Evolutionary neurocontrol: A novel method for low-thrust gravity-assist trajectory optimization

This article discusses evolutionary neurocontrol, a novel method for low-thrust gravity-assist trajectory optimization

An approach to model interest for planetary rover through Dezert–Smarandache theory

In this paper, we propose an approach for assigning an interest level to the goals of a planetary rover. Assigning an interest level to goals allows the rover autonomously to transform and reallocate the goals. The interest level is defined by data-fusing payload and navigation information. The fusion yields an "interest map" that quantifies the level of interest of each area around the rover. In this way the planner can choose the most interesting scientific objectives to be analyzed, with limited human intervention, and reallocates its goals autonomously. The Dezert-Smarandache Theory of Plausible and Paradoxical Reasoning was used for information fusion: this theory allows dealing with vague and conflicting data. In particular, it allows us directly to model the behavior of the scientists that have to evaluate the relevance of a particular set of goals. The paper shows an application of the proposed approach to the generation of a reliable interest map

Approximated Computation of Belief Functions for Robust Design Optimization

This paper presents some ideas to reduce the computational cost of evidence-based robust design optimization. Evidence Theory crystallizes both the aleatory and epistemic uncertainties in the design parameters, providing two quantitative measures, Belief and Plausibility, of the credibility of the computed value of the design budgets. The paper proposes some techniques to compute an approximation of Belief and Plausibility at a cost that is a fraction of the one required for an accurate calculation of the two values. Some simple test cases will show how the proposed techniques scale with the dimension of the problem. Finally a simple example of spacecraft system design is presented.Comment: AIAA-2012-1932 14th AIAA Non-Deterministic Approaches Conference. 23-26 April 2012 Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawai

Entanglement dynamics for two harmonic oscillators coupled to independent environments

We study the entanglement evolution between two harmonic oscillators having different free frequencies each leaking into an independent bath. We use an exact solution valid in the weak coupling limit and in the short time non-Markovian regime. The reservoirs are identical and characterized by an Ohmic spectral distribution with Lorents-Drude cut-off. This work is an extension of the case reported in [Phys. Rev. A 80, 062324 (2009)] where the oscillators have the same free frequency.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, submitted to Physica Script

Extension of the sun-synchronous Orbit

Through careful consideration of the orbit perturbation force due to the oblate nature of the primary body a secular variation of the ascending node angle of a near-polar orbit can be induced without expulsion of propellant. Resultantly, the orbit perturbations can be used to maintain the orbit plane in, for example, a near-perpendicular (or at any other angle) alignment to the Sun-line throughout the full year of the primary body; such orbits are normally termed Sun-synchronous orbits [1, 2]. Sun-synchronous orbits about the Earth are typically near-circular Low-Earth Orbits (LEOs), with an altitude of less than 1500 km. It is normal to design a LEO such that the orbit period is synchronised with the rotation of the Earth‟s surface over a given period, such that a repeating ground-track is established. A repeating ground-track, together with the near-constant illumination conditions of the ground-track when observed from a Sun-synchronous orbit, enables repeat observations of a target over an extended period under similar illumination conditions [1, 2]. For this reason, Sun-synchronous orbits are extensively used by Earth Observation (EO) platforms, including currently the Environmental Satellite (ENVISAT), the second European Remote Sensing satellite (ERS-2) and many more. By definition, a given Sun-synchronous orbit is a finite resource similar to a geostationary orbit. A typical characterising parameter of a Sun-synchronous orbit is the Mean Local Solar Time (MLST) at descending node, with a value of 1030 hours typical. Note that ERS-1 and ERS-2 used a MLST at descending node of 1030 hours ± 5 minutes, while ENVISAT uses a 1000 hours ± 5 minutes MLST at descending node [3]. Following selection of the MLST at descending node and for a given desired repeat ground-track, the orbit period and hence the semi-major axis are fixed, thereafter assuming a circular orbit is desired it is found that only a single orbit inclination will enable a Sun-synchronous orbit [2]. As such, only a few spacecraft can populate a given repeat ground-track Sun-synchronous orbit without compromise, for example on the MLST at descending node. Indeed a notable feature of on-going studies by the ENVISAT Post launch Support Office is the desire to ensure sufficient propellant remains at end-of-mission for re-orbiting to a graveyard orbit to ensure the orbital slot is available for future missions [4]. An extension to the Sun-synchronous orbit is considered using an undefined, non-orientation constrained, low-thrust propulsion system. Initially the low-thrust propulsion system will be considered for the free selection of orbit inclination and altitude while maintaining the Sun-synchronous condition. Subsequently the maintenance of a given Sun-synchronous repeat-ground track will be considered, using the low-thrust propulsion system to enable the free selection of orbit altitude. An analytical expression will be developed to describe these extensions prior to then validating the analytical expressions within a numerical simulation of a spacecraft orbit. Finally, an analysis will be presented on transfer and injection trajectories to these orbits

Aluminum Deposition on Polyimides: The Effect of in situ Ion Bombardment

The chemistry of the Al polyimide interface is examined by x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy sputter profiling. Al deposited on polyimide films without an in situ Ar backsputter shows a clearly defined 50‐Å Al2O3 layer just prior to the polyimide. This layer is identified by the O/Al atom ratio at 1.5, and the binding energy of the Al 2p transition. There is a clear separation of the Al/Al2O3/polyimide layers in the sputter profiles. Deposition of Al on polyimide surfaces after Argon backsputtering produces a diffuse Al/polyimide interface with no Al2O3 present. There is evidence in the Al 2p spectra for Al–C or Al–O–C type bonds, while the C 1s spectrum clearly has a metal carbide component. Increased adhesion of Al to polyimide surfaces with Ar backsputtering may be due to the differences in chemistry observed in these two instances

Ion Bombardment of Polyimide Films

Surface modification techniques such as wet chemical etching, oxidizing flames, and plasma treatments (inert ion sputtering and reactive ion etching) have been used to change the surface chemistry of polymers and improve adhesion. With an increase in the use of polyimides for microelectronic applications, the technique of ion sputtering to enhance polymer‐to‐metal adhesion is receiving increased attention. For this study, the argon‐ion bombardment surfaces of pyromellitic dianhydride and oxydianiline (PMDA–ODA) and biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride and phenylene diamine (BPDA–PDA) polyimide films were characterized with x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as a function of ion dose. Graphite and high‐density polyethylene were also examined by XPS for comparison of C 1s peak width and binding‐energy assignments. Results indicate that at low ion doses the surface of the polyimide does not change chemically, although adsorbed species are eliminated. At higher doses the chemical composition is altered and is dramatically reflected in the C 1s spectra where graphiticlike structures become evident and the prominent carbonyl peak is reduced significantly. Both polyimides demonstrate similar chemical changes after heavy ion bombardment. Atomic composition of PMDA–ODA and BPDA–PDA polymers are almost identical after heavy ion bombardment

Global Trajectory Optimisation : Can We Prune the Solution Space When Considering Deep Space Manoeuvres? [Final Report]

This document contains a report on the work done under the ESA/Ariadna study 06/4101 on the global optimization of space trajectories with multiple gravity assist (GA) and deep space manoeuvres (DSM). The study was performed by a joint team of scientists from the University of Reading and the University of Glasgow

Analysis of some global optimization algorithms for space trajectory design

In this paper, we analyze the performance of some global search algorithms on a number of space trajectory design problems. A rigorous testing procedure is introduced to measure the ability of an algorithm to identify the set of ²-optimal solutions. From the analysis of the test results, a novel algorithm is derived. The development of the novel algorithm starts from the redefinition of some evolutionary heuristics in the form of a discrete dynamical system. The convergence properties of this discrete dynamical system are used to derive a hybrid evolutionary algorithm that displays very good performance on the particular class of problems presented in this paper

Casimir-Polder forces, boundary conditions and fluctuations

We review different aspects of the atom-atom and atom-wall Casimir-Polder forces. We first discuss the role of a boundary condition on the interatomic Casimir-Polder potential between two ground-state atoms, and give a physically transparent interpretation of the results in terms of vacuum fluctuations and image atomic dipoles. We then discuss the known atom-wall Casimir-Polder force for ground- and excited-state atoms, using a different method which is also suited for extension to time-dependent situations. Finally, we consider the fluctuation of the Casimir-Polder force between a ground-state atom and a conducting wall, and discuss possible observation of this force fluctuation.Comment: 5 page