Feasibility study of LEO,GEO and Molniya orbit based satellite solar power station for some identified sites in India

The analysis of satellite solar power station (SSPS) is carried out for some specified locations (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru) in India and consequently the performance of the system is evaluated for geostationary earth orbit (GEO) based SSPS, low earth orbit (LEO) based SSPS and Molniya (quasi geostationary) orbit based SSPS for sites located at different latitudes. The analysis of power; received energy over a year and weight of the rectenna array for the same beam intensity showed varied results for Molniya orbit based SSPS, LEO based SSPS and GEO based SSPS. The power delivered by the LEO SSPS was highest which indicated that this SSPS may be efficient for the short term power requirement. However, it is observed from the results of the energy received over a year that the GEO based system is suitable for base load power plant as it is capable of delivering constant energy through out a year. Further, the weight of the rectenna and hence the space required for ground station for same power output is smallest for Molniya orbit based system for a range of rectenna array radius considered. It is thus envisaged that the Molniya orbit based system would be a better choice for commercial use of SSPS. These findings may help for judicious selection of satellite orbit and ground station location for placing the satellite for SSPS for various applications.     

Improved environment radiation models

The two components of the space radiation environment, galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles, are of special importance for the planning of space missions and designing space vehicles for flights in the inner heliosphere. There is a constant need for developing and updating the models for calculating the fluxes of these particles for purposes of forecasting radiation conditions anticipated for future flights, including missions to the Moon and Mars.     

CT导航混联医疗机器人灵活性研究

总结了目前医疗机器人灵活性的分析方法,基于服务球的数值法,对5R串联机器人和4H并联机器人进行了灵活度计算,得到了各自的任务灵活度.针对9-DOF冗余度串并混联医疗机器人运动学的复杂性以及难以获得逆解的解析解的状况,给出了串联部分、并联部分的位移流形,推导了混联机器人的位移流形.提出了混联机器人的灵活性分析方法,即基于位移流形(黎曼流形)的方法,并定义了混联机器人灵活度的通用解析表达式.基于黎曼曲面外接椭球面的面积计算,得到混联机器人的灵活度超过了CT导航手术所需的灵活度,满足手术要求,为微创外科混联机器人灵活性分析和度量提供了新的参考.      

The role of computerized modeling and simulation in the development of life support system technologies.

Using conventional means of process development, it would take decades and hundreds of millions of dollars to develop technology for recycling of water and solid waste for lunar missions within the next thirty years. Since we anticipate neither that amount of time nor level of funding, new methodologies for developing life support systems (LSS) technologies are essential. Computerized modeling and simulation (CMAS) is a tool that can greatly reduce both the time and cost of technology development. By CMAS, we refer to computer methods for correlating, storing and retrieving property data for chemical species and for solving the phenomenological equations of physical/chemical processes (i.e., process conditions based on properties of materials and mass and energy balances, equipment sizing based on rate processes and the governing equations for unit operations). In particular, CMAS systems can be used to evaluate a LSS process design with minimal requirements for laboratory experimentation. A CMAS model using ASPEN PLUS is presented for a vapor compression distillation (VCD) system designed for reclaiming water from urine.     

The interest of information obtained by incoherent scatter technique

Incoherent scatter measurements are of great value for establishing and improving the IRI. This holds, in particular, for the topside electron density profile, for the valley occurring under certain conditions between regions E and F, and for the electron and ion temperature profiles. Extension in time of the observations could be very helpful for future work on IRI.     

Prediction tests by using “ISF” method for the geomagnetic disturbances

A so-called “ISF” prediction method for geomagnetic disturbances caused by solar wind storms blowing to the Earth is suggested. The method is based on a combined approach of solar activity, interplanetary scintillation (I) and geomagnetic disturbance observations during the period 1966–1982 together with the dynamics of solar wind storm propagation (S) and fuzzy mathematics (F). It has been used for prediction tests for 37 geomagnetic disturbance events during the descending solar activity phase 1984–1985, and was presented in 33rd COSPAR conference. Here, it has been improved by consideration of the three dimensional propagation characteristics of each event, the search for the best radio source and the influence of the southward components of interplanetary magnetic fields on the geomagnetic disturbances. It is used for prediction tests for 24 larger geomagnetic disturbance events that produced space anomalies during the period 1980–1999. The main results are: (1) for the onset time of the geomagnetic disturbance, the relative error between the observation, T_obs, and the prediction, T_pred, ΔT_pred/T_obs  10% for 45.8% of all events, 30% for 78.3% and >30% for only 21.7%; (2) for the magnetic disturbance magnitude, the relative error between the observation, ∑K_p,obs, and the prediction, ∑K_p,pred, Δ∑K_p,pred/∑K_p,obs  10% for 41.6% of all events, 30% for 79% and 45% for 100%. This shows that the prediction method described here has encouraging prospects for improving predictions of large geomagnetic disturbances in space weather events.     

航天器交会计算机视觉系统测距求解新算法

对航天器交会对接最终逼近段应用的计算机视觉系统,提出目标航天器标志点测距求解新算法.该方法根据标志点构型几何特征,建立非线性测距方程组并构造加权目标函数,按最小二乘问题,采用Gauss-Newton数值迭代法求解测距最佳值.获得测距后,即可应用四元数估算法(QUEST)确定相对姿态与相对位置.对非共面标志点构型(如3点T型与5点锥型)和共面标志点构型(如正方形、矩形、菱形),目标函数均含标志点间距比率关系项;对共面构型,目标函数还包含共面条件项.对共面标志点四边形构型,利用对角线交点的虚影像坐标确定测距求解迭代初值.大量模拟计算结果表明,提出的测距求解算法对共面与非共面各种标志点构型普遍适用,满足最终逼近段相对状态确定要求.      

面向生物工程的微操作机器人机构型综合研究

首先针对微操作的特点,提出了面向生物工程的微操作机器人机构选用与设计准则.列举了各种可能的3自由度并联机构型式,运用螺旋理论对3自由度平动并联机构型综合的机理作了分析与解释.在此基础上,对3自由度平动并联机构进行了型综合.定性地分析了各类机构作为微动机器人机构所具有的优缺点,从而选择出适合用于生物工程领域微操作的机型.最后给出了机构的CAD模型和实体模型.      

Life support approaches for Mars missions.

Life support approaches for Mars missions are evaluated using an equivalent system mass (ESM) approach, in which all significant costs are converted into mass units. The best approach, as defined by the lowest mission ESM, depends on several mission parameters, notably duration, environment and consequent infrastructure costs, and crew size, as well as the characteristics of the technologies which are available. Generally, for the missions under consideration, physicochemical regeneration is most cost effective. However, bioregeneration is likely to be of use for producing salad crops for any mission, for producing staple crops for medium duration missions, and for most food, air and water regeneration for long missions (durations of a decade). Potential applications of in situ resource utilization need to be considered further.     

A prospectus on airborne laser mapping systems

Airborne laser systems have demonstrated enormous potential for topographic and bathymetric mapping. Both profiling and scanning systems have been evaluated for terrain elevation mapping, stream valley cross-section determination, and nearshore bottom profiling. Performance of the laser systems has been impressive and for some applications matches current operational accuracy requirements. Determining the position of individual laser measurements remains a constraint for most applications. Laser technology constrains some terrain and bathymetric applications, particularly for water penetration and frequency of measurements for high-spatial resolution over large areas.     

A study of the solar cycle signal on total ozone over low-latitude Brazilian observation stations

Observations of total ozone at low latitudes in Brazil have been made using Dobson spectrophotometers since 1974 for Cachoeira Paulista (23.1° S, 45° W) and since 1978 for Natal (5.8° S, 35.2° W). Annual averages, 12 months and 36 months running averages have been analyzed. Spectral analyses of the data revealed that the most important periods found (confidence level> 90%) were: for Natal, 2.5 years (93.1%, quasi-biennial oscillation-QBO) and 10 years (98,2%, possibly the solar cycle signal); for Cachoeira Paulista, 2.4 years (96.8%, QBO) and 8 years (99.6%). The difference in total ozone between maximum and minimum solar cycles were estimated, using yearly averages of total ozone. For solar cycle 21, 1.16% and 1.26% for Natal and Cachoeira Paulista were found; for solar cycle 22, a larger difference of 3.8% for Natal and 4.1% for Cachoeira Paulista were found. The corresponding variation in UV-B at 300 nm, using Beer's law, is 8–10% for C. Paulista and 4–5% for Natal, with maxima occurring during the minimum of the solar cycle.     

三角形机翼参数化有限元网格划分与调整方法

为缩短有限元建模周期,提高三角形机翼结构分析、设计与优化的效率疲,首先,以其满足预定气动性能的几何外形为输入,定义了易用的有限元节点与单元的编号规则;基于可设计的机翼内部构型参数及可变的有限元尺寸参数的设置,引入了翼肋贯穿截止准则以满足任意输入的内部构型的初步判断;借助自定义形状矩阵完成了节点布置与单元生成,进一步通过有限元网格细化完成了开口设置、翼肋贯穿位置修正及桁条建模.然后,基于已建立的有限元网格实现了内外侧副翼翼肋位置的小幅调整及旋转舵面的角度调整,以满足不同飞行状态下结构分析需求.最后,应用PCL语言开发了参数化建模模块,实例表明了方法的有效性和模块可靠性.      

Topological and statistical properties of nonlinear force-free fields

We use our semi-analytic solution of the nonlinear force-free field equation to construct three-dimensional magnetic fields that are applicable to the solar corona and study their statistical properties for estimating the degree of braiding exhibited by these fields. We present a new formula for calculating the winding number and compare it with the formula for the crossing number. The comparison is shown for a toy model of two helices and for realistic cases of nonlinear force-free fields; conceptually the formulae are nearly the same but the resulting distributions calculated for a given topology can be different. We also calculate linkages, which are useful topological quantities that are independent measures of the contribution of magnetic braiding to the total free energy and relative helicity of the field. Finally, we derive new analytical bounds for the free energy and relative helicity for the field configurations in terms of the linking number. These bounds will be of utility in estimating the braided energy available for nano-flares or for eruptions.     

Controlled environments alter nutrient content of soybeans.

Information about compositional changes in plants grown in controlled environments is essential for developing a safe, nutritious diet for a Controlled Ecomological Life-Support System (CELSS). Information now is available for some CELSS candidate crops, but detailed information has been lacking for soybeans. To determine the effect of environment on macronutrient and mineral composition of soybeans, plants were grown both in the field and in a controlled environment where the hydroponic nutrient solution, photosynthetic flux (PPF), and CO2 level were manipulated to achieve rapid growth rates. Plants were harvested at seed maturity, separated into discrete parts, and oven dried prior to chemical analysis. Plant material was analyzed for proximate composition (moisture, protein, lipid, ash, and carbohydrate), total nitrogen (N), nonprotein N (NPN), nitrate, minerals, amino acid composition, and total dietary fiber. The effect of environment on composition varied by cultivar and plant part. Chamber-grown plants generally exhibited the following characteristics compared with field-grown plants: 1) increased total N and protein N for all plant parts, 2) increased nitrate in leaves and stems but not in seeds, 3) increased lipids in seeds, and 4) decreased Ca:P ratio for stems, pods, and leaves. These trends are consistent with data for other CELSS crops. Total N, protein N, and amino acid contents for 350 ppm CO2 and 1000 ppm CO2 were similar for seeds, but protein N and amino acid contents for leaves were higher at 350 ppm CO2 than at 1000 ppm CO2. Total dietary fiber content of soybean leaves was higher with 350 ppm CO2 than with 1000 ppm CO2. Such data will help in selecting of crop species, cultivars, and growing conditions to ensure safe, nutritious diets for CELSS.     

混合星座导航卫星广播星历相关问题研究

GPS卫星广播星历参数具有参数少、物理意义明确以及精度高等特点,可以考虑将它应用于包含MEO、IGSO和GEO卫星的混合星座卫星导航系统。分析了采用GPs卫星广播星历参数时MEO、IGSO和GEO卫星的广播星历拟合精度,并且比较分析了在一个卫星的轨道周期内,广播星历参数拟合结果的变化规律。仿真结果表明,MEO、IGSO和GEO卫星的广播星历拟合误差最大在分米量级;MEO和IGSO卫星在一个轨道周期内星历参数拟合结果的变化规律相近,但是与GEO卫星的差异较大。     

Hardware qualification for scientific ballooning missions

The European Stratospheric Balloon Observatory (ESBO) initiative aims at simplifying the access to stratospheric balloon missions. We plan to provide platforms and support with instrument design in order to support scientists. During the design process, the inevitable question of qualification for the harsh flight conditions arises. Unfortunately, there is no existing standard for qualification of stratospheric ballooning hardware. Thus, we developed a qualification procedure for use within ESBO and similar projects.In this paper, we present our analysis of the environmental conditions in the stratosphere. While conditions at typical balloon float altitudes are similar to the space environment, there are also some relevant differences. For example, the thermal environment is dominated by radiation and thermal conduction, but the remaining atmosphere still supports a certain amount of convection. The remaining atmospheric pressure in the stratosphere also leads to reduced arcing distances. Vibrational loads are far less than for space missions, but quasi-static or shock loads may occur. The criticality of radiation increases with mission duration.Based on the environmental conditions, we present the qualification procedures for ESBO, which are based on the European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) standards for space systems. Overtesting against too high requirements leads to overengineering, driving mission cost and mitigating the advantages of balloons over space missions. Therefore, we modified the ECSS standards to fit typical scientific ballooning missions over several days at altitudes up to 40 km. Furthermore, we analyzed design rules for space systems with regard to their relevance for scientific ballooning, including material and component selection. We present the experience from the hardware qualification process for the ESBO prototype STUDIO (Stratospheric UV Demonstrator of an Imaging Observatory). Even though boundary conditions are different for each individual mission, we aimed for a broader approach: We investigated more general requirements for scientific ballooning missions to support future flights.     

Commercial involvement in the development of space-based plant growing technology.

Considerable technological progress has been made in the development of controlled environment facilities for plant growth. Although not all of the technology used for terrestrial facilities is applicable to space-based plant growth facilities, the information resident in the commercial organizations that market these facilities can provide a significant resource for the development of the plant growing component of a CELSS. In 1985, NASA initiated an effort termed the Centers for the Commercial Development of Space (CCDS). This program endeavors to develop cooperative research and technology development programs with industrial companies that capitalize on the strengths of industry-university working relationships. One of the these CCDSs, the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics (WCSAR), deals with developing automated plant growth facilities for space, in cooperation with several industrial partners. Concepts have been developed with industrial partners for the irradiation, water and nutrient delivery, nutrient composition control and automation and robotics subsystems of plant growing units. Space flight experiments are planned for validation of the concepts in a space environment.     

Mutation induction in human lymphoid cells by energetic heavy ions.

One of the concerns for extended space flight outside the magnetosphere is exposure to galactic cosmic radiation. In the series of studies presented herein, the mutagenic effectiveness of high energy heavy ions is examined using human B-lymphoblastoid cells across an LET range from 32keV/micrometer to 190 keV/micrometer. Mutations were scored for an autosomal locus, thymidine kinase (tk), and for an X-linked locus, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (hprt). For each of the radiations studied, the autosomal locus is more sensitive to mutation induction than is the X-linked locus. When mutational yields are expressed in terms of particle fluence, the two loci respond quite differently across the range of LET. The action cross section for mutation induction peaks at 61 keV/micrometer for the tk locus and then declines for particles of higher LET, including Fe ions. For the hprt locus, the action cross section for mutation is maximal at 95 keV/micrometer but is relatively constant across the range from 61 keV/micrometer to 190 keV/micrometer. The yields of hprt-deficient mutants obtained after HZE exposure to TK6 lymphoblasts may be compared directly with published data on the induction of hprt-deficient mutants in human neonatal fibroblasts exposed to similar ions. The action cross section for induction of hprt-deficient mutants by energetic Fe ions is more than 10-fold lower for lymphoblastoid cells than for fibroblasts.     

基于策略的网格应用服务QoS管理模型

R.Al-Ali提出了一个基于网格的服务质量(QoS)管理框架模型,该模型将网格QoS问题划分为应用层QoS、网格中间层QoS以及网络层QoS,并重点对应用层的QoS表示和优化等问题进行了研究.目前关于网格QoS方面的大多数研究都集在对应用层如何扩充WSDL文档以实现服务等级协商(SLA)的表示等问题上.对于如何将应用层所需要的QoS与网络传输层的QoS机制模型结合起来以适合于网格计算的研究还是相当少,为此提出了一种基于策略的网格QoS管理模型,该模型既能够屏蔽由于网格应用服务使用不同的QoS级别带来的映射差别,也能够屏蔽由于跨越不同组织所采用不同QoS机制模型带来的映射差别.当组织的QoS机制模型采用差分模型(DiffServ)时,对所提出的模型进行了初步仿真,仿真结果表明可以将这一策略模型集成到开放网格服务体系(OGSA)中实现对网格应用服务的QoS管理.     

实际入射角的相位干涉仪测角方法

为了提高短距离定位精度,消除采用平行入射假定所引入的计算误差,分析和研究了近似误差对角度估计和解相位模糊的影响;得出了满足平行入射近似的前提条件,为干涉仪的波长、基线长度等参数设计提供了指导依据;提出了实际入射角的相位差估计和相应的角度计算方法,提高了角度估计精度。文章提出的高精度相位干涉仪测角方法,适用于多个运动平台（如卫星、飞行器）的互相定位、航天器交会对接、地面短距离目标定位等测角精度要求高的工程应用。