Aeroelastic response of a 2-D airfoil in a compressible flow field and exposed to blast loading

This paper deals with the generation and use of proper aerodynamic indicial functions toward the aeroelastic formulation of two-dimensional lifting surfaces in the subsonic compressible, linearized transonic, supersonic and hypersonic flight speed regimes. The indicial function approach enables one to treat in an unified way (i.e. in the time and frequency domains) the subcritical aeroelastic response and the flutter instability of lifting surfaces. Validations of the aerodynamic model are documented and excellent agreements are reported. In addition, closed form solutions and aerodynamic derivatives for different flight speed regimes are obtained; comparisons, and results displaying the aeroelastic response to blast loads are presented, and pertinent conclusions are outlined.     

Unsteady separated flows over three-dimensional slender bodies

Many review articles have been written on the topic of the aerodynamics of slender bodies at incidence, some of which are referenced in this paper. Here, we review the unsteady behavior of these flows. Our aim is to review the material that contributes to our understanding of unsteady phenomena over slender bodies at incidence. Natural unsteadiness is explored first. Unexpectedly, we found a large number of contributions in this area. We found the material disjointed, making it difficult to draw general conclusions. Forced unsteadiness is conceptually easier to follow, but the number of contributions on this topic is much smaller. We consider both experimental and numerical contributions but we do not discuss the corresponding methodologies.     

On the free-vibration of rotating composite beams using a higher-order shear formulation

The free vibration behavior of rotating blades modeled as laminated composite, hollow (single celled) boxed beams is investigated. To this end, geometrically nonlinear structural model incorporating a number of non- classical effects such as anisotropy, heterogeneity, transverse shear flexibility, and warping inhibition is developed. Centrifugal and Coriolis force field effects are also considered in the formulation. However, Coriolis effect is discarded during the solution process. It is assumed that in-plane cross-sectional distortion is negligible. In contrast to the existing structural blade models, the traction free boundary conditions on the external surfaces of the beam are identically satisfied. The linearized dynamical equations and numerical results addressing the problem of the free vibration are supplied. Results obtained for the present higher-order shearable model are compared with those of the existing first-order shearable and the non-shearable structural models. Tailoring studies using the present model reveal an enhancement of eigenfrequency characteristics.     

Nitric oxide density enhancements due to solar flares

A differential emission measure technique is used to determine flare spectra using solar observations from the soft X-ray instruments aboard the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics Dynamics and Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment satellites. We examine the effect of the solar flare soft X-ray energy input on the nitric oxide (NO) density in the lower thermosphere. The retrieved spectrum of the 28 October 2003 X18 flare is input to a photochemical thermospheric NO model to calculate the predicted flare NO enhancements. Model results are compared to Student Nitric Oxide Explorer Ultraviolet Spectrometer observations of this flare. We present results of this comparison and show that the model and data are in agreement. In addition, the NO density enhancements due to several flares are studied. We present results that show large solar flares can deposit the same amount of 0.1–2 and 0.1–7 nm energy to the thermosphere during a relatively short time as the Sun normally deposits in one day. The NO column density nearly doubles when the daily integrated energy above 5 J m⁻² is doubled.     

基于SINS/CNS组合导航系统的多模型自适应估计算法

针对单一模型滤波器在未知或不确定的系统参数下适应性较差的问题,提出了一种新的基于多模型自适应估计(multiple model adaptive estimation,MMAE)的滤波方法。该方法利用改进的卡尔曼滤波代替传统的卡尔曼滤波,比如扩展卡尔曼滤波(extended Kalman filter,EKF)和无迹卡尔曼滤波(unscented Kalman filter,UKF)。EKF和UKF被用来作为多模型自适应估计的子滤波器,从而实现对非线性系统的状态估计。同时,还将该方法应用于基于弹道导弹模型的组合导航中实现了系统仿真。仿真结果表明,与传统的EKF和UKF算法比较,改进的滤波方法可以解决传统模型滤波器适应性差的问题,并提高系统的导航精度。     

Hybrid control of orbit normal and along-track two-craft Coulomb tethers

The dynamics and stability of a charged two craft formation with nominal fixed separation distance (Coulomb tethers) is studied where the cluster is aligned with either the along-track or orbit normal direction. Unlike the charged two-craft formation scenario aligned along the orbit radial direction, a feedback control law using inter-spacecraft electrostatic Coulomb forces and the differential gravitational accelerations is not sufficient to stabilize the Coulomb tether length and the formation attitude. Therefore, a hybrid feedback control law is presented which combines conventional thrusters and Coulomb forces. The Coulomb force feedback requires measurements of separation distance error and error rate, while the thruster feedback is in terms of Euler angles and their rates. This hybrid feedback control is designed to asymptotically stabilize the satellite formation shape and attitude while avoiding plume impingement issues. The effects of differential solar drag on the formation and the ability of the controller to withstand this disturbance is also studied.     

Durability characterization of mechanical interfaces in solar sail membrane structures

The construction of a solar sail from commercially available metallized film presents several challenges. The solar sail membrane is made by seaming together precut lengths of ultrathin metallized polymer film into the required geometry. This assembled sail membrane is then folded into a small stowage volume prior to launch. The sail membranes must have additional features for connecting to rigid structural elements (e.g., sail booms) and must be electrically grounded to the spacecraft bus to prevent charge build up. Space durability of the material and mechanical interfaces of the sail membrane assemblies will be critical for the success of any solar sail mission. In this study, interfaces of polymer/metal joints in a representative solar sail membrane assembly were tested to ensure that the adhesive interfaces and the fastening grommets could withstand the temperature range and expected loads required for mission success. Various adhesion methods, such as surface treatment, commercial adhesives, and fastening systems, were experimentally tested in order to determine the most suitable method of construction.     

Morgan phenomenon unravels the mysteries of the Universe

We readily convince ourselves that most achievements can be credited to the construction of powerful jet engines, which enable a spaceship to escape gravity. The principle of jet propulsion seems to work perfectly; jet engines can accelerate a rocket up to an incredible speed of 11 km/sec. Looks like there is nothing left to desire. However, from the physical point of view, 11 km/sec is not such a large value compared, for instance, to the speed of light. Would it be possible to attain half of that speed using gas jets? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Nevertheless, that is not the end of the story. The purpose of this article is to show that it is still possible to use the same principle to remove limitations on attainable speed if instead of gas jets, we employ ultrafast electron beams. The basic idea of our construction was inspired by the paper by H. Morgan (ibid., vol. 13, pp. 5-10, 1998). In that article he experimentally refuted the common premise that nothing can go faster than light and gave some theoretical arguments supporting his experimental data. Although the nature and underlying principles of the Morgan phenomenon are yet to be understood, we can already start thinking of its practical applications     

Daytime O/N<Subscript>2</Subscript> Retrieval Algorithm for the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON)

The NASA Ionospheric Connection Explorer Far-Ultraviolet spectrometer, ICON FUV, will measure altitude profiles of the daytime far-ultraviolet (FUV) OI 135.6 nm and N₂ Lyman-Birge-Hopfield (LBH) band emissions that are used to determine thermospheric density profiles and state parameters related to thermospheric composition; specifically the thermospheric column O/N₂ ratio (symbolized as \(\Sigma\)O/N₂). This paper describes the algorithm concept that has been adapted and updated from one previously applied with success to limb data from the Global Ultraviolet Imager (GUVI) on the NASA Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) mission. We also describe the requirements that are imposed on the ICON FUV to measure \(\Sigma\)O/N₂ over any 500-km sample in daytime with a precision of better than 8.7%. We present results from orbit-simulation testing that demonstrates that the ICON FUV and our thermospheric composition retrieval algorithm can meet these requirements and provide the measurements necessary to address ICON science objectives.