Flow between finite and infinite disks with consideration of surface mobility

A problem of modeling the incompressible viscous flow between two disks taking into account the rotation of one of them is considered. We study the effect of the disk angular velocity (flow regimes) in the interdisk spacing, finiteness (infiniteness) of disk radiuses, calculation region configuration as well as distances between disks on the flow characteristics, particularly, on the resistance moment coefficient. Numerical simulation is performed with the aid of Maple and ANSYS Fluent software.     

Sunspot cycle 23 descent to an unusual minimum and forecasts for cycle 24 activity

The decay phase of the sunspot cycle 23 exhibited two unusual features. First, it lasted too long. Second, the interplanetary magnetic field intensity at earth orbit reached the lowest value since in situ measurements in space began in October 1963. These physical anomalies significantly altered the early forecasts for the sunspot activity parameters for cycle 24, made by several colleagues. We note that there was a significant change in the solar behavior during cycle 22. We discuss the observed trends and their effect on our empirical solar activity forecast technique, leading to our prediction for cycle 24 parameters; cycle 24 will be only half as active as cycle 23, reaching its peak in May 2013. We speculate on the possible implications of this outcome on future earth climate change and the ensuing socio-economic consequences.     

Algebraic operations on graphs with using numeric coding for simulating the systems of rocket and space technology

The paper adduces the relators for algebraic operations on graphs using the numeric codes of the graphs. The special algebra of codes has been devised with consideration of the principles of graph transformation. This paper demonstrates the relevance of numeric coding of graphs for solving the problems of enumeration, systematization, and compact representation of the information about the structural and functional characteristics of the systems of flow distribution and conversion of rocket and space technology and for conducting the modeling transformations of given systems in the course of the structural and functional studies as well.     

The Relativistic Proton Spectrometer (RPS) for the Radiation Belt Storm Probes Mission

The Relativistic Proton Spectrometer (RPS) on the Radiation Belt Storm Probes spacecraft is a particle spectrometer designed to measure the flux, angular distribution, and energy spectrum of protons from ～60 MeV to ～2000 MeV. RPS will investigate decades-old questions about the inner Van Allen belt proton environment: a nearby region of space that is relatively unexplored because of the hazards of spacecraft operation there and the difficulties in obtaining accurate proton measurements in an intense penetrating background. RPS is designed to provide the accuracy needed to answer questions about the sources and losses of the inner belt protons and to obtain the measurements required for the next-generation models of trapped protons in the magnetosphere. In addition to detailed information for individual protons, RPS features count rates at a 1-second timescale, internal radiation dosimetry, and information about electrostatic discharge events on the RBSP spacecraft that together will provide new information about space environmental hazards in the Earth’s magnetosphere.     

Analysis of a beam with a crack under irregular cyclic load

This paper considers a beam with a technological longitudinal section on the level of the gravity center of the cross section that is loaded by a vertical concentrated force. We study the structure durability depending on the load amplitude and the initial crack length.     

Improvement of gas-dynamic efficiency of GTE gas turbine stages at the design stage

Methods to control flow have been considered in order to reduce end losses in blade rows of GTE gas turbines by means of measures taken at the design stage.