Robust Control Design for Large Space Structures

The control design problem for the class of future spacecraft referred to as large space structures (LSS) is by now well known. The issue is the reduced order control of a very high order, lightly damped system with uncertain system parameters, particularly in the high frequency modes. A design methodology which incorporates robustness considerations as part of the design process is presented. Combining pertinent results from multivariable systems theory and optimal control and estimation, LQG eigenstructure assignment and LQG frequency shaping, were used to improve singular value robustness measures in the presence of control and observation spillover

Crew emergency return vehicle autoland feasibility study

The crew emergency return vehicle (CERV) autoland feasibility study focused on determining the controllability of the NASA Langley high lift over drag CERV for performing an automatic landing at a prescribed runway. An autoland system was developed using integral linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) design techniques. The design was verified using a nonlinear 6 DOF simulation. Simulation results demonstrate that the CERV configuration is a very flyable configuration for performing an autoland mission. Adequate stability and control was demonstrated for wind turbulence and wind shear. Control surface actuator requirements were developed

Optimal second best taxation of addictive goods in dynamic general equilibrium: a revenue raising perspective

In this paper we derive conditions under which optimal tax rates for addictive goods exceed tax rates for non-addictive consumption goods within a rational addiction framework where exogenous government spending cannot be financed with lump sum taxes. We reexamine classic results on optimal commodity taxation and find a rich set of new findings. Two dynamic effects exist. First, households anticipating higher future addictive tax rates reduce current addictive consumption, so they will be less addicted when the tax rate increases. Therefore, addictive tax revenue falls prior to the tax increase. Surprisingly, the optimal tax rate on addictive goods is generally decreasing in the strength of tolerance, since strong tolerance strengthens this tax anticipation effect. Second, high current tax rates on addictive goods make households less addicted in the future, affecting all future tax revenues in a way which depends on how elasticities are changing over time. Classic results on uniform commodity taxation emerge as special cases when elasticities are constant and the addiction function is homogeneous of degree one. Finally, we also study features of addictive goods such as complementarity to leisure that, while not directly related to the definition of addiction, are nonetheless properties many addictive goods display

Debris flood hazard documentation and mitigation on the Tilcara alluvial fan (Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy province, North-West Argentina)

For some decades, mass wasting processes such as landslides and debris floods have been threatening villages and transportation routes in the Rio Grande Valley, named Quebrada de Humauhuaca. One of the most significant examples is the urban area of Tilcara, built on a large alluvial fan. In recent years, debris flood phenomena have been triggered in the tributary valley of the Huasamayo Stream and reached the alluvial fan on a decadal basis. <br><br> In view of proper development of the area, hazard and risk assessment together with risk mitigation strategies are of paramount importance. The need is urgent also because the Quebrada de Humahuaca was recently included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Therefore, the growing tourism industry may lead to uncontrolled exploitation and urbanization of the valley, with a consequent increase of the vulnerability of the elements exposed to risk. In this context, structural and non structural mitigation measures not only have to be based on the understanding of natural processes, but also have to consider environmental and sociological factors that could hinder the effectiveness of the countermeasure works. <br><br> The hydrogeological processes are described with reference to present-day hazard and risk conditions. Considering the socio-economic context, some possible interventions are outlined, which encompass budget constraints and local practices. One viable solution would be to build a protecting dam upstream of the fan apex and an artificial channel, in order to divert the floodwaters in a gully that would then convey water and sediments into the Rio Grande, some kilometers downstream of Tilcara. The proposed remedial measures should employ easily available and relatively cheap technologies and local workers, incorporating low environmental and visual impacts issues, in order to ensure both the future conservation of the site and its safe exploitation for inhabitants and tourists

Debris flood hazard documentation and mitigation on the Tilcara alluvial fan (Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy province, North-West Argentina)

Abstract. For some decades, mass wasting processes such as landslides and debris floods have been threatening villages and transportation routes in the Rio Grande Valley, named Quebrada de Humauhuaca. One of the most significant examples is the urban area of Tilcara, built on a large alluvial fan. In recent years, debris flood phenomena have been triggered in the tributary valley of the Huasamayo Stream and reached the alluvial fan on a decadal basis. In view of proper development of the area, hazard and risk assessment together with risk mitigation strategies are of paramount importance. The need is urgent also because the Quebrada de Humahuaca was recently included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Therefore, the growing tourism industry may lead to uncontrolled exploitation and urbanization of the valley, with a consequent increase of the vulnerability of the elements exposed to risk. In this context, structural and non structural mitigation measures not only have to be based on the understanding of natural processes, but also have to consider environmental and sociological factors that could hinder the effectiveness of the countermeasure works. The hydrogeological processes are described with reference to present-day hazard and risk conditions. Considering the socio-economic context, some possible interventions are outlined, which encompass budget constraints and local practices. One viable solution would be to build a protecting dam upstream of the fan apex and an artificial channel, in order to divert the floodwaters in a gully that would then convey water and sediments into the Rio Grande, some kilometers downstream of Tilcara. The proposed remedial measures should employ easily available and relatively cheap technologies and local workers, incorporating low environmental and visual impacts issues, in order to ensure both the future conservation of the site and its safe exploitation for inhabitants and tourists

La breve y triste historia de la geología en Uruguay

The periods that can be recognized in one hundred and eight years in which geological scientific knowledge developed in Uruguay are described. The Faculty of Agriculture was the only institution that had a permanent geological activity throughout the period, although with different intensity. Five well defined periods are recognized: Period from 1907 to 1948, Dr. Karl Walther in the Faculty of Agriculture and geologists hired by the Institute of Geology created in 1912; from 1909 to 1948 Walther produced fifty scientific papers  describing the main geological features of Uruguay. Period from 1954 to 1959, with Professor Juan Goñi and a team of 6 teachers. Period from 1959 to 1973, work at the Faculty of Agriculture is normal with a team of 15 persons, whose goal was geological mapping. Period from1974-1984, the Dictatorship intervenes the University, in 1978 a Bachelor degree in Geology is created at the Faculty of Sciences and in 1983 the first geologists obtain their degree, although with limited scientific level. Period from 1985 to 2015, revival of the Agriculture Faculty, post-grades are made abroad and Geology develops at an acceptable level, with post-graduate courses, courses in mining and production of digital maps at various scales. It is concluded that the Faculty of Agriculture was the main driver of geological studies in Uruguay, because since its inception in 1907 to date always had a working group on basic geology.Se describen las etapas que pueden reconocerse en los ciento ocho años en los que se desarrollaron conocimientos geológicos científicos en Uruguay. La Facultad de Agronomía fue la única  institución que mantuvo actividad geológica durante todo el período, aunque con distinta intensidad. Se reconocen 5 periodos bien definidos: Periodo 1907-1948, el Dr. Karl Walther en facultad de Agronomía y geólogos contratados por el Instituto  de Geología creado en 1912; Walther produjo desde 1909 hasta 1948 cincuenta artículos científicos y reconoció los principales rasgos geológicos del Uruguay. Periodo 1954-1959, con el Profesor Juan Goñi y un equipo de 6 docentes. Periodo 1959-1973, se normalizan los trabajos en la Facultad de Agronomía llegando a formarse un equipo de 15 docentes, cuya meta era la cartografía geológica. Período1974-1984, la Dictadura interviene la Universidad y en 1978 se crea la Licenciatura de Geología en Facultad de Ciencias y en 1983 egresan los primeros geólogos, con limitado nivel científico. Período1985-2015, resurge Agronomía, se realizan post-grados en el extranjero y la Geología se desarrolla a un nivel aceptable, con cursos de post-grados, cursos de minería y producción de cartas digitales a varias escalas. Se concluye que la Facultad de Agronomía fue el principal motor de los estudios geológicos en Uruguay, porque desde su creación en 1907 hasta la fecha siempre tuvo un grupo de trabajo en geología básica