Home  About us  Contact
 

Space Systems (space + system)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Engineering60%

Selected Abstracts

Welding Automation in Space-Frame Bridge Construction

COMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2001
Alistair Greig
The SPACES system has been proposed as an alternative for long-span bridge construction. Tubular space frames offer a structurally more efficient solution for bridges, but they have been considered too expensive because the joints at the nodal intersections of the tubular members are difficult and expensive to weld. The benefits of the SPACES system can only be realized by using a computer-integrated construction system to drive down the fabrication costs. A key component of the computer-integrated construction is the robotic welding system. This article describes the development of a lightweight automated welding system for the joining of tubular members. It addresses the geometry of intersecting cylinders and the kinematics and design of a 5-degree-of-freedom manipulator. Summary solutions are given for both. The control software is described briefly, and mention of the welding tests and overall business process is also made. A consortium of U.K. industry and universities is conducting the work. [source]

Standardization of In Vitro Macrophotography for Assessment of Cutaneous Responses

PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2009
Sergio G. Coelho
The increased popularity of commercially available three-dimensional human skin equivalents in recent years has allowed for assessment of melanogenesis modulated by compounds topically applied to the skin or directly incorporated from the medium. These skin equivalents provide a suitable model for elucidating the mechanisms of action of various factors that modulate skin pigmentation or other properties of the skin. As such, researchers need to objectively quantify cutaneous responses at the macroscopic level. A simple method to standardize macrophotography images is reported that can quantify cutaneous responses in human skin equivalents of Asian, Black or African American, and Caucasian or White racial/ethnic origin. Macrophotographs are analyzed using the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*a*b* color space system in combination with a personal computer and image editing software. Pigmentation changes monitored over a 9 day period showed a high correlation with melanin content evaluated in Fontana,Masson-stained sections. These results indicate the feasibility of using a macrophotography setup in a sterile tissue culture environment to objectively assess in vitro cutaneous responses in human skin equivalents. This serves as an adjunct tool to biochemical and morphological methods to effectively quantify changes in pigmentation over time. [source]

On new parametrization methods for the estimation of linear state,space models

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADAPTIVE CONTROL AND SIGNAL PROCESSING, Issue 9-10 2004
T. Ribarits
Abstract In this paper we introduce two variants of a new parametrization for state,space systems which we will both call separable least squares data driven local co-ordinates (slsDDLC). SlsDDLC is obtained by modifying the parametrization by data driven local co-ordinates (DDLC). These modifications lead to analogous parametrizations, and we show how they can be used for a suitably concentrated likelihood criterion function. The concentration step can be done by an ordinary or generalized least squares step. An obvious consequence is the reduced number of parameters in the iterative search algorithm. The application of the parametrizations to maximum likelihood identification is exemplified. Simulations indicate that the usage of slsDDLC for concentrated likelihood functions has numerical advantages as compared to the usage of the more commonly used echelon canonical form or conventional DDLC for the likelihood function. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Value-centric framework and pareto optimality for design and acquisition of communication satellites

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING, Issue 6 2009
Joy Brathwaite
Abstract Investments in space systems are substantial, indivisible, and irreversible, characteristics of high-risk investments. Traditional approaches to system design, acquisition, and risk mitigation are derived from a cost-centric mindset, and as such they incorporate little information about the value of the spacecraft to its stakeholders. These traditional approaches are appropriate in stable environments. However, the current technical and economic conditions are distinctly uncertain and rapidly changing. Consequently, these traditional approaches have to be revisited and adapted to the current context. We propose that in uncertain environments, decision-making with respect to design and acquisition choices should be value-based. We develop a value-centric framework, analytical tools, and an illustrative numerical example for communication satellites. Our two proposed metrics for decision-making are the system's expected value and value uncertainty. Expected value is calculated as the expected NPV of the satellite. The cash inflow is calculated as a function of the satellite loading, its transponder pricing, and market demand. The cash outflows are the various costs for owning and operating the satellite. Value uncertainty emerges due to uncertainties in the various cash flow streams, in particular because of market conditions. We propagate market uncertainty through Monte Carlo simulation, and translate it into value uncertainty for the satellite. The end result is a portfolio of Pareto-optimal satellite design alternatives. By using value and value uncertainty as decision metrics in the down-selection process, decision-makers draw on more information about the system in its environment, and in making value-based design and acquisition choices, they ultimately make more informed and better choices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Partial pole assignment for the vibrating system with aerodynamic effect

NUMERICAL LINEAR ALGEBRA WITH APPLICATIONS, Issue 1 2004
Wen-Wei Lin
Abstract The partial pole assignment (PPA) problem is the one of reassigning a few unwanted eigenvalues of a control system by feedback to suitably chosen ones, while keeping the remaining large number of eigenvalues unchanged. The problem naturally arises in modifying dynamical behaviour of the system. The PPA has been considered by several authors in the past for standard state,space systems and for quadratic matrix polynomials associated with second-order systems. In this paper, we consider the PPA for a cubic matrix polynomial arising from modelling of a vibrating system with aerodynamics effects and derive explicit formulas for feedback matrices in terms of the coefficient matrices of the polynomial. Our results generalize those of a quadratic matrix polynomial by Datta et al. (Linear Algebra Appl. 1997;257: 29) and is based on some new orthogonality relations for eigenvectors of the cubic matrix polynomial, which also generalize the similar ones reported in Datta et al. (Linear Algebra Appl. 1997;257: 29) for the symmetric definite quadratic pencil. Besides playing an important role in our solution for the PPA, these orthogonality relations are of independent interests, and believed to be an important contribution to linear algebra in its own right. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]