SAR image formation via semiparametric spectral estimation

A new algorithm, referred to as the SPAR (Semiparametric) algorithm, is presented herein for target feature extraction and complex image formation via synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The algorithm is based on a flexible data model that models each target scatterer as a two-dimensional (2-D) complex sinusoid with arbitrary unknown amplitude and constant phase in cross-range and with constant amplitude and phase in range. By attempting to deal with one corner reflector, such as one dihedral or trihedral, at a time, the algorithm can be used to effectively mitigate the artifacts in the SAR images due to the flexible data model. Another advantage of SPAR is that it can be used to obtain initial conditions needed by other parametric target feature extraction methods to reduce the total amount of computations needed. Both numerical and experimental examples are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm     

Dynamic tests with a switched reluctance motor drive

Starting and reversing times of less than 40 ms, torque ripple below ten percent and operational speeds over 5000 1/min. (rpm) can be achieved with our 6/4 prototype switched reluctance motor drive. The drive efficiency approaches 80 percent but it is currently limited by high switching frequency. Peak currents of 50 A are needed in the 4.2 kW machine. Experimental results of the prototype switched reluctance machine are shown     

Detection of interference/jamming and spoofing in a DGPS-aidedinertial system

Previous research at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has resulted in the design of a differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) aided INS-based (inertial navigation system) precision landing system (PLS) capable of meeting the FAA precision requirements for instrument landings. The susceptibility of DGPS transmissions to both intentional and nonintentional interference/jamming and spoofing must be addressed before DGPS may be safely used as a major component of such a critical navigational device. This research applies multiple model adaptive estimation (MMAE) techniques to the problem of detecting and identifying interference/jamming and spoofing in the DGPS signal. Such an MMAE is composed of a bank of parallel filters, each hypothesizing a different failure status, along with an evaluation of the current probability of each hypothesis being correct, to form a probability-weighted average state estimate as an output. For interference/jamming degradation represented as increased measurement noise variance, simulation results show that, because of the good failure detection and isolation (FDI) performance using MMAE, the blended navigation performance is essentially that of a single extended Kalman filter (EKF) artificially informed of the actual interference noise variance. However, a standard MMAE is completely unable to detect spoofing failures (modeled as a bias or ramp offset signal directly added to the measurement). This work describes a moving-bank pseudoresidual MMAE (PRMMAE) to detect and identify such spoofing. Using the PRMMAE algorithm, spoofing is very effectively detected and isolated; the resulting navigation performance is equivalent to that of an EKF operating in an environment without spoofing     

Atomic Physics for Atmospheric Composition Measurements

The atomic physics relevant to the interpretation of solar spectra produced by plasmas at temperatures ≳ 105 K are discussed. Methods for determining relative abundance ratios are presented and examples provided from the Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer on board SOHO. In particular, the Fe/Si ratio in the corona is found to be close to photospheric; the Mg/Ne ratio in the transition region is found to vary by an order of magnitude in different solar features. The Mg/Ne ratios in supergranule cell centres and the network are separated for the first time, although no significant differences are found. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Statistics of Focused and Defocused Radar Maps

Coherent high-resolution synthetic-aperture radar systems achieve their range resolution by pulse compression and azimuth resolution by compression of naturally generated FM coding due to Doppler shifts as the aircraft flies by the target. If the data is left unprocessed, it is, in effect, a defocused map of the terrain. As such, it should exhibit less dynamic range than if the data is compressed. This paper describes an experimental study to verify the above conjecture. The results of this study indicate that if dynamic range of the data link is a problem, the radar data should be transmitted in its unprocessed form. This might very well be the case for planetary mapping by means of satellites.     

PREPROCESSING AND POSTPROCESSING SYSTEM FOR FINITE ELEMENT COMPUTATION

研究了有限元计算中的单元自动划分、曲线处理、节点疏密处理、载荷自动分布、与优化设计的衔接和等应力线绘制等方面的技术问题，阐述了有限元平面八节点单元前后置处理软件的设计过程。     

Source and loss processes in the magnetotail

Space Science Reviews -     

UVCS/SOHO Observations of H I Lyman Alpha Line Profiles in Coronal Holes at Heliocentric Heights Above 3.0 R⊙

The Ultraviolet Coronagraph Spectrometer (UVCS) on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) has been used to measure spectral line profiles for H I Lyα in the south polar coronal hole at projected heliocentric heights from 3.5 to 6.0 R_⊙ during 1998 January 5–11. Observations from 1.5 to 2.5 R_⊙ were made for comparison. The H I Lyα profile is the only one observable with UVCS above 3.5 R_⊙ in coronal holes. Within this region the outflowing coronal plasma becomes nearly collisionless and the ionization balance is believed to become frozen. In this paper, the 1/e half widths of the coronal velocity distributions are provided for the observed heights. The velocity distributions include all motions contributing to the velocities along the line of sight (LOS). The observations have been corrected for instrumental effects and interplanetary H I Lyα. The half widths were found to increase with projected heliographic height from 1.5 to 2.5 R_⊙ and decrease with height from 3.5 to 5 R_⊙. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The (r)evolution and stagnation of higher education in EE ever thepast decades

The current university education of electrical and electronics engineers has evolved from the well-established system of the 1950's to a wishy-washy mixture operating with lots of ill-motivated or less-qualified students, a process mostly accelerated by the growth in the telecommunications industry. External projects take staff time and the curriculum continues to threaten youngsters with de-focused mathematics. The computer age has reduced the interest in experimental research, and the continuation of science in the systems level may be in danger