method for light trapping in solar cells during the past ten years. With unique properties such as superior light scattering, optical trapping, guide mode coupling, near field concentration, and hot-electron generation, metallic nanoparticles or nanostructures can be tailored to a certain geometric design to enhance solar cell conversion efficiency and to reduce the material costs. In this article, we review current approaches on different kinds of solar cells, such as crystalline silicon (c-Si) and amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin film solar cells, organic solar cells, nanowire array solar cells, and single nanowire solar cells. PMID:28793457

The structure of red-infrared scattergrams of semivegetated landscapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jasinski, Michael F.; Eagleson, Peter S.

1988-01-01

A physically based linear stochastic geometric canopy soil reflectance model is presented for characterizing spatial variability of semivegetated landscapes at subpixel and regional scales. Landscapes are conceptualized as stochastic geometric surfaces, incorporating not only the variability in geometric elements, but also the variability in vegetation and soil background reflectance which can be important in some scenes. The model is used to investigate several possible mechanisms which contribute to the often observed characteristic triangular shape of red-infrared scattergrams of semivegetated landscapes. Scattergrams of simulated and semivegetated scenes are analyzed with respect to the scales of the satellite pixel and subpixel components. Analysis of actual aerial radiometric data of a pecan orchard is presented in comparison with ground observations as preliminary confirmation of the theoretical results.

The structure of red-infrared scattergrams of semivegetated landscapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jasinski, Michael F.; Eagleson, Peter S.

1989-01-01

A physically based linear stochastic geometric canopy soil reflectance model is presented for characterizing spatial variability of semivegetated landscapes at subpixel and regional scales. Landscapes are conceptualized as stochastic geometric surfaces, incorporating not only the variability in geometric elements, but also the variability in vegetation and soil background reflectance which can be important in some scenes. The model is used to investigate several possible mechanisms which contribute to the often observed characteristic triangular shape of red-infrared scattergrams of semivegetated landscapes. Scattergrams of simulated semivegetated scenes are analyzed with respect to the scales of the satellite pixel and subpixel components. Analysis of actual aerial radiometric data of a pecan orchard is presented in comparison with ground observations as preliminary confirmation of the theoretical results.

Geometrically robust image watermarking by sector-shaped partitioning of geometric-invariant regions.

PubMed

Tian, Huawei; Zhao, Yao; Ni, Rongrong; Cao, Gang

2009-11-23

In a feature-based geometrically robust watermarking system, it is a challenging task to detect geometric-invariant regions (GIRs) which can survive a broad range of image processing operations. Instead of commonly used Harris detector or Mexican hat wavelet method, a more robust corner detector named multi-scale curvature product (MSCP) is adopted to extract salient features in this paper. Based on such features, disk-like GIRs are found, which consists of three steps. First, robust edge contours are extracted. Then, MSCP is utilized to detect the centers for GIRs. Third, the characteristic scale selection is performed to calculate the radius of each GIR. A novel sector-shaped partitioning method for the GIRs is designed, which can divide a GIR into several sector discs with the help of the most important corner (MIC). The watermark message is then embedded bit by bit in each sector by using Quantization Index Modulation (QIM). The GIRs and the divided sector discs are invariant to geometric transforms, so the watermarking method inherently has high robustness against geometric attacks. Experimental results show that the scheme has a better robustness against various image processing operations including common processing attacks, affine transforms, cropping, and random bending attack (RBA) than the previous approaches.

Finite element based micro-mechanics modeling of textile composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glaessgen, E. H.; Griffin, O. H., Jr.

1995-01-01

Textile composites have the advantage over laminated composites of a significantly greater damage tolerance and resistance to delamination. Currently, a disadvantage of textile composites is the inability to examine the details of the internal response of these materials under load. Traditional approaches to the study fo textile based composite materials neglect many of the geometric details that affect the performance of the material. The present three dimensional analysis, based on the representative volume element (RVE) of a plain weave, allows prediction of the internal details of displacement, strain, stress, and failure quantities. Through this analysis, the effect of geometric and material parameters on the aforementioned quantities are studied.

Emission enhancement of light-emitting diode by localized surface plasmon induced by Ag/p-GaN double grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Ruijie; Li, Zhiquan; Li, Xin; Gu, Erdan; Niu, Liyong; Sha, Xiaopeng

2018-07-01

In this paper, a new type of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) structure is designed to enhance the light emission efficiency of GaN-based LEDs. The structure mainly includes Ag grating, ITO layer and p-GaN grating. The principle of stimulating the localized surface plasmon to improve the luminous characteristics of the LED by using this structure is discussed. Based on the COMSOL software, the finite element method is used to simulate the LED structure. The normalized radiated powers, the normalized absorbed powers under different wavelength and geometric parameters, and the distribution of the electric field with the particular geometric parameters are obtained. The simulation results show that with a local ITO thickness of 32 nm, an etching depth of 29 nm, a grating period of 510 nm and a duty ratio of 0.5, the emission intensity of the designed GaN-based LED structure has increased by nearly 55 times than the ordinary LED providing a reliable foundation for the development of high-performance GaN-based LEDs.

Far-side geometrical enhancement in surface-enhanced Raman scattering with Ag plasmonic films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perera, M. Nilusha M. N.; Gibbs, W. E. Keith; Juodkazis, Saulius; Stoddart, Paul R.

2018-01-01

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a surface sensitive technique where the large increase in scattering has primarily been attributed to electromagnetic and chemical enhancements. While smaller geometrical enhancements due to thin film interference and cavity resonances have also been reported, an additional enhancement in the SERS signal, referred to as the `far-side geometrical enhancement', occurs when the SERS substrate is excited through an underlying transparent dielectric substrate. Here the far-side geometrically-enhanced SERS signal has been explored experimentally in more detail. Thermally evaporated Ag plasmonic films functionalised with thiophenol were used to study the dependence of the geometrically-enhanced SERS signal on the excitation wavelength, supporting substrate material and excitation angle of incidence. The results were interpreted using a `geometrical enhancement factor' (GEF), defined as the ratio of far-side to near-side SERS signal intensity. The experimental results confirmed that the highest GEFs of 3.2-3.5× are seen closer to the localized surface plasmon resonance peak of the Ag metallic nanostructures. Interestingly, the GEF for Ag plasmonic films deposited on glass and sapphire were the same within the measurement errors, whereas increasing angle of incidence showed a decrease in the GEF. Given this improved understanding of the far-side geometrical SERS enhancement, the potential for further signal amplification and optimisation for practical sensing applications can now be considered, especially for SERS detection modes at the farend of optical fibre probes and through process windows.

Geometric constraints in semiclassical initial value representation calculations in Cartesian coordinates: accurate reduction in zero-point energy.

PubMed

Issack, Bilkiss B; Roy, Pierre-Nicholas

2005-08-22

An approach for the inclusion of geometric constraints in semiclassical initial value representation calculations is introduced. An important aspect of the approach is that Cartesian coordinates are used throughout. We devised an algorithm for the constrained sampling of initial conditions through the use of multivariate Gaussian distribution based on a projected Hessian. We also propose an approach for the constrained evaluation of the so-called Herman-Kluk prefactor in its exact log-derivative form. Sample calculations are performed for free and constrained rare-gas trimers. The results show that the proposed approach provides an accurate evaluation of the reduction in zero-point energy. Exact basis set calculations are used to assess the accuracy of the semiclassical results. Since Cartesian coordinates are used, the approach is general and applicable to a variety of molecular and atomic systems.

Control of deviations and prediction of surface roughness from micro machining of THz waveguides using acoustic emission signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griffin, James M.; Diaz, Fernanda; Geerling, Edgar; Clasing, Matias; Ponce, Vicente; Taylor, Chris; Turner, Sam; Michael, Ernest A.; Patricio Mena, F.; Bronfman, Leonardo

2017-02-01

By using acoustic emission (AE) it is possible to control deviations and surface quality during micro milling operations. The method of micro milling is used to manufacture a submillimetre waveguide where micro machining is employed to achieve the required superior finish and geometrical tolerances. Submillimetre waveguide technology is used in deep space signal retrieval where highest detection efficiencies are needed and therefore every possible signal loss in the receiver has to be avoided and stringent tolerances achieved. With a sub-standard surface finish the signals travelling along the waveguides dissipate away faster than with perfect surfaces where the residual roughness becomes comparable with the electromagnetic skin depth. Therefore, the higher the radio frequency the more critical this becomes. The method of time-frequency analysis (STFT) is used to transfer raw AE into more meaningful salient signal features (SF). This information was then correlated against the measured geometrical deviations and, the onset of catastrophic tool wear. Such deviations can be offset from different AE signals (different deviations from subsequent tests) and feedback for a final spring cut ensuring the geometrical accuracies are met. Geometrical differences can impact on the required transfer of AE signals (change in cut off frequencies and diminished SNR at the interface) and therefore errors have to be minimised to within 1 μm. Rules based on both Classification and Regression Trees (CART) and Neural Networks (NN) were used to implement a simulation displaying how such a control regime could be used as a real time controller, be it corrective measures (via spring cuts) over several initial machining passes or, with a micron cut introducing a level plain measure for allowing setup corrective measures (similar to a spirit level).

An Analysis LANDSAT-4 Thematic Mapper Geometric Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, R. E.; Zobrist, A. L.; Bryant, N. A.; Gokhman, B.; Friedman, S. Z.; Logan, T. L.

1984-01-01

LANDSAT Thematic Mapper P-data of Washington, D. C., Harrisburg, PA, and Salton Sea, CA are analyzed to determine magnitudes and causes of error in the geometric conformity of the data to known Earth surface geometry. Several tests of data geometry are performed. Intraband and interband correlation and registration are investigated, exclusive of map based ground truth. The magnitudes and statistical trends of pixel offsets between a single band's mirror scans (due to processing procedures) are computed, and the inter-band integrity of registration is analyzed. A line to line correlation analysis is included.

A Micromachined Geometric Moire Interferometric Floating-Element Shear Stress Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horowitz, S.; Chen, T.; Chandrasekaran, V.; Tedjojuwono, K.; Nishida, T.; Cattafesta, L.; Sheplak, M.

2004-01-01

This paper presents the development of a floating-element shear stress sensor that permits the direct measurement of skin friction based on geometric Moir interferometry. The sensor was fabricated using an aligned wafer-bond/thin-back process producing optical gratings on the backside of a floating element and on the top surface of the support wafer. Experimental characterization indicates a static sensitivity of 0.26 microns/Pa, a resonant frequency of 1.7 kHz, and a noise floor of 6.2 mPa/(square root)Hz.

Characterization of a photometric anomaly in lunar Mare Nubium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korokhin, Viktor; Shkuratov, Yuriy; Kaydash, Vadym; Basilevsky, Alexander; Rohachova, Larysa; Velikodsky, Yuri; Opanasenko, Nickolay; Videen, Gorden; Stankevich, Dmitry; Kaluhina, Olena

2016-03-01

A novel approach of constructing photometrically seamless mosaics of reflectance, color-ratios, and phase-curve slopes using LROC WAC images has been developed, which can be used to map the photometric parameters of the lunar surface. The approach takes into account both geometric corrections with data on local topography and photometric conjunctions using our simple photometric model. New mosaics obtained with the technique allow more reliable studies of structural and chemical characteristics of the lunar surface. This approach has been applied to analyze the photometric anomaly (21.6 S, 17.7 W, ~40 km in size) in Mare Nubium detected earlier with our Earth-based observations. For each point of the scene the parameters were calculated using the least-square method for several tens of source WAC images. Clementine mosaics also were used in the analysis, e.g., in order to estimate the parameter of maturity degree Is/FeO. The anomaly has low FeO and TiO2 abundance and reveals a higher slope of the phase function than surroundings. Thermal data from LRO Diviner measurements do not show anomalies in this region. We consider this area as a shallow flooding of an elevated formation of highland composition, the material of which could have been excavated and mixed up with upper layers of the lunar surface through meteoroid impacts. The anomalous behavior of the phase function can be explained by the difference of surface structure in the anomaly and surrounding regions on the scale of less than several centimeters. This may be due to larger quantities of small fragments of rocks and clumps on the surface and/or the presence of agglomerates having open structure.

Volatilization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from coal-tar-sealed pavement

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Metre, Peter C.; Majewski, Michael S.; Mahler, Barbara J.; Foreman, William T.; Braun, Christopher L.; Wilson, Jennifer T.; Burbank, Teresa L.

2012-01-01

Coal-tar-based pavement sealants, a major source of PAHs to urban water bodies, are a potential source of volatile PAHs to the atmosphere. An initial assessment of volatilization of PAHs from coal-tar-sealed pavement is presented here in which we measured summertime gas-phase PAH concentrations 0.03 m and 1.28 m above the pavement surface of seven sealed (six with coal-tar-based sealant and one with asphalt-based sealant) and three unsealed (two asphalt and one concrete) parking lots in central Texas. PAHs also were measured in parking lot dust. The geometric mean concentration of the sum of eight frequently detected PAHs (ΣPAH8) in the 0.03-m samples above sealed lots (1320 ng m-3) during the hottest part of the day was 20 times greater than that above unsealed lots (66.5 ng m-3). The geometric mean concentration in the 1.28-m samples above sealed lots (138 ng m-3) was five times greater than above unsealed lots (26.0 ng m-3). Estimated PAH flux from the sealed lots was 60 times greater than that from unsealed lots (geometric means of 88 and 1.4 μg m-2 h-1, respectively). Although the data set presented here is small, the much higher estimated fluxes from sealed pavement than from unsealed pavement indicate that coal-tar-based sealants are emitting PAHs to urban air at high rates compared to other paved surfaces.

Volatilization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from coal-tar-sealed pavement.

PubMed

Van Metre, Peter C; Majewski, Michael S; Mahler, Barbara J; Foreman, William T; Braun, Christopher L; Wilson, Jennifer T; Burbank, Teresa L

2012-06-01

Coal-tar-based pavement sealants, a major source of PAHs to urban water bodies, are a potential source of volatile PAHs to the atmosphere. An initial assessment of volatilization of PAHs from coal-tar-sealed pavement is presented here in which we measured summertime gas-phase PAH concentrations 0.03 m and 1.28 m above the pavement surface of seven sealed (six with coal-tar-based sealant and one with asphalt-based sealant) and three unsealed (two asphalt and one concrete) parking lots in central Texas. PAHs also were measured in parking lot dust. The geometric mean concentration of the sum of eight frequently detected PAHs (ΣPAH(8)) in the 0.03-m samples above sealed lots (1320 ng m(-3)) during the hottest part of the day was 20 times greater than that above unsealed lots (66.5 ng m(-3)). The geometric mean concentration in the 1.28-m samples above sealed lots (138 ng m(-3)) was five times greater than above unsealed lots (26.0 ng m(-3)). Estimated PAH flux from the sealed lots was 60 times greater than that from unsealed lots (geometric means of 88 and 1.4 μg m(-2) h(-1), respectively). Although the data set presented here is small, the much higher estimated fluxes from sealed pavement than from unsealed pavement indicate that coal-tar-based sealants are emitting PAHs to urban air at high rates compared to other paved surfaces. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Surface hydrophobicity of slippery zones in the pitchers of two Nepenthes species and a hybrid

PubMed Central

Wang, Lixin; Zhou, Qiang

2016-01-01

To investigate the hydrophobicity of slippery zones, static contact angle measurement and microstructure observation of slippery surfaces from two Nepenthes species and a hybrid were conducted. Marginally different static contact angles were observed, as the smallest (133.83°) and greatest (143.63°) values were recorded for the N. alata and N. miranda respectively, and the median value (140.40°) was presented for the N. khasiana. The slippery zones under investigation exhibited rather similar surface morphologies, but different structural dimensions. These findings probably suggest that the geometrical dimensions of surface architecture exert primary effects on differences in the hydrophobicity of the slippery zone. Based on the Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter equations, models were proposed to analyze the manner in which geometrical dimensions affect the hydrophobicity of the slippery surfaces. The results of our analysis demonstrated that the different structural dimensions of lunate cells and wax platelets make the slippery zones present different real area of the rough surface and thereby generate somewhat distinguishable hydrophobicity. The results support a supplementary interpretation of surface hydrophobicity in plant leaves, and provide a theoretical foundation for developing bioinspired materials with hydrophobic properties and self-cleaning abilities. PMID:26813707

On the development of a new methodology in sub-surface parameterisation on the calibration of groundwater models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klaas, D. K. S. Y.; Imteaz, M. A.; Sudiayem, I.; Klaas, E. M. E.; Klaas, E. C. M.

2017-10-01

In groundwater modelling, robust parameterisation of sub-surface parameters is crucial towards obtaining an agreeable model performance. Pilot point is an alternative in parameterisation step to correctly configure the distribution of parameters into a model. However, the methodology given by the current studies are considered less practical to be applied on real catchment conditions. In this study, a practical approach of using geometric features of pilot point and distribution of hydraulic gradient over the catchment area is proposed to efficiently configure pilot point distribution in the calibration step of a groundwater model. A development of new pilot point distribution, Head Zonation-based (HZB) technique, which is based on the hydraulic gradient distribution of groundwater flow, is presented. Seven models of seven zone ratios (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30) using HZB technique were constructed on an eogenetic karst catchment in Rote Island, Indonesia and their performances were assessed. This study also concludes some insights into the trade-off between restricting and maximising the number of pilot points and offers a new methodology for selecting pilot point properties and distribution method in the development of a physically-based groundwater model.

Internal-Modified Dithiol DNA-Directed Au Nanoassemblies: Geometrically Controlled Self-Assembly and Quantitative Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Yuan; Shan, Hangyong; Li, Min; Chen, Shu; Liu, Jianyu; Cheng, Yanfang; Ye, Cui; Yang, Zhilin; Lai, Xuandi; Hu, Jianqiang

2015-11-01

In this work, a hierarchical DNA-directed self-assembly strategy to construct structure-controlled Au nanoassemblies (NAs) has been demonstrated by conjugating Au nanoparticles (NPs) with internal-modified dithiol single-strand DNA (ssDNA) (Au-B-A or A-B-Au-B-A). It is found that the dithiol-ssDNA-modified Au NPs and molecule quantity of thiol-modified ssDNA grafted to Au NPs play critical roles in the assembly of geometrically controlled Au NAs. Through matching Au-DNA self-assembly units, geometrical structures of the Au NAs can be tailored from one-dimensional (1D) to quasi-2D and 2D. Au-B-A conjugates readily give 1D and quasi-2D Au NAs while 2D Au NAs can be formed by A-B-Au-B-A building blocks. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements and 3D finite-difference time domain (3D-FDTD) calculation results indicate that the geometrically controllable Au NAs have regular and linearly “hot spots”-number-depended SERS properties. For a certain number of NPs, the number of “hot spots” and accordingly enhancement factor of Au NAs can be quantitatively evaluated, which open a new avenue for quantitative analysis based on SERS technique.

Optical and heat transfer performance of a novel non-imaging concentrator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sellami, Nazmi; Meng, Xian-long; Xia, Xin-Lin; Knox, Andrew R.; Mallick, Tapas K.

2015-09-01

In this study, the Crossed Compound Parabolic Concentrator CCPC is modified to demonstrate for the first time a new generation of solar concentrators working simultaneously as an electricity generator and thermal collector. It is designed to have two complementary surfaces, one reflective and one absorptive, and is called an absorptive/reflective CCPC (AR-CCPC). Usually, the height of the CCPC is truncated with a minor sacrifice of the geometric concentration. These truncated surfaces rather than being eliminated are instead replaced with absorbent surfaces to collect heat from solar radiation. The optical, thermal and total efficiency of the AR-CCPC was simulated and compared for different geometric concentration ratios varying from 3.6x to 4x. It was found that the combined electrical and thermal efficiency of the AR-CCPC 3.6x/4x remains constant and high all day long and the overall efficiency reach up to 94%. In addition, the temperature distributions of AR-CCPC surfaces and the assembled solar cell were simulated based on those heat flux boundary conditions. It shows that the adding of thermal absorbent surface can apparently increase the wall temperature.

Improved prediction of disturbed flow via hemodynamically-inspired geometric variables.

PubMed

Bijari, Payam B; Antiga, Luca; Gallo, Diego; Wasserman, Bruce A; Steinman, David A

2012-06-01

Arterial geometry has long been considered as a pragmatic alternative for inferring arterial flow disturbances, and their impact on the natural history and treatment of vascular diseases. Traditionally, definition of geometric variables is based on convenient shape descriptors, with only superficial consideration of their influence on flow and wall shear stress patterns. In the present study we demonstrate that a more studied consideration of the actual (cf. nominal) local hemodynamics can lead to substantial improvements in the prediction of disturbed flow by geometry. Starting from a well-characterized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) dataset of 50 normal carotid bifurcations, we observed that disturbed flow tended to be confined proximal to the flow divider, whereas geometric variables previously shown to be significant predictors of disturbed flow included features distal to the flow divider in their definitions. Flaring of the bifurcation leading to flow separation was redefined as the maximum relative expansion of the common carotid artery (CCA), proximal to the flow divider. The beneficial effect of primary curvature on flow inertia, via suppression of flow separation, was characterized by the in-plane tortuosity of CCA as it enters the flare region. Multiple linear regressions of these redefined geometric variables against various metrics of disturbed flow revealed R(2) values approaching 0.6, better than the roughly 0.3 achieved using the conventional shape-based variables, while maintaining their demonstrated real-world reproducibility. Such a hemodynamically-inspired approach to the definition of geometric variables may reap benefits for other applications where geometry is used as a surrogate marker of local hemodynamics. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A system for saccular intracranial aneurysm analysis and virtual stent planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baloch, Sajjad; Sudarsky, Sandra; Zhu, Ying; Mohamed, Ashraf; Geiger, Berhard; Dutta, Komal; Namburu, Durga; Nias, Puthenveettil; Martucci, Gary; Redel, Thomas

2012-02-01

Recent studies have found correlation between the risk of rupture of saccular aneurysms and their morphological characteristics, such as volume, surface area, neck length, among others. For reliably exploiting these parameters in endovascular treatment planning, it is crucial that they are accurately quantified. In this paper, we present a novel framework to assist physicians in accurately assessing saccular aneurysms and efficiently planning for endovascular intervention. The approach consists of automatically segmenting the pathological vessel, followed by the construction of its surface representation. The aneurysm is then separated from the vessel surface through a graph-cut based algorithm that is driven by local geometry as well as strong prior information. The corresponding healthy vessel is subsequently reconstructed and measurements representing the patient-specific geometric parameters of pathological vessel are computed. To better support clinical decisions on stenting and device type selection, the placement of virtual stent is eventually carried out in conformity with the shape of the diseased vessel using the patient-specific measurements. We have implemented the proposed methodology as a fully functional system, and extensively tested it with phantom and real datasets.

Surface and interface modification science and technology.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, J.-H.

1999-07-19

Surface modification of solids is of scientific and technological interest due to its significant benefits in a wide variety of applications. Various coatings applications such as corrosion protection and electrical insulators and conductors are required for proper engineering design based on geometrical relationships between interfaces and on thermodynamic/kinetic considerations for the development of surface modifications. This paper will explore three basic examples: the proton conductor BaCeO{sub 3}, high-temperature protective coatings, and epitaxial relationships between interfaces.

Real-time geometry-aware augmented reality in minimally invasive surgery.

PubMed

Chen, Long; Tang, Wen; John, Nigel W

2017-10-01

The potential of augmented reality (AR) technology to assist minimally invasive surgery (MIS) lies in its computational performance and accuracy in dealing with challenging MIS scenes. Even with the latest hardware and software technologies, achieving both real-time and accurate augmented information overlay in MIS is still a formidable task. In this Letter, the authors present a novel real-time AR framework for MIS that achieves interactive geometric aware AR in endoscopic surgery with stereo views. The authors' framework tracks the movement of the endoscopic camera and simultaneously reconstructs a dense geometric mesh of the MIS scene. The movement of the camera is predicted by minimising the re-projection error to achieve a fast tracking performance, while the three-dimensional mesh is incrementally built by a dense zero mean normalised cross-correlation stereo-matching method to improve the accuracy of the surface reconstruction. The proposed system does not require any prior template or pre-operative scan and can infer the geometric information intra-operatively in real time. With the geometric information available, the proposed AR framework is able to interactively add annotations, localisation of tumours and vessels, and measurement labelling with greater precision and accuracy compared with the state-of-the-art approaches.

CAD/CAM data management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bray, O. H.

1984-01-01

The role of data base management in CAD/CAM, particularly for geometric data is described. First, long term and short term objectives for CAD/CAM data management are identified. Second, the benefits of the data base management approach are explained. Third, some of the additional work needed in the data base area is discussed.

Stereo using monocular cues within the tensor voting framework.

PubMed

Mordohai, Philippos; Medioni, Gérard

2006-06-01

We address the fundamental problem of matching in two static images. The remaining challenges are related to occlusion and lack of texture. Our approach addresses these difficulties within a perceptual organization framework, considering both binocular and monocular cues. Initially, matching candidates for all pixels are generated by a combination of matching techniques. The matching candidates are then embedded in disparity space, where perceptual organization takes place in 3D neighborhoods and, thus, does not suffer from problems associated with scanline or image neighborhoods. The assumption is that correct matches produce salient, coherent surfaces, while wrong ones do not. Matching candidates that are consistent with the surfaces are kept and grouped into smooth layers. Thus, we achieve surface segmentation based on geometric and not photometric properties. Surface overextensions, which are due to occlusion, can be corrected by removing matches whose projections are not consistent in color with their neighbors of the same surface in both images. Finally, the projections of the refined surfaces on both images are used to obtain disparity hypotheses for unmatched pixels. The final disparities are selected after a second tensor voting stage, during which information is propagated from more reliable pixels to less reliable ones. We present results on widely used benchmark stereo pairs.

Filtering Non-Linear Transfer Functions on Surfaces.

PubMed

Heitz, Eric; Nowrouzezahrai, Derek; Poulin, Pierre; Neyret, Fabrice

2014-07-01

Applying non-linear transfer functions and look-up tables to procedural functions (such as noise), surface attributes, or even surface geometry are common strategies used to enhance visual detail. Their simplicity and ability to mimic a wide range of realistic appearances have led to their adoption in many rendering problems. As with any textured or geometric detail, proper filtering is needed to reduce aliasing when viewed across a range of distances, but accurate and efficient transfer function filtering remains an open problem for several reasons: transfer functions are complex and non-linear, especially when mapped through procedural noise and/or geometry-dependent functions, and the effects of perspective and masking further complicate the filtering over a pixel's footprint. We accurately solve this problem by computing and sampling from specialized filtering distributions on the fly, yielding very fast performance. We investigate the case where the transfer function to filter is a color map applied to (macroscale) surface textures (like noise), as well as color maps applied according to (microscale) geometric details. We introduce a novel representation of a (potentially modulated) color map's distribution over pixel footprints using Gaussian statistics and, in the more complex case of high-resolution color mapped microsurface details, our filtering is view- and light-dependent, and capable of correctly handling masking and occlusion effects. Our approach can be generalized to filter other physical-based rendering quantities. We propose an application to shading with irradiance environment maps over large terrains. Our framework is also compatible with the case of transfer functions used to warp surface geometry, as long as the transformations can be represented with Gaussian statistics, leading to proper view- and light-dependent filtering results. Our results match ground truth and our solution is well suited to real-time applications, requires only a few lines of shader code (provided in supplemental material, which can be found on the Computer Society Digital Library at http://doi.ieeecomputersociety.org/10.1109/TVCG.2013.102), is high performance, and has a negligible memory footprint.

3D surface reconstruction and visualization of the Drosophila wing imaginal disc at cellular resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Linge; Widmann, Thomas; Jülicher, Frank; Dahmann, Christian; Breen, David

2013-01-01

Quantifying and visualizing the shape of developing biological tissues provide information about the morphogenetic processes in multicellular organisms. The size and shape of biological tissues depend on the number, size, shape, and arrangement of the constituting cells. To better understand the mechanisms that guide tissues into their final shape, it is important to investigate the cellular arrangement within tissues. Here we present a data processing pipeline to generate 3D volumetric surface models of epithelial tissues, as well as geometric descriptions of the tissues' apical cell cross-sections. The data processing pipeline includes image acquisition, editing, processing and analysis, 2D cell mesh generation, 3D contourbased surface reconstruction, cell mesh projection, followed by geometric calculations and color-based visualization of morphological parameters. In their first utilization we have applied these procedures to construct a 3D volumetric surface model at cellular resolution of the wing imaginal disc of Drosophila melanogaster. The ultimate goal of the reported effort is to produce tools for the creation of detailed 3D geometric models of the individual cells in epithelial tissues. To date, 3D volumetric surface models of the whole wing imaginal disc have been created, and the apicolateral cell boundaries have been identified, allowing for the calculation and visualization of cell parameters, e.g. apical cross-sectional area of cells. The calculation and visualization of morphological parameters show position-dependent patterns of cell shape in the wing imaginal disc. Our procedures should offer a general data processing pipeline for the construction of 3D volumetric surface models of a wide variety of epithelial tissues.

A new data integration approach for AutoCAD and GIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Hongmei; Li, Yuhong; Wang, Cheng; Li, Lijun

2006-10-01

GIS has its advantages both on spatial data analysis and management, particularly on the geometric and attributive information management, which has also attracted lots attentions among researchers around world. AutoCAD plays more and more important roles as one of the main data sources of GIS. Various work and achievements can be found in the related literature. However, the conventional data integration from AutoCAD to GIS is time-consuming, which also can cause the information loss both in the geometric aspects and the attributive aspects for a large system. It is necessary and urgent to sort out new approach and algorithm for the efficient high-quality data integration. In this paper, a novel data integration approach from AutoCAD to GIS will be introduced based on the spatial data mining technique through the data structure analysis both in the AutoCAD and GIS. A practicable algorithm for the data conversion from CAD to GIS will be given as well. By a designed evaluation scheme, the accuracy of the conversion both in the geometric and the attributive information will be demonstrated. Finally, the validity and feasibility of the new approach will be shown by an experimental analysis.

Molecular Static Third-Order Polarizabilities of Carbon-Cage Fullerene and Their Correlation with Three Geometric Properties: Symmetry, Aromaticity, and Size

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, C. E.; Cardelino, B. H.; Frazier, D. O.; Niles, J.; Wang, X.-Q.

1998-01-01

The static third-order polarizabilities (gamma) of C60, C70, five isomers of C78 and two isomers of C84 were analyzed in terms of three properties, from a geometric point of view: symmetry, aromaticity and size. The polarizability values were based on the finite field approximation using a semiempirical Hamiltonian (AM1) and applied to molecular structures obtained from density functional theory calculations. Symmetry was characterized by the molecular group order. The selection of 6-member rings as aromatic was determined from an analysis of bond lengths. Maximum interatomic distance and surface area were the parameters considered with respect to size. Based on triple linear regression analysis, it was found that the static linear polarizability (alpha) and gamma in these molecules respond differently to geometrical properties: alpha depends almost exclusively on surface area while gamma is affected by a combination of number of aromatic rings, length and group order, in decreasing importance. In the case of alpha, valence electron contributions provide the same information as all-electron estimates. For gamma, the best correlation coefficients are obtained when all-electron estimates are used and when the dependent parameter is ln(gamma) instead of gamma.

Airframe Noise Prediction of a Full Aircraft in Model and Full Scale Using a Lattice Boltzmann Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fares, Ehab; Duda, Benjamin; Khorrami, Mehdi R.

2016-01-01

Unsteady flow computations are presented for a Gulfstream aircraft model in landing configuration, i.e., flap deflected 39deg and main landing gear deployed. The simulations employ the lattice Boltzmann solver PowerFLOW(Trademark) to simultaneously capture the flow physics and acoustics in the near field. Sound propagation to the far field is obtained using a Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings acoustic analogy approach. Two geometry representations of the same aircraft are analyzed: an 18% scale, high-fidelity, semi-span model at wind tunnel Reynolds number and a full-scale, full-span model at half-flight Reynolds number. Previously published and newly generated model-scale results are presented; all full-scale data are disclosed here for the first time. Reynolds number and geometrical fidelity effects are carefully examined to discern aerodynamic and aeroacoustic trends with a special focus on the scaling of surface pressure fluctuations and farfield noise. An additional study of the effects of geometrical detail on farfield noise is also documented. The present investigation reveals that, overall, the model-scale and full-scale aeroacoustic results compare rather well. Nevertheless, the study also highlights that finer geometrical details that are typically not captured at model scales can have a non-negligible contribution to the farfield noise signature.

Geometric mean for subspace selection.

PubMed

Tao, Dacheng; Li, Xuelong; Wu, Xindong; Maybank, Stephen J

2009-02-01

Subspace selection approaches are powerful tools in pattern classification and data visualization. One of the most important subspace approaches is the linear dimensionality reduction step in the Fisher's linear discriminant analysis (FLDA), which has been successfully employed in many fields such as biometrics, bioinformatics, and multimedia information management. However, the linear dimensionality reduction step in FLDA has a critical drawback: for a classification task with c classes, if the dimension of the projected subspace is strictly lower than c - 1, the projection to a subspace tends to merge those classes, which are close together in the original feature space. If separate classes are sampled from Gaussian distributions, all with identical covariance matrices, then the linear dimensionality reduction step in FLDA maximizes the mean value of the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergences between different classes. Based on this viewpoint, the geometric mean for subspace selection is studied in this paper. Three criteria are analyzed: 1) maximization of the geometric mean of the KL divergences, 2) maximization of the geometric mean of the normalized KL divergences, and 3) the combination of 1 and 2. Preliminary experimental results based on synthetic data, UCI Machine Learning Repository, and handwriting digits show that the third criterion is a potential discriminative subspace selection method, which significantly reduces the class separation problem in comparing with the linear dimensionality reduction step in FLDA and its several representative extensions.

Site-to-Source Finite Fault Distance Probability Distribution in Probabilistic Seismic Hazard and the Relationship Between Minimum Distances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortega, R.; Gutierrez, E.; Carciumaru, D. D.; Huesca-Perez, E.

2017-12-01

We present a method to compute the conditional and no-conditional probability density function (PDF) of the finite fault distance distribution (FFDD). Two cases are described: lines and areas. The case of lines has a simple analytical solution while, in the case of areas, the geometrical probability of a fault based on the strike, dip, and fault segment vertices is obtained using the projection of spheres in a piecewise rectangular surface. The cumulative distribution is computed by measuring the projection of a sphere of radius r in an effective area using an algorithm that estimates the area of a circle within a rectangle. In addition, we introduce the finite fault distance metrics. This distance is the distance where the maximum stress release occurs within the fault plane and generates a peak ground motion. Later, we can apply the appropriate ground motion prediction equations (GMPE) for PSHA. The conditional probability of distance given magnitude is also presented using different scaling laws. A simple model of constant distribution of the centroid at the geometrical mean is discussed, in this model hazard is reduced at the edges because the effective size is reduced. Nowadays there is a trend of using extended source distances in PSHA, however it is not possible to separate the fault geometry from the GMPE. With this new approach, it is possible to add fault rupture models separating geometrical and propagation effects.

Adaptation and focusing of optode configurations for fluorescence optical tomography by experimental design methods.

PubMed

Freiberger, Manuel; Clason, Christian; Scharfetter, Hermann

2010-01-01

Fluorescence tomography excites a fluorophore inside a sample by light sources on the surface. From boundary measurements of the fluorescent light, the distribution of the fluorophore is reconstructed. The optode placement determines the quality of the reconstructions in terms of, e.g., resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio. We address the adaptation of the measurement setup. The redundancy of the measurements is chosen as a quality criterion for the optodes and is computed from the Jacobian of the mathematical formulation of light propagation. The algorithm finds a subset with minimum redundancy in the measurements from a feasible pool of optodes. This allows biasing the design in order to favor reconstruction results inside a given region. Two different variations of the algorithm, based on geometric and arithmetic averaging, are compared. Both deliver similar optode configurations. The arithmetic averaging is slightly more stable, whereas the geometric averaging approach shows a better conditioning of the sensitivity matrix and mathematically corresponds more closely with entropy optimization. Adapted illumination and detector patterns are presented for an initial set of 96 optodes placed on a cylinder with focusing on different regions. Examples for the attenuation of fluorophore signals from regions outside the focus are given.

Surface geometry and optical aberrations of ex-vivo crystalline lenses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bueno, Juan M.; Schwarz, Christina; Acosta, Eva; Artal, Pablo

2010-02-01

The shape of the surfaces of ex-vivo human crystalline lenses was measured using a shadow photography technique. From these data, the back-focal distance and the contribution of each surface to the main optical aberrations of the lenses were estimated. The aberrations of the lenses were measured separately with two complementary techniques: a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor and a point-diffraction interferometer. A laser scanning set-up was also used to measure the actual back-focal length as well as the phase aberration in one meridian section of the lenses. Measured and predicted back-focal length agreed well within the experimental errors. The lens aberrations computed with a ray-tracing approach from the measured surfaces and geometrical data only reproduce quantitatively the measured aberrations.

Estimating Number of People Using Calibrated Monocular Camera Based on Geometrical Analysis of Surface Area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arai, Hiroyuki; Miyagawa, Isao; Koike, Hideki; Haseyama, Miki

We propose a novel technique for estimating the number of people in a video sequence; it has the advantages of being stable even in crowded situations and needing no ground-truth data. By analyzing the geometrical relationships between image pixels and their intersection volumes in the real world quantitatively, a foreground image directly indicates the number of people. Because foreground detection is possible even in crowded situations, the proposed method can be applied in such situations. Moreover, it can estimate the number of people in an a priori manner, so it needs no ground-truth data unlike existing feature-based estimation techniques. Experiments show the validity of the proposed method.

Surface- and Contour-Preserving Origamic Architecture Paper Pop-Ups.

PubMed

Le, Sang N; Leow, Su-Jun; Le-Nguyen, Tuong-Vu; Ruiz, Conrado; Low, Kok-Lim

2013-08-02

Origamic architecture (OA) is a form of papercraft that involves cutting and folding a single sheet of paper to produce a 3D pop-up, and is commonly used to depict architectural structures. Because of the strict geometric and physical constraints, OA design requires considerable skill and effort. In this paper, we present a method to automatically generate an OA design that closely depicts an input 3D model. Our algorithm is guided by a novel set of geometric conditions to guarantee the foldability and stability of the generated pop-ups. The generality of the conditions allows our algorithm to generate valid pop-up structures that are previously not accounted for by other algorithms. Our method takes a novel image-domain approach to convert the input model to an OA design. It performs surface segmentation of the input model in the image domain, and carefully represents each surface with a set of parallel patches. Patches are then modified to make the entire structure foldable and stable. Visual and quantitative comparisons of results have shown our algorithm to be significantly better than the existing methods in the preservation of contours, surfaces and volume. The designs have also been shown to more closely resemble those created by real artists.

Surface and contour-preserving origamic architecture paper pop-ups.

PubMed

Le, Sang N; Leow, Su-Jun; Le-Nguyen, Tuong-Vu; Ruiz, Conrado; Low, Kok-Lim

2014-02-01

Origamic architecture (OA) is a form of papercraft that involves cutting and folding a single sheet of paper to produce a 3D pop-up, and is commonly used to depict architectural structures. Because of the strict geometric and physical constraints, OA design requires considerable skill and effort. In this paper, we present a method to automatically generate an OA design that closely depicts an input 3D model. Our algorithm is guided by a novel set of geometric conditions to guarantee the foldability and stability of the generated pop-ups. The generality of the conditions allows our algorithm to generate valid pop-up structures that are previously not accounted for by other algorithms. Our method takes a novel image-domain approach to convert the input model to an OA design. It performs surface segmentation of the input model in the image domain, and carefully represents each surface with a set of parallel patches. Patches are then modified to make the entire structure foldable and stable. Visual and quantitative comparisons of results have shown our algorithm to be significantly better than the existing methods in the preservation of contours, surfaces, and volume. The designs have also been shown to more closely resemble those created by real artists.

Methods for simulation-based analysis of fluid-structure interaction.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barone, Matthew Franklin; Payne, Jeffrey L.

2005-10-01

Methods for analysis of fluid-structure interaction using high fidelity simulations are critically reviewed. First, a literature review of modern numerical techniques for simulation of aeroelastic phenomena is presented. The review focuses on methods contained within the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) framework for coupling computational fluid dynamics codes to computational structural mechanics codes. The review treats mesh movement algorithms, the role of the geometric conservation law, time advancement schemes, wetted surface interface strategies, and some representative applications. The complexity and computational expense of coupled Navier-Stokes/structural dynamics simulations points to the need for reduced order modeling to facilitate parametric analysis. The proper orthogonalmore » decomposition (POD)/Galerkin projection approach for building a reduced order model (ROM) is presented, along with ideas for extension of the methodology to allow construction of ROMs based on data generated from ALE simulations.« less

Use of laser range finders and range image analysis in automated assembly tasks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alvertos, Nicolas; Dcunha, Ivan

1990-01-01

A proposition to study the effect of filtering processes on range images and to evaluate the performance of two different laser range mappers is made. Median filtering was utilized to remove noise from the range images. First and second order derivatives are then utilized to locate the similarities and dissimilarities between the processed and the original images. Range depth information is converted into spatial coordinates, and a set of coefficients which describe 3-D objects is generated using the algorithm developed in the second phase of this research. Range images of spheres and cylinders are used for experimental purposes. An algorithm was developed to compare the performance of two different laser range mappers based upon the range depth information of surfaces generated by each of the mappers. Furthermore, an approach based on 2-D analytic geometry is also proposed which serves as a basis for the recognition of regular 3-D geometric objects.

Physical properties of the extreme Centaur and super-comet candidate 2013 AZ60

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pál, A.; Kiss, Cs.; Horner, J.; Szakáts, R.; Vilenius, E.; Müller, Th. G.; Acosta-Pulido, J.; Licandro, J.; Cabrera-Lavers, A.; Sárneczky, K.; Szabó, Gy. M.; Thirouin, A.; Sipőcz, B.; Dózsa, Á.; Duffard, R.

2015-11-01

We present estimates of the basic physical properties including size and albedo of the extreme Centaur 2013 AZ60. These properties have been derived from optical and thermal infrared measurements. Our optical measurements revealed a probable full period of ≈9.4 h with a shallow amplitude of 4.5%. By combining optical brightness information and thermal emission data, we are able to derive a diameter of 62.3 ± 5.3 km and a geometric albedo of 2.9%, which corresponds to an extremely dark surface. Additionally, our finding of ≳50 Jm-2 K-1 s- 1/2 for the thermal inertia is also remarkable for objects in such a distance. The results of dynamical simulations yield an unstable orbit, with a 50% probability that the target will be ejected from the solar system within 700 000 yr. The current orbit of this object and its instability could imply a pristine cometary surface. This possibility agrees with the observed low geometric albedo and red photometric colour indices for the object, which match the surface of a dormant comet well, as would be expected for a long-period cometary body approaching perihelion. Although it was approaching ever closer to the Sun, however, the object exhibited star-like profiles in each of our observations, lacking any sign of cometary activity. According to the albedo, 2013 AZ60 is a candidate for the darkest body among the known trans-Neptunian objects.

Dependence of surface tension on curvature obtained from a diffuse-interface approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badillo, Arnoldo; Lafferty, Nathan; Matar, Omar K.

2017-11-01

From a sharp-interface viewpoint, the surface tension force is f = σκδ (x -xi) n , where σ is the surface tension, κ the local interface curvature, δ the delta function, and n the unit normal vector. The numerical implementation of this force on discrete domains poses challenges that arise from the calculation of the curvature. The continuous surface tension force model, proposed by Brackbill et al. (1992), is an alternative, used commonly in two-phase computational models. In this model, δ is replaced by the gradient of a phase indicator field, whose integral across a diffuse-interface equals unity. An alternative to the Brackbill model are Phase-Field models, which do not require an explicit calculation of the curvature. However, and just as in Brackbill's approach, there are numerical errors that depend on the thickness of the diffuse interface, the grid spacing, and the curvature. We use differential geometry to calculate the leading errors in this force when obtained from a diffuse-interface approach, and outline possible routes to eliminate them. Our results also provide a simple geometrical explanation to the dependence of surface tension on curvature, and to the problem of line tension.

Image-based terrain modeling with thematic mapper applied to resolving the limit of Holocene Lake expansion in the Great Salt Lake Desert, Utah, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merola, John A.

1989-01-01

The LANDSAT Thematic Mapper (TM) scanner records reflected solar energy from the earth's surface in six wavelength regions, or bands, and one band that records emitted energy in the thermal region, giving a total of seven bands. Useful research was extracted about terrain morphometry from remote sensing measurements and this information is used in an image-based terrain model for selected coastal geomorphic features in the Great Salt Lake Desert (GSLD). Technical developments include the incorporation of Aerial Profiling of Terrain System (APTS) data in satellite image analysis, and the production and use of 3-D surface plots of TM reflectance data. Also included in the technical developments is the analysis of the ground control point spatial distribution and its affects on geometric correction, and the terrain mapping procedure; using satellite data in a way that eliminates the need to degrade the data by resampling. The most common approach for terrain mapping with multispectral scanner data includes the techniques of pattern recognition and image classification, as opposed to direct measurement of radiance for identification of terrain features. The research approach in this investigation was based on an understanding of the characteristics of reflected light resulting from the variations in moisture and geometry related to terrain as described by the physical laws of radiative transfer. The image-based terrain model provides quantitative information about the terrain morphometry based on the physical relationship between TM data, the physical character of the GSLD, and the APTS measurements.

Photogrammetric Accuracy and Modeling of Rolling Shutter Cameras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, W.; Qiao, G.; Kong, F.; Guo, S.; Ma, X.; Tong, X.; Li, R.

2016-06-01

Global climate change is one of the major challenges that all nations are commonly facing. Long-term observations of the Antarctic ice sheet have been playing a critical role in quantitatively estimating and predicting effects resulting from the global changes. The film-based ARGON reconnaissance imagery provides a remarkable data source for studying the Antarctic ice-sheet in 1960s, thus greatly extending the time period of Antarctica surface observations. To deal with the low-quality images and the unavailability of camera poses, a systematic photogrammetric approach is proposed to reconstruct the interior and exterior orientation information for further glacial mapping applications, including ice flow velocity mapping and mass balance estimation. Some noteworthy details while performing geometric modelling using the ARGON images were introduced, including methods and results for handling specific effects of film deformation, damaged or missing fiducial marks and calibration report, automatic fiducial mark detection, control point selection through Antarctic shadow and ice surface terrain analysis, and others. Several sites in East Antarctica were tested. As an example, four images in the Byrd glacier region were used to assess the accuracy of the geometric modelling. A digital elevation model (DEM) and an orthophoto map of Byrd glacier were generated. The accuracy of the ground positions estimated by using independent check points is within one nominal pixel of 140 m of ARGON imagery. Furthermore, a number of significant features, such as ice flow velocity and regional change patterns, will be extracted and analysed.

A new arrangement with nonlinear sidewalls for tanker ship storage panels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ketabdari, M. J.; Saghi, H.

2013-03-01

Sloshing phenomenon in a moving container is a complicated free surface flow problem. It has a wide range of engineering applications, especially in tanker ships and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers. When the tank in these vehicles is partially filled, it is essential to be able to evaluate the fluid dynamic loads on tank perimeter. Different geometric shapes such as rectangular, cylindrical, elliptical, spherical and circular conical have been suggested for ship storage tanks by previous researchers. In this paper a numerical model is developed based on incompressible and inviscid fluid motion for the liquid sloshing phenomenon. The coupled BEM-FEM is used to solve the governing equations and nonlinear free surface boundary conditions. The results are validated for rectangular container using data obtained for a horizontal periodic sway motion. Using the results of this model a new arrangement of trapezoidal shapes with quadratic sidewalls is suggested for tanker ship storage panels. The suggested geometric shape not only has a maximum surrounded tank volume to the constant available volume, but also reduces the sloshing effects more efficiently than the existing geometric shapes.

A level set method for determining critical curvatures for drainage and imbibition.

PubMed

Prodanović, Masa; Bryant, Steven L

2006-12-15

An accurate description of the mechanics of pore level displacement of immiscible fluids could significantly improve the predictions from pore network models of capillary pressure-saturation curves, interfacial areas and relative permeability in real porous media. If we assume quasi-static displacement, at constant pressure and surface tension, pore scale interfaces are modeled as constant mean curvature surfaces, which are not easy to calculate. Moreover, the extremely irregular geometry of natural porous media makes it difficult to evaluate surface curvature values and corresponding geometric configurations of two fluids. Finally, accounting for the topological changes of the interface, such as splitting or merging, is nontrivial. We apply the level set method for tracking and propagating interfaces in order to robustly handle topological changes and to obtain geometrically correct interfaces. We describe a simple but robust model for determining critical curvatures for throat drainage and pore imbibition. The model is set up for quasi-static displacements but it nevertheless captures both reversible and irreversible behavior (Haines jump, pore body imbibition). The pore scale grain boundary conditions are extracted from model porous media and from imaged geometries in real rocks. The method gives quantitative agreement with measurements and with other theories and computational approaches.

Numerical Approaches about the Morphological Description Parameters for the Manganese Deposits on the Magnesite Ore Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayirli, Mehmet; Ozbey, Tuba

2013-07-01

Black deposits usually found at the surface of magnesite ore or limestone as well as red deposits in quartz veins are named as natural manganese dendrites. According to their geometrical structures, they may take variable fractal shapes. The characteristic origins of these morphologies have rarely been studied by means of numerical analyses. Hence, digital images of magnesite ore are taken from its surface with a scanner. These images are then converted to binary images in the form of 8 bits, bitmap format. As a next step, the morphological description parameters of manganese dendrites are computed by the way of scaling methods such as occupied fractions, fractal dimensions, divergent ratios, and critical exponents of scaling. The fractal dimension and the scaling range are made dependent on the fraction of the particles. Morphological description parameters can be determined according to the geometrical evaluation of the natural manganese dendrites which are formed independently from the process. The formation of manganese dendrites may also explain the stochastic selected process in the nature. These results therefore may be useful to understand the deposits in quartz vein parameters in geophysics.

Animating Autonomous Pedestrians

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

walkable surface in a region may be mapped onto a horizontal plane without loss of essential geometric information. Consequently, the 3D space may be...that the walkable surface in a region may be mapped onto a horizontal plane without loss of essential geometric information, such as the distance

The GPRIME approach to finite element modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wallace, D. R.; Mckee, J. H.; Hurwitz, M. M.

1983-01-01

GPRIME, an interactive modeling system, runs on the CDC 6000 computers and the DEC VAX 11/780 minicomputer. This system includes three components: (1) GPRIME, a user friendly geometric language and a processor to translate that language into geometric entities, (2) GGEN, an interactive data generator for 2-D models; and (3) SOLIDGEN, a 3-D solid modeling program. Each component has a computer user interface of an extensive command set. All of these programs make use of a comprehensive B-spline mathematics subroutine library, which can be used for a wide variety of interpolation problems and other geometric calculations. Many other user aids, such as automatic saving of the geometric and finite element data bases and hidden line removal, are available. This interactive finite element modeling capability can produce a complete finite element model, producing an output file of grid and element data.

Effect of surface radiation on natural convection in an asymmetrically heated channel-chimney system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasri, Zied; Derouich, Youssef; Laatar, Ali Hatem; Balti, Jalloul

2018-05-01

In this paper, a more realistic numerical approach that takes into account the effect of surface radiation on the laminar air flow induced by natural convection in a channel-chimney system asymmetrically heated at uniform heat flux is used. The aim is to enrich the results given in Nasri et al. (Int J Therm Sci 90:122-134, 2015) by varying all the geometric parameters of the system and by taking into account the effect of surface radiation on the flows. The numerical results are first validated against experimental and numerical data available in the literature. The computations have allowed the determination of optimal configurations that maximize the mass flow rate and the convective heat transfer and minimize the heated wall temperatures. The analysis of the temperature fields with the streamlines and the pressure fields has helped to explain the effects of surface radiation and of the different thermo-geometrical parameters on the system performances to improve the mass flow rate and the heat transfer with respect to the simple channel. It is shown that the thermal performance of the channel-chimney system in terms of lower heated wall temperatures is little affected by the surface radiation. At the end, simple correlation equations have been proposed for quickly and easily predict the optimal configurations as well as the corresponding enhancement rates of the induced mass flow rate and the convective heat transfer.

Dynamic isoperimetry and the geometry of Lagrangian coherent structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Froyland, Gary

2015-10-01

The study of transport and mixing processes in dynamical systems is particularly important for the analysis of mathematical models of physical systems. We propose a novel, direct geometric method to identify subsets of phase space that remain strongly coherent over a finite time duration. This new method is based on a dynamic extension of classical (static) isoperimetric problems; the latter are concerned with identifying submanifolds with the smallest boundary size relative to their volume. The present work introduces dynamic isoperimetric problems; the study of sets with small boundary size relative to volume as they are evolved by a general dynamical system. We formulate and prove dynamic versions of the fundamental (static) isoperimetric (in)equalities; a dynamic Federer-Fleming theorem and a dynamic Cheeger inequality. We introduce a new dynamic Laplace operator and describe a computational method to identify coherent sets based on eigenfunctions of the dynamic Laplacian. Our results include formal mathematical statements concerning geometric properties of finite-time coherent sets, whose boundaries can be regarded as Lagrangian coherent structures. The computational advantages of our new approach are a well-separated spectrum for the dynamic Laplacian, and flexibility in appropriate numerical approximation methods. Finally, we demonstrate that the dynamic Laplace operator can be realised as a zero-diffusion limit of a newly advanced probabilistic transfer operator method [9] for finding coherent sets, which is based on small diffusion. Thus, the present approach sits naturally alongside the probabilistic approach [9], and adds a formal geometric interpretation.

A semi-analytical description of protein folding that incorporates detailed geometrical information

PubMed Central

Suzuki, Yoko; Noel, Jeffrey K.; Onuchic, José N.

2011-01-01

Much has been done to study the interplay between geometric and energetic effects on the protein folding energy landscape. Numerical techniques such as molecular dynamics simulations are able to maintain a precise geometrical representation of the protein. Analytical approaches, however, often focus on the energetic aspects of folding, including geometrical information only in an average way. Here, we investigate a semi-analytical expression of folding that explicitly includes geometrical effects. We consider a Hamiltonian corresponding to a Gaussian filament with structure-based interactions. The model captures local features of protein folding often averaged over by mean-field theories, for example, loop contact formation and excluded volume. We explore the thermodynamics and folding mechanisms of beta-hairpin and alpha-helical structures as functions of temperature and Q, the fraction of native contacts formed. Excluded volume is shown to be an important component of a protein Hamiltonian, since it both dominates the cooperativity of the folding transition and alters folding mechanisms. Understanding geometrical effects in analytical formulae will help illuminate the consequences of the approximations required for the study of larger proteins. PMID:21721664

Application of semiempirical electronic structure theory to compute the force generated by a single surface-mounted switchable rotaxane.

PubMed

Sohlberg, Karl; Bazargan, Gloria; Angelo, Joseph P; Lee, Choongkeun

2017-01-01

Herein we report a study of the switchable [3]rotaxane reported by Huang et al. (Appl Phys Lett 85(22):5391-5393, 1) that can be mounted to a surface to form a nanomechanical, linear, molecular motor. We demonstrate the application of semiempirical electronic structure theory to predict the average and instantaneous force generated by redox-induced ring shuttling. Detailed analysis of the geometric and electronic structure of the system reveals technical considerations essential to success of the approach. The force is found to be in the 100-200 pN range, consistent with published experimental estimates. Graphical Abstract A single surface-mounted switchable rotaxane.

Imaging issues for interferometry with CGH null correctors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burge, James H.; Zhao, Chunyu; Zhou, Ping

2010-07-01

Aspheric surfaces, such as telescope mirrors, are commonly measured using interferometry with computer generated hologram (CGH) null correctors. The interferometers can be made with high precision and low noise, and CGHs can control wavefront errors to accuracy approaching 1 nm for difficult aspheric surfaces. However, such optical systems are typically poorly suited for high performance imaging. The aspheric surface must be viewed through a CGH that was intentionally designed to introduce many hundreds of waves of aberration. The imaging aberrations create difficulties for the measurements by coupling both geometric and diffraction effects into the measurement. These issues are explored here, and we show how the use of larger holograms can mitigate these effects.

Isoperimetric surfaces and area-angular momentum inequality in a rotating black hole in new massive gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aceña, Andrés; López, Ericson; Llerena, Mario

2018-03-01

We study the existence and stability of isoperimetric surfaces in a family of rotating black holes in new massive gravity. We show that the stability of such surfaces is determined by the sign of the hair parameter. We use the isoperimetric surfaces to find a geometric inequality between the area and the angular momentum of the black hole, conjecturing geometric inequalities for more general black holes.

Spatiotemporal motion boundary detection and motion boundary velocity estimation for tracking moving objects with a moving camera: a level sets PDEs approach with concurrent camera motion compensation.

PubMed

Feghali, Rosario; Mitiche, Amar

2004-11-01

The purpose of this study is to investigate a method of tracking moving objects with a moving camera. This method estimates simultaneously the motion induced by camera movement. The problem is formulated as a Bayesian motion-based partitioning problem in the spatiotemporal domain of the image quence. An energy functional is derived from the Bayesian formulation. The Euler-Lagrange descent equations determine imultaneously an estimate of the image motion field induced by camera motion and an estimate of the spatiotemporal motion undary surface. The Euler-Lagrange equation corresponding to the surface is expressed as a level-set partial differential equation for topology independence and numerically stable implementation. The method can be initialized simply and can track multiple objects with nonsimultaneous motions. Velocities on motion boundaries can be estimated from geometrical properties of the motion boundary. Several examples of experimental verification are given using synthetic and real-image sequences.

Inherent structure versus geometric metric for state space discretization.

PubMed

Liu, Hanzhong; Li, Minghai; Fan, Jue; Huo, Shuanghong

2016-05-30

Inherent structure (IS) and geometry-based clustering methods are commonly used for analyzing molecular dynamics trajectories. ISs are obtained by minimizing the sampled conformations into local minima on potential/effective energy surface. The conformations that are minimized into the same energy basin belong to one cluster. We investigate the influence of the applications of these two methods of trajectory decomposition on our understanding of the thermodynamics and kinetics of alanine tetrapeptide. We find that at the microcluster level, the IS approach and root-mean-square deviation (RMSD)-based clustering method give totally different results. Depending on the local features of energy landscape, the conformations with close RMSDs can be minimized into different minima, while the conformations with large RMSDs could be minimized into the same basin. However, the relaxation timescales calculated based on the transition matrices built from the microclusters are similar. The discrepancy at the microcluster level leads to different macroclusters. Although the dynamic models established through both clustering methods are validated approximately Markovian, the IS approach seems to give a meaningful state space discretization at the macrocluster level in terms of conformational features and kinetics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of Dispersion on Surface Interactions of Cobalt(II) Octaethylporphyrin Monolayer on Au(111) and HOPG(0001) Substrates: a Comparative First Principles Study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chilukuri, Bhaskar; Mazur, Ursula; Hipps, Kerry W.

A density functional theory study of a cobalt(II) octaethylporphyrin (CoOEP) monolayer on Au(111) and HOPG(0001) surfaces was performed under periodic boundary conditions. Calculations with and without dispersion corrections are performed and the effect of van der Waals forces on the interface properties is analyzed. Calculations have determined that the CoOEP molecule tends to bind at the 3-fold and the 6-fold center sites on Au(111) and HOPG(0001), respectively. Geometric optimizations at the center binding sites have indicated that the porphyrin molecules (in the monolayer) lie flat on both substrates. Calculations also reveal that the CoOEP monolayer binds slightly more strongly tomore » Au(111) than to HOPG(0001). Charge density difference plots disclose that charge is redistributed mostly around the porphyrin plane and the first layer of the substrates. Dispersion interactions cause a larger substrate to molecule charge pushback on Au(111) than on HOPG. CoOEP adsorption tends to lower the work functions of either substrate, qualitatively agreeing with the experimental photoelectron spectroscopic data. Comparison of the density of states (DOS) of the isolated CoOEP molecule with that on gold and HOPG substrates showed significant band shifts around the Fermi energy due to intermolecular orbital hybridization. Simulated STM images were plotted with the Tersoff–Hamann approach using the local density of states, which also agree with the experimental results. This study elucidates the role of dispersion for better describing porphyrin–substrate interactions. A DFT based overview of geometric, adsorption and electronic properties of a porphyrin monolayer on conductive surfaces is presented.« less

Effect of dispersion on surface interactions of cobalt(II) octaethylporphyrin monolayer on Au(111) and HOPG(0001) substrates: a comparative first principles study.

PubMed

Chilukuri, Bhaskar; Mazur, Ursula; Hipps, K W

2014-07-21

A density functional theory study of a cobalt(II) octaethylporphyrin (CoOEP) monolayer on Au(111) and HOPG(0001) surfaces was performed under periodic boundary conditions. Calculations with and without dispersion corrections are performed and the effect of van der Waals forces on the interface properties is analyzed. Calculations have determined that the CoOEP molecule tends to bind at the 3-fold and the 6-fold center sites on Au(111) and HOPG(0001), respectively. Geometric optimizations at the center binding sites have indicated that the porphyrin molecules (in the monolayer) lie flat on both substrates. Calculations also reveal that the CoOEP monolayer binds slightly more strongly to Au(111) than to HOPG(0001). Charge density difference plots disclose that charge is redistributed mostly around the porphyrin plane and the first layer of the substrates. Dispersion interactions cause a larger substrate to molecule charge pushback on Au(111) than on HOPG. CoOEP adsorption tends to lower the work functions of either substrate, qualitatively agreeing with the experimental photoelectron spectroscopic data. Comparison of the density of states (DOS) of the isolated CoOEP molecule with that on gold and HOPG substrates showed significant band shifts around the Fermi energy due to intermolecular orbital hybridization. Simulated STM images were plotted with the Tersoff-Hamann approach using the local density of states, which also agree with the experimental results. This study elucidates the role of dispersion for better describing porphyrin-substrate interactions. A DFT based overview of geometric, adsorption and electronic properties of a porphyrin monolayer on conductive surfaces is presented.

A normal mode-based geometric simulation approach for exploring biologically relevant conformational transitions in proteins.

PubMed

Ahmed, Aqeel; Rippmann, Friedrich; Barnickel, Gerhard; Gohlke, Holger

2011-07-25

A three-step approach for multiscale modeling of protein conformational changes is presented that incorporates information about preferred directions of protein motions into a geometric simulation algorithm. The first two steps are based on a rigid cluster normal-mode analysis (RCNMA). Low-frequency normal modes are used in the third step (NMSim) to extend the recently introduced idea of constrained geometric simulations of diffusive motions in proteins by biasing backbone motions of the protein, whereas side-chain motions are biased toward favorable rotamer states. The generated structures are iteratively corrected regarding steric clashes and stereochemical constraint violations. The approach allows performing three simulation types: unbiased exploration of conformational space; pathway generation by a targeted simulation; and radius of gyration-guided simulation. When applied to a data set of proteins with experimentally observed conformational changes, conformational variabilities are reproduced very well for 4 out of 5 proteins that show domain motions, with correlation coefficients r > 0.70 and as high as r = 0.92 in the case of adenylate kinase. In 7 out of 8 cases, NMSim simulations starting from unbound structures are able to sample conformations that are similar (root-mean-square deviation = 1.0-3.1 Å) to ligand bound conformations. An NMSim generated pathway of conformational change of adenylate kinase correctly describes the sequence of domain closing. The NMSim approach is a computationally efficient alternative to molecular dynamics simulations for conformational sampling of proteins. The generated conformations and pathways of conformational transitions can serve as input to docking approaches or as starting points for more sophisticated sampling techniques.

Approach to developing numeric water quality criteria for ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Human activities on land increase nutrient loads to coastal waters, which can increase phytoplankton production and biomass and potentially cause harmful ecological effects. States can adopt numeric water quality criteria into their water quality standards to protect the designated uses of their coastal waters from eutrophication impacts. The first objective of this study was to provide an approach for developing numeric water quality criteria for coastal waters based on archived SeaWiFS ocean color satellite data. The second objective was to develop an approach for transferring water quality criteria assessments to newer ocean color satellites such as MODIS and MERIS. Spatial and temporal measures of SeaWiFS, MODIS, and MERIS chlorophyll-a (ChlRS-a, mg m-3) were resolved across Florida’s coastal waters between 1998 and 2009. Annual geometric means of SeaWiFS ChlRS-a were evaluated to determine a quantitative reference baseline from the 90th percentile of the annual geometric means. A method for transferring to multiple ocean color sensors was implemented with SeaWiFS as the reference instrument. The ChlRS-a annual geometric means for each coastal segment from MODIS and MERIS were regressed against SeaWiFS to provide a similar response among all three satellites. Standardization factors for each coastal segment were calculated based on differences between 90th percentiles from SeaWiFS to MODIS and SeaWiFS to MERIS. This transfer approach allowed for futu

Surface Aesthetics and Analysis.

PubMed

Çakır, Barış; Öreroğlu, Ali Rıza; Daniel, Rollin K

2016-01-01

Surface aesthetics of an attractive nose result from certain lines, shadows, and highlights with specific proportions and breakpoints. Analysis emphasizes geometric polygons as aesthetic subunits. Evaluation of the complete nasal surface aesthetics is achieved using geometric polygons to define the existing deformity and aesthetic goals. The relationship between the dome triangles, interdomal triangle, facet polygons, and infralobular polygon are integrated to form the "diamond shape" light reflection on the nasal tip. The principles of geometric polygons allow the surgeon to analyze the deformities of the nose, define an operative plan to achieve specific goals, and select the appropriate operative technique. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Triangle Geometry Processing for Surface Modeling and Cartesian Grid Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aftosmis, Michael J. (Inventor); Melton, John E. (Inventor); Berger, Marsha J. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

Cartesian mesh generation is accomplished for component based geometries, by intersecting components subject to mesh generation to extract wetted surfaces with a geometry engine using adaptive precision arithmetic in a system which automatically breaks ties with respect to geometric degeneracies. During volume mesh generation, intersected surface triangulations are received to enable mesh generation with cell division of an initially coarse grid. The hexagonal cells are resolved, preserving the ability to directionally divide cells which are locally well aligned.

Triangle geometry processing for surface modeling and cartesian grid generation

DOEpatents

Aftosmis, Michael J [San Mateo, CA; Melton, John E [Hollister, CA; Berger, Marsha J [New York, NY

2002-09-03

Cartesian mesh generation is accomplished for component based geometries, by intersecting components subject to mesh generation to extract wetted surfaces with a geometry engine using adaptive precision arithmetic in a system which automatically breaks ties with respect to geometric degeneracies. During volume mesh generation, intersected surface triangulations are received to enable mesh generation with cell division of an initially coarse grid. The hexagonal cells are resolved, preserving the ability to directionally divide cells which are locally well aligned.

Some induced intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators applied to multi-attribute group decision making

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Zhi-xin; Xia, Guo-ping; Chen, Ming-yuan

2011-11-01

In this paper, we define various induced intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators, including induced intuitionistic fuzzy ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator, induced intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid averaging (I-IFHA) operator, induced interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy OWA operator, and induced interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid averaging (I-IIFHA) operator. We also establish various properties of these operators. And then, an approach based on I-IFHA operator and intuitionistic fuzzy weighted averaging (WA) operator is developed to solve multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems. In such problems, attribute weights and the decision makers' (DMs') weights are real numbers and attribute values provided by the DMs are intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IFNs), and an approach based on I-IIFHA operator and interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy WA operator is developed to solve MAGDM problems where the attribute values provided by the DMs are interval-valued IFNs. Furthermore, induced intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid geometric operator and induced interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid geometric operator are proposed. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the developed approaches.

Computer-aided diagnosis of mammographic masses using geometric verification-based image retrieval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qingliang; Shi, Weili; Yang, Huamin; Zhang, Huimao; Li, Guoxin; Chen, Tao; Mori, Kensaku; Jiang, Zhengang

2017-03-01

Computer-Aided Diagnosis of masses in mammograms is an important indicator of breast cancer. The use of retrieval systems in breast examination is increasing gradually. In this respect, the method of exploiting the vocabulary tree framework and the inverted file in the mammographic masse retrieval have been proved high accuracy and excellent scalability. However it just considered the features in each image as a visual word and had ignored the spatial configurations of features. It greatly affect the retrieval performance. To overcome this drawback, we introduce the geometric verification method to retrieval in mammographic masses. First of all, we obtain corresponding match features based on the vocabulary tree framework and the inverted file. After that, we grasps the main point of local similarity characteristic of deformations in the local regions by constructing the circle regions of corresponding pairs. Meanwhile we segment the circle to express the geometric relationship of local matches in the area and generate the spatial encoding strictly. Finally we judge whether the matched features are correct or not, based on verifying the all spatial encoding are whether satisfied the geometric consistency. Experiments show the promising results of our approach.

Solid T-spline Construction from Boundary Representations for Genus-Zero Geometry

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-14

Engineering, accepted, 2011. [6] M. S. Floater . Parametrization and smooth approximation of surface triangulations. Com- puter Aided Geometric Design...14(3):231 – 250, 1997. [7] M. S. Floater and K. Hormann. Surface parameterization: a tutorial and survey. Advances in Multiresolution for Geometric

Control of the spin geometric phase in semiconductor quantum rings.

PubMed

Nagasawa, Fumiya; Frustaglia, Diego; Saarikoski, Henri; Richter, Klaus; Nitta, Junsaku

2013-01-01

Since the formulation of the geometric phase by Berry, its relevance has been demonstrated in a large variety of physical systems. However, a geometric phase of the most fundamental spin-1/2 system, the electron spin, has not been observed directly and controlled independently from dynamical phases. Here we report experimental evidence on the manipulation of an electron spin through a purely geometric effect in an InGaAs-based quantum ring with Rashba spin-orbit coupling. By applying an in-plane magnetic field, a phase shift of the Aharonov-Casher interference pattern towards the small spin-orbit-coupling regions is observed. A perturbation theory for a one-dimensional Rashba ring under small in-plane fields reveals that the phase shift originates exclusively from the modulation of a pure geometric-phase component of the electron spin beyond the adiabatic limit, independently from dynamical phases. The phase shift is well reproduced by implementing two independent approaches, that is, perturbation theory and non-perturbative transport simulations.

Rotating optical geometry sensor for inner pipe-surface reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ritter, Moritz; Frey, Christan W.

2010-01-01

The inspection of sewer or fresh water pipes is usually carried out by a remotely controlled inspection vehicle equipped with a high resolution camera and a lightning system. This operator-oriented approach based on offline analysis of the recorded images is highly subjective and prone to errors. Beside the subjective classification of pipe defects through the operator standard closed circuit television (CCTV) technology is not suitable for detecting geometrical deformations resulting from e.g. structural mechanical weakness of the pipe, corrosion of e.g. cast-iron material or sedimentations. At Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation (IOSB) in Karlsruhe, Germany, a new Rotating Optical Geometry Sensor (ROGS) for pipe inspection has been developed which is capable of measuring the inner pipe geometry very precisely over the whole pipe length. This paper describes the developed ROGS system and the online adaption strategy for choosing the optimal system parameters. These parameters are the rotation and traveling speed dependent from the pipe diameter. Furthermore, a practicable calibration methodology is presented which guarantees an identification of the several internal sensor parameters. ROGS has been integrated in two different systems: A rod based system for small fresh water pipes and a standard inspection vehicle based system for large sewer Pipes. These systems have been successfully applied to different pipe systems. With this measurement method the geometric information can be used efficiently for an objective repeatable quality evaluation. Results and experiences in the area of fresh water pipe inspection will be presented.

Summary on several key techniques in 3D geological modeling.

PubMed

Mei, Gang

2014-01-01

Several key techniques in 3D geological modeling including planar mesh generation, spatial interpolation, and surface intersection are summarized in this paper. Note that these techniques are generic and widely used in various applications but play a key role in 3D geological modeling. There are two essential procedures in 3D geological modeling: the first is the simulation of geological interfaces using geometric surfaces and the second is the building of geological objects by means of various geometric computations such as the intersection of surfaces. Discrete geometric surfaces that represent geological interfaces can be generated by creating planar meshes first and then spatially interpolating; those surfaces intersect and then form volumes that represent three-dimensional geological objects such as rock bodies. In this paper, the most commonly used algorithms of the key techniques in 3D geological modeling are summarized.

A comprehensive study of bubble inflation in vacuum-assisted thermoforming based on whole-field strain measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayadi, A.; Lacrampe, M.-F.; Krawczak, P.

2018-05-01

This paper focuses on the potential use of stereo-DIC in thermoforming conditions to monitor large deformations of softened thermoplastic sheets posteriori to the sagging phenomenon. The study concerns HIPS sheets which are softened by the radiative heat-transfer mode then stretched by inflation of compressed-air for 1.5 s to form a large and quasi-spherical dome of 250 mm in diameter. While the bubble-inflation operation leads to large deformations of the softened sheet, it shows transitional geometrical instabilities due to the initial surface sagging. When the temperature-induced surface deformations are inaccessible by the stereoscopic system during the heating operation, the geometrical instabilities limit the identification of the reference of displacements which affects the accuracy of results based on image-correlation computations. To compare between the principal strains assessed from bubble-inflation tests conducted at different thermal conditions, a method for filtering these instabilities is developed in this study.

Biomedical image segmentation using geometric deformable models and metaheuristics.

PubMed

Mesejo, Pablo; Valsecchi, Andrea; Marrakchi-Kacem, Linda; Cagnoni, Stefano; Damas, Sergio

2015-07-01

This paper describes a hybrid level set approach for medical image segmentation. This new geometric deformable model combines region- and edge-based information with the prior shape knowledge introduced using deformable registration. Our proposal consists of two phases: training and test. The former implies the learning of the level set parameters by means of a Genetic Algorithm, while the latter is the proper segmentation, where another metaheuristic, in this case Scatter Search, derives the shape prior. In an experimental comparison, this approach has shown a better performance than a number of state-of-the-art methods when segmenting anatomical structures from different biomedical image modalities. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tunable nano Peltier cooling device from geometric effects using a single graphene nanoribbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wan-Ju; Yao, Dao-Xin; Carlson, E. W.

2014-08-01

Based on the phenomenon of curvature-induced doping in graphene we propose a class of Peltier cooling devices, produced by geometrical effects, without gating. We show how a graphene nanoribbon laid on an array of curved nano cylinders can be used to create a targeted and tunable cooling device. Using two different approaches, the Nonequilibrium Green's Function (NEGF) method and experimental inputs, we predict that the cooling power of such a device can approach the order of kW/cm2, on par with the best known techniques using standard superlattice structures. The structure proposed here helps pave the way toward designing graphene electronics which use geometry rather than gating to control devices.

a Method for the Registration of Hemispherical Photographs and Tls Intensity Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, A.; Schilling, A.; Maas, H.-G.

2012-07-01

Terrestrial laser scanners generate dense and accurate 3D point clouds with minimal effort, which represent the geometry of real objects, while image data contains texture information of object surfaces. Based on the complementary characteristics of both data sets, a combination is very appealing for many applications, including forest-related tasks. In the scope of our research project, independent data sets of a plain birch stand have been taken by a full-spherical laser scanner and a hemispherical digital camera. Previously, both kinds of data sets have been considered separately: Individual trees were successfully extracted from large 3D point clouds, and so-called forest inventory parameters could be determined. Additionally, a simplified tree topology representation was retrieved. From hemispherical images, leaf area index (LAI) values, as a very relevant parameter for describing a stand, have been computed. The objective of our approach is to merge a 3D point cloud with image data in a way that RGB values are assigned to each 3D point. So far, segmentation and classification of TLS point clouds in forestry applications was mainly based on geometrical aspects of the data set. However, a 3D point cloud with colour information provides valuable cues exceeding simple statistical evaluation of geometrical object features and thus may facilitate the analysis of the scan data significantly.

Unified space--time trigonometry and its applications to relativistic kinematics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jaccarini, A.

1973-06-15

A geometrical approach to relativistic kinematics is presented. Owing to a unified space-time trigonometry, the spherical trigonometry formalism may be used to describe and study the kinematics of any collision process. Lorentz transformations may thus lie treated as purely geometrical problems. A different way to define a unified trigonometry is also proposed, which is based on the spinor representation of the Lorentz group. This leads to a different and more general formalism than the former one. (auth)

Downscaling of conventional laser cladding technique to microengineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

del Val, J.; Comesaña, R.; Lusquiños, F.; Riveiro, A.; Quintero, F.; Pou, J.

To get an adequate response to the high increase of micro-products demand, new techniques have been developed by different types of industries in the last years. One approach is to adapt the laser surface cladding technique to the scale of microengineering. A new experimental configuration has been developed based on a highly stable high power laser with a high beam quality and a micro-feeder adequate to supply submicron particles. This work collects our efforts to extend the operation range of the laser cladding to the laser micro-cladding in order to produce micro-coatings. The viability of this new technique has been demonstrated by depositing coatings with geometrical characteristics in the micrometer range (minimum values obtained: 32 μm of width and 12 μm of height).

Automatic rocks detection and classification on high resolution images of planetary surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aboudan, A.; Pacifici, A.; Murana, A.; Cannarsa, F.; Ori, G. G.; Dell'Arciprete, I.; Allemand, P.; Grandjean, P.; Portigliotti, S.; Marcer, A.; Lorenzoni, L.

2013-12-01

High-resolution images can be used to obtain rocks location and size on planetary surfaces. In particular rock size-frequency distribution is a key parameter to evaluate the surface roughness, to investigate the geologic processes that formed the surface and to assess the hazards related with spacecraft landing. The manual search for rocks on high-resolution images (even for small areas) can be a very intensive work. An automatic or semi-automatic algorithm to identify rocks is mandatory to enable further processing as determining the rocks presence, size, height (by means of shadows) and spatial distribution over an area of interest. Accurate rocks and shadows contours localization are the key steps for rock detection. An approach to contour detection based on morphological operators and statistical thresholding is presented in this work. The identified contours are then fitted using a proper geometric model of the rocks or shadows and used to estimate salient rocks parameters (position, size, area, height). The performances of this approach have been evaluated both on images of Martian analogue area of Morocco desert and on HiRISE images. Results have been compared with ground truth obtained by means of manual rock mapping and proved the effectiveness of the algorithm. The rock abundance and rocks size-frequency distribution derived on selected HiRISE images have been compared with the results of similar analyses performed for the landing site certification of Mars landers (Viking, Pathfinder, MER, MSL) and with the available thermal data from IRTM and TES.

Nanostructure-enhanced surface plasmon resonance imaging (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Špašková, Barbora; Lynn, Nicholas S.; Slabý, Jiří Bocková, Markéta; Homola, Jiří

2017-06-01

There remains a need for the multiplexed detection of biomolecules at extremely low concentrations in fields of medical diagnostics, food safety, and security. Surface plasmon resonance imaging is an established biosensing approach in which the measurement of the intensity of light across a sensor chip is correlated with the amount of target biomolecules captured by the respective areas on the chip. In this work, we present a new approach for this method allowing for enhanced bioanalytical performance via the introduction of nanostructured sensing chip and polarization contrast measurement, which enable the exploitation of both amplitude and phase properties of plasmonic resonances on the nanostructures. Here we will discuss a complex theoretical analysis of the sensor performance, whereby we investigate aspects related to both the optical performance as well as the transport of the analyte molecules to the functionalized surfaces. This analysis accounts for the geometrical parameters of the nanostructured sensing surface, the properties of functional coatings, and parameters related to the detection assay. Based on the results of the theoretical analysis, we fabricated sensing chips comprised of arrays of gold nanoparticles (by electron-beam lithography), which were modified by a biofunctional coating to allow for the selective capturing of the target biomolecules in the regions with high sensitivity. In addition, we developed a compact optical reader with an integrated microfluidic cell, allowing for the measurement from 50 independent sensing channels. The performance of this biosensor is demonstrated through the sensitive detection of short oligonucleotides down to the low picomolar level.

Influence of the geometry on magnetic interactions in a retina fixator based on a magnetoactive elastomer seal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadzharyan, T. A.; Makarova, L. A.; Kazimirova, E. G.; Perov, N. S.; Kramarenko, E. Yu

2018-03-01

We study the effects the geometric configuration has on magnetic interactions between a magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) sample and various systems of permanent magnets for problems with both flat and curved geometry. MAEs consist of a silicone polymer matrix and iron filler microparticles embedded in it. Permanent magnets are cylindrical neodymium magnets arranged in a line on a flat or curved solid surfaces. We use computer simulations, namely the finite element method, in order to study the interaction force and magnetic pressure in a system with an MAE sample and permanent magnets. The model is based on classical Maxwell magnetostatics and two factors taking into account field dependence of MAE’s magnetic properties and inhomogeneities caused by local demagnetization. We calculate magnetic pressure dependences on various geometric parameters of the system, namely, the diameter and the height of permanent magnets, the distance between the magnets and dimensions of MAE samples. This research aims to create a set of guidelines for choosing the geometric configuration of a retina fixator based on MAE seals to be used in eye surgery for retinal detachment treatment.

Geometry of modified release formulations during dissolution--influence on performance of dosage forms with diclofenac sodium.

PubMed

Dorożyński, Przemysław; Kulinowski, Piotr; Jamróz, Witold; Juszczyk, Ewelina

2014-12-30

The objectives of the work included: presentation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fractal analysis based approach to comparison of dosage forms of different composition, structure, and assessment of the influence of the compositional factors i.e., matrix type, excipients etc., on properties and performance of the dosage form during drug dissolution. The work presents the first attempt to compare MRI data obtained for tablet formulations of different composition and characterized by distinct differences in hydration and drug dissolution mechanisms. The main difficulty, in such a case stems from differences in hydration behavior and tablet's geometry i.e., swelling, cracking, capping etc. A novel approach to characterization of matrix systems i.e., quantification of changes of geometrical complexity of the matrix shape during drug dissolution has been developed. Using three chosen commercial modified release tablet formulations with diclofenac sodium we present the method of parameterization of their geometrical complexity on the base of fractal analysis. The main result of the study is the correlation between the hydrating tablet behavior and drug dissolution - the increase of geometrical complexity expressed as fractal dimension relates to the increased variability of drug dissolution results. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Human body surface area: a theoretical approach.

PubMed

Wang, Jianfeng; Hihara, Eiji

2004-04-01

Knowledge of the human body surface area has important applications in medical practice, garment design, and other engineering sizing. Therefore, it is not surprising that several expressions correlating body surface area with direct measurements of body mass and length have been reported in the literature. In the present study, based on the assumption that the exterior shape of the human body is the result of convex and concave deformations from a basic cylinder, we derive a theoretical equation minimizing body surface area (BSA) at a fixed volume (V): BSA=(9pi VL)(0.5), where L is the reference length of the body. Assuming a body density value of 1,000 kg.m(-3), the equation becomes BSA=(BM.BH/35.37)(0.5), where BSA is in square meters, BM is the body mass in kilograms, and BH is the body height in meters. BSA values calculated by means of this equation fall within +/-7% of the values obtained by means of the equations available in the literature, in the range of BSA from children to adults. It is also suggested that the above equation, which is obtained by minimizing the outer body surface at a fixed volume, implies a fundamental relation set by the geometrical constraints governing the growth and the development of the human body.

Design optimization of hydraulic turbine draft tube based on CFD and DOE method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nam, Mun chol; Dechun, Ba; Xiangji, Yue; Mingri, Jin

2018-03-01

In order to improve performance of the hydraulic turbine draft tube in its design process, the optimization for draft tube is performed based on multi-disciplinary collaborative design optimization platform by combining the computation fluid dynamic (CFD) and the design of experiment (DOE) in this paper. The geometrical design variables are considered as the median section in the draft tube and the cross section in its exit diffuser and objective function is to maximize the pressure recovery factor (Cp). Sample matrixes required for the shape optimization of the draft tube are generated by optimal Latin hypercube (OLH) method of the DOE technique and their performances are evaluated through computational fluid dynamic (CFD) numerical simulation. Subsequently the main effect analysis and the sensitivity analysis of the geometrical parameters of the draft tube are accomplished. Then, the design optimization of the geometrical design variables is determined using the response surface method. The optimization result of the draft tube shows a marked performance improvement over the original.

An analysis of the radiation from apertures in curved surfaces by the geometrical theory of diffraction. [ray technique for electromagnetic fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pathak, P. H.; Kouyoumjian, R. G.

1974-01-01

In this paper the geometrical theory of diffraction is extended to treat the radiation from apertures of slots in convex perfectly conducting surfaces. It is assumed that the tangential electric field in the aperture is known so that an equivalent infinitesimal source can be defined at each point in the aperture. Surface rays emanate from this source which is a caustic of the ray system. A launching coefficient is introduced to describe the excitation of the surface ray modes. If the field radiated from the surface is desired, the ordinary diffraction coefficients are used to determine the field of the rays shed tangentially from the surface rays. The field of the surface ray modes is not the field on the surface; hence if the mutual coupling between slots is of interest, a second coefficient related to the launching coefficient must be employed. In the region adjacent to the shadow boundary, the component of the field directly radiated from the source is represented by Fock-type functions. In the illuminated region the incident radiation from the source (this does not include the diffracted field components) is treated by geometrical optics. This extension of the geometrical theory of diffraction is applied to calculate the radiation from slots on elliptic cylinders, spheres, and spheroids.

Orienting in virtual environments: How are surface features and environmental geometry weighted in an orientation task?

PubMed

Kelly, Debbie M; Bischof, Walter F

2008-10-01

We investigated how human adults orient in enclosed virtual environments, when discrete landmark information is not available and participants have to rely on geometric and featural information on the environmental surfaces. In contrast to earlier studies, where, for women, the featural information from discrete landmarks overshadowed the encoding of the geometric information, Experiment 1 showed that when featural information is conjoined with the environmental surfaces, men and women encoded both types of information. Experiment 2 showed that, although both types of information are encoded, performance in locating a goal position is better if it is close to a geometrically or featurally distinct location. Furthermore, although features are relied upon more strongly than geometry, initial experience with an environment influences the relative weighting of featural and geometric cues. Taken together, these results show that human adults use a flexible strategy for encoding spatial information.

General Series Solutions for Stresses and Displacements in an Inner-fixed Ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Yongshu; Liu, Shuo; Qi, Dexuan

2018-03-01

The general series solution approach is provided to get the stress and displacement fields in the inner-fixed ring. After choosing an Airy stress function in series form, stresses are expressed by infinite coefficients. Displacements are obtained by integrating the geometric equations. For an inner-fixed ring, the arbitrary loads acting on outer edge are extended into two sets of Fourier series. The zero displacement boundary conditions on inner surface are utilized. Then the stress (and displacement) coefficients are expressed by loading coefficients. A numerical example shows the validity of this approach.

THE ALBEDOS OF KEPLER'S CLOSE-IN SUPER-EARTHS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Demory, Brice-Olivier, E-mail: bod21@cam.ac.uk

Exoplanet research focusing on the characterization of super-Earths is currently limited to the handful of targets orbiting bright stars that are amenable to detailed study. This Letter proposes to look at alternative avenues to probe the surface and atmospheric properties of this category of planets, known to be ubiquitous in our galaxy. I conduct Markov Chain Monte Carlo light-curves analyses for 97 Kepler close-in R{sub P} ≲ 2.0 R {sub ⊕} super-Earth candidates with the aim of detecting their occultations at visible wavelengths. Brightness temperatures and geometric albedos in the Kepler bandpass are constrained for 27 super-Earth candidates. A hierarchicalmore » Bayesian modeling approach is then employed to characterize the population-level reflective properties of these close-in super-Earths. I find median geometric albedos A{sub g} in the Kepler bandpass ranging between 0.16 and 0.30, once decontaminated from thermal emission. These super-Earth geometric albedos are statistically larger than for hot Jupiters, which have medians A{sub g} ranging between 0.06 and 0.11. A subset of objects, including Kepler-10b, exhibit significantly larger albedos (A{sub g} ≳ 0.4). I argue that a better understanding of the incidence of stellar irradation on planetary surface and atmospheric processes is key to explain the diversity in albedos observed for close-in super-Earths.« less

Automated quadrilateral surface discretization method and apparatus usable to generate mesh in a finite element analysis system

DOEpatents

Blacker, Teddy D.

1994-01-01

An automatic quadrilateral surface discretization method and apparatus is provided for automatically discretizing a geometric region without decomposing the region. The automated quadrilateral surface discretization method and apparatus automatically generates a mesh of all quadrilateral elements which is particularly useful in finite element analysis. The generated mesh of all quadrilateral elements is boundary sensitive, orientation insensitive and has few irregular nodes on the boundary. A permanent boundary of the geometric region is input and rows are iteratively layered toward the interior of the geometric region. Also, an exterior permanent boundary and an interior permanent boundary for a geometric region may be input and the rows are iteratively layered inward from the exterior boundary in a first counter clockwise direction while the rows are iteratively layered from the interior permanent boundary toward the exterior of the region in a second clockwise direction. As a result, a high quality mesh for an arbitrary geometry may be generated with a technique that is robust and fast for complex geometric regions and extreme mesh gradations.

Optimum Wing Shape Determination of Highly Flexible Morphing Aircraft for Improved Flight Performance.

PubMed

Su, Weihua; Swei, Sean Shan-Min; Zhu, Guoming G

2016-09-01

In this paper, optimum wing bending and torsion deformations are explored for a mission adaptive, highly flexible morphing aircraft. The complete highly flexible aircraft is modeled using a strain-based geometrically nonlinear beam formulation, coupled with unsteady aerodynamics and 6-dof rigid-body motions. Since there are no conventional discrete control surfaces for trimming the flexible aircraft, the design space for searching the optimum wing geometries is enlarged. To achieve high performance flight, the wing geometry is best tailored according to the specific flight mission needs. In this study, the steady level flight and the coordinated turn flight are considered, and the optimum wing deformations with the minimum drag at these flight conditions are searched by utilizing a modal-based optimization procedure, subject to the trim and other constraints. The numerical study verifies the feasibility of the modal-based optimization approach, and shows the resulting optimum wing configuration and its sensitivity under different flight profiles.

Optimum Wing Shape Determination of Highly Flexible Morphing Aircraft for Improved Flight Performance

PubMed Central

Su, Weihua; Swei, Sean Shan-Min; Zhu, Guoming G.

2018-01-01

In this paper, optimum wing bending and torsion deformations are explored for a mission adaptive, highly flexible morphing aircraft. The complete highly flexible aircraft is modeled using a strain-based geometrically nonlinear beam formulation, coupled with unsteady aerodynamics and 6-dof rigid-body motions. Since there are no conventional discrete control surfaces for trimming the flexible aircraft, the design space for searching the optimum wing geometries is enlarged. To achieve high performance flight, the wing geometry is best tailored according to the specific flight mission needs. In this study, the steady level flight and the coordinated turn flight are considered, and the optimum wing deformations with the minimum drag at these flight conditions are searched by utilizing a modal-based optimization procedure, subject to the trim and other constraints. The numerical study verifies the feasibility of the modal-based optimization approach, and shows the resulting optimum wing configuration and its sensitivity under different flight profiles. PMID:29348697

Optimum Wing Shape of Highly Flexible Morphing Aircraft for Improved Flight Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Su, Weihua; Swei, Sean Shan-Min; Zhu, Guoming G.

2016-01-01

In this paper, optimum wing bending and torsion deformations are explored for a mission adaptive, highly flexible morphing aircraft. The complete highly flexible aircraft is modeled using a strain-based geometrically nonlinear beam formulation, coupled with unsteady aerodynamics and six-degrees-of-freedom rigid-body motions. Since there are no conventional discrete control surfaces for trimming the flexible aircraft, the design space for searching the optimum wing geometries is enlarged. To achieve high performance flight, the wing geometry is best tailored according to the specific flight mission needs. In this study, the steady level flight and the coordinated turn flight are considered, and the optimum wing deformations with the minimum drag at these flight conditions are searched by utilizing a modal-based optimization procedure, subject to the trim and other constraints. The numerical study verifies the feasibility of the modal-based optimization approach, and shows the resulting optimum wing configuration and its sensitivity under different flight profiles.

Surface and Basal Roughness in Radar Sounding Data: Obstacle and Opportunity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schroeder, D. M.; Grima, C.; Haynes, M.

2015-12-01

The surface and basal roughness of glaciers, ice sheets, and ice shelves can pose a significant obstacle to the visual interpretation and quantitative analysis of radar sounding data. Areas of high surface roughness - including grounding zones, shear margins, and crevasse fields - can produce clutter and side-lobe signals that obscure the interpretation of englacial and subglacial features. These areas can also introduce significant variation in bed echo strength profiles as a result of losses from two-way propagation through rough ice surfaces. Similarly, reflections from rough basal interfaces beneath ice sheets and ice shelves can also result in large, spatially variable losses in bed echo power. If unmitigated and uncorrected, these effects can degrade or prevent the definitive interpretation of material and geometric properties at the base of ice sheets and ice shelves using radar reflectivity and bed echo character. However, these effects also provide geophysical signatures of surface and basal interface character - including surface roughness, firn density, subglacial bedform geometry, ice shelf basal roughness, marine-ice/brine detection, and crevasse geometry - that can be observed and constrained by exploiting roughness effects in radar sounding data. We present a series of applications and approaches for characterizing and correcting surface and basal roughness effects for airborne radar sounding data collected in Antarctica. We also present challenges, insights, and opportunities for extending these techniques to the orbital radar sounding of Europa's ice shell.

Topological defects in two-dimensional liquid crystals confined by a box

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Xiaomei; Zhang, Hui; Chen, Jeff Z. Y.

2018-05-01

When a spatially uniform system that displays a liquid-crystal ordering on a two-dimensional surface is confined inside a rectangular box, the liquid crystal direction field develops inhomogeneous textures accompanied by topological defects because of the geometric frustrations. We show that the rich variety of nematic textures and defect patterns found in recent experimental and theoretical studies can be classified by the solutions of the rather fundamental, extended Onsager model. This is critically examined based on the determined free energies of different defect states, as functions of a few relevant, dimensionless geometric parameters.

Calibration of z-axis linearity for arbitrary optical topography measuring instruments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eifler, Matthias; Seewig, Jörg; Hering, Julian; von Freymann, Georg

2015-05-01

The calibration of the height axis of optical topography measurement instruments is essential for reliable topography measurements. A state of the art technology for the calibration of the linearity and amplification of the z-axis is the use of step height artefacts. However, a proper calibration requires numerous step heights at different positions within the measurement range. The procedure is extensive and uses artificial surface structures that are not related to real measurement tasks. Concerning these limitations, approaches should to be developed that work for arbitrary topography measurement devices and require little effort. Hence, we propose calibration artefacts which are based on the 3D-Abbott-Curve and image desired surface characteristics. Further, real geometric structures are used as an initial point of the calibration artefact. Based on these considerations, an algorithm is introduced which transforms an arbitrary measured surface into a measurement artefact for the z-axis linearity. The method works both for profiles and topographies. For considering effects of manufacturing, measuring, and evaluation an iterative approach is chosen. The mathematical impact of these processes can be calculated with morphological signal processing. The artefact is manufactured with 3D laser lithography and characterized with different optical measurement devices. An introduced calibration routine can calibrate the entire z-axis-range within one measurement and minimizes the required effort. With the results it is possible to locate potential linearity deviations and to adjust the z-axis. Results of different optical measurement principles are compared in order to evaluate the capabilities of the new artefact.

Can new passenger cars reduce pedestrian lower extremity injury? A review of geometrical changes of front-end design before and after regulatory efforts.

PubMed

Nie, Bingbing; Zhou, Qing

2016-10-02

Pedestrian lower extremity represents the most frequently injured body region in car-to-pedestrian accidents. The European Directive concerning pedestrian safety was established in 2003 for evaluating pedestrian protection performance of car models. However, design changes have not been quantified since then. The goal of this study was to investigate front-end profiles of representative passenger car models and the potential influence on pedestrian lower extremity injury risk. The front-end styling of sedans and sport utility vehicles (SUV) released from 2008 to 2011 was characterized by the geometrical parameters related to pedestrian safety and compared to representative car models before 2003. The influence of geometrical design change on the resultant risk of injury to pedestrian lower extremity-that is, knee ligament rupture and long bone fracture-was estimated by a previously developed assessment tool assuming identical structural stiffness. Based on response surface generated from simulation results of a human body model (HBM), the tool provided kinematic and kinetic responses of pedestrian lower extremity resulted from a given car's front-end design. Newer passenger cars exhibited a "flatter" front-end design. The median value of the sedan models provided 87.5 mm less bottom depth, and the SUV models exhibited 94.7 mm less bottom depth. In the lateral impact configuration similar to that in the regulatory test methods, these geometrical changes tend to reduce the injury risk of human knee ligament rupture by 36.6 and 39.6% based on computational approximation. The geometrical changes did not significantly influence the long bone fracture risk. The present study reviewed the geometrical changes in car front-ends along with regulatory concerns regarding pedestrian safety. A preliminary quantitative benefit of the lower extremity injury reduction was estimated based on these geometrical features. Further investigation is recommended on the structural changes and inclusion of more accident scenarios.

Special Features of the Air to Space Neutron Transport Problem

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-14

Fig. 5 from (NOAA, NASA , USAF, 1976, p. 13). .......................................................... 194 Atmospheric density as a function of...75 Physical constants for 1976 U.S. Standard Atmosphere. (NOAA, NASA ... NASA , USAF, 1976, p. 3), and computed base temperatures and pressures from the surface to 86 geometric kilometers

Three-dimensional assessment of scoliosis based on ultrasound data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Junhua; Li, Hongjian; Yu, Bo

2015-12-01

In this study, an approach was proposed to assess the 3D scoliotic deformity based on ultrasound data. The 3D spine model was reconstructed by using a freehand 3D ultrasound imaging system. The geometric torsion was then calculated from the reconstructed spine model. A thoracic spine phantom set at a given pose was used in the experiment. The geometric torsion of the spine phantom calculated from the freehand ultrasound imaging system was 0.041 mm-1 which was close to that calculated from the biplanar radiographs (0.025 mm-1). Therefore, ultrasound is a promising technique for the 3D assessment of scoliosis.

a Geometric Processing Workflow for Transforming Reality-Based 3d Models in Volumetric Meshes Suitable for Fea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonizzi Barsanti, S.; Guidi, G.

2017-02-01

Conservation of Cultural Heritage is a key issue and structural changes and damages can influence the mechanical behaviour of artefacts and buildings. The use of Finite Elements Methods (FEM) for mechanical analysis is largely used in modelling stress behaviour. The typical workflow involves the use of CAD 3D models made by Non-Uniform Rational B-splines (NURBS) surfaces, representing the ideal shape of the object to be simulated. Nowadays, 3D documentation of CH has been widely developed through reality-based approaches, but the models are not suitable for a direct use in FEA: the mesh has in fact to be converted to volumetric, and the density has to be reduced since the computational complexity of a FEA grows exponentially with the number of nodes. The focus of this paper is to present a new method aiming at generate the most accurate 3D representation of a real artefact from highly accurate 3D digital models derived from reality-based techniques, maintaining the accuracy of the high-resolution polygonal models in the solid ones. The approach proposed is based on a wise use of retopology procedures and a transformation of this model to a mathematical one made by NURBS surfaces suitable for being processed by volumetric meshers typically embedded in standard FEM packages. The strong simplification with little loss of consistency possible with the retopology step is used for maintaining as much coherence as possible between the original acquired mesh and the simplified model, creating in the meantime a topology that is more favourable for the automatic NURBS conversion.

Automatic Spatio-Temporal Flow Velocity Measurement in Small Rivers Using Thermal Image Sequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, D.; Eltner, A.; Sardemann, H.; Maas, H.-G.

2018-05-01

An automatic spatio-temporal flow velocity measurement approach, using an uncooled thermal camera, is proposed in this paper. The basic principle of the method is to track visible thermal features at the water surface in thermal camera image sequences. Radiometric and geometric calibrations are firstly implemented to remove vignetting effects in thermal imagery and to get the interior orientation parameters of the camera. An object-based unsupervised classification approach is then applied to detect the interest regions for data referencing and thermal feature tracking. Subsequently, GCPs are extracted to orient the river image sequences and local hot points are identified as tracking features. Afterwards, accurate dense tracking outputs are obtained using pyramidal Lucas-Kanade method. To validate the accuracy potential of the method, measurements obtained from thermal feature tracking are compared with reference measurements taken by a propeller gauge. Results show a great potential of automatic flow velocity measurement in small rivers using imagery from a thermal camera.

Spent nuclear fuel/water interface behavior: Alpha dose rate profile determination for model surfaces and microcracks by using Monte-Carlo methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tribet, M.; Mougnaud, S.; Jégou, C.

2017-05-01

This work aims to better understand the nature and evolution of energy deposits at the UO2/water reactional interface subjected to alpha irradiation, through an original approach based on Monte-Carlo-type simulations, using the MCNPX code. Such an approach has the advantage of describing the energy deposit profiles on both sides of the interface (UO2 and water). The calculations have been performed on simple geometries, with data from an irradiated UOX fuel (burnup of 47 GWd.tHM-1 and 15 years of alpha decay). The influence of geometric parameters such as the diameter and the calculation steps at the reactional interface are discussed, and the exponential laws to be used in practice are suggested. The case of cracks with various different apertures (from 5 to 35 μm) has also been examined and these calculations have also enabled new information on the mean range of radiolytic species in cracks, and thus on the local chemistry.

Computational Approach to Seasonal Changes of Living Leaves

PubMed Central

Wu, Dong-Yan

2013-01-01

This paper proposes a computational approach to seasonal changes of living leaves by combining the geometric deformations and textural color changes. The geometric model of a leaf is generated by triangulating the scanned image of a leaf using an optimized mesh. The triangular mesh of the leaf is deformed by the improved mass-spring model, while the deformation is controlled by setting different mass values for the vertices on the leaf model. In order to adaptively control the deformation of different regions in the leaf, the mass values of vertices are set to be in proportion to the pixels' intensities of the corresponding user-specified grayscale mask map. The geometric deformations as well as the textural color changes of a leaf are used to simulate the seasonal changing process of leaves based on Markov chain model with different environmental parameters including temperature, humidness, and time. Experimental results show that the method successfully simulates the seasonal changes of leaves. PMID:23533545

Determination of the thickness of the embedding phase in 0D nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martínez-Martínez, D.; Sánchez-López, J. C.

2017-11-01

0D nanocomposites formed by small nanoparticles embedded in a second phase are very interesting systems which may show properties that are beyond those observed in the original constituents alone. One of the main parameters to understand the behavior of such nanocomposites is the determination of the separation between two adjacent nanoparticles, in other words, the thickness of the embedding phase. However, its experimental measurement is extremely complicated. Therefore, its evaluation is performed by an indirect approach using geometrical models. The ones typically used represent the nanoparticles by cubes or spheres. In this paper the used geometrical models are revised, and additional geometrical models based in other parallelohedra (hexagonal prism, rhombic and elongated dodecahedron and truncated octahedron) are presented. Additionally, a hybrid model that shows a transition between the spherical and tessellated models is proposed. Finally, the different approaches are tested on a set of titanium carbide/amorphous carbon (TiC/a-C) nanocomposite films to estimate the thickness of the a-C phase and explain the observed hardness properties.

Restoring warped document images through 3D shape modeling.

PubMed

Tan, Chew Lim; Zhang, Li; Zhang, Zheng; Xia, Tao

2006-02-01

Scanning a document page from a thick bound volume often results in two kinds of distortions in the scanned image, i.e., shade along the "spine" of the book and warping in the shade area. In this paper, we propose an efficient restoration method based on the discovery of the 3D shape of a book surface from the shading information in a scanned document image. From a technical point of view, this shape from shading (SFS) problem in real-world environments is characterized by 1) a proximal and moving light source, 2) Lambertian reflection, 3) nonuniform albedo distribution, and 4) document skew. Taking all these factors into account, we first build practical models (consisting of a 3D geometric model and a 3D optical model) for the practical scanning conditions to reconstruct the 3D shape of the book surface. We next restore the scanned document image using this shape based on deshading and dewarping models. Finally, we evaluate the restoration results by comparing our estimated surface shape with the real shape as well as the OCR performance on original and restored document images. The results show that the geometric and photometric distortions are mostly removed and the OCR results are improved markedly.

Geometrical shape design of nanophotonic surfaces for thin film solar cells.

PubMed

Nam, W I; Yoo, Y J; Song, Y M

2016-07-11

We present the effect of geometrical parameters, particularly shape, on optical absorption enhancement for thin film solar cells based on crystalline silicon (c-Si) and gallium arsenide (GaAs) using a rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) method. It is discovered that the "sweet spot" that maximizes efficiency of solar cells exists for the design of nanophotonic surfaces. For the case of ultrathin, rod array is practical due to the effective optical resonances resulted from the optimum geometry whereas parabola array is viable for relatively thicker cells owing to the effective graded index profile. A specific value of thickness, which is the median value of other two devices tailored by rod and paraboloid, is optimized by truncated shape structure. It is therefore worth scanning the optimum shape of nanostructures in a given thickness in order to achieve high performance.

Geometries in Soft Matter From Geometric Frustration, Liquid Droplets to Electrostatics in Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Zhenwei

This thesis explores geometric aspects of soft matter systems. The topics covered fall into three categories: (i) geometric frustrations, including the interplay of geometry and topological defects in two dimensional systems, and the frustration of a planar sheet attached to a curved surface; (ii) geometries of liquid droplets, including the curvature driven instabilities of toroidal liquid droplets and the self-propulsion of droplets on a spatially varying surface topography; (iii) the study of the electric double layer structure around charged spherical interfaces by a geometric method. In (i), we study the crystalline order on capillary bridges with varying Gaussian curvature. Energy requires the appearance of topological defects on the surface, which are natural spots for biological activity and chemical functionalization. We further study how liquid crystalline order deforms flexible structured vesicles. In particular we find faceted tetrahedral vesicle as the ground state, which may lead to the design of supra-molecular structures with tetrahedral symmetry and new classes of nano-carriers. Furthermore, by a simple paper model we explore the geometric frustration on a planar sheet when brought to a negative curvature surface in a designed elasto-capillary system. In (ii), motivated by the idea of realizing crystalline order on a stable toroidal droplet and a beautiful experiment on toroidal droplets, we study the Rayleigh instability and the shrinking instability of thin and fat toroidal droplets, where the toroidal geometry plays an essential role. In (iii), by a geometric mapping we construct an approximate analytic spherical solution to the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation, and identify the applicability regime of the solution. The derived geometric solution enables further analytical study of spherical electrostatic systems such as colloidal suspensions.

Hyperspectral remote sensing exploration of carbonatite - an example from Epembe, Kunene region, Namibia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimmermann, Robert; Brandmeier, Melanie; Andreani, Louis; Gloaguen, Richard

2015-04-01

Remote sensing data can provide valuable information about ore deposits and their alteration zones at surface level. High spectral and spatial resolution of the data is essential for detailed mapping of mineral abundances and related structures. Carbonatites are well known for hosting economic enrichments in REE, Ta, Nb and P (Jones et al. 2013). These make them a preferential target for exploration for those critical elements. In this study we show how combining geomorphic, textural and spectral data improves classification result. We selected a site with a well-known occurrence in northern Namibia: the Epembe dyke. For analysis LANDSAT 8, SRTM and airborne hyperspectral (HyMap) data were chosen. The overlapping data allows a multi-scale and multi-resolution approach. Results from data analysis were validated during fieldwork in 2014. Data was corrected for atmospherical and geometrical effects. Image classification, mineral mapping and tectonic geomorphology allow a refinement of the geological map by lithological mapping in a second step. Detailed mineral abundance maps were computed using spectral unmixing techniques. These techniques are well suited to map abundances of carbonate minerals, but not to discriminate the carbonatite itself from surrounding rocks with similar spectral signatures. Thus, geometric indices were calculated using tectonic geomorphology and textures. For this purpose the TecDEM-toolbox (SHAHZAD & GLOAGUEN 2011) was applied to the SRTM-data for geomorphic analysis. Textural indices (e.g. uniformity, entropy, angular second moment) were derived from HyMap and SRTM by a grey-level co-occurrence matrix (CLAUSI 2002). The carbonatite in the study area is ridge-forming and shows a narrow linear feature in the textural bands. Spectral and geometric information were combined using kohonen Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) for unsupervised clustering. The resulting class spectra were visually compared and interpreted. Classes with similar signatures were merged according to geological context. The major conclusions are: 1. Carbonate minerals can be mapped using spectral unmixing techniques. 2. Carbonatites are associated with specific geometric pattern 3. The combination of spectral and geometric information improves classification result and reduces misclassification. References Clausi, D. A. (2002): An analysis of co-occurrence texture statistics as a function of grey-level quantization. - Canadian Journal of Remote Sensing, 28 (1), 45-62 Jones, A. P., Genge, M. and Carmody, L (2013): Carbonate Melts and Carbonatites. - Reviews in Mineralogy & Geochemistry, 75, 289-322 Shahzad, F. & Gloaguen, R. (2011): TecDEM: A MATLAB based toolbox for tectonic geomorphology, Part 2: Surface dynamics and basin analysis. - Computers and Geosciences, 37 (2), 261-271

A new approach to estimate the geometrical factors, solid angle approximation, geometrical efficiency and their use in basic interaction cross section measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, D. V.; Cesareo, R.; Brunetti, A.; Gigante, G. E.; Takeda, T.; Itai, Y.; Akatsuka, T.

2002-10-01

A new approach is developed to estimate the geometrical factors, solid angle approximation and geometrical efficiency for a system with experimental arrangements using X-ray tube and secondary target as an excitation source in order to produce the nearly monoenergetic Kα radiation to excite the sample. The variation of the solid angle is studied by changing the radius and length of the collimators towards and away from the source and sample. From these values the variation of the total solid angle and geometrical efficiency is deduced and the optimum value is used for the experimental work.

Classical versus Computer Algebra Methods in Elementary Geometry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pech, Pavel

2005-01-01

Computer algebra methods based on results of commutative algebra like Groebner bases of ideals and elimination of variables make it possible to solve complex, elementary and non elementary problems of geometry, which are difficult to solve using a classical approach. Computer algebra methods permit the proof of geometric theorems, automatic…

Measurement of deformations of models in a wind tunnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charpin, F.; Armand, C.; Selvaggini, R.

Techniques used at the ONERA Modane Center to monitor geometric variations in scale-models in wind tunnel trials are described. The methods include: photography of reflections from mirrors embedded in the model surface; laser-based torsiometry with polarized mirrors embedded in the model surface; predictions of the deformations using numerical codes for the model surface mechanical characteristics and the measured surface stresses; and, use of an optical detector to monitor the position of luminous fiber optic sources emitting from the model surfaces. The data enhance the confidence that the wind tunnel aerodynamic data will correspond with the in-flight performance of full scale flight surfaces.

Geometric Metamorphosis

PubMed Central

Niethammer, Marc; Hart, Gabriel L.; Pace, Danielle F.; Vespa, Paul M.; Irimia, Andrei; Van Horn, John D.; Aylward, Stephen R.

2013-01-01

Standard image registration methods do not account for changes in image appearance. Hence, metamorphosis approaches have been developed which jointly estimate a space deformation and a change in image appearance to construct a spatio-temporal trajectory smoothly transforming a source to a target image. For standard metamorphosis, geometric changes are not explicitly modeled. We propose a geometric metamorphosis formulation, which explains changes in image appearance by a global deformation, a deformation of a geometric model, and an image composition model. This work is motivated by the clinical challenge of predicting the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries based on time-series images. This work is also applicable to the quantification of tumor progression (e.g., estimating its infiltrating and displacing components) and predicting chronic blood perfusion changes after stroke. We demonstrate the utility of the method using simulated data as well as scans from a clinical traumatic brain injury patient. PMID:21995083

Geometric descriptions of entangled states by auxiliary varieties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holweck, Frédéric; Luque, Jean-Gabriel; Thibon, Jean-Yves

2012-10-01

The aim of the paper is to propose geometric descriptions of multipartite entangled states using algebraic geometry. In the context of this paper, geometric means each stratum of the Hilbert space, corresponding to an entangled state, is an open subset of an algebraic variety built by classical geometric constructions (tangent lines, secant lines) from the set of separable states. In this setting, we describe well-known classifications of multipartite entanglement such as 2 × 2 × (n + 1), for n ⩾ 1, quantum systems and a new description with the 2 × 3 × 3 quantum system. Our results complete the approach of Miyake and make stronger connections with recent work of algebraic geometers. Moreover, for the quantum systems detailed in this paper, we propose an algorithm, based on the classical theory of invariants, to decide to which subvariety of the Hilbert space a given state belongs.

Magnetism of internal surfaces in a fractal structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Branco, N. S.; Chame, Anna

1993-09-01

We study the inhomogeneous magnetization behavior of an Ising ferromagnet in Sierpiński pastry shells, using a real-space renormalization group approach. Two qualitatively different regions on the fractal are distinguished: the bulk and the set of internal surfaces which border the eliminated portions. We obtain the spontaneous mean magnetizations for these regions as a function of the temperature for different values of α = JS/ JB (J S and J B are the internal surface and bulk coupling constants respectively) and different geometrical parameters b and l. The critical β exponents are obtained for the several transitions. We obtain different universality classes for the bulk transitions, depending on what occurs at the surfaces, and a step-like behavior of the magnetization as a function of the temperature of some values of b and l.

On actions for (entangling) surfaces and DCFTs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Armas, Jay; Tarrío, Javier

2018-04-01

The dynamics of surfaces and interfaces describe many physical systems, including fluid membranes, entanglement entropy and the coupling of defects to quantum field theories. Based on the formulation of submanifold calculus developed by Carter, we introduce a new variational principle for (entangling) surfaces. This principle captures all diffeomorphism constraints on surface/interface actions and their associated spacetime stress tensor. The different couplings to the geometric tensors appearing in the surface action are interpreted in terms of response coefficients within elasticity theory. An example of a surface action with edges at the two-derivative level is studied, including both the parity-even and parity-odd sectors. Its conformally invariant counterpart restricts the type of conformal anomalies that can appear in two-dimensional submanifolds with boundaries. Analogously to hydrodynamics, it is shown that classification methods can be used to constrain the stress tensor of (entangling) surfaces at a given order in derivatives. This analysis reveals a purely geometric parity-odd contribution to the Young modulus of a thin elastic membrane. Extending this novel variational principle to BCFTs and DCFTs in curved spacetimes allows to obtain the Ward identities for diffeomorphism and Weyl transformations. In this context, we provide a formal derivation of the contact terms in the stress tensor and of the displacement operator for a broad class of actions.

Comparison of Nonlinear Random Response Using Equivalent Linearization and Numerical Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rizzi, Stephen A.; Muravyov, Alexander A.

2000-01-01

A recently developed finite-element-based equivalent linearization approach for the analysis of random vibrations of geometrically nonlinear multiple degree-of-freedom structures is validated. The validation is based on comparisons with results from a finite element based numerical simulation analysis using a numerical integration technique in physical coordinates. In particular, results for the case of a clamped-clamped beam are considered for an extensive load range to establish the limits of validity of the equivalent linearization approach.

Summary on Several Key Techniques in 3D Geological Modeling

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Several key techniques in 3D geological modeling including planar mesh generation, spatial interpolation, and surface intersection are summarized in this paper. Note that these techniques are generic and widely used in various applications but play a key role in 3D geological modeling. There are two essential procedures in 3D geological modeling: the first is the simulation of geological interfaces using geometric surfaces and the second is the building of geological objects by means of various geometric computations such as the intersection of surfaces. Discrete geometric surfaces that represent geological interfaces can be generated by creating planar meshes first and then spatially interpolating; those surfaces intersect and then form volumes that represent three-dimensional geological objects such as rock bodies. In this paper, the most commonly used algorithms of the key techniques in 3D geological modeling are summarized. PMID:24772029

Genetic approach to reconstruct complex regional geological setting of the Baltic basin in 3D geological model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popovs, K.; Saks, T.; Ukass, J.; Jatnieks, J.

2012-04-01

Interpretation of geological structures in 3D geological models is a relatively new research topic that is already standardized in many geological branches. Due to its wide practical application, these models are indispensable and become one of the dominant interpretation methods in reducing geological uncertainties in many geology fields. Traditionally, geological concepts complement quantitative as much as qualitative data to obtain a model deemed acceptable, however, available data very often is insufficient and modeling methods primarily focus on spatial data but geological history usually is mostly neglected for the modeling of large sedimentary basins. A need to better integrate the long and often complex geological history and geological knowledge into modeling procedure is very acute to gain geological insight and improve the quality of geological models. During this research, 3D geological model of the Baltic basin (BB) was created. Because of its complex regional geological setting - wide range of the data sources with multiple scales, resolution and density as well as its various source formats, the study area provides a challenge for the 3D geological modeling. In order to create 3D regional geometrical model for the study area algorithmic genetic approach for model geometry reconstruction was applied. The genetic approach is based on the assumption that post-depositional deformation produce no significant change in sedimentary strata volume, assuming that the strata thickness and its length in a cross sectional plane remains unchanged except as a result of erosion. Assuming that the tectonic deformation occurred in sequential cycles and subsequent tectonic stage strata is separated by regional unconformity as is the case of the BB, there is an opportunity for algorithmic approach in reconstructing these conditions by sequentially reconstructing the layer original thickness. Layer thicknesses were sliced along fault lines, where applicable layer thickness was adjusted by taking into account amount of erosion by the presence of the regional unconformities. Borehole data and structural maps of some surfaces were used in creating geological model of the BB. Used approach allowed creating geologically sound geometric model. At first borehole logs were used to reconstruct initial thicknesses of different strata in every tectonic stage, where topography of each strata was obtained sequentially summing thickness to the initial reference surface from structural maps. Thereby each layer reflects the topography and amount of slip along the fault of the overlying layer. Overlying tectonic cycle sequence is implemented into the model structure by using unconformity surface as an initial reference surface. Applied techniques made possible reliably reconstructing and predicting in areas of sparse data layer surface geometry, its thickness distribution and evaluating displacements along the fault planes. Overall results indicate that the used approach has a good potential in development of regional geological models for the sedimentary basins and is valid for spatial interpretation of geological structures, subordinating this process to geological evolution prerequisites. This study is supported by the European Social Fund project No. 2009/0212/1DP/1.1.1.2.0/09/APIA/VIAA/060.

A point cloud modeling method based on geometric constraints mixing the robust least squares method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, JIanping; Pan, Yi; Yue, Shun; Liu, Dapeng; Liu, Bin; Huang, Nan

2016-10-01

The appearance of 3D laser scanning technology has provided a new method for the acquisition of spatial 3D information. It has been widely used in the field of Surveying and Mapping Engineering with the characteristics of automatic and high precision. 3D laser scanning data processing process mainly includes the external laser data acquisition, the internal industry laser data splicing, the late 3D modeling and data integration system. For the point cloud modeling, domestic and foreign researchers have done a lot of research. Surface reconstruction technology mainly include the point shape, the triangle model, the triangle Bezier surface model, the rectangular surface model and so on, and the neural network and the Alfa shape are also used in the curved surface reconstruction. But in these methods, it is often focused on single surface fitting, automatic or manual block fitting, which ignores the model's integrity. It leads to a serious problems in the model after stitching, that is, the surfaces fitting separately is often not satisfied with the well-known geometric constraints, such as parallel, vertical, a fixed angle, or a fixed distance. However, the research on the special modeling theory such as the dimension constraint and the position constraint is not used widely. One of the traditional modeling methods adding geometric constraints is a method combing the penalty function method and the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (L-M algorithm), whose stability is pretty good. But in the research process, it is found that the method is greatly influenced by the initial value. In this paper, we propose an improved method of point cloud model taking into account the geometric constraint. We first apply robust least-squares to enhance the initial value's accuracy, and then use penalty function method to transform constrained optimization problems into unconstrained optimization problems, and finally solve the problems using the L-M algorithm. The experimental results show that the internal accuracy is improved, and it is shown that the improved method for point clouds modeling proposed by this paper outperforms the traditional point clouds modeling methods.

Radargrammetric DSM generation in mountainous areas through adaptive-window least squares matching constrained by enhanced epipolar geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Yuting; Zhang, Lu; Balz, Timo; Luo, Heng; Liao, Mingsheng

2018-03-01

Radargrammetry is a powerful tool to construct digital surface models (DSMs) especially in heavily vegetated and mountainous areas where SAR interferometry (InSAR) technology suffers from decorrelation problems. In radargrammetry, the most challenging step is to produce an accurate disparity map through massive image matching, from which terrain height information can be derived using a rigorous sensor orientation model. However, precise stereoscopic SAR (StereoSAR) image matching is a very difficult task in mountainous areas due to the presence of speckle noise and dissimilar geometric/radiometric distortions. In this article, an adaptive-window least squares matching (AW-LSM) approach with an enhanced epipolar geometric constraint is proposed to robustly identify homologous points after compensation for radiometric discrepancies and geometric distortions. The matching procedure consists of two stages. In the first stage, the right image is re-projected into the left image space to generate epipolar images using rigorous imaging geometries enhanced with elevation information extracted from the prior DEM data e.g. SRTM DEM instead of the mean height of the mapped area. Consequently, the dissimilarities in geometric distortions between the left and right images are largely reduced, and the residual disparity corresponds to the height difference between true ground surface and the prior DEM. In the second stage, massive per-pixel matching between StereoSAR epipolar images identifies the residual disparity. To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the matching results, we develop an iterative matching scheme in which the classic cross correlation matching is used to obtain initial results, followed by the least squares matching (LSM) to refine the matching results. An adaptively resizing search window strategy is adopted during the dense matching step to help find right matching points. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated using Stripmap and Spotlight mode TerraSAR-X stereo data pairs covering Mount Song in central China. Experimental results show that the proposed method can provide a robust and effective matching tool for radargrammetry in mountainous areas.

Practical Implementation of Semi-Automated As-Built Bim Creation for Complex Indoor Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, S.; Jung, J.; Heo, J.

2015-05-01

In recent days, for efficient management and operation of existing buildings, the importance of as-built BIM is emphasized in AEC/FM domain. However, fully automated as-built BIM creation is a tough issue since newly-constructed buildings are becoming more complex. To manage this problem, our research group has developed a semi-automated approach, focusing on productive 3D as-built BIM creation for complex indoor environments. In order to test its feasibility for a variety of complex indoor environments, we applied the developed approach to model the `Charlotte stairs' in Lotte World Mall, Korea. The approach includes 4 main phases: data acquisition, data pre-processing, geometric drawing, and as-built BIM creation. In the data acquisition phase, due to its complex structure, we moved the scanner location several times to obtain the entire point clouds of the test site. After which, data pre-processing phase entailing point-cloud registration, noise removal, and coordinate transformation was followed. The 3D geometric drawing was created using the RANSAC-based plane detection and boundary tracing methods. Finally, in order to create a semantically-rich BIM, the geometric drawing was imported into the commercial BIM software. The final as-built BIM confirmed that the feasibility of the proposed approach in the complex indoor environment.

Estimating the designated use attainment decision error rates of US Environmental Protection Agency's proposed numeric total phosphorus criteria for Florida, USA, colored lakes.

PubMed

McLaughlin, Douglas B

2012-01-01

The utility of numeric nutrient criteria established for certain surface waters is likely to be affected by the uncertainty that exists in the presence of a causal link between nutrient stressor variables and designated use-related biological responses in those waters. This uncertainty can be difficult to characterize, interpret, and communicate to a broad audience of environmental stakeholders. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has developed a systematic planning process to support a variety of environmental decisions, but this process is not generally applied to the development of national or state-level numeric nutrient criteria. This article describes a method for implementing such an approach and uses it to evaluate the numeric total P criteria recently proposed by USEPA for colored lakes in Florida, USA. An empirical, log-linear relationship between geometric mean concentrations of total P (a potential stressor variable) and chlorophyll a (a nutrient-related response variable) in these lakes-that is assumed to be causal in nature-forms the basis for the analysis. The use of the geometric mean total P concentration of a lake to correctly indicate designated use status, defined in terms of a 20 µg/L geometric mean chlorophyll a threshold, is evaluated. Rates of decision errors analogous to the Type I and Type II error rates familiar in hypothesis testing, and a 3rd error rate, E(ni) , referred to as the nutrient criterion-based impairment error rate, are estimated. The results show that USEPA's proposed "baseline" and "modified" nutrient criteria approach, in which data on both total P and chlorophyll a may be considered in establishing numeric nutrient criteria for a given lake within a specified range, provides a means for balancing and minimizing designated use attainment decision errors. Copyright © 2011 SETAC.

Structure Line Detection from LIDAR Point Clouds Using Topological Elevation Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lo, C. Y.; Chen, L. C.

2012-07-01

Airborne LIDAR point clouds, which have considerable points on object surfaces, are essential to building modeling. In the last two decades, studies have developed different approaches to identify structure lines using two main approaches, data-driven and modeldriven. These studies have shown that automatic modeling processes depend on certain considerations, such as used thresholds, initial value, designed formulas, and predefined cues. Following the development of laser scanning systems, scanning rates have increased and can provide point clouds with higher point density. Therefore, this study proposes using topological elevation analysis (TEA) to detect structure lines instead of threshold-dependent concepts and predefined constraints. This analysis contains two parts: data pre-processing and structure line detection. To preserve the original elevation information, a pseudo-grid for generating digital surface models is produced during the first part. The highest point in each grid is set as the elevation value, and its original threedimensional position is preserved. In the second part, using TEA, the structure lines are identified based on the topology of local elevation changes in two directions. Because structure lines can contain certain geometric properties, their locations have small relieves in the radial direction and steep elevation changes in the circular direction. Following the proposed approach, TEA can be used to determine 3D line information without selecting thresholds. For validation, the TEA results are compared with those of the region growing approach. The results indicate that the proposed method can produce structure lines using dense point clouds.

Characterizing the audibility of sound field with diffusion in architectural spaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Utami, Sentagi Sesotya

The significance of diffusion control in room acoustics is that it attempts to avoid echoes by dispersing reflections while removing less valuable sound energy. Some applications place emphasis on the enhancement of late reflections to promote a sense of envelopment, and on methods required to measure the performance of diffusers. What still remains unclear is the impact of diffusion on the audibility quality due to the geometric arrangement of architectural elements. The objective of this research is to characterize the audibility of the sound field with diffusion in architectural space. In order to address this objective, an approach utilizing various methods and new techniques relevant to room acoustics standards was applied. An array of microphones based on beam forming (i.e., an acoustic camera) was utilized for field measurements in a recording studio, classrooms, auditoriums, concert halls and sport arenas. Given the ability to combine a visual image with acoustical data, the impulse responses measured were analyzed to identify the impact of diffusive surfaces on the early, late, and reverberant sound fields. The effects of the room geometry and the proportions of the diffusive and absorptive surfaces were observed by utilizing geometrical room acoustics simulations. The degree of diffuseness in each space was measured by coherences from different measurement positions along with the acoustical conditions predicted by well-known objective parameters such as T30, EDT, C80, and C50. Noticeable differences of the auditory experience were investigated by utilizing computer-based survey techniques, including the use of an immersive virtual environment system, given the current software auralization capabilities. The results based on statistical analysis demonstrate the users' ability to localize the sound and to distinguish the intensity, clarity, and reverberation created within the virtual environment. Impact of architectural elements in diffusion control is evaluated by the design variable interaction, objectively and subjectively. Effectiveness of the diffusive surfaces is determined by the echo reduction and the sense of complete immersion in a given room acoustics volume. Application of such methodology at various stages of design provides the ability to create a better auditory experience by the users. The results based on the cases studied have contributed to the development of new acoustical treatment based on the diffusion characteristics.

Comparison of two approaches for calculation of the geometric and inertial characteristics of the human body of the Bulgarian population.

PubMed

Nikolova, Gergana; Toshev, Yuli

2008-01-01

On the basis of a representative anthropological investigation of 5290 individuals (2435 males and 2855 females) of the Bulgarian population at the age of 30-40 years (Yordanov et al. [1]) we proposed a 3D biomechanical model of human body of the average Bulgarian male and female and compared two different possible approaches to calculate analytically and to evaluate numerically the corresponding geometric and inertial characteristics of all the segments of the body. In the framework of the first approach, we calculated the positions of the centres of mass of the segments of human body as well as their inertial characteristics merely by using the initial original anthropometrical data, while in the second approach we adjusted the data by using the method based on regression equations. Wherever possible, we presented a comparison of our data with those available in the literature on other Caucasians and determined in which cases the use of which approach is more reliable.

Invisibility Cloaking Based on Geometrical Optics for Visible Light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichikawa, H.; Oura, M.; Taoda, T.

2013-06-01

Optical cloaking has been one of unattainable dreams and just a subject in fiction until recently. Several different approaches to cloaking have been proposed and demonstrated: stealth technology, active camouflage and transformation optics. The last one would be the most formal approach modifying electromagnetic field around an object to be cloaked with metamaterials. While cloaking based on transformation optics, though valid only at single frequency, is experimentally demonstrated in microwave region, its operation in visible spectrum is still distant from realisation mainly owing to difficulty in fabricating metamaterial structure whose elements are much smaller than wavelength of light. Here we show that achromatic optical cloaking in visible spectrum is possible with the mere principle based on geometrical optics. In combining a pair of polarising beam splitters and right-angled prisms, rays of light to be obstructed by an object can make a detour to an observer, while unobstructed rays go straight through two polarising beam splitters. What is observed eventually through the device is simply background image as if nothing exists in between.

Bim-Based Indoor Path Planning Considering Obstacles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, M.; Wei, S.; Zlatanova, S.; Zhang, R.

2017-09-01

At present, 87 % of people's activities are in indoor environment; indoor navigation has become a research issue. As the building structures for people's daily life are more and more complex, many obstacles influence humans' moving. Therefore it is essential to provide an accurate and efficient indoor path planning. Nowadays there are many challenges and problems in indoor navigation. Most existing path planning approaches are based on 2D plans, pay more attention to the geometric configuration of indoor space, often ignore rich semantic information of building components, and mostly consider simple indoor layout without taking into account the furniture. Addressing the above shortcomings, this paper uses BIM (IFC) as the input data and concentrates on indoor navigation considering obstacles in the multi-floor buildings. After geometric and semantic information are extracted, 2D and 3D space subdivision methods are adopted to build the indoor navigation network and to realize a path planning that avoids obstacles. The 3D space subdivision is based on triangular prism. The two approaches are verified by the experiments.

The Surface Brightness-color Relations Based on Eclipsing Binary Stars: Toward Precision Better than 1% in Angular Diameter Predictions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Graczyk, Dariusz; Gieren, Wolfgang; Konorski, Piotr

In this study we investigate the calibration of surface brightness–color (SBC) relations based solely on eclipsing binary stars. We selected a sample of 35 detached eclipsing binaries with trigonometric parallaxes from Gaia DR1 or Hipparcos whose absolute dimensions are known with an accuracy better than 3% and that lie within 0.3 kpc from the Sun. For the purpose of this study, we used mostly homogeneous optical and near-infrared photometry based on the Tycho-2 and 2MASS catalogs. We derived geometric angular diameters for all stars in our sample with a precision better than 10%, and for 11 of them with amore » precision better than 2%. The precision of individual angular diameters of the eclipsing binary components is currently limited by the precision of the geometric distances (∼5% on average). However, by using a subsample of systems with the best agreement between their geometric and photometric distances, we derived the precise SBC relations based only on eclipsing binary stars. These relations have precisions that are comparable to the best available SBC relations based on interferometric angular diameters, and they are fully consistent with them. With very precise Gaia parallaxes becoming available in the near future, angular diameters with a precision better than 1% will be abundant. At that point, the main uncertainty in the total error budget of the SBC relations will come from transformations between different photometric systems, disentangling of component magnitudes, and for hot OB stars, the main uncertainty will come from the interstellar extinction determination. We argue that all these issues can be overcome with modern high-quality data and conclude that a precision better than 1% is entirely feasible.« less

Mathematical Modeling of the Thermal State of an Isothermal Element with Account of the Radiant Heat Transfer Between Parts of a Spacecraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alifanov, O. M.; Paleshkin, A. V.; Terent‧ev, V. V.; Firsyuk, S. O.

2016-01-01

A methodological approach to determination of the thermal state at a point on the surface of an isothermal element of a small spacecraft has been developed. A mathematical model of heat transfer between surfaces of intricate geometric configuration has been described. In this model, account was taken of the external field of radiant fluxes and of the differentiated mutual influence of the surfaces. An algorithm for calculation of the distribution of the density of the radiation absorbed by surface elements of the object under study has been proposed. The temperature field on the lateral surface of the spacecraft exposed to sunlight and on its shady side has been calculated. By determining the thermal state of magnetic controls of the orientation system as an example, the authors have assessed the contribution of the radiation coming from the solar-cell panels and from the spacecraft surface.

Observations of the Geometry of Horizon-Based Optical Navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christian, John; Robinson, Shane

2016-01-01

NASA's Orion Project has sparked a renewed interest in horizon-based optical navigation(OPNAV) techniques for spacecraft in the Earth-Moon system. Some approaches have begun to explore the geometry of horizon-based OPNAV and exploit the fact that it is a conic section problem. Therefore, the present paper focuses more deeply on understanding and leveraging the various geometric interpretations of horizon-based OPNAV. These results provide valuable insight into the fundamental workings of OPNAV solution methods, their convergence properties, and associated estimate covariance. Most importantly, the geometry and transformations uncovered in this paper lead to a simple and non-iterative solution to the generic horizon-based OPNAV problem. This represents a significant theoretical advancement over existing methods. Thus, we find that a clear understanding of geometric relationships is central to the prudent design, use, and operation of horizon-based OPNAV techniques.

High-Fidelity Geometric Modeling and Mesh Generation for Mechanics Characterization of Polycrystalline Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-07

and anisotropic quadrilateral meshes, which can be used as the control mesh for high-order T- spline surface modeling. Archival publications (published...anisotropic T-meshes for the further T- spline surface construction. Finally, a gradient flow-based method is developed to improve the T-mesh quality...shade-off. Halos are bright or dark thin regions around the boundary of the sample. These false edges around the object make many segmentation

Integrated multidisciplinary design optimization using discrete sensitivity analysis for geometrically complex aeroelastic configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newman, James Charles, III

1997-10-01

The first two steps in the development of an integrated multidisciplinary design optimization procedure capable of analyzing the nonlinear fluid flow about geometrically complex aeroelastic configurations have been accomplished in the present work. For the first step, a three-dimensional unstructured grid approach to aerodynamic shape sensitivity analysis and design optimization has been developed. The advantage of unstructured grids, when compared with a structured-grid approach, is their inherent ability to discretize irregularly shaped domains with greater efficiency and less effort. Hence, this approach is ideally suited for geometrically complex configurations of practical interest. In this work the time-dependent, nonlinear Euler equations are solved using an upwind, cell-centered, finite-volume scheme. The discrete, linearized systems which result from this scheme are solved iteratively by a preconditioned conjugate-gradient-like algorithm known as GMRES for the two-dimensional cases and a Gauss-Seidel algorithm for the three-dimensional; at steady-state, similar procedures are used to solve the accompanying linear aerodynamic sensitivity equations in incremental iterative form. As shown, this particular form of the sensitivity equation makes large-scale gradient-based aerodynamic optimization possible by taking advantage of memory efficient methods to construct exact Jacobian matrix-vector products. Various surface parameterization techniques have been employed in the current study to control the shape of the design surface. Once this surface has been deformed, the interior volume of the unstructured grid is adapted by considering the mesh as a system of interconnected tension springs. Grid sensitivities are obtained by differentiating the surface parameterization and the grid adaptation algorithms with ADIFOR, an advanced automatic-differentiation software tool. To demonstrate the ability of this procedure to analyze and design complex configurations of practical interest, the sensitivity analysis and shape optimization has been performed for several two- and three-dimensional cases. In twodimensions, an initially symmetric NACA-0012 airfoil and a high-lift multielement airfoil were examined. For the three-dimensional configurations, an initially rectangular wing with uniform NACA-0012 cross-sections was optimized; in addition, a complete Boeing 747-200 aircraft was studied. Furthermore, the current study also examines the effect of inconsistency in the order of spatial accuracy between the nonlinear fluid and linear shape sensitivity equations. The second step was to develop a computationally efficient, high-fidelity, integrated static aeroelastic analysis procedure. To accomplish this, a structural analysis code was coupled with the aforementioned unstructured grid aerodynamic analysis solver. The use of an unstructured grid scheme for the aerodynamic analysis enhances the interaction compatibility with the wing structure. The structural analysis utilizes finite elements to model the wing so that accurate structural deflections may be obtained. In the current work, parameters have been introduced to control the interaction of the computational fluid dynamics and structural analyses; these control parameters permit extremely efficient static aeroelastic computations. To demonstrate and evaluate this procedure, static aeroelastic analysis results for a flexible wing in low subsonic, high subsonic (subcritical), transonic (supercritical), and supersonic flow conditions are presented.

Under conditions of large geometric miss, tumor control probability can be higher for static gantry intensity-modulated radiation therapy compared to volume-modulated arc therapy for prostate cancer.

PubMed

Balderson, Michael; Brown, Derek; Johnson, Patricia; Kirkby, Charles

2016-01-01

The purpose of this work was to compare static gantry intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in terms of tumor control probability (TCP) under scenarios involving large geometric misses, i.e., those beyond what are accounted for when margin expansion is determined. Using a planning approach typical for these treatments, a linear-quadratic-based model for TCP was used to compare mean TCP values for a population of patients who experiences a geometric miss (i.e., systematic and random shifts of the clinical target volume within the planning target dose distribution). A Monte Carlo approach was used to account for the different biological sensitivities of a population of patients. Interestingly, for errors consisting of coplanar systematic target volume offsets and three-dimensional random offsets, static gantry IMRT appears to offer an advantage over VMAT in that larger shift errors are tolerated for the same mean TCP. For example, under the conditions simulated, erroneous systematic shifts of 15mm directly between or directly into static gantry IMRT fields result in mean TCP values between 96% and 98%, whereas the same errors on VMAT plans result in mean TCP values between 45% and 74%. Random geometric shifts of the target volume were characterized using normal distributions in each Cartesian dimension. When the standard deviations were doubled from those values assumed in the derivation of the treatment margins, our model showed a 7% drop in mean TCP for the static gantry IMRT plans but a 20% drop in TCP for the VMAT plans. Although adding a margin for error to a clinical target volume is perhaps the best approach to account for expected geometric misses, this work suggests that static gantry IMRT may offer a treatment that is more tolerant to geometric miss errors than VMAT. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Medical Dosimetrists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Balderson, Michael, E-mail: michael.balderson@rmp.uhn.ca; Brown, Derek; Johnson, Patricia

The purpose of this work was to compare static gantry intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in terms of tumor control probability (TCP) under scenarios involving large geometric misses, i.e., those beyond what are accounted for when margin expansion is determined. Using a planning approach typical for these treatments, a linear-quadratic–based model for TCP was used to compare mean TCP values for a population of patients who experiences a geometric miss (i.e., systematic and random shifts of the clinical target volume within the planning target dose distribution). A Monte Carlo approach was used to account for themore » different biological sensitivities of a population of patients. Interestingly, for errors consisting of coplanar systematic target volume offsets and three-dimensional random offsets, static gantry IMRT appears to offer an advantage over VMAT in that larger shift errors are tolerated for the same mean TCP. For example, under the conditions simulated, erroneous systematic shifts of 15 mm directly between or directly into static gantry IMRT fields result in mean TCP values between 96% and 98%, whereas the same errors on VMAT plans result in mean TCP values between 45% and 74%. Random geometric shifts of the target volume were characterized using normal distributions in each Cartesian dimension. When the standard deviations were doubled from those values assumed in the derivation of the treatment margins, our model showed a 7% drop in mean TCP for the static gantry IMRT plans but a 20% drop in TCP for the VMAT plans. Although adding a margin for error to a clinical target volume is perhaps the best approach to account for expected geometric misses, this work suggests that static gantry IMRT may offer a treatment that is more tolerant to geometric miss errors than VMAT.« less

Stable forming conditions and geometrical expansion of L-shape rings in ring rolling process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quagliato, Luca; Berti, Guido A.; Kim, Dongwook; Kim, Naksoo

2018-05-01

Based on previous research results concerning the radial-axial ring rolling process of flat rings, this paper details an innovative approach for the determination of the stable forming conditions to successfully simulate the radial ring rolling process of L-shape profiled rings. In addition to that, an analytical model for the estimation of the geometrical expansion of L-shape rings from its initial flat ring preform is proposed and validated by comparing its results with those of numerical simulations. By utilizing the proposed approach, steady forming conditions could be achieved, granting a uniform expansion of the ring throughout the process for all of the six tested cases of rings having the final outer diameter of the flange ranging from 545mm and 1440mm. The validation of the proposed approach allowed concluding that the geometrical expansion of the ring, as estimated by the proposed analytical model, is in good agreement with the results of the numerical simulation, with a maximum error of 2.18%, in the estimation of the ring wall diameter, 1.42% of the ring flange diameter and 1.87% for the estimation of the inner diameter of the ring, respectively.

Simple and practical approach for computing the ray Hessian matrix in geometrical optics.

PubMed

Lin, Psang Dain

2018-02-01

A method is proposed for simplifying the computation of the ray Hessian matrix in geometrical optics by replacing the angular variables in the system variable vector with their equivalent cosine and sine functions. The variable vector of a boundary surface is similarly defined in such a way as to exclude any angular variables. It is shown that the proposed formulations reduce the computation time of the Hessian matrix by around 10 times compared to the previous method reported by the current group in Advanced Geometrical Optics (2016). Notably, the method proposed in this study involves only polynomial differentiation, i.e., trigonometric function calls are not required. As a consequence, the computation complexity is significantly reduced. Five illustrative examples are given. The first three examples show that the proposed method is applicable to the determination of the Hessian matrix for any pose matrix, irrespective of the order in which the rotation and translation motions are specified. The last two examples demonstrate the use of the proposed Hessian matrix in determining the axial and lateral chromatic aberrations of a typical optical system.

Deformation Prediction and Geometrical Modeling of Head and Neck Cancer Tumor: A Data Mining Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azimi, Maryam

Radiation therapy has been used in the treatment of cancer tumors for several years and many cancer patients receive radiotherapy. It may be used as primary therapy or with a combination of surgery or other kinds of therapy such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or some mixture of the three. The treatment objective is to destroy cancer cells or shrink the tumor by planning an adequate radiation dose to the desired target without damaging the normal tissues. By using the pre-treatment Computer Tomography (CT) images, most of the radiotherapy planning systems design the target and assume that the size of the tumor will not change throughout the treatment course, which takes 5 to 7 weeks. Based on this assumption, the total amount of radiation is planned and fractionated for the daily dose required to be delivered to the patient's body. However, this assumption is flawed because the patients receiving radiotherapy have marked changes in tumor geometry during the treatment period. Therefore, there is a critical need to understand the changes of the tumor shape and size over time during the course of radiotherapy in order to prevent significant effects of inaccuracy in the planning. In this research, a methodology is proposed in order to monitor and predict daily (fraction day) tumor volume and surface changes of head and neck cancer tumors during the entire treatment period. In the proposed method, geometrical modeling and data mining techniques will be used rather than repetitive CT scans data to predict the tumor deformation for radiation planning. Clinical patient data were obtained from the University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC). In the first step, by using CT scan data, the tumor's progressive geometric changes during the treatment period are quantified. The next step relates to using regression analysis in order to develop predictive models for tumor geometry based on the geometric analysis results and the patients' selected attributes (age, weight, stage, etc.). Moreover, repeated measure analyses have been applied to identify the effects of patients' selected attributes on tumor deformation. The main goal of the proposed methodology is increasing the accuracy of each therapy and quality of life for patients.

Fuzzy set methods for object recognition in space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keller, James M.

1991-01-01

Progress on the following tasks is reported: (1) fuzzy set-based decision making methodologies; (2) feature calculation; (3) clustering for curve and surface fitting; and (4) acquisition of images. The general structure for networks based on fuzzy set connectives which are being used for information fusion and decision making in space applications is described. The structure and training techniques for such networks consisting of generalized means and gamma-operators are described. The use of other hybrid operators in multicriteria decision making is currently being examined. Numerous classical features on image regions such as gray level statistics, edge and curve primitives, texture measures from cooccurrance matrix, and size and shape parameters were implemented. Several fractal geometric features which may have a considerable impact on characterizing cluttered background, such as clouds, dense star patterns, or some planetary surfaces, were used. A new approach to a fuzzy C-shell algorithm is addressed. NASA personnel are in the process of acquiring suitable simulation data and hopefully videotaped actual shuttle imagery. Photographs have been digitized to use in the algorithms. Also, a model of the shuttle was assembled and a mechanism to orient this model in 3-D to digitize for experiments on pose estimation is being constructed.

Robot-based additive manufacturing for flexible die-modelling in incremental sheet forming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rieger, Michael; Störkle, Denis Daniel; Thyssen, Lars; Kuhlenkötter, Bernd

2017-10-01

The paper describes the application concept of additive manufactured dies to support the robot-based incremental sheet metal forming process (`Roboforming') for the production of sheet metal components in small batch sizes. Compared to the dieless kinematic-based generation of a shape by means of two cooperating industrial robots, the supporting robot models a die on the back of the metal sheet by using the robot-based fused layer manufacturing process (FLM). This tool chain is software-defined and preserves the high geometrical form flexibility of Roboforming while flexibly generating support structures adapted to the final part's geometry. Test series serve to confirm the feasibility of the concept by investigating the process challenges of the adhesion to the sheet surface and the general stability as well as the influence on the geometric accuracy compared to the well-known forming strategies.

Perturbational treatment of spin-orbit coupling for generally applicable high-level multi-reference methods

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mai, Sebastian; Marquetand, Philipp; González, Leticia

2014-08-21

An efficient perturbational treatment of spin-orbit coupling within the framework of high-level multi-reference techniques has been implemented in the most recent version of the COLUMBUS quantum chemistry package, extending the existing fully variational two-component (2c) multi-reference configuration interaction singles and doubles (MRCISD) method. The proposed scheme follows related implementations of quasi-degenerate perturbation theory (QDPT) model space techniques. Our model space is built either from uncontracted, large-scale scalar relativistic MRCISD wavefunctions or based on the scalar-relativistic solutions of the linear-response-theory-based multi-configurational averaged quadratic coupled cluster method (LRT-MRAQCC). The latter approach allows for a consistent, approximatively size-consistent and size-extensive treatment of spin-orbitmore » coupling. The approach is described in detail and compared to a number of related techniques. The inherent accuracy of the QDPT approach is validated by comparing cuts of the potential energy surfaces of acrolein and its S, Se, and Te analoga with the corresponding data obtained from matching fully variational spin-orbit MRCISD calculations. The conceptual availability of approximate analytic gradients with respect to geometrical displacements is an attractive feature of the 2c-QDPT-MRCISD and 2c-QDPT-LRT-MRAQCC methods for structure optimization and ab inito molecular dynamics simulations.« less

Monitoring autocorrelated process: A geometric Brownian motion process approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lee Siaw; Djauhari, Maman A.

2013-09-01

Autocorrelated process control is common in today's modern industrial process control practice. The current practice of autocorrelated process control is to eliminate the autocorrelation by using an appropriate model such as Box-Jenkins models or other models and then to conduct process control operation based on the residuals. In this paper we show that many time series are governed by a geometric Brownian motion (GBM) process. Therefore, in this case, by using the properties of a GBM process, we only need an appropriate transformation and model the transformed data to come up with the condition needs in traditional process control. An industrial example of cocoa powder production process in a Malaysian company will be presented and discussed to illustrate the advantages of the GBM approach.

Modeling of control forces for kinematical constraints in the dynamics of multibody systems: A new approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ider, Sitki Kemal

1989-01-01

Conventionally kinematical constraints in multibody systems are treated similar to geometrical constraints and are modeled by constraint reaction forces which are perpendicular to constraint surfaces. However, in reality, one may want to achieve the desired kinematical conditions by control forces having different directions in relation to the constraint surfaces. The conventional equations of motion for multibody systems subject to kinematical constraints are generalized by introducing general direction control forces. Conditions for the selections of the control force directions are also discussed. A redundant robotic system subject to prescribed end-effector motion is analyzed to illustrate the methods proposed.

A building extraction approach for Airborne Laser Scanner data utilizing the Object Based Image Analysis paradigm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomljenovic, Ivan; Tiede, Dirk; Blaschke, Thomas

2016-10-01

In the past two decades Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) established itself as an efficient approach for the classification and extraction of information from remote sensing imagery and, increasingly, from non-image based sources such as Airborne Laser Scanner (ALS) point clouds. ALS data is represented in the form of a point cloud with recorded multiple returns and intensities. In our work, we combined OBIA with ALS point cloud data in order to identify and extract buildings as 2D polygons representing roof outlines in a top down mapping approach. We performed rasterization of the ALS data into a height raster for the purpose of the generation of a Digital Surface Model (DSM) and a derived Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Further objects were generated in conjunction with point statistics from the linked point cloud. With the use of class modelling methods, we generated the final target class of objects representing buildings. The approach was developed for a test area in Biberach an der Riß (Germany). In order to point out the possibilities of the adaptation-free transferability to another data set, the algorithm has been applied ;as is; to the ISPRS Benchmarking data set of Toronto (Canada). The obtained results show high accuracies for the initial study area (thematic accuracies of around 98%, geometric accuracy of above 80%). The very high performance within the ISPRS Benchmark without any modification of the algorithm and without any adaptation of parameters is particularly noteworthy.

Enhancement of surface definition and gridding in the EAGLE code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, Joe F.

1991-01-01

Algorithms for smoothing of curves and surfaces for the EAGLE grid generation program are presented. The method uses an existing automated technique which detects undesirable geometric characteristics by using a local fairness criterion. The geometry entity is then smoothed by repeated removal and insertion of spline knots in the vicinity of the geometric irregularity. The smoothing algorithm is formulated for use with curves in Beta spline form and tensor product B-spline surfaces.

Czochralski crystal growth: Modeling study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dudukovic, M. P.; Ramachandran, P. A.; Srivastava, R. K.; Dorsey, D.

1986-01-01

The modeling study of Czochralski (Cz) crystal growth is reported. The approach was to relate in a quantitative manner, using models based on first priniciples, crystal quality to operating conditions and geometric variables. The finite element method is used for all calculations.

Influence of short chain organic acids and bases on the wetting properties and surface energy of submicrometer ceramic powders.

PubMed

Neirinck, Bram; Soccol, Dimitri; Fransaer, Jan; Van der Biest, Omer; Vleugels, Jef

2010-08-15

The effect of short chained organic acids and bases on the surface energy and wetting properties of submicrometer alumina powder was assessed. The surface chemistry of treated powders was determined by means of Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform spectroscopy and compared to untreated powder. The wetting of powders was measured using a modified Washburn method, based on the use of precompacted powder samples. The geometric factor needed to calculate the contact angle was derived from measurements of the porous properties of the powder compacts. Contact angle measurements with several probe liquids before and after modification allowed a theoretical estimation of the surface energy based on the surface tension component theory. Trends in the surface energy components were linked to observations in infrared spectra. The results showed that the hydrophobic character of the precompacted powder depends on both the chain length and polar group of the modifying agent. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Geometric figure–ground cues override standard depth from accretion-deletion

PubMed Central

Tanrıkulu, Ömer Dağlar; Froyen, Vicky; Feldman, Jacob; Singh, Manish

2016-01-01

Accretion-deletion is widely considered a decisive cue to surface depth ordering, with the accreting or deleting surface interpreted as behind an adjoining surface. However, Froyen, Feldman, and Singh (2013) have shown that when accretion-deletion occurs on both sides of a contour, accreting-deleting regions can also be perceived as in front and as self-occluding due to rotation in three dimensions. In this study we ask whether geometric figure–ground cues can override the traditional “depth from accretion-deletion” interpretation even when accretion-deletion takes place only on one side of a contour. We used two tasks: a relative-depth task (front/back), and a motion-classification task (translation/rotation). We conducted two experiments, in which texture in only one set of alternating regions was moving; the other set was static. Contrary to the traditional interpretation of accretion-deletion, the moving convex and symmetric regions were perceived as figural and rotating in three dimensions in roughly half of the trials. In the second experiment, giving different motion directions to the moving regions (thereby weakening motion-based grouping) further weakened the traditional accretion-deletion interpretation. Our results show that the standard “depth from accretion-deletion” interpretation is overridden by static geometric cues to figure–ground. Overall, the results demonstrate a rich interaction between accretion-deletion, figure–ground, and structure from motion that is not captured by existing models of depth from motion. PMID:26982528

Metric Optimization for Surface Analysis in the Laplace-Beltrami Embedding Space

PubMed Central

Lai, Rongjie; Wang, Danny J.J.; Pelletier, Daniel; Mohr, David; Sicotte, Nancy; Toga, Arthur W.

2014-01-01

In this paper we present a novel approach for the intrinsic mapping of anatomical surfaces and its application in brain mapping research. Using the Laplace-Beltrami eigen-system, we represent each surface with an isometry invariant embedding in a high dimensional space. The key idea in our system is that we realize surface deformation in the embedding space via the iterative optimization of a conformal metric without explicitly perturbing the surface or its embedding. By minimizing a distance measure in the embedding space with metric optimization, our method generates a conformal map directly between surfaces with highly uniform metric distortion and the ability of aligning salient geometric features. Besides pairwise surface maps, we also extend the metric optimization approach for group-wise atlas construction and multi-atlas cortical label fusion. In experimental results, we demonstrate the robustness and generality of our method by applying it to map both cortical and hippocampal surfaces in population studies. For cortical labeling, our method achieves excellent performance in a cross-validation experiment with 40 manually labeled surfaces, and successfully models localized brain development in a pediatric study of 80 subjects. For hippocampal mapping, our method produces much more significant results than two popular tools on a multiple sclerosis study of 109 subjects. PMID:24686245

CNV-CH: A Convex Hull Based Segmentation Approach to Detect Copy Number Variations (CNV) Using Next-Generation Sequencing Data

PubMed Central

De, Rajat K.

2015-01-01

Copy number variation (CNV) is a form of structural alteration in the mammalian DNA sequence, which are associated with many complex neurological diseases as well as cancer. The development of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology provides us a new dimension towards detection of genomic locations with copy number variations. Here we develop an algorithm for detecting CNVs, which is based on depth of coverage data generated by NGS technology. In this work, we have used a novel way to represent the read count data as a two dimensional geometrical point. A key aspect of detecting the regions with CNVs, is to devise a proper segmentation algorithm that will distinguish the genomic locations having a significant difference in read count data. We have designed a new segmentation approach in this context, using convex hull algorithm on the geometrical representation of read count data. To our knowledge, most algorithms have used a single distribution model of read count data, but here in our approach, we have considered the read count data to follow two different distribution models independently, which adds to the robustness of detection of CNVs. In addition, our algorithm calls CNVs based on the multiple sample analysis approach resulting in a low false discovery rate with high precision. PMID:26291322

CNV-CH: A Convex Hull Based Segmentation Approach to Detect Copy Number Variations (CNV) Using Next-Generation Sequencing Data.

PubMed

Sinha, Rituparna; Samaddar, Sandip; De, Rajat K

2015-01-01

Copy number variation (CNV) is a form of structural alteration in the mammalian DNA sequence, which are associated with many complex neurological diseases as well as cancer. The development of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology provides us a new dimension towards detection of genomic locations with copy number variations. Here we develop an algorithm for detecting CNVs, which is based on depth of coverage data generated by NGS technology. In this work, we have used a novel way to represent the read count data as a two dimensional geometrical point. A key aspect of detecting the regions with CNVs, is to devise a proper segmentation algorithm that will distinguish the genomic locations having a significant difference in read count data. We have designed a new segmentation approach in this context, using convex hull algorithm on the geometrical representation of read count data. To our knowledge, most algorithms have used a single distribution model of read count data, but here in our approach, we have considered the read count data to follow two different distribution models independently, which adds to the robustness of detection of CNVs. In addition, our algorithm calls CNVs based on the multiple sample analysis approach resulting in a low false discovery rate with high precision.

Pentacam Scheimpflug quantitative imaging of the crystalline lens and intraocular lens.

PubMed

Rosales, Patricia; Marcos, Susana

2009-05-01

To implement geometrical and optical distortion correction methods for anterior segment Scheimpflug images obtained with a commercially available system (Pentacam, Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH). Ray tracing algorithms were implemented to obtain corrected ocular surface geometry from the original images captured by the Pentacam's CCD camera. As details of the optical layout were not fully provided by the manufacturer, an iterative procedure (based on imaging of calibrated spheres) was developed to estimate the camera lens specifications. The correction procedure was tested on Scheimpflug images of a physical water cell model eye (with polymethylmethacrylate cornea and a commercial IOL of known dimensions) and of a normal human eye previously measured with a corrected optical and geometrical distortion Scheimpflug camera (Topcon SL-45 [Topcon Medical Systems Inc] from the Vrije University, Amsterdam, Holland). Uncorrected Scheimpflug images show flatter surfaces and thinner lenses than in reality. The application of geometrical and optical distortion correction algorithms improves the accuracy of the estimated anterior lens radii of curvature by 30% to 40% and of the estimated posterior lens by 50% to 100%. The average error in the retrieved radii was 0.37 and 0.46 mm for the anterior and posterior lens radii of curvature, respectively, and 0.048 mm for lens thickness. The Pentacam Scheimpflug system can be used to obtain quantitative information on the geometry of the crystalline lens, provided that geometrical and optical distortion correction algorithms are applied, within the accuracy of state-of-the art phakometry and biometry. The techniques could improve with exact knowledge of the technical specifications of the instrument, improved edge detection algorithms, consideration of aspheric and non-rotationally symmetrical surfaces, and introduction of a crystalline gradient index.

Characterization of Nanopipettes.

PubMed

Perry, David; Momotenko, Dmitry; Lazenby, Robert A; Kang, Minkyung; Unwin, Patrick R

2016-05-17

Nanopipettes are widely used in electrochemical and analytical techniques as tools for sizing, sequencing, sensing, delivery, and imaging. For all of these applications, the response of a nanopipette is strongly affected by its geometry and surface chemistry. As the size of nanopipettes becomes smaller, precise geometric characterization is increasingly important, especially if nanopipette probes are to be used for quantitative studies and analysis. This contribution highlights the combination of data from voltage-scanning ion conductivity experiments, transmission electron microscopy and finite element method simulations to fully characterize nanopipette geometry and surface charge characteristics, with an accuracy not achievable using existing approaches. Indeed, it is shown that presently used methods for characterization can lead to highly erroneous information on nanopipettes. The new approach to characterization further facilitates high-level quantification of the behavior of nanopipettes in electrochemical systems, as demonstrated herein for a scanning ion conductance microscope setup.

Computer-aided study of key factors determining high mechanical properties of nanostructured surface layers in metal-ceramic composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konovalenko, Igor S.; Shilko, Evgeny V.; Ovcharenko, Vladimir E.; Psakhie, Sergey G.

2017-12-01

The paper presents the movable cellular automaton method. It is based on numerical models of surface layers of the metal-ceramic composite NiCr-TiC modified under electron beam irradiation in inert gas plasmas. The models take into account different geometric, concentration and mechanical parameters of ceramic and metallic components. The authors study the contributions of key structural factors in mechanical properties of surface layers and determine the ranges of their variations by providing the optimum balance of strength, strain hardening and fracture toughness.

Efficient level set methods for constructing wavefronts in three spatial dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Li-Tien

2007-10-01

Wavefront construction in geometrical optics has long faced the twin difficulties of dealing with multi-valued forms and resolution of wavefront surfaces. A recent change in viewpoint, however, has demonstrated that working in phase space on bicharacteristic strips using eulerian methods can bypass both difficulties. The level set method for interface dynamics makes a suitable choice for the eulerian method. Unfortunately, in three-dimensional space, the setting of interest for most practical applications, the advantages of this method are largely offset by a new problem: the high dimension of phase space. In this work, we present new types of level set algorithms that remove this obstacle and demonstrate their abilities to accurately construct wavefronts under high resolution. These results propel the level set method forward significantly as a competitive approach in geometrical optics under realistic conditions.

3D tomographic reconstruction using geometrical models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Battle, Xavier L.; Cunningham, Gregory S.; Hanson, Kenneth M.

1997-04-01

We address the issue of reconstructing an object of constant interior density in the context of 3D tomography where there is prior knowledge about the unknown shape. We explore the direct estimation of the parameters of a chosen geometrical model from a set of radiographic measurements, rather than performing operations (segmentation for example) on a reconstructed volume. The inverse problem is posed in the Bayesian framework. A triangulated surface describes the unknown shape and the reconstruction is computed with a maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimate. The adjoint differentiation technique computes the derivatives needed for the optimization of the model parameters. We demonstrate the usefulness of the approach and emphasize the techniques of designing forward and adjoint codes. We use the system response of the University of Arizona Fast SPECT imager to illustrate this method by reconstructing the shape of a heart phantom.

Geometric versus numerical optimal control of a dissipative spin-(1/2) particle

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lapert, M.; Sugny, D.; Zhang, Y.

2010-12-15

We analyze the saturation of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal using optimal magnetic fields. We consider both the problems of minimizing the duration of the control and its energy for a fixed duration. We solve the optimal control problems by using geometric methods and a purely numerical approach, the grape algorithm, the two methods being based on the application of the Pontryagin maximum principle. A very good agreement is obtained between the two results. The optimal solutions for the energy-minimization problem are finally implemented experimentally with available NMR techniques.

Postbuckling analysis of shear deformable composite flat panels taking into account geometrical imperfections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Librescu, L.; Stein, M.

1990-01-01

The effects of initial geometrical imperfections on the postbuckling response of flat laminated composite panels to uniaxial and biaxial compressive loading are investigated analytically. The derivation of the mathematical model on the basis of first-order transverse shear deformation theory is outlined, and numerical results for perfect and imperfect, single-layer and three-layer square plates with free-free, clamped-clamped, or free-clamped edges are presented in graphs and briefly characterized. The present approach is shown to be more accurate than analyses based on the classical Kirchhoff plate model.