Calculation of resultant vector and principal moment of light pressure forces acting upon the spacecraft with a solar sail

Two methods of calculating the resultant vector and principal moment of light pressure forces, having an effect on a spacecraft with a composite solar sail, are compared. The first method is based on analytical formulas obtained without regard to shading of some parts of the sail by others. The second method uses a detailed geometrical model of the sail, which allows one to take such shading into account. Some part of photons falling on a sail is supposed to be reflected from it in a mirror manner, while the others are completely absorbed. The range of variation of sail orientation parameters with respect to incident solar light streams, where the first method turns out to be accurate enough, is found.     

Omnidirectional integrated helicopter air data system based on the stationary multichannel aerometric transducer

In this paper, a problem of measuring the altitude-speed helicopter performance in the range of low and near-zero flight velocities is considered. The structural functional scheme of the omnidirectional helicopter air data system based on the stationary aerometric multichannel transducer (AMT) as well as the jet-convective measuring channels is shown and algorithms for the formation of the system output signals are presented. In order to extend the lower bound of operating speeds, it is proposed that the omnidirectional system be integrated with the aeromechanical measuring computer system that realizes the VIMI method with Luenberger’s observer. Also given is the algorithm support and the accuracy of the integrated system operation is estimated.     

Propulsion of space ships by nuclear explosion

Recent progress in the research on deuterium-tritium (D-T) inertially confined microexplosions encourages one to reconsider the nuclear propulsion of spaceships based on the concept originally proposed in the Orion project. We discuss first the acceleration of medium-sized spaceships by D-T explosions whose output is in the range of 0.1–10 t of TNT. The launching of such a ship into an Earth orbit or beyond by a large nuclear explosion in an underground cavity is sketched out in the second section of the paper, and finally we consider a hypothetical Mars mission based on these concepts. In the conclusion it is argued that propulsion based on the Orion concept only is not the best method for interplanetary travel owing to the very large number of nuclear explosion required. A combination of a super gun and subsequent rocket propulsion using advanced chemical fuels appears to be the best solution for space flights of the near future.From Kosmicheskie Issledovaniya, Vol. 43, No. 1, 2005, pp. 67–75.Original English Text Copyright © 2005 by Linhart, Kravárik.     

Influence of clinorotation and fettering stress on tail regeneration of Triturus vulgaris (Urodela).

Tail-amputated adult Triturus vulgaris, fettered in cuvettes of a fast-rotating clinostat were exposed to simulated weightlessness (60 rpm; equiv. to 10(-3)-10(-4) g), during a 14-day period. To feed and clean the animals rotation was stopped once a day for approx. 10 min. To test the influence of the fettering stress, a second series of animals was kept separately under normal earth conditions without rotation. A further control series was kept in a dark container without any handicap. While tail regeneration of the rotated animals was markedly accelerated, the fettered-only animals showed a considerably less marked acceleration effect. At the end of the 14-day period, all regenerates were reamputated together with an additional 5 mm of the tail stump. Although this second level of amputation was distant from the first, the regenerative growth rate of the rotated series was accelerated 123% in contrast to both the control and the fettered-only series. Our results demonstrate that the growth acceleration is induced by clinorotation. Fettering stress has no comparable influence. The growth promoting effect is not limited to the regenerating area.     

Variations of the radiation dose onboard Mir station

Dose variations, associated with the 11-year solar activity cycle, seasonal variations of particle fluxes in the Earth's radiation belts at the station orbit, and solar proton events are studied, using prolonged measurements of radiation doses inside orbital station Mir. Daily averages of radiation doses during the declining phase of the 22^nd solar cycle and during transition to the 23^rd solar activity cycle reached very large values for astronauts and significantly exceed the values calculated according to existing models.     

Special features of a digital speckle interferometer for determining vibration characteristics of heavy-loaded elements of an aircraft fuel pump

The results of vibration tests for heavy-loaded elements in the auger-centrifugal stage of an aircraft fuel pump performed with the use of an interference-free digital speckle-interferometer created at the Samara State Aerospace University are presented. The speckle-interferograms of an auger and a centrifugal wheel of the auger-centrifugal pump stage in different conditions of attachment and dynamic loading are given. The data obtained may be of sufficient importance in the development of aircraft fuel pumps for a specified service life.     

Optimization of efficient order service by information unmanned aerial vehicles

We propose a mathematical model and the numerical method for an optimal choice of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from those being in flight to fulfill a newly received order for monitoring (reconnaissance) of a new region. Examples of using the approach being proposed and main lines of its realization in promising information unmanned aircraft complexes (UAC) are presented.     

Investigation of helicopter maneuverability by the power balance method

The algorithms for calculating available overloads and maneuvers are presented. Nesterov’s loop maneuver is analyzed.     

On application of the theory of face seals with microgrooves to high-speed FV engine rotors

With allowance made for thermoelasticity of working surfaces and inertia forces on the lubricant coat, a hydrodynamic problem is solved for the noncontacting face seals with microgrooves in the high-speed rotors of FV engines. Also shown are the initiation of surface waviness in the zone of lubricant coat fracture and the influence of its amplitude upon the seal characteristics.