Algols: Wherefrom, whereto, and what in between?

Four different aspects related to the evolution of Algols are discussed: the occurrence of a contact phase during the mass transfer, the evolution of short period systems evolving through case A mass transfer, the influence of the mass transfer on the surface abundances of both components, and the problem of the initial parameters of Algol systems. For the latter, a search is made for conservative case B systems. UZ Cyg seems to be a good candidate for such evolution. Finally, some remarks are given on the initial values of the low mass Algol S Cancri.     

Earth-moon libration points: Theory,existence and applications

The availability of reliable satellites and space probes makes it timely to review our state of knowledge in detail on all aspects of our solar system so that these new tools can be used to maxi-mum advantage in scientific exploration and technical use.Earth-Moon libration points have been of theoretical interest as a concrete example in the three body problem. In analogy with the Trojan Asteroids they may also be collection points for dust or particles or other small bodies which are shown to be of geophysical interest. Finally, they may find use in applications where relatively long time stationary behavior relative to the Earth and the Moon is desirable; for example: for long term Solar observation or as a communication link.The leading question of interest at the present is confirmation of reported ground observations on dust clouds in the vicinity of the stable points through satellite based observations.The Authors are indebted to the Space Sciences Board of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences for permission to use background material of the Space Research Summer Study 1965.     

半球动压马达半球孔加工误差的分析与改进

本文分析了手工研配陀螺动压马达半球孔与轴配合间隙过程中,孔易出现的各种形状误差的原因。针对误差出现的原因,提出了选择合理的磨料配方,采取改进研具形状、材料等切实有效的方法,解决了半球孔与轴的关键研配工艺,这些方法在实际工作中被证明是有效可行的。     

METHIS: Mercury thermal infrared spectrometer

The BepiColombo mission to Mercury is devoted to the thorough exploration of Mercury and its environment, with the aim to understand the processes of planetary formation and evolution in the hottest part of the protoplanetary nebula. This mission represents an unique opportunity for the European community to extend the understanding of the Solar Nebula evolution from its outer edge – ideally represented by comets – to its inner and warmer edge. Obviously this exploration asks for a detailed knowledge of the main constituents of the matter present in the different Solar System areas. Spectroscopy is a powerful tool to acquire this knowledge. We have participated with a large consortium of European researchers to the development of the Rosetta imaging spectrometer. We propose here to use our experience to develop a newly designed spectrometer to investigate the mineralogical composition of the Mercurial surface. Given the particular thermodynamical situation of the Mercurial surface, we have developed a concept that combines a medium IR low spectral resolution imager with a moderate spectral resolution NIR point spectrometer. The main goal of METHIS is to provide the mineralogical characterisation of the surface with sufficient spectral resolution in a scientifically diagnostic spectral range.     

Sociotechnical Systems Evolution and International Stability: 1885-2001

A number of evolutionary sociotechnical patterns associated with the intensification of warfare and movement of the international system into a domain far from equilibrium are discussed. Evolution is extended from the past 100 years to the end of the 20th century with the identification of several likely crises precipitatory to World War III. Systems theoretic interpretation of a number of evolutionary developments is made. The use of systems concepts and systems experts in the management of international stability is discussed further.     

A new dynamical atmospheric ionizing radiation (AIR) model for epidemiological studies.

A new Atmospheric Ionizing Radiation (AIR) model is currently being developed for use in radiation dose evaluation in epidemiological studies targeted to atmospheric flight personnel such as civilian airlines crewmembers. The model will allow computing values for biologically relevant parameters, e.g. dose equivalent and effective dose, for individual flights from 1945. Each flight is described by its actual three dimensional flight profile, i.e. geographic coordinates and altitudes varying with time. Solar modulated primary particles are filtered with a new analytical fully angular dependent geomagnetic cut off rigidity model, as a function of latitude, longitude, arrival direction, altitude and time. The particle transport results have been obtained with a technique based on the three-dimensional Monte Carlo transport code FLUKA, with a special procedure to deal with HZE particles. Particle fluxes are transformed into dose-related quantities and then integrated all along the flight path to obtain the overall flight dose. Preliminary validations of the particle transport technique using data from the AIR Project ER-2 flight campaign of measurements are encouraging. Future efforts will deal with modeling of the effects of the aircraft structure as well as inclusion of solar particle events.     

A Survey of Field-Aligned Mach Number and Plasma Beta in the Solar Wind

We have surveyed solar wind plasma beta and field-aligned Alfvénic Mach number using Ulysses and Wind data. We show the characteristic timescale and occurrence frequency of ‘magnetically dominated’ solar wind, whose interaction with a planetary magnetosphere may produce a bow shock with multiple shock fronts. We discuss radial, latitudinal, and solar cycle effects. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Extragalactic observations and future missions

We briefly review some questions of extragalactic astrophysics and cosmology that would most benefit from future missions outside the Earth's atmosphere in the IR and submillimeter. These include the formation and early evolution phases in galaxies and the probably related question of quasar formation; the observation of Active Galactic Nuclei embedded in thick dusty structures (torii) and its impact on the still debated unified model of AGN activity; the observability of radiation processes occurring at very highz through background measurements; the investigation of the large scale structure and velocity field in the distant universe; and studies of the interstellar medium in galaxies. Some more emphasis is given on the galaxy formation problem, because we believe that IR-mm sensitive observations will be crucial to its final solution.     

Experimental and theoretical extinction of solid rocket propellants by fast depressurization

Dynamic burning of solid rocket propellants following fast depressurization of the combustion chamber was studied experimentally. Extinction boundaries were constructed for different sets of values of the controlling parameters (such as initial pressure, final pressure and depressurization rate). Most experimental results were collected by testing a nonmetallized, ammonium perchlorate based, composite propellant (AP83/CTPB16/Al₂O₃). Experimental results show that, for a given final pressure, an extinction boundary in terms of maximum depressurization rate vs initial pressure can be constructed by go/no-go testing. The objective was to check experimentally the analytical predictions of dynamic extinction boundaries obtained by this research group for finite size disturbances. A good agreement was found between analytical, numerical, and experimental results.