The role of the Weibel instability at the reconnection jet front in relativistic pair plasma reconnection

The role of the Weibel instability is investigated for the first time in the context of the large-scale magnetic reconnection problem. A late-time evolution of magnetic reconnection in relativistic pair plasmas is demonstrated by particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. In the outflow regions, powerful reconnection jet piles up the magnetic fields and then a tangential discontinuity appears there. Further downstream, it is found that the two-dimensional extension of the relativistic Weibel instability generates electro-magnetic fields, which are comparable to the anti-parallel or piled-up fields. In a microscopic viewpoint, the instability allows plasma's multiple interactions with the discontinuity. In a macroscopic viewpoint, the instability leads to rapid expansion of the current sheet and then the reconnection jet front further propagates into the downstream. Possible application to the three-dimensional case is briefly discussed.Comment: 25 pages, 9 figures; References and typos are fixe

Self-regulation of the reconnecting current layer in relativistic pair plasma reconnection

We investigate properties of the reconnecting current layer in relativistic pair plasma reconnection. We found that the current layer self-regulates its thickness when the current layer runs out current carriers, and so relativistic reconnection retains a fast reconnection rate. Constructing a steady state Sweet-Parker model, we discuss conditions for the current sheet expansion. Based on the energy argument, we conclude that the incompressible assumption is invalid in relativistic Sweet-Parker reconnection. The guide field cases are more incompressible than the anti-parallel cases, and we find a more significant current sheet expansion.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astrophysical Journal (to appear in vol. 685

Predictive Control of Autonomous Kites in Tow Test Experiments

In this paper we present a model-based control approach for autonomous flight of kites for wind power generation. Predictive models are considered to compensate for delay in the kite dynamics. We apply Model Predictive Control (MPC), with the objective of guiding the kite to follow a figure-of-eight trajectory, in the outer loop of a two level control cascade. The tracking capabilities of the inner-loop controller depend on the operating conditions and are assessed via a frequency domain robustness analysis. We take the limitations of the inner tracking controller into account by encoding them as optimisation constraints in the outer MPC. The method is validated on a kite system in tow test experiments.Comment: The paper has been accepted for publication in the IEEE Control Systems Letters and is subject to IEEE Control Systems Society copyright. Upon publication, the copy of record will be available at http://ieeexplore.ieee.or

Biomechanical factors may explain why grasping violates Weber's law

Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Acknowledgments The experiment was part of N. Aschenneller’s MD thesis. The study was funded by the Staedtler Stiftung (Nuremberg, Germany).Peer reviewedPostprin

State Estimation for Kite Power Systems with Delayed Sensor Measurements

We present a novel estimation approach for airborne wind energy systems with ground-based control and energy generation. The estimator fuses measurements from an inertial measurement unit attached to a tethered wing and position measurements from a camera as well as line angle sensors in an unscented Kalman filter. We have developed a novel kinematic description for tethered wings to specifically address tether dynamics. The presented approach simultaneously estimates feedback variables for a flight controller as well as model parameters, such as a time-varying delay. We demonstrate the performance of the estimator for experimental flight data and compare it to a state-of-the-art estimator based on inertial measurements

Archaeological Survey for the El Paso Natural Gas Line Nos. 2034 and 2058 Replacement and Lowering at Interstate 10, El Paso County, Texas

Project Title. Archaeological Survey for the El Paso Natural Gas Line Nos. 2034 and 2058 Replacement and Lowering at Interstate 10, El Paso County, Texas SWCA Project Number. 31400 Project Description. SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an archaeological background review and intensive pedestrian survey for the El Paso Natural Gas (EPNG), a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan, Inc. (KMI), Line Nos. 2034 and 2058 replacement and lowering at Interstate 10 project to determine whether the undertaking would impact any significant archaeological resources. Location. The project construction workspace will encompass land owned by EPNG, the City of El Paso Texas, and the Texas Department of Transportation in the northwest part of El Paso, El Paso County, Texas and EPNG easements owned in fee. The project is located on the Smeltertown, Texas/New Mexico, 7.5-minute U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle (31106-G5). Number of Acres Surveyed. 12.3 acres Principal Investigator. Cherie Walth Date of Work. February 17, 2015 Purpose of Work. The Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT’s) planned expansion of Interstate 10 (I-10) at the Resler Drive interchange in El Paso, Texas, requires EPNG Line Nos. 2034 and 2058 to be relocated to a greater depth beneath I-10. Specifically, approximately 700 feet of Line No. 2034 is to be replaced between EPNG Milepost (MP) 1+0950 and MP 1+1650, and 900 feet of Line No. 2058 is to be replaced between MP 1+1800 and MP 1+2700. The pipeline replacement would be conducted via horizontal directional drill. Temporary workspace beyond EPNG’s existing pipeline rightof-way (ROW) is needed for construction staging and stringing of the pipeline prior to its installation. The project construction workspace is located on land owned by the City of El Paso. EPNG’s proposed replacement of Line Nos. 2034 and 2058 constitutes a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdictional project that can be accomplished under blanket authority granted by FERC in Docket No. CP82-435-000, Section 157.208(a). The project qualifies as a federal undertaking subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and its implementing regulations (36 Code of Federal Regulations 800). FERC is the lead federal agency for the project. Because the project is located on land owned by the City of El Paso, it also constitutes an undertaking subject to state-level review under the Antiquities Code of Texas (Texas Natural Resource Code, Title 9, Chapter 191). The area of potential effects (APE) for the project is the construction workspace, which includes EPNG’s existing ROW and a large area of temporary workspace on the west side of I-10. The total APE is approximately 8.8 acres. Approximately 12.3 acres were surveyed, including 11.5 acres west of I-10 and 0.8 acre east of I-10. The surveyed area fully included the APE, which EPNG had marked with lath prior to the archaeological survey. The survey was conducted by SWCA Environmental Consultants under Antiquities Permit #7173. Properties Identified. One isolated artifact (one flake) was found within the APE. The APE falls entirely within the Elephant Butte Irrigation District (EBID), although no contributing properties to the EBID are within the APE. Eligibility of Properties. The EBID is listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). No contributing properties to the EBID are located in the APE. The isolated piece of flaked stone is not eligible for the NRHP. Curation. No artifacts were collected, resulting in no curation. Comments. The proposed replacement and lowering of EPNG Line Nos. 2034 and 2058 beneath I-10 involves ground-disturbing activities within the EPNG ROW and staging and pipe-stringing activities within temporary workspace adjacent to the EPNG ROW. An archaeological survey of the APE, which includes the existing EPNG ROW and the adjacent temporary workspace, resulted in the discovery of no archaeological sites or contributing properties to the EBID. The proposed undertaking should result in No Historic Properties Affected. No further archaeological work is recommended

Delay in Delivery of Cadaver to Next of Kin

The general rule is that mental suffering alone, caused by mere negligence, is non-compensable. While a majority of courts seem to hold that damages may be awarded when physical injuries result from mental anguish, even though no impact (contact) is involved, in most states the requirement of physical injury appears steadfast. One notable exception to this rule, however, can sometimes be found in the law relating to cadavers. Briefly stated, it holds that mental anguish suffered by the next of kin, resulting from interference with the body of the deceased, is sufficient basis for compensation, irrespective of contemporaneous physical injury. Our purpose then is to discuss interference with possession of a cadaver, delay in delivery, and the accompanying mental distress of the next of kin

Delay in Delivery of Cadaver to Next of Kin

The general rule is that mental suffering alone, caused by mere negligence, is non-compensable. While a majority of courts seem to hold that damages may be awarded when physical injuries result from mental anguish, even though no impact (contact) is involved, in most states the requirement of physical injury appears steadfast. One notable exception to this rule, however, can sometimes be found in the law relating to cadavers. Briefly stated, it holds that mental anguish suffered by the next of kin, resulting from interference with the body of the deceased, is sufficient basis for compensation, irrespective of contemporaneous physical injury. Our purpose then is to discuss interference with possession of a cadaver, delay in delivery, and the accompanying mental distress of the next of kin

A qualitatively driven approach to multimethod and mixed methods research

This chapter discusses the meaning of qualitatively -driven inquiry and what this is in the context of mixed and multi methods research. It distinguishes between qualitatively-driven mixed and multi methods approaches and considers why methods may be mixed using a qualitatively-driven approach. The chapter identifies some reasons for using qualitatively-driven mixed and multi method approaches and defines templates for their application. The chapter provides several research examples throughout to illustrate the insight gained with these approaches. It concludes with in-depth discussions of the value of these approaches and considers their contribution more widely to the field of mixed-methods researc