Gravity Probe B Data Analysis

This is the first of five connected papers detailing progress on the Gravity Probe B (GP-B) Relativity Mission. GP-B, launched 20 April 2004, is a landmark physics experiment in space to test two fundamental predictions of Einstein’s general relativity theory, the geodetic and frame-dragging effects, by means of cryogenic gyroscopes in Earth orbit. Data collection began 28 August 2004 and science operations were completed 29 September 2005. The data analysis has proven deeper than expected as a result of two mutually reinforcing complications in gyroscope performance: (1) a changing polhode path affecting the calibration of the gyroscope scale factor C _g against the aberration of starlight and (2) two larger than expected manifestations of a Newtonian gyro torque due to patch potentials on the rotor and housing. In earlier papers, we reported two methods, ‘geometric’ and ‘algebraic’, for identifying and removing the first Newtonian effect (‘misalignment torque’), and also a preliminary method of treating the second (‘roll-polhode resonance torque’). Central to the progress in both torque modeling and C _g determination has been an extended effort on “Trapped Flux Mapping” commenced in November 2006. A turning point came in August 2008 when it became possible to include a detailed history of the resonance torques into the computation. The East-West (frame-dragging) effect is now plainly visible in the processed data. The current statistical uncertainty from an analysis of 155 days of data is 5.4 marc-s/yr (～14% of the predicted effect), though it must be emphasized that this is a preliminary result requiring rigorous investigation of systematics by methods discussed in the accompanying paper by Muhlfelder et al. A covariance analysis incorporating models of the patch effect torques indicates that a 3–5% determination of frame-dragging is possible with more complete, computationally intensive data analysis.     

Pulse detonation engines: Technical approaches

The paper contains analysis of the problems preventing from wide use of pulse detonation engines (PDE), and provides suggestions to overcome those problems. In particular, the results of theoretical investigations of basic operating cycle in PDE—deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) processes in combustible gaseous mixtures and transmission of detonation into large chambers—are presented. The paper investigates the effect of implosion shock waves on the onset of detonation in gases, and suggests the scheme of detonation transmission from a narrow gap into a wide chamber, which makes it possible to reduce the predetonation length thus shortening the necessary length of the engine.     

勇气号和机遇号火星车定位方法评述

评述了应用于勇气号和机遇号火星车的无线电测控定位、航迹推算、太阳图像确定方位角、视觉测程、光束法平差定位、地面影像与高分辨率卫星影像对比等多种定位方法,分析了其精度、适用范围、进一步发展的潜力等,对中国探月二期工程以及以后的火星探测工程中的探测车定位具南谙餐作昂：     

Cluster observations of earthward propagating plasmoid and flux ropes in the near-tail during the course of a substorm event

We analyze the magnetic structures in the near-tail at Xgsm = −17.5 Re on September 19, 2003 by Cluster. During the course of a substorm event, the earthward propagating plasmoid and flux ropes in the near-tail are observed. The earthward propagating plasmoid is associated with the bipolar Bz and By signatures. The two flux ropes are embedded within the earthward plasma flows, which might be referred to the population as ‘‘BBF-type’’ flux ropes. The first flux rope diameter is about 0.7 Re and duration based upon the Bz signature is ∼20 s, while the second one diameter is about 1.4 Re and duration is ∼30 s. The earthward propagating plasmoid and flux ropes could have influence upon the dipolarization and injection in inner magnetosphere. The Cluster observations of earthward propagating plasmoid and flux ropes can be interpreted as strong evidence for multiple X-lines. Our observations are consistent with that multiple plasmoids or flux ropes are formed repeatedly and ejected tailward in the course of geomagnetically active time.     

Directed Subspace Search ML-PDA with Application to Active Sonar Tracking

The maximum likelihood probabilistic data association (ML-PDA) tracking algorithm is effective in tracking Very Low Observable targets (i.e., very low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) targets in a high false alarm environment). However, the computational complexity associated with obtaining the track estimate in many cases has precluded its use in real-time scenarios. Previous ML-PDA implementations used a multi-pass grid (MPG) search to find the track estimate. Two alternate methods for finding the track estimate are presented-a genetic search and a newly developed directed subspace (DSS) search algorithm. Each algorithm is tested using active sonar scenarios in which an autonomous underwater vehicle searches for and tracks a target. Within each scenario, the problem parameters are varied to illustrate the relative performance of each search technique. Both the DSS search and the genetic algorithm are shown to be an order of magnitude more computationally efficient than the MPG search, making possible real-time implementation. In addition, the DSS search is shown to be the most effective technique at tracking a target at the lowest SNR levels-reliable tracking down to 5 dB (postprocessing SNR in a resolution cell) using a 5-frame sliding window is demonstrated, this being 6 dB better than the MPG search.     

辽东湾北岸滨海湿地生态系统的功能及其利用的研究

辽东湾北岸滨海湿地生态系统具有丰富的生物资源,较高的生态价值与环境净化,蓄水防洪等特点和功能。尚存在植被开发利用不合理,污染严重,人口激增,环境被破坏等问题,应大力发展生态农业,利用湿地滞洪蓄水,改善环境,合理开发旅游资源。     

An empirical relation to correct storm-time thermospheric mass density modeled by NRLMSISE-00 with CHAMP satellite air drag data

With the help of STAR (Spatial Triaxial Accelerometer for Research) accelerometer measurements on board CHAMP (Challenging Minisatellite Payload), the global distributions of total mass density changes at about 400 km height during major magnetic storms are studied, aiming to improve the capability of current thermospheric model for predicting the storm-time mass density distribution. The density calculated by the NRLMSISE-00 model without using the geomagnetic active index as input is taken as a reference on top of which the storm-time changes are added. In total 19 storm events during 2001–2004 are used to perform a comprehensive statistical analysis. A relative calibration of drag coefficient along with accelerometer calibration parameters is made by fitting the CHAMP observed initial mass densities in with the NRLMSISE-00 model on quiet days before each storm. The dependences of the storm-time changes in mass density on both the total global Joule heating power, ∑_Qj$\sum Q_{\text{j}}$ and the high-resolution ring current index, Sym-H, are investigated. The lag times of mass density changes with respect to the Joule heating and Sym-H variation are obtained as a function of latitude and sunlight. By using a multiple linear regression analysis with proper time shift, an empirical relation connecting storm-time changes in mass density for 400 km height with the two parameters, ∑_Qj$\sum Q_{\text{j}}$ and Sym-H, has been worked out for different latitude and sunlight conditions (day-side or night-side). Adding a correction calculated from the empirical relation to the NRLMSISE-00 model reference leads to a better prediction of storm-time thermospheric mass density distribution.     

A summary of the applications of a weighted average method determining times of solar cycle extrema

This paper is a summary of our recent researches on the applications of a weighted average method determining times of solar cycle extrema in the prediction of solar activity. Some correlation coefficients among the parameters in solar cycle according to this definition are higher than those according to the conventional definition. The descending time is found to be correlated (r = −0.77) with the ascending time 3 cycles earlier. The amplitude of solar cycle is found to be correlated (r = −0.77) with the max–max solar cycle length 2 cycles earlier. The ascending time is found to be correlated (r = −0.72) with the amplitude. A newly defined parameter called effective duration is found to be well correlated (r = 0.86) with the amplitude 5 cycles later. These correlations suggest that earlier cycles should influence later ones. The next (24th) solar cycle is estimated to start in March 2007 ± 7 months, reach its maximum in January 2011 ± 14 months, with a size of 150 ± 22, larger than those from some correlations according to the conventional definition.     

Modeling and Simulating Flowing Plasmas and Related Phenomena

Simulation has become a valuable tool that compliments more traditional methods used to understand solar system plasmas and their interactions with planets, moons and comets. The three popular simulation approaches to studying these interactions are presented. Each approach provides valuable insight to these interactions. To date no one approach is capable of simulating the whole interaction region from the collisionless to the collisional regimes. All three approaches are therefore needed. Each approach has several implicit physical assumptions as well as several numerical assumptions depending on the scheme used. The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD), test-particle/Monte-Carlo and hybrid models used in simulating flowing plasmas are described. Special consideration is given to the implicit assumptions underlying each model. Some of the more common numerical methods used to implement each model, the implications of these numerical methods and the resulting limitations of each simulation approach are also discussed.     

Polar ionosphere and geomagnetic response for the flux transfer events: A case study

On April 15th 2003, Cluster crossed the dayside magnetopause boundary and observed a series flux transfer events (FTEs) during the interval from 0630 to 0730 UT. During this period, the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) showed a negative z component and a positive y component. Simultaneous corresponding transient plasma flows were identified in the near-conjugate polar ionosphere by the CUTLASS Finland HF radar, and the geomagnetic field disturbances were observed by the IMAGE ground-based magnetometers. By combing these data and applying the Cooling model, we show that the transient plasma flows and the geomagnetic field disturbances are closely related to the dayside FTEs.