Implementation and convergence considerations of a linearlyconstrained adaptive array

O.L. Frost (1972) introduced a linearly constrained optimization algorithm that allows certain main beam properties to be preserved while good cancellation is attained. An open-loop implementation of this algorithm is developed. This implementation is shown to be equivalent to the technique developed by C.W. Jim (1977), L.J. Griffiths and C.W. Jin (1982), and K.M. Buckley and L.J. Griffiths (1982) whereby the constrained problem is reduced to an unconstrained problem. Analytical results are presented for the convergence rate when the sampled matrix inversion (SMI) or Gram-Schmidt (GS) algorithm are employed. It has been previously shown that the steady-state solution for the optimal weights is identical for both constrained and reduced unconstrained problems. It is shown that if the SMI or GS algorithm is employed, then the transient weighting vector solution for the constrained problem is identical to the equivalent transient weight vector solution for the reduced unconstrained implementation     

Comments, with reply, on `Lyapunov stability designs for switchingregulator/low-pass filter system' by M.L. Brooks

Erroneous conclusions reached in the original paper (see ibid., vol.25, no.5, p.602-10, Sept. 1989) concerning the applicability of the Rough criterion in studying the stability of fourth-order linear systems and its relationship with Lyapunov's stability tests are corrected. A brief review of relevant theory is presented, and faults in the analysis that led to these conclusions are identified. The relationship between the Routh criterion and the second method of Lyapunov is reviewed, and a correct application of the Lyapunov method is presented. It is shown that contrary to the conclusions of the paper discussed, these two methods are equivalent for any linear, time-invariant system, including the fourth-order system in question     

An interactive system for global ship monitoring

The US Navy has more than 300 ships equipped with over 500 PHALANX weapon systems. Ordalts (ordnance alterations) and casreps (casualty reports) are received frequently by Naval Ordnance. Ordalts are done when parts need replacing or a design is exchanged for an old. Casreps are an urgent request for parts or service. Information pertaining to ordalts and casreps is put into several databases, which are continually updated and used in reports among the PHALANX community. Ship locations are used for sending parts and/or assistance to the ship. The ordalt and casrep requests have been combined with the ship locations report to produce a more efficient manner in which to monitor ordalt requests, casrep requests and ship locations, using a sample database containing ordalt and casrep data and ship locations. The database is interfaced to a computer graphics program that monitors ship movement throughout the world and supplies information from the database whenever requested. The hardware and software used to implement the project are described     

MLS: a total system approach

A typical approach and landing operation is described. The microwave landing system (MLS) is then examined, its design characteristics and how it works are shown, and how the MLS design fulfils the user's operational requirements by protecting the guidance signal from reflected signal interference is highlighted. MLS angle system accuracy is discussed in great detail, and its reliability, integrity, and coverage volume are briefly considered. MLS availability at any runway to all aircraft types and their landing scenarios, which is accomplished using narrow scanning beam antennas, is examined     

Dynamics and control of an orbiting flexible mobile manipulator

This paper presents a Lagrangian formulation for studying the dynamics and control of the proposed Space Station based Mobile Servicing System (MSS) for a particular case of inplane libration and maneuvers. The simplified case is purposely considered to help focus on the effects of structural and joint flexibility parameters of the MSS on the complex interactions between the station and manipulator dynamics during slewing and translational maneuvers. The response results suggest that under critical combinations of parameters, the system can become unstable. During maneuvers, the deflection of the MSS can become excessive, leading to positioning error of the payload. At the same time the libration error can also be significant. A linear quadratic regulator is designed to control the deflection of the manipulator and maintain the station at its operating configuration.     

The role of repair in the survival of mammalian cells from heavy ion irradiation: approximation to the ideal case of target theory.

Theories of cellular radiation sensitivity that preclude a significant role for cellular repair processes in the final biological expression of cellular damage induced by ionizing radiation are unsound. Experiments are discussed here in which the cell-cycle dependency of the repair deficiency of the S/S variant, of the L5178Y murine leukemic lymphoblast was examined by treatment with the heavy ions, 20Ne, 28Si, 40Ar, 56Fe and 93Nb. Evidence from those studies, which will be described in detail elsewhere, provide support for the notion that as the linear energy transfer (LET infinity) of the incident radiation increases the ability of the S/S cell to repair radiation damage decreases until effectively it is eliminated around 500 keV/micrometer. In the region of the latter LET infinity value, the behavior of the S/S cell approximates the ideal case of target theory where post-irradiation metabolism (repair) does not influence cell survival. The expression of this phenomenon among different cell types and tissues will depend upon the actual repair systems involved and other considerations.     

Space experiments aboard the Lomonosov MSU satellite

At present, the Institute of Nuclear Physics of Moscow State University, in cooperation with other organizations, is preparing space experiments onboard the Lomonosov satellite. The main goal of this mission is to study extreme astrophysical phenomena such as cosmic gamma-ray bursts and ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. These phenomena are associated with the processes occurring in the early universe in very distant astrophysical objects, therefore, they can provide information on the first stages of the evolution of the universe. This paper considers the main characteristics of the scientific equipment aboard the Lomonosov satellite.     

Frequency fluctuations of coherent signals from spacecraft observed during dual-frequency radio sounding of the circumsolar plasma in 2004–2008

We have performed spectral processing of the data of experiments on radio sounding of circumsolar plasma by coherent S- and X-band signals from the spacecraft Ulysses, Mars Express, Rosetta, and Venus Express carried out from 1991 to 2009. The experiments were realized in the mode of coherent response, when a signal stabilized by the hydrogen standard is transmitted from the ground station to a spacecraft, received by the onboard systems, and retransmitted to the Earth with conserved coherence. Thus, the signal sounding the coronal plasma passes twice through the medium: on the propagation path ground station — spacecraft and on the same path in the opposite direction. The spectra of frequency fluctuations in both the bands are obtained and, using them, the radial dependences of fluctuation intensities are found, which can be approximated by a power law. It is shown that the ratio of intensities of frequency fluctuations in the S- and X-bands is comparable with the theoretical value and characterizes the degree of correlation of irregularities of the electron density along the propagation path ground station — spacecraft and back. Analysis of the correlation of frequency fluctuations on the two paths allows one to get a lower estimate of the outer scale of the circumsolar plasma turbulence. For heliocentric distances R = 10 solar radii (R _S ) the outer scale is larger than 0.25R _S .