Models of P/Borrelly: Activity and dust mantle formation

Comet 19P/Borrelly was observed by Deep Space One spacecraft on September 22, 2001 (Soderblom et al., 2002).The DS1 images show a very dark and elongate nucleus with a complex topography; the IR spectra show a strong red-ward slope consistent with a very hot and dry surface (345K to 300K). During DS1 encounter the comet coma was dominated by a prominent jet but most of the comet was inactive, confirming the Earth-based observations that <10% of the surface is actively sublimating. We have developed a thermal evolution model of comet PBorrelly, using a numerical code that is able to solve the heat conduction and gas diffusion equations at the same time across an idealized spherical nucleus ( De Sanctis et al., 1999, 2000; Capria et al., 2000; Coradini et al., 1997a,b). The comet nucleus is composed by water, volatiles ices and dust in different proportions. The refractory component is made by grains that are embedded in the icy matrix. The code is able to account for the dust release, contributing to the dust flux, and the formation of dust mantles on the comet surface. The model was applied to a cometary nucleus with the estimated physical and dynamical characteristics of P/Borrelly in order to infer the status and activity level of a body on such an orbit during the DS1 observation. The comet gas flux, differentiation and thermal behavior were simulated and reproduced. The model results are in good agreement with the DS1 flyby results and the ground based observations, in terms of activity, dust coverage and temperatures of the surface.     

基于试验气动力的纵向机动飞行载荷分析

提出了一种基于非线性风洞试验数据(简称试验气动力)同步进行纵向机动飞行过程和飞行载荷的计算分析方法.通过曲面样条插值将试验气动力的升力系数和俯仰力矩系数引入纵向机动飞行过程的计算,同时基于试验气动力的压力分布进行全机飞行载荷的静气动弹性修正.弹性载荷的计算采用线性气动力影响系数矩阵处理.采用偶极子格网法提供气动力(简称理论气动力).将基于这两种气动力的计算结果进行了对比.结果表明:基于试验气动力的机动飞行过程更为合理;基于理论气动力的载荷随机动飞行过程的变化趋势有可能与基于试验气动力的载荷变化趋势不一致.      

Intrinsic time scale for reconnection on the dayside magnetopause

Recently much attention has been focused on the transient behavior of the magnetopause in response to pressure pulses and southward fluctuations of the interplanetary magnetic field. We examine the motion of the magnetopause behind the foreshock and conclude that this motion is affected by foreshock pressure variations but not by fluctuations in the direction of the magnetic field. Neither magnetopause erosion nor flux transfer event occurrence is controlled by the foreshock. On the contrary, flux transfer events occur at times of steady IMF and thier quasi-periodic behavior is controlled by the magnetopause or the magnetosphere and is not driven by the external boundary conditions. Since flux transfer events are clearly due to reconnection, this observation implies that the IMF must be southward some time perhaps as long as 7 minutes before flux transfer begins.     

Neutral Atmospheres

This paper summarizes the understanding of aeronomy of neutral atmospheres in the solar system, discussing most planets as well as Saturn’s moon Titan and comets. The thermal structure and energy balance is compared, highlighting the principal reasons for discrepancies amongst the atmospheres, a combination of atmospheric composition, heliocentric distance and other external energy sources not common to all. The composition of atmospheres is discussed in terms of vertical structure, chemistry and evolution. The final section compares dynamics in the upper atmospheres of most planets and highlights the importance of vertical dynamical coupling as well as magnetospheric forcing in auroral regions, where present. It is shown that a first order understanding of neutral atmospheres has emerged over the past decades, thanks to the combined effects of spacecraft and Earth-based observations as well as advances in theoretical modeling capabilities. Key gaps in our understanding are highlighted which ultimately call for a more comprehensive programme of observation and laboratory measurements.     

The IMPACT Solar Wind Electron Analyzer (SWEA)

SWEA, the solar wind electron analyzers that are part of the IMPACT in situ investigation for the STEREO mission, are described. They are identical on each of the two spacecraft. Both are designed to provide detailed measurements of interplanetary electron distribution functions in the energy range 1～3000 eV and in a 120°×360° solid angle sector. This energy range covers the core or thermal solar wind plasma electrons, and the suprathermal halo electrons including the field-aligned heat flux or strahl used to diagnose the interplanetary magnetic field topology. The potential of each analyzer will be varied in order to maintain their energy resolution for spacecraft potentials comparable to the solar wind thermal electron energies. Calibrations have been performed that show the performance of the devices are in good agreement with calculations and will allow precise diagnostics of all of the interplanetary electron populations at the two STEREO spacecraft locations.     

Mars Phobos and Deimos Survey (M-PADS) – A martian Moons orbiter and Phobos lander

We describe a Mars ‘Micro Mission’ for detailed study of the martian satellites Phobos and Deimos. The mission involves two ∼330 kg spacecraft equipped with solar electric propulsion to reach Mars orbit. The two spacecraft are stacked for launch: an orbiter for remote investigation of the moons and in situ studies of their environment in Mars orbit, and another carrying a lander for in situ measurements on the surface of Phobos (or alternatively Deimos). Phobos and Deimos remain only partially studied, and Deimos less well than Phobos. Mars has almost always been the primary mission objective, while the more dedicated Phobos project (1988–89) failed to realise its full potential. Many questions remain concerning the moons’ origins, evolution, physical nature and composition. Current missions, such as Mars Express, are extending our knowledge of Phobos in some areas but largely neglect Deimos. The objectives of M-PADS focus on: origins and evolution, interactions with Mars, volatiles and interiors, surface features, and differences. The consequent measurement requirements imply both landed and remote sensing payloads. M-PADS is expected to accommodate a 60 kg orbital payload and a 16 kg lander payload. M-PADS resulted from a BNSC-funded study carried out in 2003 to define candidate Mars Micro Mission concepts for ESA’s Aurora programme.     

Countermeasure Against Regenerative and Forced Chatter of Flexible Workpieces in Milling Processs Using Bi-directional Excitation

A novel extended methodology for chatter suppression in milling process by applying external forced vibrations to the workpiece in two orthogonal directions which are the feed and cross-feed directions.Both the regenerative and forced chatter suppression during the milling process of flexible workpieces are investigated.Here,the workpiece is subject to a sinusoidal periodic force in the feed direction to disrupt the regenerative effect.Additionally,to minimize the forced chatter,the workpiece is subject to the periodic excitation force in cross-feed direction.This force is proportional to the magnitude of the estimated cutting force in cross-feed direction and has a phase opposite to the cutting force to minimize the vibration amplitudes.The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated numerically and experimentally,for the spindle speed located in both the local minima and local maxima of the stability lobe diagram.The numerical simulations indicate significant suppression effect in terms of vibration amplitudes,resulting in suppression of both the regenerative chatter and the forced chatter.Experiments were conducted by using a workpiece-mounted active stage composed of flexure hinges and driven by piezoelectric actuators.The experimental results agree qualitatively with the numerical simulations.The proposed method indicates a remarkable vibration reduction effect for both regenerative and forced chatters.     

天基监视雷达的距离游走和距离重叠补偿研究

为了实现天基雷达杂波消除、高分辨率的角度估计和广域监视功能,采用三通道相位中心偏置天线（DPCA）/monopulse（单脉冲）信号处理系统。天基雷达的运动和地球自转,使得地球上每一点的杂波都产生了附加的多普勒成分——距离游走效应。距离游走与距离重叠效应相结合,显著地降低DPCA处理算法的杂波抑制性能。针对距离游走效应在相干处理阶段进行反向补偿、在非相干积累阶段采用线性内插的方法进行校正,针对距离重叠效应采用基于普罗米修斯结构的波形分集技术进行校正。实验结果显示,提出的距离游走和距离重叠综合补偿方案显著提高杂波抑制效果。
     

Deorbiting with electrodynamic tethers: comparison between different tether configurations

Electrodynamic tethers have been recently proposed for satellite and rocket upper stage deorbiting to mitigate the debris problem at Low Earth Orbits (LEOs). The deorbiting performance of several electrodynamic tethers, where the electron collection from the ionosphere is obtained with either simple bare wires or bare wires terminated with conducting spherical collectors, was analyzed and compared. Our results indicate that the use of the spherical collectors at the positive termination of the system significantly enhances the deorbiting capabilities of the electrodynamic bare tethers.