Exploiting technological synergies for future launch vehicles

Two launch vehicle concepts based on technologies available today or in a short term future in Western Europe are presented. The design of both launchers has the goal of exploiting synergies with current European programs to limit development and operational costs. Technologies of particular interest here are the high performance solid rocket motors with carbon-epoxy filament wound monolithic motor cases and the future high performance cryogenic expander cycle engine Vinci. The first concept dubbed ANGELA (A New GEneration LAuncher) is a study financed with funds of the German Ministry of Economics and managed by the DLR Space Administration. The project, which started in the summer of 2012 aims at designing a low cost versatile launcher able to place payloads between 2 and 5 tons into GTO. Three architectures have been considered during the first phase of the study. This phase was concluded in March 2013 with the preliminary stagings, which will be the starting point of more detailed analyses. The first architecture is made out of an H110 (stage with 110 tons of LOx/LH2) equipped with two Vulcain 2 engines with shortened nozzles and an H29 propelled by a Vinci engine. In addition the variation of the number of P36 solid rocket boosters allow to reach the entire range of payload performance. The second architecture differs from the first one only by the use of a new staged-combustion engine instead of two Vulcain 2 engines. The new engine, which should deliver 1800 kN in vacuum, allows a reduction of the size of the stages to H90-H24, enhanced with P34 boosters. The third and last architecture is a so called Multi PPH. The first stage is a bundle of 2 or 3 P120 solid rocket motors. The second stage is made out of one single P120, strictly similar to those used for the first stage. Finally the upper stage is an H23 equipped with a Vinci engine, the same as the two other architectures. The second launcher concept described in this paper is the small TSTO launch vehicle. It consists of a large solid rocket motor first stage P175 and a cryogenic upper stage propelled by the Vinci engine, H26. The preliminary design performed at DLR-SART considers two target performances. The light version of the small TSTO shall perform Galileo satellite replacement single launch missions to MTO corresponding to a payload performance of about 1400 kg in GTO. A heavy version of the launch vehicle shall be able to launch payloads up to 3000 kg in GTO. The performance increase for the heavy version is made possible by the addition of two pairs of P23 boosters, the second pair being ignited with a delay

Review of experimental research on supercritical and transcritical thermodynamic cycles designed for heat recovery application

Supercritical operation is considered a main technique to achieve higher cycle efficiency in various thermodynamic systems. The present paper is a review of experimental investigations on supercritical operation considering both heat-to-upgraded heat and heat-to-power systems. Experimental works are reported and subsequently analyzed. Main findings can be summarized as: steam Rankine cycles does not show much studies in the literature, transcritical organic Rankine cycles are intensely investigated and few plants are already online, carbon dioxide is considered as a promising fluid for closed Brayton and Rankine cycles but its unique properties call for a new thinking in designing cycle components. Transcritical heat pumps are extensively used in domestic and industrial applications, but supercritical heat pumps with a working fluid other than CO2 are scarce. To increase the adoption rate of supercritical thermodynamic systems further research is needed on the heat transfer behavior and the optimal design of compressors and expanders with special attention to the mechanical integrity

Sustainable seabed mining: guidelines and a new concept for Atlantis II Deep

The feasibility of exploiting seabed resources is subject to the engineering solutions, and economic prospects. Due to rising metal prices, predicted mineral scarcities and unequal allocations of resources in the world, vast research programmes on the exploration and exploitation of seabed minerals are presented in 1970s. Very few studies have been published after the 1980s, when predictions were not fulfilled. The attention grew back in the last decade with marine mineral mining being in research and commercial focus again and the first seabed mining license for massive sulphides being granted in Papua New Guinea’s Exclusive Economic Zone.Research on seabed exploitation and seabed mining is a complex transdisciplinary field that demands for further attention and development. Since the field links engineering, economics, environmental, legal and supply chain research, it demands for research from a systems point of view. This implies the application of a holistic sustainability framework of to analyse the feasibility of engineering systems. The research at hand aims to close this gap by developing such a framework and providing a review of seabed resources. Based on this review it identifies a significant potential for massive sulphides in inactive hydrothermal vents and sediments to solve global resource scarcities. The research aims to provide background on seabed exploitation and to apply a holistic systems engineering approach to develop general guidelines for sustainable seabed mining of polymetallic sulphides and a new concept and solutions for the Atlantis II Deep deposit in the Red Sea.The research methodology will start with acquiring a broader academic and industrial view on sustainable seabed mining through an online survey and expert interviews on seabed mining. In addition, the Nautilus Minerals case is reviewed for lessons learned and identification of challenges. Thereafter, a new concept for Atlantis II Deep is developed that based on a site specific assessment.The research undertaken in this study provides a new perspective regarding sustainable seabed mining. The main contributions of this research are the development of extensive guidelines for key issues in sustainable seabed mining as well as a new concept for seabed mining involving engineering systems, environmental risk mitigation, economic feasibility, logistics and legal aspects

Feasibility study on manganese nodules recovery in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone

The sea occupies three quarters of the area on the earth and provides various kinds of resources to mankind in the form of minerals, food, medicines and even energy. “Seabed exploitation” specifically deals with recovery of the resources that are found on the seabed, in the form of solids, liquids and gasses (methane hydrates, oil and natural gas). The resources are abundant; nevertheless the recovery process from the seabed, poses various challenges to mankind. This study starts with a review on three types of resources: polymetallic manganese nodules, polymetallic manganese crusts and massive sulphides deposits. Each of them are rich in minerals, such as manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper and some rare earth elements. They are found at many locations in the deep seas and are potentially a big source of minerals. No commercial seabed mining activity has been accomplished to date due to the great complexities in recovery. This book describes the various challenges associated with a potential underwater mineral recovery operation, reviews and analyses the existing recovery techniques, and provides an innovative engineering system. It further identifies the associated risks and a suitable business model.Chapter 1 presents a brief background about the past and present industrial trends of seabed mining. A description of the sea, seabed and the three types of seabed mineral resources are also included. A section on motivations for deep sea mining follows which also compares the latter with terrestrial mining.Chapter 2 deals with the decision making process, including a market analysis, for selecting manganese nodules as the resource of interest. This is followed by a case study specific to the location of interest: West COMRA in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. Specific site location is determined in order to estimate commercial risk, environmental impact assessment and logistic challenge.Chapter 3 lists the existing techniques for nodule recovery operation. The study identifies the main components of a nodules recovery system, and organizes them into: collector, propulsion and vertical transport systems.Chapter 4 discusses various challenges posed by manganese nodules recovery, in terms of the engineering and environment. The geo-political and legal-social issues have also been considered. This chapter plays an important role in defining the proposed engineering system, as addressing the identified challenges will better shape the proposed solution.Chapter 5 proposes an engineering system, by considering the key components in greater details. An innovative component, the black box is introduced, which is intended to be an environmentally-friendly solution for manganese nodules recovery. Other auxiliary components, such as the mother ship and metallurgical processing, are briefly included. A brief power supply analysis is also provided.Chapter 6 assesses the associated risks, which are divided into sections namely commercial viability, logistic challenges, environmental impact assessment and safety assessment. The feasibility of the proposed solution is also dealt with.Chapter 7 provides a business model for the proposed engineering system. Potential customers are identified, value proposition is determined, costumer relation is also suggested. Public awareness is then discussed and finally a SWOT analysis is presented. This business model serves as an important bridge to reach both industry and research institutes.Finally, Chapter 8 provides some conclusions and recommendation for future work

Applicability of siberian placer mining technology to Alaska

The result of Perestroyka and Glasnost has been an awakening of potential for cooperation between East and West. Nowhere has that been better demonstrated than between Alaska and Magadan Province, USSR. This report summarizes a one year effort financed by ASTF, with participation from several technical organizations, to establish contacts with the Siberian placer mining industry. The purpose of the project was to provide initial assessment of the Soviet technology for placer mining in permafrost. A ten day trip to Magadan province by an ASTF team and a similar length visit to Alaska by the Soviet mining group representing the All Union Scientific and Research Institute of Gold and Rare Metals, (VNII-I), Magadan are described. The report also reviews translated data on mining in permafrost and describes surface and underground placer mining technology developed by the Soviets. The report also lists relevant publications on Soviet mining research and state of the art Soviet mining technology and expertise

Mitigating the adverse environmental impact resulting from closing down of mining enterprises

Purpose is to mitigate the adverse environmental impact in the context of both territory and water resources while closing down of mining enterprises. Methods. Experiments and laboratory studies were carried out to determine a relationship between salt content and amount of common reed biomass buildup. Twelve reed tillers from a 50 m3 pond in Donetsk Region were selected for the research; water is habitat for eight of the tillers, and remaining four tillers grow at the distance of up to a meter from the water level. Water and air temperature, length of the reed stems as well as their diameters were recorded during thirty-eight weeks (i.e. March – November). The amount of suspended matters was determined when filtration residues of 50 ml sample were dried out by means of a drier with their following weighing; total salt content within the water under study was identified using a weight method while evaporating 50 ml of the filtered water sample volume and its residue drying out. Findings. A relationship between salt content and common reed biomass buildup was confirmed; moreover, temperature range was determined in the context of which the greatest biomass buildup was observed basing upon the analysis of higher water plants use to purify high-mineralized turbid water. A scheme of air-lift drainage has been improved as for the drainage water disposal in the context of mines closed down by means of a wet method; the scheme makes it possible to control temperature of water being pumped out while varying a depth of water withdrawal from a mine shaft and helping provide practically year-round bioplateau action. Originality. For the first time, optimum thermal water conditions (i.e. 12 – 22ºС) within a biopurification plant at the territory of a closed-down mine have been determined theoretically and confirmed experimentally; the conditions provide year-round 32% decrease in total salt content of water as well as 35% decrease in the amount of suspended matters. Practical implications. The obtained results are applicable to rehabilitate fertile soil layer within the disturbed territories of facilities of the closed down mining enterprises with simultaneous waste purification from salts and suspended matters.Мета. Зниження несприятливих екологічних наслідків для території та гідроресурсів при ліквідації гірничодобувних підприємств. Методика. Експериментальні та лабораторні дослідження взаємозв’язку між солевмістом і кількістю приросту біомаси очерету звичайного. Для досліджень обрано 12 відростків очерету зі ставка у Донецькій області об’ємом 50 м3, з яких 8 – ростуть у воді, а 4 – на відстані до 1 метра від урізу води. Реєструвалася температура води і повітря, довжина стебел очерету, а також їх діаметр протягом 38 тижнів (березень – листопад). Кількість зважених речовин визначалася висушуванням в сушильній шафі залишку на фільтрі після фільтрування проби 50 мл і наступним зважуванням, а загальний солевміст у досліджуваній воді визначався ваговим методом – шляхом випарювання 50 мл об’єму профільтрованої проби води з попередньо зваженої ємності та висушування залишку. Результати. Підтверджено взаємозв’язок між солевмістом і кількістю приросту біомаси очерету звичайного, а також встановлено температурний діапазон, при якому спостерігався найбільший приріст біомаси на підставі дослідження ефективності застосування вищих водних рослин для очищення високомінералізованих мутних вод. Удосконалено, стосовно до дренажного водовідведення ліквідованих “мокрим” способом шахт, схема ерліфтного водовідливу, що дозволяє регулювати температуру вод, що відкачуються, змінюючи глибину їх відбору з шахтного стовбура, що дозволяє забезпечити практично цілорічну роботу біоплато. Наукова новизна. Вперше теоретично встановлено та експериментально підтверджено оптимальний температурний режим води в біоочисному спорудженні 12 – 22°С, при якому забезпечується цілорічне зниження загального солевмісту води на 32%, а кількість завислих речовин – на 35%. Практична значимість. Отримані результати можуть застосовуватися для відновлення родючого шару ґрунту на порушених територіях промислових майданчиків ліквідованих гірничодобувних підприємств, з одночасним очищенням стоків від солей і завислих речовин.Цель. Снижение неблагоприятных экологических последствий для территории и гидроресурсов при ликвидации горнодобывающих предприятий. Методика. Проведены экспериментальные и лабораторные исследования взаимосвязи между солесодержанием и количеством прироста биомассы тростника обыкновенного. Для исследований выбраны 12 отростков тростника из пруда в Донецкой области объемом 50 м3, из которых 8 – растут в воде, а 4 – на расстоянии до 1 метра от уреза воды. Регистрировалась температура воды и воздуха, длина стеблей камыша, а также их диаметр на протяжении 38 недель (март – ноябрь). Количество взвешенных веществ определялось высушиванием в сушильном шкафу остатка на фильтре после фильтрования пробы 50 мл и последующим взвешиванием, а общее солесодержание в исследуемой воде определялось весовым методом – путем выпаривания 50 мл объема профильтрованной пробы воды и высушивания остатка. Результаты. Подтверждена взаимосвязь между солесодержанием и количеством прироста биомассы тростника обыкновенного, а также установлен температурный диапазон, при котором наблюдался наибольший прирост биомассы на основании исследования эффективности применения высших водных растений для очистки высокоминерализованных мутных вод. Усовершенствована, применительно к дренажному водоотведению ликвидированных “мокрым” способом шахт, схема эрлифтного водоотлива, позволяющая регулировать температуру откачиваемой воды изменяя глубину ее отбора из шахтного ствола, что позволяет обеспечить практически круглогодичную работу биоплато. Научная новизна. Впервые теоретически установлен и экспериментально подтвержден оптимальный температурный режим воды 12 – 22°С в биоочистній споруді на территории ликвидированной шахты, при котором обеспечивается круглогодичное снижение общего солесодержания воды на 32%, а количество взвешенных веществ – на 35%. Практическая значимость. Полученные результаты могут применяться для восстановления плодородного слоя почвы на нарушенных территориях промышленных площадок ликвидированных горнодобывающих предприятий, с одновременной очисткой стоков от солей и взвешенных веществ.The findings involved neither project nor financing. Authors of the paper express thanks to the authorities of Donetsk National Technical University for the possibility to carry out the research in a chemical laboratory of the University

Design of ultraprecision machine tools with application to manufacturing of miniature and micro components

Currently the underlying necessities for predictability, producibility and productivity remain big issues in ultraprecision machining of miniature/microproducts. The demand on rapid and economic fabrication of miniature/microproducts with complex shapes has also made new challenges for ultraprecision machine tool design. In this paper the design for an ultraprecision machine tool is introduced by describing its key machine elements and machine tool design procedures. The focus is on the review and assessment of the state-of-the-art ultraprecision machining tools. It also illustrates the application promise of miniature/microproducts. The trends on machine tool development, tooling, workpiece material and machining processes are pointed out

From the old path of shipbuilding onto the new path of offshore wind energy? The case of northern Germany

Wind energy-related employment has been surging recently in Germany: it rose from 9,200 in 1997 to 90,000 in 2007 and is estimated to be 112,000 in 2020. The industry particularly emerged in coastal, northern Germany. Recently big hopes are particularly set on the offshore wind energy industry. Two recently discussed evolutionary concepts explain the emergence of new industries, such as wind energy, in space in different ways: the windows of locational opportunity concept stresses the locational freedom in the earliest stages of industrial development, whereas path creation emphasises the role of existing industrial development paths, such as shipbuilding, from which new paths, such as wind energy, emerge. The paper aims at analysing whether the new path of offshore wind energy emerged out of existing paths, mainly shipbuilding, in the five states of coastal Germany. It concludes that shipbuilding only indirectly affected the emergence of the new development path of offshore the wind energy industry in northern Germany.

Water resources assessment, irrigation and agricultural developments in Tajikistan

This paper provides a description of current state of water resources assessment in Tajikistan, their use for the agriculture development and maintenance of irrigation infrastructures. The Vakhsh and Pyandzh River Basins and its tributaries in Tajikistan were directly surveyed during an expedition within the framework of a Joint Research Project: Investigation of natural resources of Central Asia and reconstruction of agriculture in Afghanistan, that is supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Japan Grant in Aid for Scientific Joint Research, 2003, No. 15252002), that is represented by professor Dr. Tsuneo Tsukatani, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Kyoto Institute of Economics, Kyoto University, Japan. The field expedition was carried out in September 2003 according to the Joint Project Research Program to study the natural resources and contemporary state of irrigation in Pyandzh River basin.water resources, cropping system, irrigation infrastructure, Tajikistan, Subsurface drip irrigation, SDI, Pyandzh, AmuDarya, Kumsangir, Vakhsh