Spin-axis stabilization of symmetric spacecraft with two control torques

It is a well-known fact that a symmetric spacecraft with two control torques supplied by gas jet actuators is not controllable, if the two control torques are along axes that span the two-dimensional plane orthogonal to the axis of symmetry. However, feedback control laws can be derived for a restricted problem corresponding to attitude stabilization about the symmetry axis. In this configuration, the final state of the system is a uniform revolute motion about the symmetry axis. The purpose of this paper is to present a new methodology for constructing feedback control laws for this problem, based on a new formulation for the attitude kinematics.     

Cellular Network Performance Analysis: Handoff Algorithms Based on Mobile Location and Area Information

Mobile world's rapid growth has spurred development of new protocols and new algorithms to meet changing operation requirements such as mobile networking, and quality-of-service support. A key requirement in the bearer capabilities is the handover. The freedom to be able to make and receive calls anywhere, at any time, creating a totally new dimension in human communications has frequently been advertised as the main advantage of new wireless systems. Handovers are a key concept in providing this mobility. It makes it possible for a user to travel from one cell to another while having a seamless connection. Network operators give emphasis to optimize handover, since it is strongly related to dropped calls, network overload and subsequently users' criticism. The ability of a cellular network to perform efficient handovers is crucial to offer attractive services as real-time applications or streaming media as planned in third generation networks. Since signal propagation and pathloss are complex in nature, we can expect unnecessary and wrong handoff executions. Both UMTS and those of the second generation (GSM) systems will require redefined handoff algorithms of active connections as the smooth mobility support and continuous connection are essential issues for obtaining high performance and increasing user satisfaction. In this paper we present a set of intelligent algorithms using the mobile terminal (MT) location information and area awareness to assist safe handoff decisions. The implemented algorithms are validated by means of cellular network simulators that clearly show the impact of these techniques to major system performance metrics.     

Visualizing program dependencies: An experimental study

This paper addresses the problem of visualizing program dependencies (i.e. entities and their relations). A code visualization tool that maintains a repository of structural and functional dependencies for C programs is described. Visualization of such dependencies is accomplished by using a presentation model which combines data and control flow information. Moreover, transformation mechanisms and partitioning techniques used by the tool provide the means for managing large graphical representations. The quantitative results from an experimental study using this tool indicate that the productivity of its users was increased and that the quality of changes made during a program modification exercise was improved. Furthermore, the qualitative results have shown that its presentation model, transformation mechanisms and partitioning techniques constitute a promising platform for the comprehension and maintenance of C programs. Finally, the outcome of an empirical evaluation of the tool and the enhancement of its functionality and user interface are also discussed in this paper.     

Macrodiversity analysis of anM-ary noncoherent orthogonal DS/CDMA system on shadowed Rayleigh channels

DS/CDMA noncoherentM-ary orthogonal signaling is presented in a hexagonal cell with three and six corner-based antennas. Multipath Rayleigh channel with lognormal shadowing and perfect power control are assumed. The asynchronous case (uplink) is studied. Bit error rate analysis is carried out to investigate the benefits of combining theM-ary orthogonal signaling and macrodiversity techniques either with uncorrelated or correlated base stations. Comparative analysis between the one central antenna arrangement and the proposed one is presented. The results show that the combination ofM-ary signaling with multiple corner-based antennas improves system performance especially in terms of accommodating more users and supporting new services. The results also show that shadowing does not degrade system performance significantly.     

Performability indicators for the traffic analysis of wide area networks

In this paper, a repairable circular consecutive-k-out-of-n:F system with one repairman is studied. It is assumed that the working time and the repair time of each component are both exponentially distributed and every component after repair is ‘as good as new’. Each component is classified as either a key component or an ordinary component. Key components have priority in repair when failed. By using the definition of generalized transition probability, the state transition probabilities of the system are derived. Important reliability indices are evaluated for an example.     

Robust inverse optimal control laws for nonlinear systems

This work proposes a robust inverse optimal controller design for a class of nonlinear systems with bounded, time‐varying uncertain variables. The basic idea is that of re‐shaping the scalar nonlinear gain of an L_gV controller, based on Sontag's formula, so as to guarantee certain uncertainty attenuation properties in the closed‐loop system. The proposed gain re‐shaping is shown to yield a control law that enforces global boundedness of the closed‐loop trajectories, robust asymptotic output tracking with an arbitrary degree of attenuation of the effect of uncertainty on the output, and inverse optimality with respect to a meaningful cost that penalizes the tracking error and the control action. The performance of the control law is illustrated through a simulation example and compared with other controller designs. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity of Titania Loaded Cd-MCM-41

Catalysts consisting of cadmium incorporated into MCM-41 mesoporous molecular sieves (Cd-MCM-41) with Si/Cd = 80 have been synthesized by the hydrothermal method using cadmium acetate as the source of cadmium. This was then loaded with titania via the sol-gel method to explore the photoactivity in UV light. These two materials were characterized by various physicochemical techniques such as N₂ physisorption, O₂ chemisorption, diffuse reflectance UV-vis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The pore size of the Cd-MCM-41 was higher and the BET surface area was lower than those commonly found in our siliceous MCM-41. This is due to the partial pore breakage, as recorded by pore size distribution analysis. The oxygen chemisorption results shows that the dispersion of cadmium is quite high, and decreased after loading of titania. The XRD patterns of Cd-MCM-41 and 25%TiO₂/Cd-MCM-41 are similar to those of siliceous MCM-41; however, the intensity of the d ₁₀₀ peak is decreased and the unit-cell parameter increased with titania loading. Raman spectra could not detect any peaks, whereas peaks were detected at 144, 397, 518 and 641 cm_-1 with loading of titania, these peaks being associated with the anatase phase of titania. The surface composition and binding energy of the Cd 3d_5/2 peak for Cd-MCM-41 and 25%TiO₂/Cd-MCM-41 was analyzed by XPS and showed considerable infusion of cadmium ions on to the surface upon loading of titania. The Cd/Si surface atomic ratio measured by XPS increases 10 times with loading of titania on Cd-MCM-41, indicating that the two separate surface electronic levels such as Cd-O-Si and Cd-O-Ti were found for 25%TiO₂/Cd-MCM-41. The 25%TiO₂/Cd-MCM-41 showed higher activity than 25%TiO₂/MCM-41 for photocatalytic degradation of formic acid. The activity results are compared with the pure titania based on the transformation per site of Ti.     

US business and the energy crisis

The results of a survey carried out among executives of large American corporations in an effort to gauge the reaction of businessmen both to the changed energy situation and measures taken by the US government.     

Convective heat-transfer measurements in liquid metals under different fluid flow conditions

In this study an experimental method to measure convective heat transfer characteristics in liquid metals is presented. This method involves the immersion into a metal bath of a solid specimen whose melting point is equal to or lower than that of the metal or alloy in the metal bath, and which will not react chemically with the liquid metal or alloys used. The specimen should have a hollow bore whose opening is held above the surface of the liquid metal; immersion continues until such a time as the liquid metal penetrates the hollow bore. The apparent weight of the specimen is monitored to determine the rate at which the net downward force changes. Experimental results are reported for liquid aluminum, liquid copper, and liquid steel. Those experimental results were conducted under different fluid flow conditions. The applicability of this method to liquid slags is also discussed. Formerly Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Department of Metallurgy and Materials Science, University of Toronto