Aeolian Processes and their Effects on Understanding the Chronology of Mars

Aeolian (wind) processes can transport particles over large distances on Mars, leading to the modification or removal of surface features, formation of new landforms, and mantling or burial of surfaces. Erosion of mantling deposits by wind deflation can exhume older surfaces. These processes and their effects on the surface must be taken into account in using impact crater statistics to derive chronologies on Mars. In addition, mapping the locations, relative ages, and orientations of aeolian features can provide insight into Martian weather, climate, and climate history.     

Scanning, Tracking, and Mapping State Variable Estimation Algorithms

Recursive state equation estimation algorithms are derived to determine optimal estimation error covariance and state estimate for a linear dynamic system, driven by time-varying and positionverying (or angle-varying) functions whose a priori covariance are described. Retracing the same trajectory with the system measuring device causes the position varying function to repeat and can significantly reduce estimation errors. Applications for these algorithms include improving accuracy of a position dependent quantity to be mapped, or recursively processing radar or sonar data from repeating scans over the same area. Three types of return path patterns are considered: 1) multiple independent returns, 2) reverse returns, and 3) cyclical returns.     

Protection by WR-2721 and WR-151327 against late effects of gamma rays and neutrons.

Two thiophosphoroate compounds WR-2721 and WR-151327 were assessed for their ability to modify the deleterious effects (life shortening and carcinogenesis) of fission-spectrum neutrons (kerma-weighted mean energy of 0.85 MeV) or gamma rays on B6CF1 hybrid mice. Male and female mice, 200 of each sex per experimental group, were irradiated individually at 110 days of age. Radioprotectors (400 mg/kg of WR-2721 or 580 mg/kg of WR-151327) were administered intraperitoneally 30 min prior to irradiation. Neutron doses were 10 cGy or 40 cGy and gamma ray doses were 206 cGy or 417 cGy. Animals were housed five to a cage; cage locations in the holding rooms were randomized by computer. Animals were checked daily and all deceased animals were necropsied. WR-2721 afforded protection against both neutron- and gamma-ray-induced carcinogenesis and subsequent life shortening. Cumulative survival curves for unirradiated mice of either sex were unaffectecd by protectors. WR-2721 protected irradiated groups against life shortening by approximately 10 cGy of neutrons or 100 cGy of gamma rays. WR-151327 was as effective as WR-2721 against neutron irradiation.     

A large flat panel multifunction display for military and spaceapplications

A flat panel multifunction display (MFD) that offers the size and reliability benefits of liquid crystal display technology while achieving near-CRT display quality is presented. Display generation algorithms that provide exceptional display quality are being implemented in custom VLSI components to minimize MFD size. A high-performance processor converts user-specified display lists to graphics commands used by these components, resulting in high-speed updates of two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. The MFD uses the MIL-STD-1553B data bus for compatibility with virtually all avionics systems. The MFD can generate displays directly from display lists received from the MIL-STD-1553B bus. Complex formats can be stored in the MFD and displayed using parameters from the data bus. The MFD also accepts direct video input and performs special processing on this input to enhance image quality     

Aiming at a 1-cm Orbit for Low Earth Orbiters: Reduced-Dynamic and Kinematic Precise Orbit Determination

The computation of high-accuracy orbits is a prerequisite for the success of Low Earth Orbiter (LEO) missions such as CHAMP, GRACE and GOCE. The mission objectives of these satellites cannot be reached without computing orbits with an accuracy at the few cm level. Such a level of accuracy might be achieved with the techniques of reduced-dynamic and kinematic precise orbit determination (POD) assuming continuous Satellite-to-Satellite Tracking (SST) by the Global Positioning System (GPS). Both techniques have reached a high level of maturity and have been successfully applied to missions in the past, for example to TOPEX/POSEIDON (T/P), leading to (sub-)decimeter orbit accuracy. New LEO gravity missions are (to be) equipped with advanced GPS receivers promising to provide very high quality SST observations thereby opening the possibility for computing cm-level accuracy orbits. The computation of orbits at this accuracy level does not only require high-quality GPS receivers, but also advanced and demanding observation preprocessing and correction algorithms. Moreover, sophisticated parameter estimation schemes need to be adapted and extended to allow the computation of such orbits. Finally, reliable methods need to be employed for assessing the orbit quality and providing feedback to the different processing steps in the orbit computation process. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Safety testing of lithium ion batteries for navy devices

Lithium ion battery technology is being introduced into power supplies used by our armed forces for a variety of applications. In many cases, the same cells and design parameters that support commercial battery packs are being used in military battery packs. This approach is expected to result in a major decrease in the total life cycle cost of the equipment these batteries support. On June 13, 1991, NAVSEA issued INST9310.1B1, which states that all lithium battery powered equipment must undergo safety evaluation and approval prior to fleet use. This safety program governs a process whereby approvals are issued for lithium batteries to be used in specific equipment on ground facilities, surface combatants, air combatants, and/or submarines. The Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity (NOSSA) manages the program. The chief technical advisors are Code 644 at NSWC Carderock Division and Code 609A at NSWC Crane Division. This paper describes three battery designs that incorporate lithium ion technology, and the results of battery safety tests conducted in accordance with navy requirements.     

Robust Kalman filter design for predictive wind shear detection

Severe low-altitude wind shear is a threat to aviation safety. Newly developed airborne sensors measure the radial component of wind along a line directly in front of an aircraft. The authors use optimal estimation theory to define a detection algorithm to warn of hazardous wind shear from these sensors. To achieve robustness, a wind shear detection algorithm must distinguish threatening wind shear from less hazardous gustiness, despite variations in wind shear structure. Statistical analysis methods to refine wind shear detection algorithm robustness are presented. Computational methods predict the ability to warn of severe wind shear and avoid false warning. Comparative capability of the detection algorithm as a function of its design parameters is determined, identifying designs that provide robust detection of severe wind shear     

A study on thin walled intersecting spheres

Intersecting spheres are useful in the design of pressure vessels for weight limited situations as in the case of space or ocean applications. This paper treats the general problem of N intersecting spheres demonstrating that mass reduction can be achieved in relation to the single sphere that encloses the same internal volume. It is shown that this reduction approaches asymptotically the value of 39.5%.     

k-ε-g紊流燃烧模型数值研究

本文对k-ε-g紊流燃烧模型中模型系数C_R,C_(g1),C_(g2)的选定和计算浓度脉动均方值g的不同方法进行数值研究。计算结果表明模型系数值的选定直接与化学反应速率有关,而其中C_R影响最大。g的计算虽然可有不同方法,而其中微分方程求解最佳。并用实验数据来验证计算结果。