High performance magnetostrictive actuators

The application of magnetostriction in the design of a hybrid, electromechanical/hydraulic high-performance linear (large force and stroke) and/or rotational (large moment and angle) actuator is considered. The design concept combines the high power density of actuation possible with magnetostriction (approaching 0.1 HP/cm³ of the magnetostrictive material assuming 3 kHz excitation frequency) and the design flexibility of hydraulics. The objective of the research described was to validate the concept theoretically and to study alternatives and improvements. The system, as currently envisioned, offers very small packaging volume (approximately an order of magnitude smaller than conventional electromechanical systems), flexible packaging (relative location of the major system components is not critical), and easy control (precise control of actuation speed, quick reverse time, and inherent position lockup). The major technical problems associated with the design are outlined, and results of a computer simulation of a prototype actuator are presented     

Acousto-optic spectrum analyzer techniques for monitoring CW

The issues associated with processing the outputs of an integrating acoustooptical spectrum analyzer (AOSA) to detect and identify the frequency and power of continuous wave (CW) signals are considered. The performance of the optimum detection strategy is presented, along with the Cramer-Rao bound on the performance of estimators of the frequency, and the performance of a simple peak-based frequency estimator. The performance of the maximum likelihood (ML) estimator of the power level is also presented. The results provide the behavior of the system as a function of the product of the aperture time and photodetector spacing amongst other parameters     

Applications of aluminum-air batteries

Advances in aluminum-air batteries are described. These include alloys that show higher efficiencies and therefore lower hydrogen evolution, low-cost air cathodes that can be fabricated in production quantities, and methods for handling the aluminum hydroxide reaction product. Emphasis is placed on the advances in air cathodes. The application of this technology to new products and the implications for electric vehicles are discussed     

Energy and charge localization in irradiated DNA.

The relation between the site of energy deposition and the site of its biological action is an important question in radiobiology. Even at 77 degrees K, evidence is clear that these two sites must be separated since energy deposition is random but specific products are formed. Several processes that may contribute to this separation are: 1) hole migration and stabilization through deprotonation to give neutral oxidation product radicals; 2) electron trapping and transfer to form specific radical anions, possibly followed by protonation to give neutral reduction product radicals; and 3) recombination of spatially separated charges or radicals. These microscopic processes will be reviewed critically in an analysis using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) evidence for and against long-range transfer of energy and/or charge in frozen, hydrated DNA.     

Structure,luminosity, and dynamics of the Venus thermosphere

We review here observations and models related to the chemical and thermal structures, airglow and auroral emissions and dynamics of the Venus thermosphere, and compare empirical models of the neutral densities based in large part on in situ measurements obtained by the Pioneer Venus spacecraft. Observations of the intensities of emissions are important as a diagnostic tool for understanding the chemical and physical processes taking place in the Venus thermosphere. Measurements, ground-based and from rockets, satellites, and spacecraft, and model predictions of atomic, molecular and ionic emissions, are presented and the most important sources are elucidated. Coronas of hot hydrogen and hot oxygen have been observed to surround the terrestrial planets. We discuss the observations of and production mechanisms for the extended exospheres and models for the escape of lighter species from the atmosphere. Over the last decade and a half, models have attempted to explain the unexpectedly cold temperatures in the Venus thermosphere; recently considerable progress has been made, although some controversies remain. We review the history of these models and discuss the heating and cooling mechanisms that are presently considered to be the most important in determining the thermal structure. Finally, we discuss major aspects of the circulation and dynamics of the thermosphere: the sub-solar to anti-solar circulation, superrotation, and turbulent processes.     

Near-surface stratigraphy in comets inferred from observation,laboratory studies,and modeling

A brief discussion is given of the physical processes that may lead to a differentiation of the nucleus of short period comets. It is concluded that samples from the near-surface layers of such comets may give us important information on the initial state of cometary organics and refractories. Cometary ices are more likely to be indicators of the recent evolution of the comet.     

Advanced concepts for launch vehicle control

The objective of the advanced launch system (ALS) program is to develop a family of launch vehicles which provides a substantial improvement in reliability, operability, and economy over existing systems. This requires that autopilot design and verification procedures be of minimum sensitivity to recurring costs while providing adequate, but not necessarily optimal, vehicle performance. One approach to accomplishing this task, namely, the utilization of advanced control design and analysis techniques, is considered. It is shown that the techniques, which represent a cross-section of developments in control theory, attempt to solve the ALS control problem in one of two ways: given increased knowledge of the launch vehicle and its environment, through greater model fidelity and additional sensor data; and autopilot design in the presence of quantified model/disturbance uncertainties and less stringent sensing requirements. It is concluded that the methods are promising and cost effective     

Analysis of towed decoys

Recent advances in RF missile systems have reduced the effectiveness of conventional on-board electronic countermeasures (ECM) to defend friendly aircraft. To provide the much needed defense, off-board ECM techniques are being developed. The effectiveness of off-board RF ECM is analyzed, and specific observations are made about the effectiveness of such ECM when used to defend friendly aircraft     

On-board statistical detection and compensation of anomalous pilot-aircraft interactions

A statistical method for the on-board detection and compensation of adverse oscillations in pilot-aircraft systems is presented. A recursively updated linear model representing the pilot-aircraft system is used to continuously check for stability loss. The instability-related oscillations are detected early, using a statistical hypothesis test. Furthermore, a specially designed stability augmentation system assists the pilot during the instability periods. The method's effectiveness is demonstrated via data obtained from a flight simulator and a detailed simulation model.