A Note on Dynamic Range of Quantizers

Based on the relationship between the inputand output correlation functions for a symmetric2N step optimum quantizer withGaussian noise inputs a computer programwas generated to obtain plots of the inputnumber of levels versus dynamic range of thequantizer. For it to be physically useful thedynamic range should be related to the distortionin the fundamental band and thedesired harmonic suppression. A definitionbased upon these considerations is suggestedand curves are plotted for two different fundamentaldistortion levels and three differentlevels of harmonic suppression. It is foundthat, for low levels of harmonic suppression(0-20 dB range), the dynamic range can beincreased by tolerating a higher level of fundamentaldistortion. In the medium range ofharmonic suppression (20-35 dB), any increasein the dynamic range due to higherfundamental distortion levels disappearsfor high level quantizers (typically 4 bitsor more). For still higher harmonic suppression(40 dB or higher), the dynamic range ofthe quantizer is independent of the acceptablefundamental distortion.     

One-kVA, Three-Phase dc-ac Inverter with Digital Control

This paper describes a method of applying digital techniques to the control of a 1-kVA three-phase dc-ac inverter to generate a sinusoidal 400-Hz output, using high-frequency bridge-chopper techniques. The model which was constructed used predominantly off-theshelf digital microcircuits and resulted in a device with an overall efficiency of 85 percent, in a 0.52 cubic-foot package which weighed 19.5 lbs. Sinusoidal output with less than 2 percent harmonic distortion at 115 volts line to neutral was obtained with 28 volts dc input.     

A Performance Measure for Evaluating Aircraft Landing Trajectories

A general performance index is developed for evaluating aircraft landing trajectories. The primary term in the index is the effect of noise on people residing near the air terminal. Other terms included are passenger comfort, fuel consumed, and the time spent in the near-terminal area. Models are developed for aircraft engine noise, passenger comfort, the population distribution about a specific airport, and the aircraft flight behavior. While this performance index may be used in computing optimal trajectories, it is also useful for comparing nonoptimal trajectories which, for one reason or another, may be worthy of consideration. Some examples of such comparisons are included through simulations of landing. The aircraft considered is a Boeing 737.     

The Electric Antennas for the STEREO/WAVES Experiment

The STEREO/WAVES experiment is designed to measure the electric component of radio emission from interplanetary radio bursts and in situ plasma waves and fluctuations in the solar wind. Interplanetary radio bursts are generated from electron beams at interplanetary shocks and solar flares and are observed from near the Sun to 1 AU, corresponding to frequencies of approximately 16 MHz to 10 kHz. In situ plasma waves occur in a range of wavelengths larger than the Debye length in the solar wind plasma λ _D ≈10 m and appear Doppler-shifted into the frequency regime down to a fraction of a Hertz. These phenomena are measured by STEREO/WAVES with a set of three orthogonal electric monopole antennas. This paper describes the electrical and mechanical design of the antenna system and discusses efforts to model the antenna pattern and response and methods for in-flight calibration.     

Influence of fuel hydrogen additives on the characteristics of a gas-piston engine under changes of an ignition advance angle

We present the results of experimental studies of the fuel hydrogen additive influence on the characteristics of a gas-piston engine converted for operation by natural gas under changes of an ignition advance angle (IAA). The results of investigations were used to determine the influence of the hydrogen additive on the effective engine efficiency and fuel consumption under IAA changes.     

Missions to Mercury

Mercury is a very difficult planet to observe from the Earth, and space missions that target Mercury are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the planet. At the same time, it is also difficult to orbit because it is deep inside the Sun’s gravitational well. Only one mission has visited Mercury; that was Mariner 10 in the 1970s. This paper provides a brief history of Mariner 10 and the numerous imaginative but unsuccessful mission proposals since the 1970s for another Mercury mission. In the late 1990s, two missions—MESSENGER and BepiColombo—received the go-ahead; MESSENGER is on its way to its first encounter with Mercury in January 2008. The history, scientific objectives, mission designs, and payloads of both these missions are described in detail.     

收敛形进气道数值研究的验证

介绍一种新型的、具有最小喉道面积的三维高超声速进气道 (称之为收敛形进气道 )的数值和实验研究结果。表明使用这种形式的进气道 ,在整个飞行速度范围内可以降低阻力和高超声速发动机表面的热防护要求 ,通过降低外压缩表面的倾斜度和减少进气道及燃烧室壁的面积就可以做到这一点。在采用低维次流动的气体动力设计方法的基础上设计成这种形式的进气道。计算是在无粘气体模型构架内用有限体积法进行的。同时用边界层方程计算出计及粘性的气流特性和进气道特性。数值算法是通过收敛形进气道的有限宽楔形外压缩表面的计算和实验数据来验证的。进行实验研究的马赫数M=2～ 1 0 7,基于模型进气道高度的雷诺数Re=( 1～ 5) × 1 0 6。数值计算与实验结果一致性很好。这些结果也和通常的二维进气道的数据作了比较。     

曲面和任意取向表面表面摩阻油膜测量法的进展

本文叙述曲面和任意取向表面表面摩阻测量方法的进一步的发展。介绍用漫射照明获取薄油膜等厚度干涉条纹谱的理论根据和实验结果。讨论了通过油流显示图像的分析,自动探测表面流线方位的可能性。所得结论表明油膜法也能应用于复杂的三维流动。     

The organic matter of comet Halley as inferred by joint gas phase and solid phase analyses

During encounters with comet Halley, the experiment PICCA onboard GIOTTO measured the gas phase organic ion composition of the coma and the experiment PUMA onboard VEGA-1 measured the dust composition. Joining both results, we obtain a consistent picture of the parent organic matter from which dust and gas is produced. One recognizes a complex unsaturated polycondensate, which splits during coma-formation into the more refractory C=C,C-N-containing dust part, and the more volatile C=C,C-O-containing gas part. The responsible exothermal chemical reactions, which are triggered by the sunlight, may play a major role in the dynamics of coma formation.This paper is a shortened and upgraded version of Krueger, F.R., Korth, A., and Kissel, J.: 1989, in S. Chang (ed.) Proc. of the ROSETTA Conf., Milpitas CA, January 1989, submitted.