Between a celestial body and a spacecraft: Making the space elevator a success

The space elevator will operate in near-Earth space, under the attraction of the Earth, the Moon and the Sun. It will have to avoid collisions with active satellites, with space debris and with meteoroids, not counting other minor adverse phenomena. The exceedingly long cable cannot be a passive and limp body. It must be an active part of the elevator, withstanding lunisolar and other perturbations threatening its stability. The cable must have sensors and thrusters at appropriate locations along the cable. Sensors would serve for detection of objects on a collision course and thrusters for station-keeping and for initiating evasive manoeuvres. Adaptive control must be used for that purpose. Extensive series of numerical simulations will have to be performed to ascertain that the elevator is stable and that possible oscillations do not interfere with the main function of the elevator.     

Motion of a Planet with a Complex Structure

The motion of a planet consisting of a mantle and a core (solid bodies) connected by a viscoelastic layer and interacting with each other and an external point mass by the law of gravitation is considered. The mutual motions of the core and mantle are investigated assuming that the centers of mass of the planet and external point mass moves along undisturbed Keplerian orbits around the common center of mass of the system. The planetary core and mantle have an axial symmetry and different principal moments of inertia, which leads to a displacement of the center of mantle relative to the center of core and to their mutual rotations. The results obtained on the basis of averaged equations are illustrated by the example of the Earth–Moon system.     

Equilibrium positions of a weight on a cable fixed to a dumbbell-shaped space station moving along a circular geocentric orbit

The motion of a space object in the gravitational field of the Earth is considered. The object consists of an extended space station and a weight, which is free to move along the cable fixed to the ends of the station. It is assumed that the station is composed of two masses coupled by a weightless rod, while the cable is weightless and non-stretched. The equations of motion of such a system are derived for the case when the motion proceeds in a single plane, while the center of mass of the system moves along a circular geocentric orbit. The conditions of the cable tension (conditions of being on tie) are derived. The phase portrait of the weight motion along the cable is constructed when the station is oriented to the attracting center or is perpendicular to this position. The possibility to leave the tie in this case is analyzed. Equilibrium configurations of the system are found, i.e., such motions of the object under consideration at which the weight does not change its position relative to the station. Lyapunov stability of such configurations is analyzed for two situations: when the station is composed of equal masses and when masses at the ends of the station are different. In particular, for the case of different masses it is established that there exist such positions of equilibrium at which the dumbbell is located at an angle to the direction to the attracting center. In some cases these positions can be stabilized (if the weight is fixed on the cable).     

拆掉阻挡思维的墙——从航天员教员到模拟航天员的跨界选择

当凭借影片《国王的演讲》获得第83届奥斯卡金像奖最佳男主角的科林·弗斯（ColinFirth）,在国际顶级生物学学术期刊《Cell》的子期刊《CurrentBiology》上发表了一篇极为专业的科研论文时,全世界一片哗然,为之震惊!当电影《泰坦尼克号》导演、年届57岁的卡梅隆驾驶单人深潜器下潜至马里亚纳海沟海渊底部的时候,我们看到了一个雄心勃勃的跨界玩家。为什么时下如此多的人开始拆掉阻挡思维的墙？因为界外的世界很精彩!     

Navigation Solution to Maneuver a Spacecraft Relative to a Sphere Centered on a Cooperative Satellite

A differential correction algorithm is presented to deliver an impulsive maneuver to a satellite to place it within a sphere, with a user defined radius, centered around a non-maneuvering satellite within a constrained time. The differential correction algorithm develops and utilizes the State Transition Matrix along with the Equations of Motion and multiple satellite?s state information to determine the optimum trajectory to achieve the desired results. The results from the differential correction algorithm are very accurate for prograde orbits, as presented. The results allow for orbit design trade-offs, including satellites? initial inclinations, semi-major axes, as well as the ballistic coefficients. The results also provide an empirical method to determine the optimum ΔV$\mathrm{\Delta }V$ solution for the provided problem. Understanding that the minimum fuel solution lies with a semi-major axis ratio of 1, a very accurate empirical approximation is presented for semi-major axis ratio values less than and greater than 1. This work ultimately provides the generalized framework for applying the algorithm to a unique user defined maneuvering spacecraft scenario.     

Force on a coil moving above a grid structure

The force on a coil moving with a high-speed parallel to a conducting grid consisting of parallel tubes is investigated. The coil performs a rebound motion or an oscillatory heave motion when pressed toward the grid by reactive on-board engines. The coil is approximated by two parallel wires moving parallel to the grid tubes. The corresponding electrodynamic problem is two dimensional and is solved by expansions in terms of Bessel functions. Expressions are derived for the lift and drag force as well as the heat generated in the tubes in the limit of strong skin effect. The dependence on the grid spacing is analysed in the approximation of no mutual inductance between the tubes. Two specific applications are a shunt deflecting the coil, and a funnel leading to multiple reflection. Finally, the varying magnetic flux threading the coil is considered and the thermal load of the coil is estimated.     

On a distorted flame front as a hydrodynamic discontinuity

The radius of curvature of a steady distorted flame often turns out to be considerably larger than the width of the thermal structure of the flame. Thus, even under finite deformations of the flame, its structure remains quasi-one-dimensional. This property enables the propagation velocity of a distorted flame front (relative to the gas) to be determined explicitly as a function of the hydrodynamic field and the physico-chemical parameters of the gaseous mixture. With the aid of this relationship one can try to determine the shape of the front in a model which is external with respect to the flame structure and treats the flame as a density jump in an ideal incompressible fluid. As applications, we consider (1) the structure of a Bunsen cone, (2) the extinction of a flame in a divergent flow and (3) the propagation velocity of a corrugated flame.     

Optimal Control of a Programmed Turn of a Spacecraft

A problem of optimal turn of a spacecraft is considered. The time of turn is minimized, as well as the functional having a meaning of the propellant consumption. An analytical solution to the problem stated is derived. It is demonstrated that the solution optimal in this sense belongs to a class of two-impulse controls, under which a spacecraft executes the turn along the trajectory of its free motion. The solution obtained in this paper differs from earlier available solutions considerably. The estimations of the propellant consumption for a realization of the programmed turn are made.     

Peristaltic transport of a viscoelastic fluid in a channel

This paper is devoted to the study of the peristaltic transport of viscoelastic non-Newtonian fluids with fractional Maxwell model in a channel. Approximate analytical solutions have been constructed using Adomian decomposition method under the assumption of long wave boundary layer type approximation and low Reynolds number. The effects of relaxation time, fractional parameters and amplitude on the pressure difference and friction force along one wavelength are received and analyzed. The study is limited to one way coupling model with forward effect of the fluid on the peristaltic wall. It is evident from the result that pressure diminishes with increase in relaxation time and the effects of both fractional parameters on pressure are opposite to each other. The influences of these parameters on friction force are opposite to that of pressure.     

On Embedding a Qualitative Representation in a Two-Dimensional Plane

Abstract

This paper discusses embedding in a two-dimensional plane a symbolic representation for spatial data using the simple objects, points (P), lines (L), circuits (C), and areas (A). We have proposed PLCA as a new framework for a qualitative spatial reasoning. In a PLCA expression, the entire figure is represented in a form in which all the objects are related. We investigate the conditions for two-dimensional realizability of a PLCA expression, and derive the relation that the numbers of objects in a PLCA expression should have. In this process, we use the well-known Euler's formula. We also give an algorithm for drawing the figure of the PLCA expression that satisfies this condition in a two-dimensional plane and prove its correctness. The algorithm generates a quantitative expression from qualitative expression.     

某型卫星有效载荷支架振动抑制

某型号卫星的有效载荷支架结构在验收级振动试验时振动超标。在对结构不做大的修改的前提下，采用约束阻尼层用对原结构进行处理。对不同的约束阻尼层方案采用有限元方法进行计算，综合考虑各种影响因素，如阻尼比和附加质量等，得到合理的约束阻尼减振方案，并在结构星上进行试验，确定最终实施方案。实施方案后，正样星在0．1g振动条件下，最大振动幅值下降了22．3％，保证了卫星的顺利发射。该卫星已经成功发射，并且在轨运行正常。该问题的成功解决和解决问题的方法与过程为今后解决类似问题提供了经验。     

一个带间隙连接结构对梁基频漂移影响研究

文章以一端夹支、另一端带套筒连接结构的梁作为研究对象,通过在连接结构中引入间隙非线性因素,分别研究了在连接结构处有无预紧力两种情况时在均布载荷作用下梁的非线性幅频响应。同时,利用改进的振型转化法及连续振型法对系统进行建模,采用伽辽金近似得到系统的非线性受迫振动方程;针对实际算例,用龙格-库塔法得到了其数值解,讨论了此算例梁的频率漂移结果,从而得到了对研究航天器地面振动试验中的频率漂移现象有价值的结论。     

Mass determination of a small body in solar system by using a test-mass during a fly-by

The mass estimation of small bodies in the solar system—such as comets or minor planets—with an accuracy sufficient to get scientific information is difficult. The ground-based range-rate measurements are not practicable for bodies smaller than 100 km diameter.A proof mass, ejected from the spacecraft before the flyby and whose relative trajectory is determined with onboard measurements can give very good results even for small bodies. This paper presents the expected accuracy of mass determination depending on ballistic conditions (relative velocity and closest approach), type and accuracy of measurements (range, optical).     

Station keeping of a solar sail around a Halo orbit

Solar sails are a concept of spacecraft propulsion that takes advantage of solar radiation pressure to propel a spacecraft. Although the thrust provided by a solar sail is small it is constant and unlimited. This offers the chance to deal with novel mission concept. In this work we want to discuss the controllability of a spacecraft around a Halo orbit by means of a solar sail. We will describe the natural dynamics for a solar sail around a Halo orbit. By natural dynamics we mean the behaviour of the trajectory of a solar sail when no control on the sail orientation is applied. We will then discuss how a sequence of changes on the sail orientation will affects the sail's trajectory, and we will use this information to derive efficient station keeping strategies. Finally we will check the robustness of these strategies including different sources of errors in our simulations.     

发散波束在媒质界面上的Goos-H(a)nchen位移与焦移

在全反射中研究了发散波束在两种不同媒质界面上Goos-H(a)nchen位移与焦移.首先,通过建立发散光束全反射简单光线模型来显示焦移的形成.然后,从波动光学出发,利用Fourier光学中的角谱法推导出Gauss发散波束入射下Goos-H(a)nchen位移和焦移的近似关系式.结果表明,由Carniglia 和 Brownstein 针对于均匀波束提出的Goos-H(a)nchen位移和焦移的微分关系式同样也适用于Gauss发散波束入射的情况.最后,通过数值模拟总结出了焦移的一些不同于Goos-H(a)nchen位移的特殊性质.这些特殊性质的发现为改善现有实验和工程精度提供了新路径.     

Application of a magnetohydrodynamic element in the control loop of a rotating spacecraft with a spike antenna

The problem of stabilization of a rotating spacecraft with a flexible spike antenna located along the axis of spacecraft rotation is considered. A magnetohydrodynamic element is used as a final-control element in the control loop of spacecraft attitude, and the solar direction sensor serves as a measuring device. At the first stage of investigation, the problem of stability is considered for stationary and non-stationary modes of rotation of the spacecraft with a flexible antenna and with a cavity partially filled with a low-viscosity liquid.     

Propagation of a flame through a stratified charge combustion chamber

Flame propagation through stratified media is examined with a numerical model of chemically reactive flow in combustion systems. The model includes a detailed reaction mechanism for methane combustion and an implicit Eulerian difference equation form for the hydrodynamics. Calculations of flames propagating through spatially uniform and stratified media are compared. Results are presented which indicate that hydrodynamic factors can have a significant effect on the energy production rates, pressure rise rates, and unburned fuel concentrations for all models. For the stratified charge models it was found that CO and NO_x production rates were significantly lower than for uniform charge models. Significant amounts of unburned fuel are found near the combustion chamber wall, even in some of the stratified charge models, so that reaction quenching at the wall may be important even in the stratified charge cases. Calculations are presented which predict improvements in fuel efficiency and decreases in pollutant formation, resulting from changes in fuel stratification and compression ratio.     

Spreading and break-up of a drop in a gas stream

Based on the expansion of unknown functions in a series of a small parameter, an analytical method is developed for calculating the time-dependent motion and a spreading (up to the break-up) of a plane and axisymmetric drop in a gas stream. It is shown that the zero-order terms of expansion define a clear retardation of a drop as a solid sphere. The next terms of the series characterize deformation and spreading of the drop.Based on the solution of the boundary-value problem of drop spreading the infinite system of linear differential equations with constant coefficients is obtained. It is established that without viscosity the system contains a finite number of equations and permits an exact solution. The spreading of an ideal liquid drop with the surface tension force taken into account was investigated in detail. In the case of a water drop placed in nitrogen a comparison was made between the calculated results on drop shapes and experimental data obtained at different moments of time. The theory agrees with the experiment both qualitatively and quantitatively.     

来自一个预言

地球并不是反物质的家园，甚至由于反物质与物质的无缘亲密接触，使得反物质连做地球客人的资格都不具备；而且，到达地球的宇宙射线中虽然存在着能构成反物质的反粒子，但它的数量也是少得可怜。既然这样，人类又是如何发现了这个神秘的家伙呢？     

Space Tweetup – from a participant to a Mars Tweetup organizer and a new format of space communication

In September 2011, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Space Agency (DLR) organized the first European SpaceTweetup during the German Aerospace day. One of the authors was one of 60 participants at this SpaceTweetup in Cologne and experienced the concept of a Tweetup and the engagement of the participants from the inside view.