Approximate analytical solutions of stability problems for skew plates under combined loading

The known analytical solutions of the linearized stability problems for rectangular hinged plates under the combined loading are generalized to the similar problems for skew plates, the deformation mechanics of which is described by the equations of the classical theory formed in the oblique Cartesian coordinates.     

A lower bound estimate of the critical load for helicopter main rotor composite blade according to the limit equilibrium theory. The basic steps of an algorithm

The basic steps of an algorithm are given for calculating the parameters of the limiting state of a helicopter main rotor blade. To estimate the static strength, a technique of elastic constants variation is used; it is based on the limit equilibrium theory and enables us to obtain the upper and lower bounds for the critical load simultaneously. An iterative technique is proposed to determine the lower bound of the allowable load on the root section of the composite blade depending on the azimuthal angle of its turn in the helicopter hovering mode.     

Experimental analysis of the breakage of a liquid bridge under microgravity conditions

The experimental results obtained in experiment “STACO” made on board the Spacelab D-2 are re-visited, with image-analysis tools not then available. The configuration consisted of a liquid bridge between two solid supporting discs. An expected breakage occurred during the experiment. The recorded images are analysed and the measured behaviour compared with the results of a three dimensional model of the liquid dynamics, obtaining a much better fit than with linear models.     

Current Status of Simulations

As the title suggests, the purpose of this chapter is to review the current status of numerical simulations of black hole accretion disks. This chapter focuses exclusively on global simulations of the accretion process within a few tens of gravitational radii of the black hole. Most of the simulations discussed are performed using general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) schemes, although some mention is made of Newtonian radiation MHD simulations and smoothed particle hydrodynamics. The goal is to convey some of the exciting work that has been going on in the past few years and provide some speculation on future directions.     

Interplanetary scintillations of the radio source ensemble at the maximum of cycle 24 of solar activity

The results of the interplanetary scintillation observations performed in the period of the maximum of solar activity from April 2013 to April 2014 on the BSA LPI radio telescope at the frequency 111MHz are presented. Fluctuations of the radio emission flux were recorded round the clock for all sources with a scintillating flux of more than 0.2 Jy falling in a strip of sky with a width of 50° over declinations corresponding to a 96-beam directional pattern of the radio telescope. The total number of sources observed during the day reaches 5000. The processing of the observational data was carried out on the assumption that a set of scintillating sources represents a homogeneous statistical ensemble. Daily two-dimensional maps of the distribution of the level of scintillations, whose analysis shows the strong nonstationarity and large-scale irregularity of the spatial distribution of solar wind parameters, were constructed. According to maps of the distribution of the level of scintillations averaged over monthly intervals, the global structure of the distribution of the solar wind was investigated in the period of the maximum of solar activity, which was found to be on the average close to spherically symmetric. The data show that on a spherically symmetric background an east–west asymmetry is observed, which indicates the presence of a large-scale structure of a spiral type in the solar wind.     

Soil moisture estimation by using multipolarization SAR image

In the past studies, different soil moisture estimation models were developed for bare soil areas by using remotely-sensed data. However, there are few models that can be used to estimate soil moisture in vegetated areas. Water Cloud Model (WCM) model is a widely used soil moisture estimation model has been developed for vegetated areas. In this study, the WCM model was extended to take soil roughness parameter into consideration. The modeling and its accuracy assessment were done by using multi-polarization Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR) images and ground data collected during field Soil Moisture Experiments.     

Atmospheric reentry hemisphere prediction for prograde orbits using logical disjunction

A unique logic-based algorithm for atmospheric reentry hemisphere prediction is presented for spacecraft in low-eccentricity, prograde low Earth orbits at altitudes of 300 km and lower. Using two-line element (TLE) data for initial orbit conditions, coupled with coarse estimates for spacecraft aerodynamic characteristics, the algorithm relies on logical disjunction operations based on a dual analysis of histogram and two-weighted Gaussian probability density function (PDF) fits of predicted reentry latitude data. The algorithm requires the execution of a series of parametric simulations to determine the reentry hemisphere for variations in spacecraft aerodynamic coefficients and drag reference area. When implemented, the algorithm yields accurate hemisphere predictions on average 15 days from reentry as demonstrated by historical reentry cases from 1979 to 2018. All reentry cases were selected to demonstrate the algorithm’s ability to deliver accurate reentry hemisphere predictions for spacecraft with varying physical size and mass, and reentering during different periods of solar cycle activity.     

Analysis and synthesis of the information-controlling system channels to prevent critical operating conditions of the helicopter flight

This paper deals with the technical features of designing an information-controlling system to prevent critical operating conditions of the helicopter flight, a technique for evaluating its effectiveness, analysis and synthesis of the measurement channels, forming of warning signals, and information support of the crew in abnormal situations.