8,898 research outputs found
Dynamic autonomous intelligent control of an asteroid lander
One of the future flagship missions of the European Space Agency (ESA) is the asteroid sample return mission Marco-Polo. Although there have been a number of past missions to asteroids, a sample has never been successfully returned. The return of asteroid regolith to the Earth's surface introduces new technical challenges. This paper develops attitude control algorithms for the descent phase onto an asteroid in micro-gravity conditions and draws a comparison between the algorithms considered. Two studies are also performed regarding the Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) of the control laws considered. The potential of using Direct Adaptive Control (DAC) as a controller for the surface sampling process is also investigated. Use of a DAC controller incorporates increased levels of robustness by allowing realtime variation of control gains. This leads to better response to uncertainties encountered during missions
Is there a Jordan geometry underlying quantum physics?
There have been several propositions for a geometric and essentially
non-linear formulation of quantum mechanics. From a purely mathematical point
of view, the point of view of Jordan algebra theory might give new strength to
such approaches: there is a ``Jordan geometry'' belonging to the Jordan part of
the algebra of observables, in the same way as Lie groups belong to the Lie
part. Both the Lie geometry and the Jordan geometry are well-adapted to
describe certain features of quantum theory. We concentrate here on the
mathematical description of the Jordan geometry and raise some questions
concerning possible relations with foundational issues of quantum theory.Comment: 30 page
Phase diagram analysis and crystal growth of solid solutions Ca_{1-x}Sr_xF_2
The binary phase diagram CaF--SrF was investigated by differential
thermal analysis (DTA). Both substances exhibit unlimited mutual solubility
with an azeotropic point showing a minimum melting temperature of
T_\mathrm{min}=1373^{\circ}_{0.582}_{0.418}_2$. Close to this composition, homogeneous single
crystals up to 30 mm diameter without remarkable segregation could be grown by
the Czochralski method.Comment: accepted for publication in J. Crystal Growt
TiO2/PDMS Buoyant Photocatalyst for Water Remediation and Cu‑RBS Organic/Inorganic Hybrid for Thermoelectric Applications
Two novel materials have been developed: TiO2/poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) beads as buoyant photocatalyst materials for water remediation, and copper rhodamine‑B silane (Cu‑RBS) as an n ‑type organic/inorganic hybrid for thermoelectric applications. The approach to incorporate TiO2 into low‑density PDMS beads addresses many of the challenges traditionally encountered when creating buoyant photocatalysts, an area which is crucial for wide‑spread remediation of water resources, including natural bodies of water. The performance and reusability of the buoyant photocatalyst materials, demonstrated by using methylene blue as a model degradation target, is strong enough for environmental application. The use of a kinetic model and the introduction of a parameter to allow comparison of buoyant photocatalysts is also included as part of the analysis.
The performance of Cu‑RBS was investigated as a low‑temperature thermoelectric material. Clear improvements in the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient are observed for RBS upon coordination to Cu2+. Evidence explaining this improvement is provided by computational analysis and by concentration‑dependent optical absorption and fluorescent emission measurements, all of which indicate that a metal‑to‑ligand charge transfer occurs from Cu2+ to RBS. Although the power factor of Cu‑RBS is low compared to other materials reported in the literature, these results provide a promising approach to increasing both the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity of n‑type small molecule organic systems
A study of the relationship between the Gordon Personal Profile and academic achievement in college
Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston UniversityThe purpose of this study is to determine to what degree a group personality inventory, the Gordon Personal Profile, can differentiate among high, low,
over, and under-achievers among male freshmen students at
Boston University College of Business Administration
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