Modeling Multifractality of the Solar Wind

The question of multifractality is of great importance because it allows us to investigate interplanetary hydromagnetic turbulence. The multifractal spectrum has been investigated with Voyager (magnetic field) data in the outer heliosphere and with Helios (plasma) data in the inner heliosphere. We use the Grassberger and Procaccia method that allows calculation of the generalized dimensions of the solar wind attractor in the phase space directly from the cleaned experimental signal. We analyze time series of plasma parameters of the low-speed streams of the solar wind measured in situ by Helios in the inner heliosphere. The resulting spectrum of dimensions shows a multifractal structure of the solar wind attractor. In order to quantify that multifractality, we use a simple analytical model of the dynamical system. Namely, we consider the generalized self-similar baker’s map with two parameters describing uniform compression and natural invariant measure on the attractor of the system. The action of this map exhibits stretching and folding properties leading to sensitive dependence on initial conditions. The obtained solar wind singularity spectrum is consistent with that for the multifractal measure on the weighted baker’s map.     

UWB radar for patient monitoring

During the last few years the Moscow Aviation Institute (Russia) and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (Taiwan) have worked jointly on the development of ultrawideband (UWB) medical radars for remote and contactiess monitoring of patients in hospitals. Preliminary results of these works were published in [1]. As of the present, several radars have been produced and tested in real conditions in hospitals in Russia and Taiwan. Some results of these tests are given.     

Near infrared studies of the massive X-ray binary 2S 0114+65

We present near-infrared spectroscopy of the massive X-ray binary 2S 0114+650. These observations covering the spectral range 1.08–2.35 μm span the region where Paschen and Brackett series recombination lines of hydrogen are expected to be seen, namely, Paβ , Brγ and Br 10–17 lines. The absence of any of these lines in emission supports earlier inferences that the optical component in 2S 0114+650 is unlikely to be a Be star but rather a B type supergiant. Near-IR photometry gives J = 8.78, H = 8.53 and K = 7.96; these values show marginal variations from earlier reported measurements.     

Multiband echo tomography of Sco X-1

We present preliminary results of a simultaneous X-ray/optical campaign of the prototypical LMXB Sco X-1 at 1–10 Hz time resolution. Lightcurves of the high excitation Bowen/HeII emission lines and a red continuum at λ_c  6000 Å were obtained through narrow interference filters with ULTRACAM, and these were cross-correlated with simultaneous RXTE X-ray lightcurves. We find evidence for correlated variability, in particular when Sco X-1 enters the Flaring branch. The Bowen/HeII lightcurves lag the X-ray lightcurves with a light travel time which is consistent with reprocessing in the companion star while the continuum lightcurves have shorter delays consistent with reprocessing in the accretion disc.     

A technique for estimating the probability of radiation-stimulated failures of integrated microcircuits in low-intensity radiation fields: Application to the Spektr-R spacecraft

In developing radio-electronic devices (RED) of spacecraft operating in the fields of ionizing radiation in space, one of the most important problems is the correct estimation of their radiation tolerance. The “weakest link” in the element base of onboard microelectronic devices under radiation effect is the integrated microcircuits (IMC), especially of large scale (LSI) and very large scale (VLSI) degree of integration. The main characteristic of IMC, which is taken into account when making decisions on using some particular type of IMC in the onboard RED, is the probability of non-failure operation (NFO) at the end of the spacecraft’s lifetime. It should be noted that, until now, the NFO has been calculated only from the reliability characteristics, disregarding the radiation effect. This paper presents the so-called “reliability” approach to determination of radiation tolerance of IMC, which allows one to estimate the probability of non-failure operation of various types of IMC with due account of radiation-stimulated dose failures. The described technique is applied to RED onboard the Spektr-R spacecraft to be launched in 2007.     

Need and effect of reconditioning of nickel/hydrogen batteries

There has been a debate about the need for reconditioning nickel/hydrogen batteries in geosynchronous satellites. A study was done as part of life cycling, to determine the necessity of reconditioning and its effect on the cell performance. A 36 Ah nickel/hydrogen cell was put on a GEO simulated cycling at 15°C without reconditioning up to four eclipse seasons. The effect of reconditioning on the fifth and sixth eclipse seasons was studied. The study has conclusively proven the need for reconditioning and has shown the benefits of a high rate reconditioning. It has also been possible to draw some conclusions about the effect of a long duration trickle charge on the positive electrode     

A root moisture sensor for plants in microgravity.

Development of components for bioregenerative life-support systems is a vital step toward long-term space exploration. The culturing of plants in a microgravity environment may be optimized by the use of appropriate sensors and controllers. This paper describes a sensor developed for determining the amount of fluid (nutrient solution) available on the surface of a porous ceramic nutrient delivery substrate to the roots of conventional crop plants. The sensor is based on the change in thermal capacitance and thermal conductance near the surface as the moisture content changes. The sensor could be employed as a data acquisition and control sensor to support the automated monitoring of plants grown in a microgravity environment.     

Monitoring power supply current and using a neural network routineto diagnose circuit faults

As a circuit is tested, the current drawn from a power supply can vary as different functions are invoked by the test. The current draw can be plotted against time, showing a characteristic trace for the test performed. Sensors in the ATS power supply can be used to monitor the current flow during test execution. Defective components can be classified using a Neural Network according to the pattern of variation from the “trace” of a good card. This can be performed as a background function, with the network gaining in accuracy over time. This paper discusses the Neural Network Routine for diagnosing circuit faults using monitored power supply current