Civilian Purposes Research Articles

Multi-objective Route Planning of an Unmanned Air Vehicle in Continuous Terrain: An Exact and an Approximation Algorithm

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are widely used for military and civilian purposes. Effective route planning is an important component of their successful missions. In this study, we address the route planning problem of a UAV tasked with collecting information from various target locations in a protected terrain. We consider multiple targets, three objectives, and time-dependent information availability. Modeling the movement of UAVs in a continuous terrain in the presence of multiple objectives is complex. Conflicting objectives typically lead to a continuum of efficient trajectory options between two targets. We formulate the routing problem as a mixed-integer programming (MIP) model that captures the movement in the continuous terrain. We demonstrate the superiority of the continuous terrain formulation over the simplified discretized terrain formulation. We also develop an approximation algorithm that reduces the computational requirements of the MIP model substantially while ensuring a desired level of precision.

Study of Global Navigation Satellite System Receivers' Accuracy for Unmanned Vehicles.

The development of unmanned ground vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles requires high-precision navigation due to the autonomous motion and higher traffic intensity. The existing L1 band GNSS receivers are a good and cheap decision for smartphones, vehicle navigation, fleet management systems, etc., but their accuracy is not good enough for many civilian purposes. At the same time, real-time kinematic (RTK) navigation allows for position precision in a sub-centimeter range, but the system cost significantly narrows this navigation to a very limited area of applications, such as geodesy. A practical solution includes the integration of dual-band GNSS receivers and inertial sensors to solve high-precision navigation tasks, but GNSS position accuracy may significantly affect IMU performance due to having a great impact on Kalman filter performance in unmanned vehicles. The estimation of dilution-of-precision (DOP) parameters is essential for the filter performance as the optimality of the estimation in the filter is closely connected to the quality of a priori information about the noise covariance matrix and measurement noise covariance. In this regard, the current paper analyzes the DOP parameters of the latest generation dual-band GNSS receivers and compares the results with the L1 ones. The study was accomplished using two types of antennas-L1/L5 band patch and wideband helix antennas, which were designed and assembled by the authors. In addition, the study is extended with a comparison of GNSS receivers from different generations but sold on the market by one of the world's leading GNSS manufacturers. The analyses of dilution-of-precision (DOP) parameters show that the introduction of dual-band receivers may significantly increase the navigation precision in a sub-meter range, in addition to multi-constellation signal reception. The fast advances in the performance of the integrated CPU in GNSS receivers allow the number of correlations and tracking satellites to be increased from 8-10 to 24-30, which also significantly improves the position accuracy even of L1-band receivers.

Методика балістичного планування місій низькоорбітального сервісного обслугову-вання з малою постійною тягою рушійних систем

The current stage of space exploration is characterized by an increased interest in the development, deployment, and operation of low-orbit satellite constellations (LOSC) for Earth and near-Earth space remote sensing for military and civilian purposes and for global and regional satellite communications. Reusable space launch vehicles have significantly reduced the orbital injection cost. As a result, satellite operators are developing and deploying large-scale LOSCs of various orbital structures with a large number of spacecraft. According to current estimates, more than 70% of all the operating satellites operate in low-Earth orbits (LEOs) at altitudes between 160 km and 2,000 km. Since LEO satellites are generally much cheaper than satellites in geostationary orbits, the possibility of their on-orbit servicing (OOS) has not been the focus of research. However, the use of LEO OOS has prospects for growth. Techniques for ballistic planning of LEO OOS missions have been and are being developed. The disadvantages of approximate techniques include the use of simplified flight dynamics models. Most of the existing exact techniques are based on the use of full mathematical models of flight dynamics and the shooting method to solve the boundary value problem of an orbit transfer. Using the shooting method requires a sufficiently accurate initial guess, which is difficult to determine. To obtain a second approximation, use is mainly made of optimization methods, which do not always find a global minimum. In this regard, there is a need to develop new techniques that would be free from the above disadvantages. The goal of the article is to develop a ballistic planning technique for low-orbit servicing missions with low constant thrust propulsion systems. The technique includes the identification of LEO areas promising for OOS, a mathematical model of the dynamics of perturbed OOS orbit transfers in modified equinoctial orbital elements, and a solution algorithm for the boundary value problem of determining the control parameters of perturbed OOS low-orbit transfers. The problem is solved using methods of statistical analysis, flight dynamics, shooting, genetic optimization, and mathematical simulation. The novelty lies in the identification of LEO areas promising for OOS and the development of a mathematical model of orbit transfer dynamics in modified equinoctial orbital elements and a solution algorithm for determining the control parameters of perturbed OOS low-orbit transfers. The results of the work may be used in the justification and planning of LEO OOS missions and the formulation of requirements for LEO OSS mission propulsion systems.

Assessment of the opportunities of demolition waste using as a building material of the future in Ukraine

The object of research is the potential of secondary use of waste from the destruction of buildings and structures, which were formed as a result of the military aggression of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine. For Ukraine, the issue of demolition waste is critical at the level of environmental safety and ensuring the demand for building materials for the reclamation of Ukraine according to the principles of the circular economy. To date, there are no official methods that would allow to determine the exact amount of destruction and the quality of the material formed, which complicates the development of mechanisms for its utilization in production. The key industry considered during the research for disposal of demolition waste is the industry of construction materials production. In the course of research, it was determined that most of the generated waste is waste from the destruction of buildings and structures made of precast concrete, however, considering that these wastes are generated by the action of explosions from shells. It is very difficult to ensure their compliance with the requirements of current standards due to the inclusion that such waste can contain. Therefore, the problem considered by this study is the determination of the nature of waste from the destruction of buildings and structures, their physical, mechanical and chemical characteristics, in the context of the final applications of products based on them. The results of the study showed that when reproducing the concrete mix for tared concrete for civil purposes, which do not have high requirements for stability in aggressive operating conditions, when replacing natural aggregate crushed to a fraction of 5 to 20 mm, the requirements for concrete strength are achieved in the level of C40/50 strength class. But the rheological characteristics deteriorate due to the high absorption of water from the concrete mixture by the studied material. Research has shown that for further use in the production of ready-mixed concrete and precast concrete products, it is necessary to prepare demolition waste with a wide particle size distribution and low dust content. This can ensure a high level of recycling and meet the demand for concrete in the reconstruction of Ukraine. The fine aggregate from the demolition waste crushing process can be considered as secondary cementitious material for cement production.

Evaluation of Sonic Boom Shock Wave Generation with CFD Green Methods

Over the past two decades, there has been a renewed interest in the development of a new generation of supersonic aircraft for civil purposes that could potentially succeed Concorde. However, the noise annoyance is still considered one of the hampering factors to meet public consensus. This paper aims at revealing the potential of numerical simulations to predict sonic boom signature in Near Field at early design stages. In particular, the paper further demonstrates the applicability of the numerical approach proposed by NASA and other partners during the Sonic Boom Prediction Workshops held between 2014 and 2021, to compute the pressure signature of aircraft in the zone close to it. The results highlight the suitability of the approach (1) to capture the impact of aircraft flight condition variations on the sonic boom signature, (2) to enable the characterization of novel aircraft layout, including Mach 5 waverider configuration, (3) to provide near-field shock wave noise predictions that can be used to evaluate shock propagation, on-ground signature analyses, and annoyance assessment.

Pulsed High-Power Radio Frequency Energy Can Cause Non-Thermal Harmful Effects on the BRAIN.

High-power microwave applications are growing for both military and civil purposes, yet they can induce brain-related risks and raise important public health concerns. High-power sub-millisecond radio frequency energy pulses have been demonstrated to be able to induce neurological and neuropathological changes in the brain while being compliant with current regulatory guidelines' limits, highlighting the necessity of revising them.

Нормативно-методическое обеспечение мониторинга достижения результатов НИОКР, осуществляемых за счет субсидий из федерального бюджета

The article considers approaches to regulatory and methodological support of tracking the results of research, development and technological works for civil purposes (R&D) funded with subsidies provided to legal entities from the federal budget, including grants in the form of subsidies for R&D from the federal budget to legal entities (except for state (municipal) institutions), individual entrepreneurs, individuals — producers of goods, works and services (hereinafter — subsidies to legal entities), — at all stages of the budget process: budget planning, budget execution, reporting on budget execution. The analysis of the above issue's regulation in relation to this type of source of financial support is presented in comparison with other types of budget expenditures provided for R&D (subsidies to state institutions for the fulfillment of the state tasks perform works and procurement of works to meet state needs). The practical application of the results of the analysis makes it possible to formulate proposals for the development of unified approaches to the management of R&D expenditures by monitoring the achievement of results (and, in the long term, their application) and thereby to improve the transparency and quality of budget management in the field of scientific research at all stages of the budget process.

MONITORING THE LEGAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT VEHICLES FOR CIVIL PURPOSES

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles for civilian purposes involves the study of the degree of scientificdevelopment of this issue in our country and abroad. The presented article contains material on thedevelopment of legal aspects of the use of UAVs. The legal regulation of the operation of military aircraft iscaused by modern realities that require ensuring the security and sovereignty of the state. It is necessary todetermine on which legally significant issues there is already sufficient elaboration, and on which there aregaps. Scientific monitoring in this area is necessary to correct the plans of legislative work at the federal andregional levels. The research team of the Altai State University Law Institute has started work on this topic.

Synthesis and Characterization of High‐Quality Ta2O5 Nanoparticles for Highly Selective SAW‐Based DUV Sensor and Corona Detection Application

AbstractIn recent times, significant progress is made in the development of solar‐blind deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) photodetectors (200–280 nm) due to their potential applications for military and civil purposes. In this study, the development of a novel solar‐blind DUV photodetector based on tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) nanoparticles (NPs) utilizing Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) sensor integrated with Interface electronics is reported for the first time. The 3‐D Ta2O5 NPs surface morphology, crystallinity, and defect state level is discussed using various analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and spectrophotometer. The developed 3‐D Ta2O5 NPs based photodetector exhibits high sensitivity to 254 nm DUV irradiation (5 µW cm−2), demonstrating excellent photoresponse characteristics. The performance parameters including highest sensitivity, fast response/recovery time are measured as 1621.1 ppm (mW cm−2)−1, 3.7s/19.8s, respectively. Subsequent analysis demonstrates the stability and repeatability of the photodetector, enabling its potential to real time corona discharge detection. With its inherent advantages, the current DUV photodetector utilizing Ta2O5 NPs exhibits great potential for future applications in DUV optoelectronics.

OECD/NEA/CSNI state-of-the-art report on scaling in system thermal-hydraulics applications to nuclear reactor safety and design (The S-SOAR)

The present paper deals with scaling in nuclear-system thermal-hydraulics (SYS TH), including the connection with Nuclear Reactor Safety Technology (NST). The paper is entirely derived from the S-SOAR document issued by CSNI of NEA, NEA/CSNI/R(2016)14, 2016 (Bestion et al., 2016). Scaling has constituted ‘an issue’ since the beginning of the exploitation of nuclear energy for civil purposes, with main reference to the generation of electricity. A Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) constitutes a technologically complex industrial system and it is characterized by the impossibility of, or the large difficulty in, characterizing the system’s performance under the conditions of the design. So, models were designed, constructed, and operated under downscaled ranges of values for one or more of selected parameters (e.g. power, volume, height, pressure, etc). These features lay at the origin of the scaling issue, i.e. the difficulty in demonstrating that a model behaves like the prototype. Integrated definitions of the widely adopted terms, ‘scaling’, ‘scaling issue’, and ‘addressing the scaling issue’ are part of the present document. The related application domain includes the NST, and the licensing for water-cooled nuclear reactors under operation, under construction, or under an advanced design stage at the time of publication of the (Bestion et al., 2016). Scaling-related analyses are done in different areas of SYS TH and NST. These include the design of test facilities (both integral and separate-effect test facilities, IETF and SETF), the design of experiments (including Counterpart Test, CT), the demonstration of the capability of any computational tool, and the evaluation of uncertainty affecting the prediction of the same computational tools. A variety of approaches have been used to address the scaling issue, including non-dimensional analysis of mass, energy- and momentum-balance equations, derivation and application of scaling factors, including the hierarchy of relative importance, performing experiments at different scales, and running the SYS TH computer codes. This paper discusses the key areas and the key approach for scaling. It was found that the SYS TH computer codes, following their application to differently scaled experiments, demonstrate that the accuracy of their predictions may not depend upon the scale of the considered experiments. The TH codes also may constitute an additional valuable tool for addressing the issue of scaling.

Experimental study on efficient propulsion system for multicopter UAV design applications

The usage of multicopter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has increased for various military and civilian purposes. The choice of propulsion system of such a vehicle is crucial to fulfill the intended mission requirements. The present study focuses on evaluating the efficiency of propulsion system by experimenting with different motor, propeller and battery combinations. The connection between the electronic speed controller (ESC) signal, current, power, thrust and torque in relation to propeller size is determined. It is observed that regardless of battery capacity or motor type, the thrust and torque produced for a given motor speed (RPM) for a specified propeller are similar. The higher capacity battery with 6000 mAh, denoted as B2 battery, consumes less current and can attain higher motor speed to produce the required thrust force than a lower capacity battery with 3300 mAh, denoted as B1 battery. The most efficient propeller, 12 inches in diameter (P4 propeller), is observed to achieve efficiency levels of 12.9 % for the B1 battery and 11.4 % for the B2 battery. Similarly, the most efficient motor, 700 KV motor (M1), is determined to exhibit efficiency of 64.29 % when coupled with the B1 battery and 62.01 % when coupled with the B2 battery. It is identified that using the B2 battery results in an increased payload capacity of 5.82 N, compared to 2.02 N with the B1 battery. Furthermore, when considering both scenarios with and without payload, greater endurance is observed when B2 battery is used as opposed to the B1 battery.

Enhanced range-doppler algorithm for SAR image formation

A Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system is a powerful source of information due to its capability to operate day and night and in all weather conditions. It is essential for military and civilian purposes. Pulse-focusing is employed by the SAR system for achieving both long-range detection and fine-range resolution. The Range-Doppler Algorithm (RDA) is the most popular pulse-focusing technique for creating images from coherent SAR data. Pulse compression techniques for SAR signal processing targets seek to improve map resolution, lower peak power, and increase the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of the detected object. This paper demonstrates an enhanced RDA algorithm that uses a modified pulse compression technique based on mismatched filter optimization where Quadratic Constrained Quadratic Program (QCQP) is used. The performance evaluation of the proposed method is performed using visual assessment and the standard image quality metrics peak-side-lobe-ratio (PSLR), impulse-response-width (IRW), and integrated-side-lobe-ratio (ISLR). Simulated and real SAR raw data are used for performance evaluation. The experimental results demonstrate the proposed method’s robustness, efficiency, and reliability in providing a higher-quality SAR image than the traditional RDA algorithm.

Autonomous Navigation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: Investigating Architectures and Techniques for a Flexible Platform

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have a significant impact on the aircraft industry and are used for both military and civilian purposes. The partial or full automation of UAVs is an active research domain that is attracting interest from both the industrial and academic sectors. This paper presents a comprehensive review of UAVs, their architectures, and techniques used for autonomous navigation. Autonomous navigation requires the ability to recognize and avoid obstacles, which can be achieved using visual, non-visual, or hybrid techniques. These methods use computer vision and machine learning algorithms and are implemented on a computer system, which may or may not be embedded in the vehicle. After investigating the existing architectures and techniques, a flexible platform is designed. This platform combines the advantages of the existing architectures, materials, and methods. It is based on a compact architecture with the possibility of external communication. This platform is mainly composed of a companion computer for complex tasks like obstacle detection and path planning during mission. When implementing this platform, it is crucial to take into account the capabilities of the companion computer processor and appropriately select techniques. Finally, the paper suggests potential areas for future research in this field.

SAFETY RISKS POSED BY PYROTECHNIC MATERIALS

Abstract: Pyrotechnic materials are one of the types of explosives which are used to manufacture products for military and civil purposes. These materials, in the event of improper storage or use contrary to their intended purpose, may work in an uncontrolled manner. In extreme cases, the phenomenon of a mass explosion involving the entire load, warehouse or transport vehicle may occur, which in turn may lead to significant losses in people or property. History cites many cases in which the explosion of spectacular pyrotechnic products, generally considered harmless, had catastrophic consequences for the life and health of many people. The risks associated with the use of pyrotechnic materials may result, among others, from: negligence on the part of producers, or organizational local authorities, lack or failure to maintain an appropriate level of security by sellers, organizers of mass events and users themselves. Due to the amount of storage in one place, pyrotechnic materials pose a particularly high risk in the places of production and storage. Over the years, there have been many disasters related to the accidental initiation of energetic semi-finished or finished products. This article describes accidents related to the activation of pyrotechnic materials in Poland and abroad. Methods for determining the degree of hazard posed by dangerous goods and examples of the Test Series 6 carried out for pyrotechnic articles are also presented.

Intelligent Vehicle Carriers to Support General Civilian Purposes

Intelligent Vehicle Carriers to Support General Civilian Purposes

MACROMODELING OF LOCAL POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM BALANCE FORECASTING USING FRACTAL PROPERTIES OF LOAD AND GENERATION SCHEDULES

A method of forecasting the balance of electricity consumption of urban development objects, civil purposes using discrete macromodels is proposed. We consider the power supply system (PSS) of the district, which is characterised by power supply from general-purpose power grids, as well as having its own generation of electricity from renewable energy sources (RES). Such a local electric power system (LES) under certain conditions can be operated as an independent balanced electrical facility. For optimal operation of the LES under these conditions, it is necessary to predict its power consumption schedules. The proposed macromodelling method allows to develop deterministic models of power consumption with the required accuracy on the basis of retrospective information without the use of data preprocessing procedures. The solution to the problem of forecasting electricity consumption schedules is simplified by using only basic or deterministic characteristics in the construction of the model. These include fractal properties of PSS load schedules.

Bioremediation of RDX and HMX contaminated soil employing a biochar-based bioformulation

Compounds like Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and Octahydro-1, 3, 5, 7-tetranitro-1, 3, 5, 7-tetrazocine (HMX) are categorised as a secondary explosive. These secondary explosives are widely employed for defence and civil purposes worldwide. The release of explosive compounds in the environment during their production, storage and usage results in severe soil and water contamination. Pollution caused by explosives is a major concern as it is recalcitrant in nature and has toxic effects on human beings, animals and plants. There is a need to find an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to deal with explosive contaminated soil. In the present study, bioformulation was prepared with explosive degrading bacteria to treat explosive contaminated soil. Bioformulation consisted of coconut husk-derived biochar as a carrier material and Arthrobacter subterraneus as an active ingredient. The survivability of bacteria and performance of bioformulation with different concentrations of explosive compounds were analysed. Results showed that Arthrobacter subterraneus could immobilise with biochar and can survive up to 6 months. The prepared bioformulation was able to degrade up to 85.98% RDX and 80.4% HMX in contaminated soil in a time duration of 30 days. A significant increase in nitrite concentration, a major byproduct of RDX and HMX biodegradation, was found in soil treated with bioformulation. Thus, bioformulation can be applied to remediate explosive-contaminated sites as an eco-friendly technique.Graphical

Investigating the effect of external force on the collision of an iron bullet with shear-thickening fluid nanocomposites using molecular dynamics simulation

The main uses of bullets are as projectiles in firearms for military, law enforcement, and civilian purposes. However, bullets have significant industrial applications beyond their role in weaponry, such as precision drilling, cutting, and shaping of hard materials. Steel bullets have a very resistant structure and will not be damaged if exposed to corrosion. Other applications that are resistant to strike and projectiles, such as the automotive and aerospace industries, are based on fibers or fabrics with high toughness and tensile strength, such as Kevlar and p -aramid fibers, which are impregnated with some thermoplastic or thermoset polymers. Therefore, in the upcoming research, the impact of external force (EF) with various values (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 V/Å) on the strength of Kevlar nanofibers reinforced with silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles and ethylene glycol (EG) has been investigated using LAMMPS software. EG and SiO2 nanoparticles with 10 and 2 vol% were added to Kevlar fabrics, creating a shear thickening fluid (STF) nanocomposite. The energy parameters of the interaction between the particles, collision velocity, and the center of mass have been calculated. The findings of the research indicate an increase in the interaction energy from 111271.85 to 154351.15 kcal/mol, an increase in the collision velocity from 0.7046 to 1.5812 Å/fs and an increase in the center of mass from 0.62671 to 1.1670 Å due to the EF applied from 0.2 to 0.4 (kcal/mol)/Å. These results show EF should be optimized in actual cases for the collision process to occur effectively.

REALIZATION OF THE TECHNOLOGY OF DUAL USE OF OUTER SPACE CONTROL MEANS

Context. The radar means of outer space control are monofunctional systems, despite their potential multifunctionality. To ensure the effective implementation of target functions, only some of the total number of potential functions are used, other existing functions are not studied and as a result, don’t used. The target functions of most existing domestic and foreign radiolocation stations on space control RLS SC are practically reduced only to the control of space objects in different orbits. The obtained information is not fully used, so the new target doesn’t form. As the history of the development of defense complexes shows, in most industrialized countries there are examples of the use of military developments for civilian purposes (spin-off) and civilian developments for military purposes (spin-on). As a result of these synergy processes emphasis on the strategy of double technologies and double innovation increased. Objective. The aim of the work is to study the possibility of introducing an ionospheric channel into the domestic radar station 5N86 Dnipro (Hen House) and expanding its intended use by using most of its functional systems to implement the ionosphere control function. Method. The paper uses a comparative analysis of the main functional systems and technical characteristics of the 5N86 Dnipro radar and non-coherent scatter radars (PHR) of the global ionosphere control network. Results. The main characteristic features of the RLS 5N86 are analyzed and, taking into account the characteristics of the signals, the possibility of using the multifunctionality of the radar to form a new target function for monitoring outer space is substantiated. From an applied point of view, a number of specific scientific and practical solutions are given, aimed at the realization of dual-purpose technology in the implementation of the ionosphere control function by a radar station - both for solving the problems of increasing the own efficiency and for the interests of fundamental science. It is shown that the creation of new target RLS is based on both the use of already existing systems and the introduction of new ones. The importance of the scientific task on the implementation of the ionosphere control function and the possibility of integrating into the global ionosphere control network is substantiated. Conclusions. The presence of scientific and technical developments and the practical experience of the domestic RLS SC developer makes the new target function realization absolutely realistic. The implementation of the double-purpose technology will ensure an effective solution for both applied and fundamental scientific tasks.

Target Localization for Autonomous Landing Site Detection: A Review and Preliminary Result with Static Image Photogrammetry

The advancement of autonomous technology in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has piloted a new era in aviation. While UAVs were initially utilized only for the military, rescue, and disaster response, they are now being utilized for domestic and civilian purposes as well. In order to deal with its expanded applications and to increase autonomy, the ability for UAVs to perform autonomous landing will be a crucial component. Autonomous landing capability is greatly dependent on computer vision, which offers several advantages such as low cost, self-sufficiency, strong anti-interference capability, and accurate localization when combined with an Inertial Navigation System (INS). Another significant benefit of this technology is its compatibility with LiDAR technology, Digital Elevation Models (DEM), and the ability to seamlessly integrate these components. The landing area for UAVs can vary, ranging from static to dynamic or complex, depending on their environment. By comprehending these characteristics and the behavior of UAVs, this paper serves as a valuable reference for autonomous landing guided by computer vision and provides promising preliminary results with static image photogrammetry.