Non-Linear Sigma Models on a Half Plane

In the context of integrable field theory with boundary, the integrable non-linear sigma models in two dimensions, for example, the $O(N)$, the principal chiral, the ${\rm CP}^{N-1}$ and the complex Grassmannian sigma models are discussed on a half plane. In contrast to the well known cases of sine-Gordon, non-linear Schr\"odinger and affine Toda field theories, these non-linear sigma models in two dimensions are not classically integrable if restricted on a half plane. It is shown that the infinite set of non-local charges characterising the integrability on the whole plane is not conserved for the free (Neumann) boundary condition. If we require that these non-local charges to be conserved, then the solutions become trivial.Comment: 25 pages, latex, no figure

Applications of satellite and marine geodesy to operations in the ocean environment

The requirements for marine and satellite geodesy technology are assessed with emphasis on the development of marine geodesy. Various programs and missions for identification of the satellite geodesy technology applicable to marine geodesy are analyzed along with national and international marine programs to identify the roles of satellite/marine geodesy techniques for meeting the objectives of the programs and other objectives of national interest effectively. The case for marine geodesy is developed based on the extraction of requirements documented by authoritative technical industrial people, professional geodesists, government agency personnel, and applicable technology reports

The significance of the Skylab altimeter experiment results and potential applications

The Skylab Altimeter Experiment has proven the capability of the altimeter for measurement of sea surface topography. The geometric determination of the geoid/mean sea level from satellite altimetry is a new approach having significant applications in many disciplines including geodesy and oceanography. A Generalized Least Squares Collocation Technique was developed for determination of the geoid from altimetry data. The technique solves for the altimetry geoid and determines one bias term for the combined effect of sea state, orbit, tides, geoid, and instrument error using sparse ground truth data. The influence of errors in orbit and a priori geoid values are discussed. Although the Skylab altimeter instrument accuracy is about + or - 1 m, significant results were obtained in identification of large geoidal features such as over the Puerto Rico trench. Comparison of the results of several passes shows that good agreement exists between the general slopes of the altimeter geoid and the ground truth, and that the altimeter appears to be capable of providing more details than are now available with best known geoids. The altimetry geoidal profiles show excellent correlations with bathymetry and gravity. Potential applications of altimetry results to geodesy, oceanography, and geophysics are discussed

Calibration and evaluation of Skylab altimetry for geodetic determination of the geoid

There are no author-identified significant results in this report

Interaction of marine geodesy, satellite technology and ocean physics

The possible applications of satellite technology in marine geodesy and geodetic related ocean physics were investigated. Four major problems were identified in the areas of geodesy and ocean physics: (1) geodetic positioning and control establishment; (2) sea surface topography and geoid determination; (3) geodetic applications to ocean physics; and (4) ground truth establishment. It was found that satellite technology can play a major role in their solution. For solution of the first problem, the use of satellite geodetic techniques, such as Doppler and C-band radar ranging, is demonstrated to fix the three-dimensional coordinates of marine geodetic control if multi-satellite passes are used. The second problem is shown to require the use of satellite altimetry, along with accurate knowledge of ocean-dynamics parameters such as sea state, ocean tides, and mean sea level. The use of both conventional and advanced satellite techniques appeared to be necessary to solve the third and fourth problems

Calibration and evaluation of Skylab altimetry for geodetic determination of the geoid

There are no author-identified significant results in this report

Geodetic analysis of Skylab altimetry preliminary data - SL/2 EREP pass 9

The author has identified the following significant results. The analysis was based on a time series intrinsic relationship between the satellite ephemeris, altimeter measured ranges, and the corresponding a priori values of subsatellite geoidal heights. Using sequential least squares processing with parameter weighting, the objective was to recover (1) the absolute geoidal heights of the subsatellite points, and (2) the associated altimeter calibration constant(s). Preliminary results from Skylab altimetry are given, using various combinations of orbit ephemeris and altimeter ranges as computed differently by NASA/JSC and NASA/Wallops. The influences of orbit accuracy, weighting functions, and a priori ground truth are described, based on the various combination solutions. It is shown that to deduce geoidal height by merely subtracting the height of the satellite from the altimeter range is inadmissible. The results of such direct subtraction can be very misleading if the orbit used is computed from data that included altimeter data used as height constraints. In view of the current state of knowledge, the use of geodetic ground truth samples as control benchmarks appears indispensable for the recovery of absolute geoidal heights with correct scale

Comparison of actions and resistances in different building design codes

AbstractStructural design codes of different countries provide engineers with data and procedures for design of the various structural components. Building design codes from USA, Europe, and Egypt are considered. Comparisons of the provisions for actions (loads), and for the resistance (strength) of sections in flexural and compressive axial loading are carried out. Several parameters are considered including variable actions for occupancy and different material strengths. The comparison is made considering both concrete and steel structures. Issues and consequences of mixing actions from one code and resistance from another code are also discussed