An improved multiple model GM-PHD filter for maneuvering target tracking

In this paper, an improved implementation of multiple model Gaussian mixture probability hypothesis density (MM-GM-PHD) filter is proposed. For maneuvering target tracking, based on joint distribution, the existing MM-GM-PHD filter is relatively complex. To simplify the filter, model conditioned distribution and model probability are used in the improved MM-GM-PHD filter. In the algorithm, every Gaussian components describing existing, birth and spawned targets are estimated by multiple model method. The final results of the Gaussian components are the fusion of multiple model estimations. The algorithm does not need to compute the joint PHD distribution and has a simpler computation procedure. Compared with single model GM-PHD, the algorithm gives more accurate estimation on the number and state of the targets. Compared with the existing MM-GM-PHD algorithm, it saves computation time by more than 30%. Moreover, it also outperforms the interacting multiple model joint probabilistic data association (IMMJPDA) filter in a relatively dense clutter environment.     

Electrical behaviour of ceramic composite materials for aero-engine igniters

High energy igniters are extensively used in aero-engines and this study describes the specific ceramic composite materials used at the igniter tips. These ceramics favour the formation of a plasma-like process on their surfaces under an electrical field not exceeding 1 kV mm⁻¹. The elevated temperature which is reached, and the high energy released during sparks are very favourable for engine ignition, even when internal engine temperature, pressure and fuel flow are unfavourable. Currently used ceramics and possible igniter designs are described. For composite ceramics, the physical mechanisms involved during sparking are presented, together with the high temperature and pressure effect in engines. Degradation mechanisms of materials are also examined to understand the operational life of igniters when working conditions vary. Problems associated with continuous ignition and the type of surface discharge materials are also discussed.     

The next steps in exploring deep space—A cosmic study by the IAA

This paper presents the results of an IAA cosmic study on the Next Steps in Exploring Deep Space, the goal of which is to provide a vision for the scientific exploration of space by humans in the first half of the 21st Century. The study provides a roadmap for a systematic, logical, and science-driven plan for exploration of the Solar System and unlocking the mysteries of the Universe—a program that builds gradually and systematically to establish a permanent presence at each outpost along the way, and that builds the communications, transportation and other logistical infrastructure as it proceeds. The study suggests a set of long-term scientific goals for space exploration that provide the context for carrying out scientific investigations at specific destinations in space. An architecture is derived for the space flight infrastructure required to pursue these science goals at the specified destinations, including examination of the relevant policy and public engagement in this enterprise.     

基于随机空间网络的无人机集群协同对抗模型

无人机集群协同对抗是未来作战的发展方向,为了突出集群强进攻、难防御、高灵活的优势,对高维度、强动态、非线性无人机集群的协同对抗的复杂系统进行有效建模是一个重要的研究方向。应用复杂空间网络理论构建了对抗双方的协同网络、对抗网络及协同对抗网络,模拟无人机集群的协同侦察场景,分别在二维和三维空间中建立了无人机集群协同对抗模型;分析了影响杀伤率的因素,提出了杀伤率与空间距离的解析式;通过网络级联效应分析了无人机集群协同网络的鲁棒性,验证了所提无人机集群协同对抗模型的有效性,为无人机集群协同对抗的建模提供了一种新思路。     

使用三天线的联合定姿和欺骗检测方法

全球卫星导航系统（GNSS）的安全性已经引发了广泛关注。使用多天线的欺骗检测方法由于其独一无二的空间特性,已成为当前最有效的欺骗检测方法之一。提出一种使用三天线的联合定姿和欺骗检测方法,能够在确定天线载体姿态的同时检测出欺骗信号的存在。针对直接定姿法受限于基线向量精度的问题,使用长度约束的基线向量估计方法以获得高精度定姿结果。在姿态信息已知的前提下,根据星历信息、姿态变换矩阵及天线的几何关系可以获得载波相位单差的期望值。使用误差平方和（SSE）来评估载波相位单差观测值和期望值之间的偏差,并构建了欺骗信号的二元检验。结果表明：在无欺骗的情形下,所提方法能降低定姿的标准差76.1%以上;在有欺骗的情形,所提方法能够实现100%检测率,并降低定姿的标准差77.3%以上。     

A novel approximation of basic probability assignment based on rank-level fusion

Belief functions theory is an important tool in the field of information fusion. However, when the cardinality of the frame of discernment becomes large, the high computational cost of evidence combination will become the bottleneck of belief functions theory in real applications. The basic probability assignment (BPA) approximations, which can reduce the complexity of the BPAs, are always used to reduce the computational cost of evidence combination. In this paper, both the cardinalities and the mass assignment values of focal elements are used as the criteria of reduction. The two criteria are jointly used by using rank-level fusion. Some experiments and related analyses are provided to illustrate and justify the proposed new BPA approximation approach.     

星载聚束式SAR回波信号快速仿真研究

基于Chialinwu提出的SAR的回波信号模型㈨，提出了一种星载聚束式SAR回波的快速仿真方法。该方法应用FFT快速产生dechirp处理前的雷达回波信号，再进行dechirp处理，并通过距离谱滤波，以避免成像处理时出现距离谱混迭现象，然后进行欠采样，产生聚束式SAR回波信号。与常规的直接仿真方法相比，该方法计算量很小且点目标数量对计算量影响很小，适用于高分辨率星载聚束式多点目标或面目标回波信号的仿真。最后，通过计算机仿真，给出了成像处理结果，并验证了该仿真方法的有效性。     

一种用于目标特征提取的改进RELAX算法

传统RELAX算法是基于sinc核函数进行处理的，该算法在正弦信号参数估计上具有良好的鲁棒性和有效性。在远场成像条件下，逆合成孔径雷达（ISAR）目标回波可近似为复正弦模型，因而可以采用RELAX算法进行目标特征提取。当对ISAR实测数据进行处理时，复杂目标中强散射中心的高旁瓣电平和噪声的共同影响，造成特征提取中对散射中心的个数估计不准确，影响了特征提取精度。针对这一问题对RELAX算法进行了改进，提出采用加窗处理技术，对RELAX处理的核函数进行修正。数值仿真和对ISAR实测数据的处理结果表明，改进的RELAX算法改善了旁瓣性能，提高了散射中心提取精度。     

Preliminary design of paraboloidal reflectors with flat facets

Based on the concept of approximating antenna surfaces using flat facets or triangulated cable networks, a geometric scheme to subdivide a parabolic surface is discussed. According to the proposed scheme, the paraboloid is divided at the aperture circle into six equal segments first, which form a regular hexagon. Then the regular hexagon is subdivided into equal regular triangles to form subelements. Finally, the points of intersection of these triangles are projected or mapped on the paraboloid surface using a suitable origin of coordinates to obtain the final nodal coordinates of the members along the revolution axis direction. An expression for the relation between the systematic deviation of the actual surface from the desired surface and the side length of the regular triangles on the antenna's aperture surface is developed, which can be used to determine the side length of the regular triangles, and in turn to determine the size of the reflector surface facets necessary to meet antenna surface accuracy requirements. Application on a 0.6-m offset reflector is described and the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique in design of paraboloidal reflectors with flat facets.     

Autonomous navigation for a group of satellites with star sensors and inter-satellite links

This paper studies the autonomous navigation method for a group of satellites based on relative position measurements, which can be obtained by using inter-satellite links for measuring relative range and navigation star sensors for measuring relative bearing. For the satellites that are far from each other, it may be difficult to obtain relative bearing measurement due to poor visibility. To address this difficulty, this paper proposes a novel scheme, where three satellites, whose relative ranges are rather small such that the relative bearings can be observed, are used as beacons for the navigation of the other satellites that are invisible. The feasibility of the proposed navigation scheme is analyzed by using the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB), with the consideration of the availability of relative bearing measurements. In addition, the multiple model adaptive estimation (MMAE) algorithm is adopted to improve the convergence speed of the estimator in the presence of large initial errors. Simulation results illustrate the high performance of the proposed scheme.