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.     

Storing and processing astrometric and photometric data on NEA: Current state and future in Russia

Numerous discoveries of asteroids unknown earlier led to a multiple increase in the number of information on small bodies of the Solar System. Huge volumes of information accumulated and obtained at observations of objects approaching the Earth’s orbit require storing and prompt processing, presenting more and more possibilities for studying distributions of small bodies of the Solar System and ways of their evolution. That is why development of information systems which will contain large volumes of data on small bodies of the Solar System and facilities for processing these data is actual and promising direction of activity.     

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.     

Investigation of phase transition-based tethered systems for small body sample capture

This paper summarizes the modeling, simulation, and testing work related to the development of technology to investigate the potential that shape memory actuation has to provide mechanically simple and affordable solutions for delivering assets to a surface and for sample capture and possible return to Earth. We investigate the structural dynamics and controllability aspects of an adaptive beam carrying an end-effector which, by changing material equilibrium phases, is able to actively decouple the end-effector dynamics from the spacecraft dynamics during the surface contact phase. Asset delivery and sample capture and return are at the heart of several emerging potential missions to small bodies, such as asteroids and comets, and to the surface of large bodies, such as Titan.     

Composite model of a research flight simulator for a helicopter with the hingeless main rotor

This paper presents a composite model of a flight simulator. This simulator is intended for carrying out investigative tests of flight dynamics imitation models of a hingeless rotor helicopter. A schematic diagram, composition and operation channels of the flight simulator software are presented. A possibility of applying the control lag is estimated.     

零件表面微观工艺特征性研究 ——产品(零件)工艺技术基础科学问题机理探索

通过研究产品(零件)制造过程、方法、参数等工艺因素,给零件表面及表层带来(留下)特有的微观特征性,首次在高精度惯性仪表和高可靠电磁继电器(机电类)产品制造体系中引入了零件表面微观工艺特征性概念,提出了制造阶段的产品工艺可靠性设计和微观工艺特征(性)分析方法,提出了该类产品制造中的工艺设计更应该关注零件与产品设计原理匹配性和性能特性符合性观点,提出零件制造要从单纯的控制几何精度向控制性能特性转变,从宏观、单一采标的几何参数评价向微观、综合采标的非几何(非尺寸)参数评价模式为主转变的建议.零件表面存在的这种微观特征现象与零件几何精度一样,将对产品制造的合格率、稳定性、可靠性的实现起到至关重要的作用,尤其对产品的合格率影响极大,有必要开展更深入、更系统的研究,以建立起我国自主的高端产品(或零件)制造基准工艺平台.