Cluster observations of earthward propagating plasmoid and flux ropes in the near-tail during the course of a substorm event

We analyze the magnetic structures in the near-tail at Xgsm = −17.5 Re on September 19, 2003 by Cluster. During the course of a substorm event, the earthward propagating plasmoid and flux ropes in the near-tail are observed. The earthward propagating plasmoid is associated with the bipolar Bz and By signatures. The two flux ropes are embedded within the earthward plasma flows, which might be referred to the population as ‘‘BBF-type’’ flux ropes. The first flux rope diameter is about 0.7 Re and duration based upon the Bz signature is ∼20 s, while the second one diameter is about 1.4 Re and duration is ∼30 s. The earthward propagating plasmoid and flux ropes could have influence upon the dipolarization and injection in inner magnetosphere. The Cluster observations of earthward propagating plasmoid and flux ropes can be interpreted as strong evidence for multiple X-lines. Our observations are consistent with that multiple plasmoids or flux ropes are formed repeatedly and ejected tailward in the course of geomagnetically active time.     

Large eddy simulation of turbulent diffusion flame combustion using a conserved scalar methodology

The present paper describes an LES prediction of turbulent diffusion flame combustion in a simplified axi-symmetric combustor geometry.The calculations are carried out using a well-tested finite volume incompressible LES code which has been modified to handle variable density and reacting flows.The basic mixture fraction conserved scalar method is used with the chemical state relationships described by fast chemistry.The turbulence-chemistry interaction is modelled by a sub-grid PDF method and the PDF is assumed to follow a Beta-function shape.The LES predictions have been time-averaged over 3.5 flow-through times to generate the mean radial profiles of mixture fraction,product mass fraction,temperature,axial velocity and axial rms.The agreement of the LES predictions with the experimental data is good for all the above quantities at four different axial positions with largest differences at the first measurement plane.The LES method also provides information on the unsteady nature of turbulent diffusion combustion. For turbulent reacting flows with large density ratio,it was found necessary to use a relaxation method in order to remove unphysical high-frequency fluctuations and to maintain numerical stability.      

A summary of the applications of a weighted average method determining times of solar cycle extrema

This paper is a summary of our recent researches on the applications of a weighted average method determining times of solar cycle extrema in the prediction of solar activity. Some correlation coefficients among the parameters in solar cycle according to this definition are higher than those according to the conventional definition. The descending time is found to be correlated (r = −0.77) with the ascending time 3 cycles earlier. The amplitude of solar cycle is found to be correlated (r = −0.77) with the max–max solar cycle length 2 cycles earlier. The ascending time is found to be correlated (r = −0.72) with the amplitude. A newly defined parameter called effective duration is found to be well correlated (r = 0.86) with the amplitude 5 cycles later. These correlations suggest that earlier cycles should influence later ones. The next (24th) solar cycle is estimated to start in March 2007 ± 7 months, reach its maximum in January 2011 ± 14 months, with a size of 150 ± 22, larger than those from some correlations according to the conventional definition.     

Polar ionosphere and geomagnetic response for the flux transfer events: A case study

On April 15th 2003, Cluster crossed the dayside magnetopause boundary and observed a series flux transfer events (FTEs) during the interval from 0630 to 0730 UT. During this period, the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) showed a negative z component and a positive y component. Simultaneous corresponding transient plasma flows were identified in the near-conjugate polar ionosphere by the CUTLASS Finland HF radar, and the geomagnetic field disturbances were observed by the IMAGE ground-based magnetometers. By combing these data and applying the Cooling model, we show that the transient plasma flows and the geomagnetic field disturbances are closely related to the dayside FTEs.     

超高速高焓流动研究进展

本文介绍了中国科学院高温气体动力学重点实验室在超高速高焓流动模拟技术和试验方法方面取得的研究进展.文章主要包括三部分研究内容:第一部分是关于发展先进的超高速试验模拟技术,包括爆轰驱动高焓激波风洞和爆轰驱动高焓膨胀管.高焓激波风洞产生的超高速气流速度的范围是3.5km/s～6.0km/s,高焓膨胀管能够模拟速度为6.5km/s～10km/s的超高速气流.第二部分介绍高焓激波风洞喷管流场诊断结果,用来检验喷管产生的超高速流场的流场品质及其与飞行条件的差异.第三部分是关于超高速流动的试验方法和数值技术研究,包括高焓流动中真实气体效应对飞行器俯仰力矩变化的影响;热化学反应流动中表面催化效应诱导的气动热变化规律;喷管流场的气流非平衡效应对试验结果可能产生的影响.     

Theoretical modeling for the stereo mission

We summarize the theory and modeling efforts for the STEREO mission, which will be used to interpret the data of both the remote-sensing (SECCHI, SWAVES) and in-situ instruments (IMPACT, PLASTIC). The modeling includes the coronal plasma, in both open and closed magnetic structures, and the solar wind and its expansion outwards from the Sun, which defines the heliosphere. Particular emphasis is given to modeling of dynamic phenomena associated with the initiation and propagation of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The modeling of the CME initiation includes magnetic shearing, kink instability, filament eruption, and magnetic reconnection in the flaring lower corona. The modeling of CME propagation entails interplanetary shocks, interplanetary particle beams, solar energetic particles (SEPs), geoeffective connections, and space weather. This review describes mostly existing models of groups that have committed their work to the STEREO mission, but is by no means exhaustive or comprehensive regarding alternative theoretical approaches.     

Preliminary study on migration pattern of the Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) based on satellite tracking

The spatial and temporal patterns of the endangered Tibetan antelope or chiru (Pantholops hodgsonii) have been studied using satellite-based ARGOS platform transmitter terminal (PTT) tracking data. The data was obtained from the satellite tracking of two female Tibetan antelopes that were collared with satellite transmitters and have been tracked from August 2007 to April 2009.     

Effects of small-scale plasma disturbance on the IKB-1300 spacecraft potential

The potential of the Intercosmos-Bulgaria-1300 (IKB-1300) satellite launched to a circular orbit at an altitude ～900 km was measured with several instruments. Care was taken to equalize the potential along the satellite surface. The satellite was placed inside the conducting screen and the solar cells had a metal coating. The satellite potential slightly varied along the trajectory and in the typical case it was “?2”B that corresponds to 5 kTe/e. While the satellite crossed the auroral zone small-scale fluctuations of plasma and field parameters, known as shocks, were recorded. In this region a sharp decrease of the satellite negative potential is often observed. In this case the potential variations well correlate with the increasing flux of energetic electrons. The observed variations can be explained by secondary electron emission from the satellite surface.     

激光合成金属间化合物基复合材料研究进展

对激光合成颗粒增强金属间化合物基复合材料进行了研究,包括Ni3Al/WC、NiAl/TiC、Ti3Al/TiC和MoSi2/SiC,用扫描电镜、能谱仪和X射线衍射仪对材料成分和组织特征进行了分析,提出并讨论了影响激光合成金属间化合物基复合材料的关键问题.激光合成具有多种强韧化方法协同、提高金属间化合物强度和塑性的特点,有利于金属间化合物性能的综合改善.     

等离子喷涂纳米陶瓷热障涂层组织与性能

采用纳米陶瓷粒子团聚体粉末等离子喷涂制备纳米陶瓷热障涂层,研究了纳米陶瓷热障涂层的组织和性能.试验表明,采用纳米结构的陶瓷涂层有利于增加热障涂层的高温使用寿命.