Characterization of Electron Number Density of Rocket Exhaust Plumes Through Microwave Transmissions

Charged rocket plumes generally exceed the length of their source vehicles, and offer lightning a favorable path to ground. Rocket plumes enhance the induced transient currents in flight electronics, and increase the risk of vehicle failure. The affinity of lightning to the plume can be associated with the plume\u27s electrical properties, which are coupled to plasma characteristics including the electron number density. However, the electron number density of rocket plumes is not well-known. In this study, the electron number density is characterized through data from static rocket firings. A model of the plume in finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations also supports the results. Radio frequency and radar methodologies are used to characterize the plume as a dynamic component of an electrical system, supported by the construction of an RF apparatus that includes the design and manufacture of ultra-wideband antenna arrays. The research estimates electron number density using methods exploiting signal processing techniques in time and frequency domain, but the data suggests that other dynamic elements influence delay and attenuation of the radio signal

MCST : An App for Patron Awareness of COVID-19 Safety Measures Instituted by Small Businesses

Small businesses across America are having restrictions placed upon them due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those fortunate enough to remain open now face the challenge of trying to generate enough revenue to stay afloat. Small businesses, with their lack of funds, have resorted to listing their safety precautions on their front door to inform patrons. However, viewing these rules would require patrons to leave their homes. Additionally, there is no consistent set of rules being enforced by the government which is dangerous as some patrons may feel that stricter procedures be in place. These inconsistencies and lack of information can lead to patrons being afraid of visiting stores which then harms revenue. To better recognize what precautions each business is taking the MyCovidSafeTown (MCST) app was developed to allow users (i.e., patrons) to find any registered small businesses in the area and inform them of the COVID-19 safety precautions being taken

The Regulatory Framework of Export Restrictions in WTO Law and Regional Free Trade Agreements. IES WORKING PAPER 8/2013

The use of export restrictions has become more and more common in recent years, evidencing the substantial loopholes existing in the WTO regulation on the matter. As a result of this deficient legal framework, the WTO membership experiences important losses of welfare and increasing political tensions. The multilateral negotiations for an updated discipline on export restrictions, in the context of the Doha Development Round, are blocked. Consequently, members have established a set of preferential bilateral and multilateral agreements to relieve the negative effects of these measures. Likewise, some recent WTO members have committed to stricter regulations as part of their Accession Protocols. Nevertheless, these methods have evidenced some important flaws, and the multilateral scene remains the optimum forum to address export restrictions. This Working Paper proposes a number of measures to improve the legal framework of the quantitative export restrictions and export duties, as well as their notification procedures