Robust Kalman filter design for predictive wind shear detection

Severe low-altitude wind shear is a threat to aviation safety. Newly developed airborne sensors measure the radial component of wind along a line directly in front of an aircraft. The authors use optimal estimation theory to define a detection algorithm to warn of hazardous wind shear from these sensors. To achieve robustness, a wind shear detection algorithm must distinguish threatening wind shear from less hazardous gustiness, despite variations in wind shear structure. Statistical analysis methods to refine wind shear detection algorithm robustness are presented. Computational methods predict the ability to warn of severe wind shear and avoid false warning. Comparative capability of the detection algorithm as a function of its design parameters is determined, identifying designs that provide robust detection of severe wind shear     

A study on thin walled intersecting spheres

Intersecting spheres are useful in the design of pressure vessels for weight limited situations as in the case of space or ocean applications. This paper treats the general problem of N intersecting spheres demonstrating that mass reduction can be achieved in relation to the single sphere that encloses the same internal volume. It is shown that this reduction approaches asymptotically the value of 39.5%.     

Chromosome instability of HPRT-mutant subclones induced by ionising radiation of various LET.

The induction of HPRT-mutations and survival of Chinese hamster cells (line B11ii-FAF28, clone 431) were studied after irradiation by 4He and 12C-ions of various LET (20-360 keV/micrometers), produced by the U-200 heavy ion accelerator. The RBE increases with LET up to the maximum at 100-200 keV/micrometers and then decreases. Cytogenetic analysis was performed on the HPRT-mutant subclones selected from unirradiated Chinese hamster V-79 cells and from HPRT-mutant subclones that arose after exposure to gamma-rays, 1 GeV protons and 14N-ions (LET-77 keV/micrometers), produced by the synchrophasotron and the U-400M heavy ion accelerator. Slow growing mutant subclones were observed. The cytogenetic properties of individual clones were highly heterogeneous and chromosome instability was observed in both spontaneous and radiation-induced mutants. Chromosome instability was highest among spontaneous mutants and decreased with increasing LET.     

Controlled solar sail transfers into the near-sun orbits

We present results of numerical simulations of trajectories of a space probe with a flat solar sail which moves from a circular Earth orbit to near-Sun regions. We consider the upper limit of the sail temperature as the basic restriction. We also examine the planar (ecliptic) solar sail transfer with gravity-assist flybys around planets.     

Analysis of radiation risk from alpha particle component of solar particle events.

The solar particle events (SPE) will contain a primary alpha particle component, representing a possible increase in the potential risk to astronauts during an SPE over the often studied proton component. We discuss the physical interactions of alpha particles important in describing the transport of these particles through spacecraft and body shielding. Models of light ion reactions are presented and their effects on energy and linear energy transfer (LET) spectra in shielding discussed. We present predictions of particle spectra, dose, and dose equivalent in organs of interest for SPE spectra typical of those occurring in recent solar cycles. The large events of solar cycle 19 are found to have substantial increase in biological risk from alpha particles, including a large increase in secondary neutron production from alpha particle breakup.     

An energy management system to improve electric vehicle range andperformance

An electric vehicle (EV) energy management system (EMS) developed to accurately predict and extend the usable driving range and the life of the battery pack is discussed. The EMS monitors and records battery state of charge, vehicle performance, power consumption of key components, and driver's actions. Convenient drive inputs in conjunction with memorized energy consumption profiles allow accurate prediction of driving range and selection of appropriate recharging profiles. EV range extension is accomplished by identifying inefficient use of energy, resulting in EMS modification of energy usage by offending subsystems or EMS suggestion to the driver of improved driving habits or vehicle use. Factors affecting the accuracy of range prediction and the amount of range extension are described     

The finite element approximation of vector fields in curvilinear coordinates

We demonstrate that it is possible to express each component of the displacement vector for the interior point of the finite element (FE) through all components of nodal unknowns in curvilinear coordinates. The effectiveness of the valid technique of vector approximation for displacement fields has been verified on an example.     

Astrophysics in 2006

The fastest pulsar and the slowest nova; the oldest galaxies and the youngest stars; the weirdest life forms and the commonest dwarfs; the highest energy particles and the lowest energy photons. These were some of the extremes of Astrophysics 2006. We attempt also to bring you updates on things of which there is currently only one (habitable planets, the Sun, and the Universe) and others of which there are always many, like meteors and molecules, black holes and binaries.     

Investigation of promising ceramic materials in discharge chambers of stationary plasma thrusters

The characteristics of the insulator wear process in the discharge chamber of a stationary plasma thruster (SPT) are analyzed. The results of studying the erosion resistance to ionic spraying of different ceramic compositions are presented. It is shown experimentally that the integral characteristics (the value of thrust and thrust efficiency) as well as the SPT lifetime can be improved in changing from the conventional hot-pressed boron silicate (BN + SiO₂) ceramics to the BN + Si₃N₄ ceramic compositions.