Method of directed enumeration of alternatives in the problem of automatic recognition of half-tone images

The problem of automatic recognition of half-tone images based on the minimum information discrimination principle is formulated and solved. A method of directed enumeration of the set of alternatives in the Kullback-Leibler information metric is proposed as opposed to the method of complete enumeration of competing hypotheses. A program and results of an experimental study of the method are presented. It is shown that the proposed algorithm is characterized by increased accuracy and reliability of automatic image recognition.     

Estimate of Stress-Strain State of Rocks in the Area of Drilling Kola Ultradeep Well

The values of horizontal tectonic stresses are estimated up to depth of 11 500 m by the measurement of velocities of longitudinal and transverse waves in rock samples extracted from various depths when drilling Kola Ultradeep Well.     

Management of the Service Life of a Nuclear Power Plant

Nuclear power plant service life management is the modern technology for providing efficient operation of nuclear power plants at an established safety level irrespective of the initial set service life. Consequently, this technology provides a realistic possibility for nuclear power not only to maintain but also to expand its presence in the electricity production market. Conceptually, service life management is viewed as a process that encompasses the entire life cycle of a nuclear power plant, including three basic stages: preoperation, operation, and postoperation. The technical, economic, and organizational aspects and the basic directions, including continuation and decommissioning, are discussed taking account of the international experience in such practice. The target function for managing the service life, the strategy, and a program for Russian power-generating units are examined.     

Evolution of aerosols in large pressurized spaces

Results of experiments in pressurized spaces of 100 to 3200 m³, including a manned space station, carried out to study the evolution of aerosols and ions in the course of their spontaneous decay and removal by an electric field or mechanical means are considered. Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 73, No. 4, pp. 844–850, July–August, 2000.     

Sintered magnesium and magnesium-beryllium alloys

Summary The use of powder metallurgy methods for the production of magnesium alloys is highly promising. By employing technological procedures widely known in powder metallurgy practice, it is possible to make magnesium alloys whose production by the methods of melting and casting would be hardly feasible.The addition of finely dispersed magnesium oxide and an excess beryllium phase to the magnesium matrix secures an excellent combination of long-time oxidation and heat resistance at temperatures substantially above the permissible operating temperatures of the usual magnesium-base alloys.