Extraction of ion distributions from magnetospheric ENA and EUV images

Energetic neutral atom (ENA) and extreme ultra-violet photon (EUV) imagers will soon be probing magnetospheric ion distributions from the NASA space missions IMAGE and TWINS. Although ENA and EUV images will differ greatly, the same basic mathematical approach can be applied to deducing the ion distributions: extracting the parameters of a model ion distribution in a model magnetic field (and, in the case of ENA, interacting with a model cold neutral population). The model ion distribution is highly non-linear in its many parameters (as many as 38 have been used) in order to describe the strong spatial gradients of ion intensities in the magnetosphere. We have developed several new computer algorithms to accomplish the extraction by minimizing the differences between a simulated (instrument-specific) image and an observed image (or set of images). Towards the goal of a truly automated `hands-off extraction algorithm, we have combined three algorithms into a Hierarchical Simplex Algorithm. At each step of the minimization, it first tries a sophisticated and efficient Adaptive Conjugate Gradient algorithm. Then, if the error function is not reduced, it defers to an intermediate Analytic Simplex algorithm, and (if this step also fails) it finally defaults to the robust but inefficient Downhill Simplex algorithm. Whenever a step is successful, the algorithm begins the next step at the top of the hierarchy. We also offer a completely different approach (without minimization) for the interpretation of sharp `edges in the images (e.g., the plasmapause in He ⁺ 30.4 nm EUV images of the plasmasphere). We demonstrate mathematically that the equatorial shape of the plasmapause can be constructed directly from the image using a simple graphical algorithm.     

束丝SiC纤维增强铝复合材料界面TEM研究

利用透射电镜 (TEM )对由几种不同方法制备的束丝SiC纤维增强铝复合材料 (包括超声液相浸渗法制备的复合丝、由复合丝热压得到的板材以及由真空液相压渗法制备的板材等 )的界面微观特征进行了研究 ,结果显示 ,制造态及 5 5 0℃× 1h热暴露条件下复合材料没有发生界面反应 ,在 6 5 0℃× 1h热暴露条件下有厚度 10 0～2 0 0nm的界面反应区。该研究表明 ,SiC/Al复合材料在制备工艺条件下具有有良好的界面化学相容性     

C/SiC复合材料超声振动钻孔评估

在分析碳纤维增强碳化硅复合材料的力学性能、密度、孔隙率和弯曲强度的基础上 ,进行了超声钻孔工艺试验 ,检测并研究了材料去除率、孔径差、孔边质量和工具损耗情况 ,得出了超声钻孔是一种好的加工方法的结论。     

缩尺模拟板相关性研究

介绍了模拟板由小模型到大模型的研制过程，着重讨论了模拟板小模型与大模型在流场总压恢复系数、周向不均匀度、低压区范围等方面的相关性问题。研究结果表明由小模型到大模型的研制方案是正确可行的。     

超音尾喷流红外抑制方案的研究

超音速发动机尾喷流的红外抑制是超音速飞行器隐身性能的重要组成部分。本文提出两种超音速尾喷流的红外抑制方案二次旋流方案与组合波瓣方案 ,并对两种方案共 7组试验件在不同的结构和二次流速度情况下进行了大量重复试验。在旋流方案试验中 ,对二次流加旋诱发大尺度流向涡进行了系统的研究 ,得到旋流角度、二次流速度等对掺混效果的影响规律 ,试验结果表明 :对于本结构方案 ,当二次流速度为 49m/s,旋流角在 3 0°左右 ,掺混效果最好 ,且随二次流流速的增加而加强。在组合波瓣方案的试验中 ,对组合波瓣用于超音尾喷流红外抑制进行了研究 ,试验结果表明可对超音尾喷流的红外起到有效的抑制作用。     

Tracking multiple objects with particle filtering

We address the problem of multitarget tracking (MTT) encountered in many situations in signal or image processing. We consider stochastic dynamic systems detected by observation processes. The difficulty lies in the fact that the estimation of the states requires the assignment of the observations to the multiple targets. We propose an extension of the classical particle filter where the stochastic vector of assignment is estimated by a Gibbs sampler. This algorithm is used to estimate the trajectories of multiple targets from their noisy bearings, thus showing its ability to solve the data association problem. Moreover this algorithm is easily extended to multireceiver observations where the receivers can produce measurements of various nature with different frequencies.     

Composition Variations in the Solar Corona and Solar Wind

Order of magnitude variations in relative elemental abundances are observed in the solar corona and solar wind. The instruments aboard SOHO make it possible to explore these variations in detail to determine whether they arise near the solar surface or higher in the corona. A substantial enhancement of low First Ionization Potential (FIP) elements relative to high FIP elements is often seen in both the corona and the solar wind, and that must arise in the chromosphere. Several theoretical models have been put forward to account for the FIP effect, but as yet even the basic physical mechanism responsible remains an open question. Evidence for gravitational settling is also found at larger heights in quiescent streamers. The question is why the heavier elements don't settle out completely. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The Cassini Visual And Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (Vims) Investigation

The Cassini visual and infrared mapping spectrometer (VIMS) investigation is a multidisciplinary study of the Saturnian system. Visual and near-infrared imaging spectroscopy and high-speed spectrophotometry are the observational techniques. The scope of the investigation includes the rings, the surfaces of the icy satellites and Titan, and the atmospheres of Saturn and Titan. In this paper, we will elucidate the major scientific and measurement goals of the investigation, the major characteristics of the Cassini VIMS instrument, the instrument calibration, and operation, and the results of the recent Cassini flybys of Venus and the Earth–Moon system.This revised version was published online in July 2005 with a corrected cover date.     

Cassini Imaging Science: Instrument Characteristics And Anticipated Scientific Investigations At Saturn

The Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) is the highest-resolution two-dimensional imaging device on the Cassini Orbiter and has been designed for investigations of the bodies and phenomena found within the Saturnian planetary system. It consists of two framing cameras: a narrow angle, reflecting telescope with a 2-m focal length and a square field of view (FOV) 0.35^∘ across, and a wide-angle refractor with a 0.2-m focal length and a FOV 3.5^∘ across. At the heart of each camera is a charged coupled device (CCD) detector consisting of a 1024 square array of pixels, each 12 μ on a side. The data system allows many options for data collection, including choices for on-chip summing, rapid imaging and data compression. Each camera is outfitted with a large number of spectral filters which, taken together, span the electromagnetic spectrum from 200 to 1100 nm. These were chosen to address a multitude of Saturn-system scientific objectives: sounding the three-dimensional cloud structure and meteorology of the Saturn and Titan atmospheres, capturing lightning on both bodies, imaging the surfaces of Saturn’s many icy satellites, determining the structure of its enormous ring system, searching for previously undiscovered Saturnian moons (within and exterior to the rings), peering through the hazy Titan atmosphere to its yet-unexplored surface, and in general searching for temporal variability throughout the system on a variety of time scales. The ISS is also the optical navigation instrument for the Cassini mission. We describe here the capabilities and characteristics of the Cassini ISS, determined from both ground calibration data and in-flight data taken during cruise, and the Saturn-system investigations that will be conducted with it. At the time of writing, Cassini is approaching Saturn and the images returned to Earth thus far are both breathtaking and promising.This revised version was published online in July 2005 with a corrected cover date.