Thermoelastic problem for a physically orthotropic cylindrical shell at localized temperature

Numerical results obtained based on the equations for the general theory of physically orthotropic shells are presented. These results illustrate the influence of anisotropy for mechanical and physical characteristics of material on stressed state.     

Zinc-air batteries for forward field charging

In order to realize the operational and service cost savings through the use of rechargeable batteries, the dismounted soldier is burdened with the weight, volume and/or charging logistics of the batteries. By providing the soldier with a high energy density source and a lightweight compact battery charger, the burden imposed by rechargeable batteries in the forward field can be minimized. Zinc-air batteries have the potential for meeting the energy demands of forward battlefield charging. They are attitude insensitive, have a high specific energy and are inherently inexpensive, lightweight and safe     

Source processes in the high-latitude ionosphere

Space Science Reviews -     

Comparison of Electrooptic Modulation Methods

A comparison is made among normal AM, wide-band analog FM, and PCM as applied to transmission of real-time TV pictures via an electrooptic space communication system. The comparison is based on the requirement to receive a subjectively noise-free TV picture. Based on the results of this comparison, it is concluded that analog-FM subcarrier modulation is the best practical choice for transmission of real-time TV pictures in space via a laser beam. In addition to providing performance equivalent to that of coherent PCM, this type of modulation can be implemented with comparatively simple equipment.     

Evaluation and modification of commercial infra-red transducers for leaf temperature measurement.

Accurate measurement of the leaf to air temperature gradient is crucial for the determination of stomatal conductance and other plant responses in both single leaves and in plant canopies. This gradient is often less than 1 degree C, which means that leaf temperature must be known to within about +/- 0.1 degree C. This is a challenging task, but new, miniature infra-red transducers from Exergen Corporation (Newton, MA) and Everest Interscience (Tucson, AZ) can be modified and calibrated to achieve this accuracy. The sensors must be modified to add thermal mass and the Exergen sensor requires a measurement of sensor body temperature. Significant error is caused by the discharge of a capacitor in the standard Exergen sensor, but we tested it without the capacitor. The sensors respond rapidly to changes in target temperature, but require 2 to 10 minutes to respond to changes in sensor body temperature, which is often the largest source of error. A new, sensitive method for measuring field of view indicates substantial peripheral vision for both sensors and a wider field of view than specified by the manufacturers. Here we describe sensor output as a function of target and sensor body temperatures, and provide a generic (sensor independent) equation that can be used to achieve +/- 0.2 C accuracy with Exergen sensors. The equation was developed and verified using two black body calibrators.     

Analytical solution of discrete colored noise ECA tracking filter

New analytical solutions of steady-state Kalman gains are presented for a discrete-time tracking filter with correlation in both the measurement noise and the target maneuver. The measurement noise model is a first-order discrete Markov process characterized by a correlation coefficient ρ. The target motion is examined for an exponentially correlated acceleration maneuver type in which the vehicle oscillation such as wind-induced-bending is also considered. The present solution method is based on factorizing the observed spectral density matrix Ψ(z) in frequency domain. The algorithm proposed here gives the Kalman gain matrix directly. For a case when the steady-state error covariance matrix is desired, such gains can be incorporated with the algebraic Riccati equation     

Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector for the NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter

The design of the Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector (LEND) experiment is presented, which was optimized to address several of the primary measurement requirements of NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO): high spatial resolution hydrogen mapping of the Moon’s upper-most surface, identification of putative deposits of appreciable near-surface water ice in the Moon’s polar cold traps, and characterization of the human-relevant space radiation environment in lunar orbit. A comprehensive program of LEND instrument physical calibrations is discussed and the baseline scenario of LEND observations from the primary LRO lunar orbit is presented. LEND data products will be useful for determining the next stages of the emerging global lunar exploration program, and they will facilitate the study of the physics of hydrogen implantation and diffusion in the regolith, test the presence of water ice deposits in lunar cold polar traps, and investigate the role of neutrons within the radiation environment of the shallow lunar surface.     

Application of an expert system to predict the efficiency of flight vehicle modification

Problems of improving the efficiency of design works in the process of space-rocket complex (SRC) updating are considered. The methodical foundation for the expert system application to form promising technical solutions in studying the flight vehicle (FV) modification is presented.     

Mathematical model of balancing for a vertical takeoff and landing disk-wing aircraft

Basic principles of a mathematical model for disk-wing aircraft balancing and evaluation of power expenditure for flight as compared with a helicopter are presented.     

Methodology of construction and models of informative signals for a stationary miltichannel flow aerometric receiver of the helicopter air data system

Methodology of constructing a stationary multichannel flow aerometric receiver using the effects of deceleration and throttling of an incoming airflow and their circular transformation in the yaw plane is considered. The mathematical models and algorithms for processing primary informative signals entering along the channels of speed, altitude, angles of attack and slip of the helicopter air data system constructed on the basis of the aerometric receiver being proposed are obtained.