Neural controllers for systems with unknown dynamics

This study presents a methodology for specifying a neural controller for a system about which no a priori model information is available. The neural design presumes that a finite duration input/output (I/O) histogram on the system is available. The design procedure extracts from the histogram sufficient information to specify the neural feedback controller. The resultant controller will drive the system along a general output reference profile (unknown during the design). The resultant controller also exhibits the capability of disturbance rejection and the capacity to stabilize unstable plants     

Local-area helioseismology as a diagnostic tool for solar variability

Dynamical and thermal variations of the internal structure of the Sun can affect the energy flow and result in variations in irradiance at the surface. Studying variations in the interior is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of the irradiance variations. “Global” helioseismology based on analysis of normal mode frequencies, has helped to reveal radial and latitudinal variations of the solar structure and dynamics associated with the solar cycle in the deep interior. A new technique, - “local-area” helioseismology or heliotomography, offers additional potentially important diagnostics by providing three-dimensional maps of the sound speed and flows in the upper convection zone. These diagnostics are based on inversion of travel times of acoustic waves which propagate between different points on the solar surface through the interior. The most significant variations in the thermodynamic structure found by this method are associated with sunspots and complexes of solar activity. The inversion results provide evidence for areas of higher sound speed beneath sunspot regions located at depths of 4–20 Mm, which may be due to accumulated heat or magnetic field concentrations. However, the physics of these structures is not yet understood. Heliotomography also provides information about large-scale stable longitudinal structures in the solar interior, which can be used in irradiance models. This new diagnostic tool for solar variability is currently under development. It will require both a substantial theoretical and modeling effort and high-resolution data to develop new capabilities for understanding mechanisms of solar variability.     

An Introduction to Theory and Models of CMEs, Shocks, and Solar Energetic Particles

We present a brief introduction to the essential physics of coronal mass ejections as well as a review of theory and models of CME initiation, solar energetic particle (SEP) acceleration, and shock propagation. A brief review of the history of CME models demonstrates steady progress toward an understanding of CME initiation, but it is clear that the question of what initiates CMEs has still not been solved. For illustration, we focus on the flux cancellation model and the breakout model. We contrast the similarities and differences between these models, and we examine how their essential features compare with observations. We review the generation of shocks by CMEs. We also outline the theoretical ideas behind the origin of a gradual SEP event at the evolving CME-driven coronal/interplanetary shock and the origin of “impulsive” SEP events at flare sites of magnetic reconnection below CMEs. We argue that future developments in models require focused study of “campaign events” to best utilize the wealth of available CME and SEP observations.     

Antenna pattern control of planar arrays for long distance communications

As an alternative to standard antennas and due to the advent of low-cost digital processors and materials, adaptive antenna arrays are increasingly considered for applications in long distance communications. The pattern beam control potentialities provide the performance improvement of the communication systems. In this context, this work presents a technique that permits to synthesize the antenna pattern of a planar array. Considering that the relationship between the array factor and the array excitations for the far field region is a Fourier transform in the appropriate variables, the non-uniform sampling procedure is extended for planar arrays. These arrays permit a further control of the antenna pattern since two dimensions of space are used. The technique considers a number of array factor points equal to the array size, which is used to impose appropriated values in the antenna pattern. The produced array factor passes through those points with the desired values, which allows the synthesis of antenna patterns with appropriated characteristics. The theory is presented in order to develop the necessary direct expressions to calculate the array excitation. The array factor can be obtained using the inverse Fourier transform. As application examples, with this technique it is possible to define the level of each sidelobe of the antenna pattern, to control the main beam and to impose nulls in prescribed directions of the pattern.