First results from the LUCID-Timepix spacecraft payload onboard the TechDemoSat-1 satellite in Low Earth Orbit

The Langton Ultimate Cosmic ray Intensity Detector (LUCID) is a payload onboard the satellite TechDemoSat-1, used to study the radiation environment in Low Earth Orbit ($～$635?km). LUCID operated from 2014 to 2017, collecting over 2.1 million frames of radiation data from its five Timepix detectors on board. LUCID is one of the first uses of the Timepix detector technology in open space, with the data providing useful insight into the performance of this technology in new environments. It provides high-sensitivity imaging measurements of the mixed radiation field, with a wide dynamic range in terms of spectral response, particle type and direction. The data has been analysed using computing resources provided by GridPP, with a new machine learning algorithm that uses the Tensorflow framework. This algorithm provides a new approach to processing Medipix data, using a training set of human labelled tracks, providing greater particle classification accuracy than other algorithms. For managing the LUCID data, we have developed an online platform called Timepix Analysis Platform at School (TAPAS). This provides a swift and simple way for users to analyse data that they collect using Timepix detectors from both LUCID and other experiments. We also present some possible future uses of the LUCID data and Medipix detectors in space.     

Assessment study of ionosphere correction model using single- and multi-shell algorithms approach over sub-Saharan African region

It is a known fact that ionosphere is the largest and the least predictable among the sources of error limiting the reliability and accuracy of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and its regional augmentation systems like Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) in a safety-of-life application. The situation becomes worse in the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) region, where the daytime ionization distribution is modified by the fountain effect that develops a crest of electron density at around ±15° to ±20° of the magnetic equator and a trough at the magnetic equator during the local noon hours. Related to this phenomenon is the appearance of ionosphere irregularities and plasma bubbles after local sunset. These may degrade further the quality of service obtained from the GNSS/SBAS system of the said periods. Considering the present operational augmentation systems, the accuracy and integrity of the ionosphere corrections estimate decreases as the level of disturbances increases. In order to provide a correct ionosphere correction to the user of GNSS operating in African EIA region and meet the integrity requirements, a certified ionosphere correction model that accurately characterizes EIA gradient with the full capacity to over-bound the residual error will be needed. An irregularities detector and a decorrelation adaptor are essential in an algorithm usable for African sub-Saharan SBAS operation. The algorithm should be able to cater to the equatorial plasma vertical drifts, diurnal and seasonal variability of the ionosphere electron density and also should take into account the large spatial and temporal gradients in the region. This study presents the assessment of the ionosphere threat model with single and multi-layer algorithm, using modified planar fit and Kriging approaches.     

用两颗GPS卫星确定低轨卫星轨道的初值方法

研究了用两颗全球定位系统（ＧＰＳ）卫星粗略确定低轨卫星轨道的问题,并着重讨论了其中的初值问题,给出了一种有效的初值方法。实验结果证明：这种方法能给出一个确定的、实用的初值,大大减少了初轨计算的计算量,并使得算法收敛更加有保障。在工程实用方面比传统的猜测方法具有较大的优势。     

原子氧对航天器表面材料作用的数值模拟

对氏地球轨道环境对航天器表面材料的影响和航天器表面材料的低地球轨道环境寿命评定方法进行了介绍;并对低地球轨道环境和地面试验环境下,有无保护涂层的业胺所受冲蚀作用进行了成功的数值模拟,获得了具有工程应用价值的数值计算结果。该工作对航天器的设计具有指导意义。     

发烟机动力装置的试验研究

简要介绍了发烟机及其动力装置,研究并改进了ＷＱＪ－１型小型航空发动机,使之成为满足发烟要求的动力装置。确定了该发动机在新状态下的参数及结构,进行了发烟机的雾油发烟实验,得到了雾油发烟对发动机的影响及影响程度。实验结果表明：将ＷＱＪ－１型小发动机改为发烟机动力装置是可行的。对发烟机的型号研制和扩展小型航空发动机的使用范围有积极促进作用。     

低温推进剂加注液位信号智能处理技术研究

低温加注系统是运载火箭发射场地面支持设备的重要组成部分,包括低温介质的储存、运输、供给、控制以及安全等内容。由于低温推进剂本身存在低温沸腾、易挥发的特性,其加注过程十分复杂,为满足新一代运载火箭推进剂精准的加注要求,需要实时准确监测加注过程中贮箱内的液位高度。本文针对火箭地面加注过程的液位信号数据,对其三角波电压和线性波电压的特征进行分析、提取,基于BP（Back Propagation,反向传播）神经网络算法完成对不同加注状态的识别检测,并应用于传感器节数判别,优化了液位计算算法,降低了节数人为干预需求,提高了液位测量准确性。经实验测试验证,该方法可有效识别低温加注状态,识别准确率达到90%以上,用于液位信号处理中可显著提升液位高度计算的准确性。     

单组元300N发动机低温试验研究

为探究低温环境下单组元300N发动机的工作特性,揭示影响发动机低温性能的主要影响因素,以300N发动机为试验对象,开展了模拟飞行工况的发动机低温试验。给出了低温试验研究方法,分别从温度差异对发动机性能影响、催化剂活性差异对发动机低温启动特性影响和低温对电磁阀响应特性影响等方面获得研究结果。结果表明,低温是影响发动机低温性能的主要影响因素,-48℃条件催化剂无法完成推进剂的催化分解,发动机发生爆炸;-30℃条件下起活时间为80.5～87.5ms,发动机可正常启动,且启动温度与起活时间呈指数关系;催化剂批次差异也对发动机低温工作性能产生一定影响,不同批次催化剂低温起活时间的差异可达91ms;低温试验过程中,电磁阀的关闭受到低温推进剂粘性和背压的影响,产生了明显的迟滞现象,延迟时间约100ms,对发动机在轨的精准控制存在一定影响。     

ZnO/SBA-15无机热控涂层填料及涂层性能

开展高紫外-可见-近红外反射能力热控填料的制备,研制新型低吸收比(α_S)高发射率(ε_H)无机热控涂层。以自制SBA-15和ZnO前驱体为原料通过溶剂热浸渍和高温煅烧法制备ZnO/SBA-15填料,然后与硅酸钾(K_2SiO_3)制备无机热控涂层;采用SAXD、XRD、SEM、太阳反射光谱分析填料和涂层的性能。结果显示采用硝酸锌作为前驱体、m(ZnO)∶m(SBA-15)=3∶7、950℃下烧结3 h可以得到高紫外-可见-近红外反射能力的填料;ZnO/SBA-15/K_2SiO_3无机涂层的α_S为0.09,ε_H为0.91,涂层结合力等级为1级,经过100次-196～100℃热循环实验后,涂层无脱落和开裂现象。SBA-15改性ZnO可以获得具有高紫外反射率和低α_S的热控填料,ZnO/SBA-15填料制备的无机热控涂层同样具备高紫外反射率、低α_S和高ε_H,可以满足航天器高效散热的需求,应用前景良好。     

弱撞击对接机构捕获系统运动空间研究

以弱撞击对接机构（LIDM）捕获系统的运动空间为研究对象,提出了影响运动空间的主要因素如驱动臂长度、转动副转角、结构框内径等对运动空间的限制。在此基础上,对捕获系统运动空间及其各截面进行了分析,并详细讨论了结构框内径对运动空间的影响,对LIDM的设计和优化具有重要意义。     

厦门机场低空风切变产生的地理成因分析

厦门机场航班飞行遭遇低空风切变的频次较高,危及飞行安全。产生风切变的原因主要有两大类,一是大气运动本身的变化,一是地理、环境因素。本文着重分析因厦门机场地理环境及环境变化导致风切变产生的原因。