27,542 research outputs found
Electro-optical Sensors Research Study and Astronomical Observations Semiannual Progress Report, 15 Jun. - 15 Dec. 1965
Astronomical observations of short period cluster variables, image orthicon tube performance stability research, and development of strong field magnetically focused image tube
Stability of fluorescence of sodium salicylate
Sodium salicylate fluorescence stability over long periods of time - prevention of contamination by impuritie
Factorization and reduction methods for optimal control of distributed parameter systems
A Chandrasekhar-type factorization method is applied to the linear-quadratic optimal control problem for distributed parameter systems. An aeroelastic control problem is used as a model example to demonstrate that if computationally efficient algorithms, such as those of Chandrasekhar-type, are combined with the special structure often available to a particular problem, then an abstract approximation theory developed for distributed parameter control theory becomes a viable method of solution. A numerical scheme based on averaging approximations is applied to hereditary control problems. Numerical examples are given
Development and Verification of a Flight Stack for a High-Altitude Glider in Ada/SPARK 2014
SPARK 2014 is a modern programming language and a new state-of-the-art tool
set for development and verification of high-integrity software. In this paper,
we explore the capabilities and limitations of its latest version in the
context of building a flight stack for a high-altitude unmanned glider. Towards
that, we deliberately applied static analysis early and continuously during
implementation, to give verification the possibility to steer the software
design. In this process we have identified several limitations and pitfalls of
software design and verification in SPARK, for which we give workarounds and
protective actions to avoid them. Finally, we give design recommendations that
have proven effective for verification, and summarize our experiences with this
new language
Performance and operational economics estimates for a coal gasification combined-cycle cogeneration powerplant
A performance and operational economics analysis is presented for an integrated-gasifier, combined-cycle (IGCC) system to meet the steam and baseload electrical requirements. The effect of time variations in steam and electrial requirements is included. The amount and timing of electricity purchases from sales to the electric utility are determined. The resulting expenses for purchased electricity and revenues from electricity sales are estimated by using an assumed utility rate structure model. Cogeneration results for a range of potential IGCC cogeneration system sizes are compared with the fuel consumption and costs of natural gas and electricity to meet requirements without cogeneration. The results indicate that an IGCC cogeneration system could save about 10 percent of the total fuel energy presently required to supply steam and electrical requirements without cogeneration. Also for the assumed future fuel and electricity prices, an annual operating cost savings of 21 percent to 26 percent could be achieved with such a cogeneration system. An analysis of the effects of electricity price, fuel price, and system availability indicates that the IGCC cogeneration system has a good potential for economical operation over a wide range in these assumptions
Non-circular features in Saturn's D ring: D68
D68 is a narrow ringlet located only 67,627 km (1.12 planetary radii) from
Saturn's spin axis. Images of this ringlet obtained by the Cassini spacecraft
reveal that this ringlet exhibits persistent longitudinal brightness variations
and a substantial eccentricity (ae=25+/-1 km). By comparing observations made
at different times, we confirm that the brightness variations revolve around
the planet at approximately the local orbital rate (1751.6 degrees/day), and
that the ringlet's pericenter precesses at 38.243+/-0.008 degrees/day,
consistent with the expected apsidal precession rate at this location due to
Saturn's higher-order gravitational harmonics. Surprisingly, we also find that
the ringlet's semi-major axis appears to be decreasing with time at a rate of
2.4+/-0.4 km/year between 2005 and 2013. A closer look at these measurements,
along with a consideration of earlier Voyager observations of this same
ringlet, suggests that the mean radius of D68 moves back and forth, perhaps
with a period of around 15 Earth years or about half a Saturn year. These
observations could place important constraints on both the ringlet's local
dynamical environment and the planet's gravitational field.Comment: 39 Pages, 11 Figures accepted for publication in Icarus Text slightly
modified to match corrections to proof
Polyimide polymers provide improved ablative materials
Principle heat absorption of silica-reinforced plastic ablative materials occurs from the in-depth reaction of silica with carbon to form silicon monoxide and carbon monoxide. The higher the degree of completion of this reaction, the higher the capacity of the ablative material to absorb heat
Polyimide polymers provide higher char yield for graphitic structures
Technique for manufacture of graphite composites uses high-char-forming processable polyimide resin systems to produce the graphitic matrix. Only three cyclic steps are required to yield a 99.7 percent graphite product
Cluster Winds Blow along Supercluster Axes
Within Abell galaxy clusters containing wide-angle tailed radio sources,
there is evidence of a ``prevailing wind'' which directs the WAT jets. We study
the alignment of WAT jets and nearby clusters to test the idea that this wind
may be a fossil of drainage along large-scale supercluster axes. We also test
this idea with a study of the alignment of WAT jets and supercluster axes.
Statistical test neighbours indicate no alignment of WAT jets towards nearest
clusters, but do indicate approximately 98% confidence in alignment with the
long axis of the supercluster in which the cluster lies. We find a preferred
scale for such superclusters of order 25 Mpc .Comment: Latex, 5 pages, with 5 postscript figures. To be published in MNRAS.
Slight revisions to coincide with journal text. Linked to color image at
http://kusmos.phsx.ukans.edu/~melott/images/A2634SUW.jp
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