Chemical mapping of proterozoic organic matter at submicron spatial resolution

A NanoSIMS ion microprobe was used to map the submicron-scale distributions of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, silicon, and oxygen in organic microfossils and laminae in a thin section of the approximately 0.85 billion year old Bitter Springs Formation of Australia. The data provide clues about the original chemistry of the microfossils, the silicification process, and the biosignatures of specific microorganisms and microbial communities. Chemical maps of fossil unicells and filaments revealed distinct wall- and sheath-like structures enriched in C, N, and S, consistent with their accepted biological origin. Surprisingly, organic laminae, previously considered to be amorphous, also exhibited filamentous and apparently compressed spheroidal structures defined by strong enrichments in C, N, and S. By analogy to NanoSIMS data from the well-preserved microfossils, these structures were interpreted as being of biological origin, most likely representing densely packed remnants of microbial mats. Given that the preponderance of organic matter in Precambrian sediments is similarly "amorphous," our findings indicate that a re-evaluation of ancient specimens via in situ structural, chemical, and isotopic study is warranted. Our analyses have led us to propose new criteria for assessing the biogenicity of problematic kerogenous materials, and, thus, these criteria can be applied to assessments of poorly preserved or fragmentary organic residues in early Archean sediments and any that might occur in meteorites or other extraterrestrial samples.     

利用GPS遥控链路的天基停飞系统

本文研究了利用L波段遥控专利方案实现基于GPS靶场的真正综合式靶场测量系统必须解决的问题。着重讨论硬件及从单音调制遥控系统变换成采用加密和扩频的数字系统需解决的问题。还将谈到将该系统纳入美国空军靶场标准化和自动化(RAS)结构作为一种可能的GPS靶场方案所需费用和时间安排的一些想法,并讨论如果采用该方法将带来比现用系统的优越之处。     

An Event Horizon Imager(EHI) Mission Concept Utilizing Medium Earth Orbit Sub-mm Interferometry

Submillimeter interferometry has the potential to image supermassive black holes on event horizon scales, providing tests of the theory of general relativity and increasing our understanding of black hole accretion processes. The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) performs these observations from the ground, and its main imaging targets are Sagittarius A* in the Galactic Center and the black hole at the center of the M87 galaxy. However, the EHT is fundamentally limited in its performance by atmospheric effects and sparse terrestrial (u,v)-coverage (Fourier sampling of the image). The scientific interest in quantitative studies of the horizon size and shape of these black holes has motivated studies into using space interferometry which is free of these limitations. Angular resolution considerations and interstellar scattering effects push the desired observing frequency to bands above 500 GHz.
This paper presents the requirements for meeting these science goals, describes the concept of interferometry from Polar or Equatorial Medium Earth Orbits (PECMEO) which we dub the Event Horizon Imager (EHI), and utilizes suitable space technology heritage. In this concept, two or three satellites orbit at slightly different orbital radii, resulting in a dense and uniform spiral-shaped (u,v)-coverage over time. The local oscillator signals are shared via an inter-satellite link, and the data streams are correlated on-board before final processing on the ground. Inter-satellite metrology and satellite positioning are extensively employed to facilitate the knowledge of the instrument position vector, and its time derivative. The European space heritage usable for both the front ends and the antenna technology of such an instrument is investigated. Current and future sensors for the required inter-satellite metrology are listed. Intended performance estimates and simulation results are given.      

一起由于水洗发动机导致的返航事件

正2015年10月,爱尔兰航空公司的一架空客A320飞机从都柏林起飞后,由于在客舱和驾驶舱闻到刺鼻的烟味而不得不宣布进入紧急状态。根据爱尔兰航空公司的描述,尽管该航班上的乘客闻到了非常难闻的烟味,在他们通过廊桥离开飞机时甚至需要使用衣物或手帕捂住口鼻,但是随后对机组人员进行的血液检测和肺功能检测等检查结果显示烟味并未使他们的身体出现任何异常。AAIU还表示,事后并未收到任何与此次事故有关的机组人员或乘客的相关疾病报告。     

Mission to Mars using integrated propulsion concepts: considerations, opportunities, and strategies

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility of a mission to Mars using the Integrated Propulsion Systems (IPS) which means to couple Nuclear-MPD-ISPU propulsion systems. In particular both mission analysis and propulsion aspects are analyzed together with technological aspects. Identifying possible mission scenarios will lead to the study of possible strategies for Mars Exploration and also of methods for reducing cost. As regard to IPS, the coupling between Nuclear Propulsion (Rubbia's engine) and Superconductive MPD propulsion is considered for the Earth-Mars trajectories: major emphasis is given to the advantages of such a system. The In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) concerns on-Mars operations; In Situ Propellant Utilization (ISPU) is foreseen particularly for LOX-CH4 engines for Mars Ascent Vehicles and this possibility is analyzed from a technological point of view. Tether Systems are also considered during interplanetary trajectories and as space elevators on Mars orbit. Finally strategic considerations associated to this mission are considered also.     

Effect of Processing and Composition on the Structure and Properties of P/M EP741NP Type Alloys

A study was carried out on the effects of processing and composition on the structure and properties of P/M EP741NP type alloys. The objectives of this study were to understand the role of Hf in a P/M superalloy containing high niobium used in aircraft engines and to determine the effects of extrusion and forging the powders as contrasted to HIPing (hot isostatic pressing) only. Two alloys of the P/M EP741NP composition were atomized: one alloy contained 0.26%Hf and the other was Hf free. After the as-atomized powders from both alloys were characterized, the powders were extruded into billets, forged and heat treated. After each process, the microstructures were characterized by SEM and the phases were extracted and identified by X-ray diffraction. The presence of Hf in the residues was probed by EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy). The alloys were given the published Russian heat treatment as well as a more conventional heat treatment more typical of western powder alloys. Tensile, creep and stress rupture mechanical property tests were run. Results of the structural behavior of the alloys after each processing step will be presented and discussed. The role of the Hf on the mechanical proper- ties will be discussed.     

轴流风扇“尖峰型”失速起始特征及其物理机制的实验及数值研究

为了探索风扇失速起始特征及诱因,采用动态流场测量试验与三维粘性流场数值模拟技术,对单级轴流风扇NPU-fan的"尖峰型"旋转失速流场和基本特征进行了研究。实验研究结果表明,轴流风扇NPU-fan在设计转速和非设计转速下均出现了典型的"尖峰型"全叶展失速的旋转失速现象,动态探针测量捕捉到了"尖峰型"失速先兆波及其特征,并且测量得到扰动波的初始转速均约为70%转速;三维流场计算表明,静子叶根角区失速会严重影响风扇的效率,但并未触发压气机的失稳。NPUfan风扇的失速情形符合Vo等提出的尖峰波失速先兆出现准则,是典型的叶尖区流动诱发的风扇/压气机失稳。     

超燃冲压发动机燃烧室内对流与辐射加热基于OpenFOAM的数值模拟

为了考察对流和辐射传热对燃烧和流场以及壁面热流密度的影响,基于OpenFOAM平台,采用基于k-ω湍流模型的剪切应力输运(SST)模型,结合二维P1模型、随机欧拉解(SEF)法及k-distribution谱带模型计算燃烧室内燃烧、流动、燃气辐射和壁面对流及辐射热流密度。计算分为燃烧/流动与辐射解耦和耦合两种情况,前者的壁面辐射热流与文献解耦计算结果吻合较好,在此基础上考察耦合时热辐射对燃烧和流场参数及壁面热流的影响。结果表明:解耦条件下壁面最大辐射热流密度达55 W/cm~2,辐射与对流热流密度之比达40%以上,但位置与最大辐射热流位置不一定相同,燃气最高温度与不考虑辐射时相比降低120K左右;在耦合计算中,燃气最高温降低近200K,燃气高温区面积增大而平均温度降幅较小。     

基于非交错有限体积式和k—w湍流模型模拟叶栅湍流分离流动

发展了一种求解任意坐标系下二维Ｎ－Ｓ方程的非交错有限体积法和一种高阶ＴＶＤ对流格式。采用一种ｋ－ω湍流模型和几种不同的ｋ－ω模型对叶栅湍流分离流动进行了详细的分析。数值结果与得到的实验结果比较表明,此方法不仅精度高,而且具有较好的数值稳定性。     

航天飞机指控中心Unix工作站中专家系统的实时数据获取

最具代表性的美国技术杰作之一可能是位于德克萨斯州休斯顿的约翰逊航天中心的航天指挥控制中心(MCC)。该中心各指挥室经历了美国技术史上许多重大事件,如首次登月、营救天空实验室以及首次发射航天飞机。60年代初MCC首次启用时,的确是技术杰作。然而该设施自阿波罗任务后只进行过不大的改进。直到最近,它仍然维持着以单主机的结构,