Stress-strain state analysis of shells of revolution based on the triangular discretization element with the Lagrange multipliers

The present paper sets forth an algorithm of analyzing thin shells with significant gradients of meridian curvature based on the Kirchhoff-Love hypothesis and finite element method. As a discretization element use is made of a triangular fragment of the middle surface with the Lagrange multipliers in additional nodes arranged in the triangle side middles. We apply the vector method of displacement interpolation that has a number of advantages over the conventional interpolation procedure. The high efficiency of the algorithm developed is confirmed by the numerical examples.     

Atomic Decomposition for Radar Applications

In this paper, we explore the promising capabilities of atomic decomposition (AD) for radar-related applications from a practical point of view. Some enhancements and new approaches are proposed herein, and their implementations are fully detailed. We apply the AD algorithms in two different environments, for signal detection where high sensitivity is the main requirement, and for inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging where focused images, target feature extraction, and computational burden are the fundamental concerns.     

Observation bio-effect of SW-global solar radiation in Ilorin in the tropics

The annual variation of global (total) solar radiation measured over four (4) years (1995–1998) at Ilorin (8°32′N, 4°34′E) was studied and the bio-effects of the variation is herein reported. The weekly averages of the solar radiation flux were obtained and plotted. The profile of the weekly averages of the insolation shows two notable “wells” corresponding to the harmattan dry season and the rainy season. It was deduced that the duration of the seasons was directly proportional to the sizes of the “wells”, while the depths of the “wells” correspond to the severity of the causes of the “wells”. The fall and rise rates of the depth of the edges of the wells are inversely proportional to the ecological effects of the variation of the radiation. The rates of decrease and increase of the radiation flux affect the depths of the “wells” and were found to be rapid and shallow for the “Harmattan Well”, and gentle and deep for the “Rain Well”. The width (duration), rate of change and depth of the “Harmattan Well” bring about stress for both animals and plants.     

A new global F2 peak electron density model for the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI)

A new neural network (NN) based global empirical model for the F2 peak electron density (NmF2) has been developed using extended temporal and spatial geophysical relevant inputs. Measured ground based ionosonde data, from 84 global stations, spanning the period 1995 to 2005 and, for a few stations from 1976 to 1986, obtained from various resources of the World Data Centre (WDC) archives (Space Physics Interactive Data Resource SPIDR, the Digital Ionogram Database, DIDBase, and IPS Radio and Space Services) have been used for training a NN. The training data set includes all periods of quiet and disturbed magnetic activity. A comprehensive comparison for all conditions (e.g., magnetic storms, levels of solar activity, season, different regions of latitudes, etc.) between foF2 value predictions using the NN based model and International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model (including both the International Union of Radio Science (URSI) and International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR) coefficients) with observed values was investigated. The root-mean-square (RMS) error differences for a few selected stations are presented in this paper. The results of the foF2 NN model presented in this work successfully demonstrate that this new model can be used as a replacement option for the URSI and CCIR maps within the IRI model for the purpose of F2 peak electron density predictions.     

Electrical Activity and Dust Lifting on Earth, Mars, and Beyond

We review electrical activity in blowing sand and dusty phenomena on Earth, Mars, the Moon, and asteroids. On Earth and Mars, blowing sand and dusty phenomena such as dust devils and dust storms are important geological processes and the primary sources of atmospheric dust. Large electric fields have been measured in terrestrial dusty phenomena and are predicted to occur on Mars. We review the charging mechanisms that produce these electric fields and discuss the implications of electrical activity to dust lifting and atmospheric chemistry. In addition, we review theoretical ideas about electric discharges on Mars. Finally, we discuss the evidence that electrostatics is responsible for dust transport on the Moon and asteroids.     

Deriving a sea surface temperature record suitable for climate change research from the along-track scanning radiometers

We describe the approach to be adopted for a major new initiative to derive a homogeneous record of sea surface temperature for 1991–2007 from the observations of the series of three along-track scanning radiometers (ATSRs). This initiative is called (A)RC: (Advanced) ATSR Re-analysis for Climate. The main objectives are to reduce regional biases in retrieved sea surface temperature (SST) to less than 0.1 K for all global oceans, while creating a very homogenous record that is stable in time to within 0.05 K decade⁻¹, with maximum independence of the record from existing analyses of SST used in climate change research. If these stringent targets are achieved, this record will enable significantly improved estimates of surface temperature trends and variability of sufficient quality to advance questions of climate change attribution, climate sensitivity and historical reconstruction of surface temperature changes. The approach includes development of new, consistent estimators for SST for each of the ATSRs, and detailed analysis of overlap periods. Novel aspects of the approach include generation of multiple versions of the record using alternative channel sets and cloud detection techniques, to assess for the first time the effect of such choices. There will be extensive effort in quality control, validation and analysis of the impact on climate SST data sets. Evidence for the plausibility of the 0.1 K target for systematic error is reviewed, as is the need for alternative cloud screening methods in this context.     

Shaping a SPRE multinozzle cluster with out-of-round nozzles

A method for shaping a supersonic part of a compact multinozzle cluster of a solid propellant rocket engine (SPRE) with out-of-round nozzles integrated into the common bell mouth is proposed. Also presented is an approach to evaluation of basic components of the total thrust impulse losses.     

Flight testing of a rate saturation compensation scheme on the ATTAS aircraft

This paper presents the application of a rate saturation compensation scheme to the DLR Advanced Technologies Testing Aircraft (ATTAS) and the results of the subsequent flight tests. Details of the design philosophy and the flight tests, termed SAIFE (Saturation Alleviation In-Flight Experiment), which employed the HQDT (Handling Qualities During Tracking) test technique, are presented, as well as pilot flight test reports (PFRs). The rate saturation compensators were designed based on the anti-windup (AW) control philosophy, with the aim to reduce the deleterious effects of rate saturation on the piloted aircraft dynamics, and hence provide an increased flight envelope (operating envelope) for acceptable aircraft handling qualities and reduced PIO (Pilot-in-the-Loop/Pilot-involved Oscillation) tendencies. The achievement of this goal was primarily determined by subjective pilot handling qualities ratings and PIO ratings, and secondly by supporting flight test data. The results show that the compensation scheme greatly reduced the level of rate saturation in all instances (flight conditions), making the aircraft less PIO prone in almost all investigated cases, while exhibiting either unchanged or improved handling qualities. Most notably, the flight tests demonstrated the definite potential for well designed AW compensators to improve the safety and handling qualities of aircraft during rate saturation, with some flight conditions exhibiting dramatic improvements.     

The CLFM: A Method of Generating Linear Frequency-Coded Radar Pulses

A simple method of generating a coherent linear frequency-modulated pulse, suitable for use in a radar pulse-compression system, is described. The method, termed CLFM, employs a swept-frequency oscillator with closed-loop control of its phase. The phase-error voltages for the loop are obtained by sampling the waveform at regular intervals. The sampling technique itself is unconventional and avoids the need for large bandwidth circuitry. Results obtained with a demonstration model of the CLFM, generating a signal with a time-bandwidth product of 1000, are described.     

The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) Emirates Mars InfraRed Spectrometer (EMIRS) Instrument

Space Science Reviews - Modern observatories have revealed the ubiquitous presence of magnetohydrodynamic waves in the solar corona. The propagating waves (in contrast to the standing waves) are...