Functional analysis: a system conceptual design tool [andapplication to ATC system]

Functional analysis is a methodology for analyzing the mission and performance requirements of a system, and translating them into discrete activities or tasks which must be performed by the system. Determination of the system's functionality is the first step in obtaining a conceptual view of a system that is to be designed. The methodology for conducting functional analysis is developed, some of the tools used to support the activity are described, including examples to help solidify the concepts presented     

Detection of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays and neutrinos by radio method using artificial lunar satellites

An estimate of the feasibility of the ultrahigh-energy cosmic ray and neutrino detection using a lunar satellite-borne radio receiver is presented. The data obtained in the proposed experiment will make resolving the current contradictions in the ultrahigh-energy cosmic ray spectra measured with the major ground-based instruments possible. Moreover, they will enable us to considerably extend the accessible energy range and to check predictions of various models of the origin of the highest-energy particles in the Universe. At the same time the lunar radio detector provides a means of searching for ultrahigh-energy neutrinos with a high sensitivity combined with a very large target effective mass.     

A sample collector for robotic sample return missions III: Impact survivability studies

Laboratory impact tests have been performed on experimental versions of a proposed robotic sample collector for extraterrestrial samples. The collector consists of a retractable aluminum ring containing an impregnable silicone compound that is pressed into the surface of the body to be sampled. As part of a comprehensive program to evaluate this idea, we have performed tests to determine if the samples embedded in the collector medium can survive the impact forces experienced during direct reentry, such as that of the recent Genesis sample return mission. For the present study, samples of sand, rock, glass, and chalk were subjected to decelerations of 1440–2880 g using drop tests. We found that even the most fragile samples, chosen to be representative of a wide range of the types of materials found on the surface of asteroids that have currently been studied, can withstand impacts of the intensity experienced by a sample return capsule during direct reentry.     

Permanent-Magnet Linear Alternators Part 1: Fundamental Equations

Powered by free-piston Stirling engines, linear alternators are proposed for space power stations as well as for isolated domestic applications, automotive, and on-Earth solar power plants. As the literature on the subject is sparse and base-design oriented, we present the general equations for both three-phase and single-phase winding configurations having permanent-magnet field excitations.     

单晶铝纳米级硬度试验研究

使用纳米硬度计对单晶铝进行了纳米压痕试验,利用原子力显微镜对压痕形貌进行扫描并计算硬度值,重点观察和分析了纳米级条件下单晶铝的硬度性质,结果表明,当压痕深度小于2000nm时,单晶铝纳米硬度存在尺寸效应现象;从材料性质的角度分析了纳米硬度尺寸效应现象;探讨了纳米硬度和传统硬度本质上的区别,指出其根本原因在于不同尺度下人们对材料性质的关注点不同。     

Temperature Cycling Effects on Solar Panels

Temperature cycling for more than 300 cycles and for temperatures down to - 175°C performed on soldered silicon cell assemblies with copper, Kovar, and molybdenum interconnectors showed a wide range in failures depending both upon the materials used and on interconnector thickness and substrate material. The solder fatigue failure rate is strongly dependent on stress level in agreement with analytical predictions.     

Spatial variation of the supersonic thermal plasma flow downstream of the termination shock

In this paper we start from the most recently observed fact that the solar wind plasma after passage over the termination shock is still supersonic with a Mach number of about 2. To explain this unexpected phenomenon and to predict the evolution of properties of the downstream plasma flow we here consider a two-fluid proton plasma with pick-up protons as a separate suprathermal, second proton fluid. We then formulate a self-consistent system of hydrodynamical conservation equations coupling the two fluids by dynamical and thermodynamical coupling terms and taking into account the effects of newly incorporated protons due to charge exchange with the H-atoms in the heliosheath. This then allows us to predict that in the most probable case the solar wind protons will become subsonic over a distance of about 30 AU downstream of the shock. As we can also show, it may, however, happen that the plasma mixture later again reconverts to a supersonic signature and has to undergo a second shock before meeting the heliopause.     

A new perspective of carcinogenesis from protracted high-LET radiation arises from the two-stage clonal expansion model.

When applied to the Colorado Plateau miner population, the two-stage clonal expansion (TSCE) model of radiation carcinogenesis predicts that radiation-induced promotion dominates radiation-induced initiation. Thus, according to the model, at least for alpha-particle radiation from inhaled radon daughters, lung cancer induction over long periods of protracted irradiation appears to be dominated by radiation-induced modification of the proliferation kinetics of already-initiated cells rather than by direct radiation-induced initiation (i.e., mutation) of normal cells. We explore the possible consequences of this result for radiation exposures to space travelers on long missions. Still unknown is the LET dependence of this effect. Speculations of the cause of this phenomenon include the suggestion that modification of cell kinetics is caused by a "bystander" effect, i.e., the traversal of normal cells by alpha particles, followed by the signaling of these cells to nearby initiated cells which then modify their proliferation kinetics.