Flight-test evaluation of two electronic display formats for approach to landing under instrument conditions

The results of a flight evaluation of two electronic display formats for the approach to landing under instrument conditions are presented. The evaluation was conducted for a base-line electronic display format and for the same format with runway symbology and track information added. The evaluation was conducted during 3 deg, manual straight-in approaches with and without initial localizer offsets. Flight path tracking performance data and pilot subjective comments were examined with regard to the pilot's ability to capture and maintain localizer and glide slope by using both display formats

Accuracy of Mesh Based Cosmological Hydrocodes: Tests and Corrections

We perform a variety of tests to determine the numerical resolution of the cosmological TVD eulerian code developed by Ryu et al (1993). Tests include 512^3 and 256^3 simulations of a Pk=k^{-1} spectrum to check for self-similarity and comparison of results with those from higher resolution SPH and grid-based calculations (Frenk et al 1998). We conclude that in regions where density gradients are not produced by shocks the code degrades resolution with a Gaussian smoothing (radius) length of 1.7 cells. At shock caused gradients (for which the code was designed) the smoothing length is 1.1 cells. Finally, for \beta model fit clusters, we can approximately correct numerical resolution by the transformation R^2_{core}\to R^2_{core}-(C\Delta l)^2, where \Delta l is the cell size and C=1.1-1.7. When we use these corrections on our previously published computations for the SCDM and \Lambda CDM models we find luminosity weighted, zero redshift, X-ray cluster core radii of (210\pm 86, 280\pm 67)h^{-1}kpc, respectively, which are marginally consistent with observed (Jones & Forman 1992) values of 50-200h^{-1}kpc. Using the corrected core radii, the COBE normalized SCDM model predicts the number of bright L_x>10^{43}erg/s clusters too high by a factor of \sim 20 and the \Lambda CDM model is consistent with observations.Comment: ApJ in press (1999

The Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies in a constrained hydrodynamical simulation: morphological evolution

We study the two main constituent galaxies of a constrained simulation of the Local Group as candidates for the Milky Way (MW) and Andromeda (M31). We focus on the formation of the stellar discs and its relation to the formation of the group as a rich system with two massive galaxies, and investigate the effects of mergers and accretion as drivers of morphological transformations. We use a state-of-the-art hydrodynamical code which includes star formation, feedback and chemical enrichment to carry out our study. We run two simulations, where we include or neglect the effects of radiation pressure from stars, to investigate the impact of this process on the morphologies and star formation rates of the simulated galaxies. We find that the simulated M31 and MW have different formation histories, even though both inhabit, at z=0, the same environment. These differences directly translate into and explain variations in their star formation rates, in-situ fractions and final morphologies. The M31 candidate has an active merger history, as a result of which its stellar disc is unable to survive unaffected until the present time. In contrast, the MW candidate has a smoother history with no major mergers at late times, and forms a disc that grows steadily; at z=0 the simulated MW has an extended, rotationally-supported disc which is dominant over the bulge. Our two feedback implementations predict similar evolution of the galaxies and their discs, although some variations are detected, the most important of which is the formation time of the discs: in the model with weaker/stronger feedback the discs form earlier/later. In summary, by comparing the formation histories of the two galaxies, we conclude that the particular merger/accretion history of a galaxy rather than its environment at the LG-scales is the main driver of the formation and subsequent growth or destruction of galaxy discs.Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication in A&

The Effect of Environment on Milky Way-mass galaxies in a Constrained Simulation of the Local Group

In this letter we present, for the first time, a study of star formation rate, gas fraction and galaxy morphology of a constrained simulation of the Milky Way (MW) and Andromeda (M31) galaxies, compared to other MW-mass galaxies. By combining with unconstrained simulations we cover a sufficient volume to compare these galaxies environmental densities ranging from the field to that of the Local Group (LG). This is particularly relevant as it has been shown that, quite generally, galaxy properties depend intimately upon their environment, most prominently when galaxies in clusters are compared to those in the field. For galaxies in loose groups such as the LG, however, environmental effects have been less clear. We consider the galaxy's environmental density in spheres of 1200 kpc (comoving) and find that whilst environment does not appear to directly affect morphology, there is a positive trend with star formation rates. This enhancement in star formation occurs systematically for galaxies in higher density environments, regardless whether they are part of the LG or in filaments. Our simulations suggest that the richer environment at Mpc-scales may help replenish the star-forming gas, allowing higher specific star formation rates in galaxies such as the MW.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, accepted to ApJ