Elevation Angle Research Articles

Analysis of Flight Mechanism and Fluid Dynamics Based on Dandelion Model

The elevation angle of dandelion crown hairs is investigated by controlling the angle of the fan to investigate the stability factors of dandelion flight, and the theoretical knowledge is deduced and analyzed to get the conclusion. Taking the structure of badminton ball as the basic reference, three motion states of dandelion are set, and the exit wind speed of the wind tunnel is measured respectively. Through Fluent flow field analysis, a low-pressure vortex detached from the body exists above the center of the dandelion model during flight, and a high-pressure airflow field exists below, the size of which decreases with the increase of elevation angle. The velocity field is unfolded by the semicircular arcs on both sides of the vortex and decreases gradually, and the velocity maxima appear at the left and right vertices of the elliptical vortex, and the range of the semicircular arcs of the velocity field increases gradually with the increase of elevation angle. In the elliptical vortex, there are two vortices with different velocity directions, the left velocity direction is clockwise and the right is counterclockwise.

Optical parameter design model of hemispherical laser retroreflector arrays for satellite laser ranging

A laser retroreflector array (LRA) with multiple retroreflectors is used to directionally reflect an incident laser beam and aims to enhance the received signal strength into laser ranging ground stations. A comprehensive mathematical equation of the received photons is established by modelling the LRA far field diffraction intensity (FFDI) and the satellite velocity aberration position. Based on this received photon model, a novel method on designing the dihedral angle offset and the aperture of retroreflectors is proposed, which maximizes the received photon under the minimal elevation angle of the ground station. Taking the hemispherical structure parameters of Chinese HY-2 satellite LRA and the specification parameters of the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, the optimal aperture and the dihedral angle offset of the HY-2 laser retroreflectors are 17 mm and 1.6″, respectively. These two optimal optical parameters make the received photon under the elevation angle of 0° reach ∼0.9 count per laser shot. Until now, ∼851,400 successful observations have been successfully obtained by global ground stations since the first launch of HY-2 satellite series in 2011, which guarantees the high-precise orbit determination of HY-2 satellite series.

Gait Analysis of Elderly and Young People Based on Joint Angles and Positions

For the elderly, the motor function of walking is significant for the maintenance and improvement of their quality of life (QOL). Walking patterns have been postulated to be associated with a decline in walking ability. The objective of this study was to develop a wearable sensor that can capture changes in walking ability in daily life. To this end, motion capture was employed to measure the lower limb joint angles and the trajectories of the lower limbs and knees for each subject while walking at a normal walking speed and to compare the results between elderly and young patients. The differences in walking patterns between the elderly and young patients were analyzed in terms of elevation angles, and an index was calculated to capture changes during walking based on elevation angles and trajectories.

How Connected Cars Could Capture Cloud Dynamics for Solar Forecasting—Evidence from Two Simulation Scenarios

The rapidly increasing share of fluctuating electricity from photovoltaics calls for accurate approaches to estimate cloud motion, the primary source for the varying power supply. While local sensor networks are prominent in targeting forecast horizons too short for image‐based methods, they have minimal spatial coverage. This work presents the first step towards expanding those approaches to spatially scalable sensor networks: With the motivation of using automotive light sensors as a sensor network, two excerpts from a microscopic traffic simulation serve as simulative sensor networks. A fractal‐based cloud shadow pattern passes the sensor network areas with defined velocities and directions, which shall be estimated using the cumulative mean absolute error method. The evaluation results indicate that the more extensive observation areas compensate for the dynamics in the sensor network when compared to a reference work with a static sensor grid. Furthermore, this work shows how the estimates deteriorate with lower vehicle penetration rates (PR) and longer building shadows due to a lower solar elevation angle. At a penetration rate of 40%, the root mean square errors for both sensor networks are still below 5 ms−1. In conclusion, the spatiotemporal characteristics of a vehicle network offer a potential for estimating cloud movements.

Variation of Heliostat Wind Loads in a Radial Field Array Model

The design of heliostats throughout a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant are currently of uniform design, however, research into the variation in heliostat wind loading within a radially staggered field array can provide insight into potential material cost savings in heliostat field design. Experimental investigation was carried out on a field array model in the University of Adelaide large wind tunnel. A total of 64 heliostat models of size 0.1 × 0.1 m were radially arranged over four surround rows. Four 3-axis load cells were utilized to analyze field array cases of morning (0700 hours), noon (1200 hours), and evening (1700 hours) configurations. Angle calculations for beam reflection were made for the 21st March (equinox). Results show mean and peak drag force coefficients reduce with distance into the field for a 1700 hour case due to high upstream blockage. Comparing the downstream drag and lift force coefficients against each test configuration, when heliostats are at steep elevation angles, high flow blockage leads to a reduction of coefficients downstream (0700 hour and 1700 hour cases). When elevation angles are reduced (1200 hours), drag and lift coefficients increase with distance from the central tower in the downstream direction. Results also show the central tower increases load coefficients on downstream heliostats, and therefore should be considered in heliostat wind loading and field design.

An optimal parameterized Newton-type structure-preserving doubling algorithm for impact angle guidance-based 3D pursuer/target interception engagement

The proposed strategy, finite-time state-dependent Riccati equation (FT-SDRE)-based impact angle guidance, is generally employed to solve the 3D pursuer/target interception model with fixed lateral accelerations. This article expands its application to a general scenario where the lateral acceleration of a target may change. To achieve this, we approximate the accelerations of the azimuth and elevation angles of the target in the inertial frame via second-order finite difference schemes and develop a high-performance FT-SDRE algorithm with structure-preserving doubling algorithms (SDAs). As a result, the update frequency of the controller can be increased, and better guidance of the pursuer can be obtained to address the high maneuverability of the target during the entire interception procedure. At every state of the FT-SDRE, a modified Newton–Lyapunov method is employed to solve the continuous algebraic Riccati equation (CARE), and a new simplified SDA with adaptive optimal parameter selection is proposed for solving the associated Lyapunov equation. Our numerical results demonstrate that the FT-SDRE algorithm accelerated by our proposed methods is approximately three times faster than the FT-SDRE algorithm, in which the MATLAB functions icare and lyap are used to solve the CARE and the Lyapunov equation, respectively, throughout the entire interception procedure. In other words, the control frequency can be increased threefold. In our benchmark cases where the target maneuvers with nonlinear lateral acceleration, the target can be intercepted earlier via the proposed FT-SDRE algorithm.

Evaluating antenna phase center variation effects on tropospheric delay retrieval using a low-cost dual-frequency GNSS receiver

Abstract This study examines the impact of Phase Center Variation (PCV) corrections on Zenith Wet Delay (ZWD) accuracy using a low-cost U-blox ZED-F9P receiver paired with three different antenna configurations: the high-grade TRM57971 antenna, the moderate-grade AS-ANT3BCAL antenna, and the low-cost ANN-MB-00 antenna. Among the three antennas evaluated, the low-cost antenna exhibited the largest PCV magnitude and a pronounced elevation angle dependence. In contrast, the other two antennas demonstrated lower levels of PCV variation. Without PCV corrections, the low-cost antenna showed significant ZWD biases compared to reference values. Applying PCV corrections significantly improved its accuracy, reducing bias and RMS by 88% and 79%, respectively. Moderate- and high-grade antennas experienced minimal improvement with correction. All antennas exhibited remarkable day-to-day repeatability in their residual patterns, despite variations observed in the RMS of phase residuals. This observed repeatability is likely attributable to the presence of unmodeled multipath contributions. The variations in RMS, in turn, can be primarily ascribed to inherent differences in multipath resistance among the antenna designs. This study highlights the critical role of PCV corrections for accurate ZWD estimation with low-cost GNSS receivers. Future research should prioritize the acquisition of manufacturer-provided calibration data for low-cost antennas to streamline and enhance the accuracy of PCV correction applications. Moreover, efforts should be directed toward developing innovative solutions, such as low-cost, multipath-resistant antennas or advanced signal processing algorithms, to mitigate the impact of multipath errors. By addressing these areas, low-cost GNSS solutions can become more reliable and cost-effective tools for tropospheric delay estimation.

Enhancing Satellite Link Security Against Drone Eavesdropping Through Cooperative Communication

ABSTRACTIntegrated satellite terrestrial networks (ISTNs) are emerging as a promising next‐generation communication technology, for example, B5G and 6G, with low‐earth orbit (LEO) satellites playing a growing role. However, the complex and unique characteristics of ISTNs make them more susceptible to cyberattacks. Recently, the use of drones for public and private services has increased the risk of eavesdropping on LEO satellite links. Such scenario presents an extremely challenging environment due to dynamic nature of LEO satellite and drone along with atmospheric attenuation at sub‐THz frequencies. This study proposes a novel adaptive power‐bandwidth cooperative scheme designed to mitigate the likelihood of eavesdropping attacks on LEO satellite links communicating with a ground station when a drone is within the line of sight. The mathematical algorithm dynamically adapts the resources to maximize the normalized secrecy capacity in this challenging scenario while maintaining a reasonable signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) at the legitimate receiver. The adaptive scheme involves strategic cooperation with a nearby terrestrial third party to amplify and forward the satellite signal to the ground station receiver. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, showing significant improvements (> 70%) compared to the non‐adaptive scheme over a wide range of elevation angles.

Far field ring beam generation based on 3-bit encoded metasurface

Abstract The encoding metasurface establishes a bridge between the physical and digital worlds, ushering in a new era of manipulating electromagnetic waves and realizing programmable metamaterials through digital coding sequences. This "digital metasurface," relying on binary logic, significantly simplifies the design process, thereby enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of controlling electromagnetic waves. While most encoding metasurfaces control beamforming for pencil-shaped beams, we propose a 3-bit encoding metasurface with a "well structure" in the microwave band.The 3-bit encoding metasurface features a more extensive encoding sequence, offering increased degrees of freedom and flexibility in manipulating the direction of electromagnetic wave propagation. Its symmetric design features polarization-insensitive characteristics, suitable for generating annular beams by varying gradient-encoded numbers radially. This approach enables the production of linearly polarized omnidirectional radiation within the desired elevation angle range. Additionally, adjustments in quantity and orientation of the produced annular beams are achieved through Fourier convolution theorem. This type of annular beams holds promise for applications in various fields, including wireless radio broadcasting and wireless local area networks.

Spatial arrangement of the whiskers of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) compared to whisker arrangements of house mice (Mus musculus) and brown rats (Rattus norvegicus).

Whiskers (vibrissae) are important tactile sensors for most mammals. We introduce a novel approach to quantitatively compare 3D geometry of whisker arrays across species with different whisker numbers and arrangements, focusing on harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), house mice (Mus musculus) and Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). Whiskers of all three species decrease in arclength and increase in curvature from caudal to rostral. They emerge from the face with elevation angles that vary linearly with dorsoventral position, and with curvature orientations that vary diagonally as linear combinations of dorsoventral and rostrocaudal positions. In seals, this diagonal varies linearly with horizontal emergence angles, and is orthogonal to the diagonal for rats and mice. This work provides the first evidence for common elements of whisker arrangements across species in different mammalian orders. Placing the equation-based whisker array on a CAD model of a seal head enables future mechanical studies of whisker-based sensing, including wake-tracking.

Impact of hardware impairments and BS antenna tilt on 3D drone localization and tracking

Today, GPS-free drone localization is increasingly gaining attention in various applications, but it faces significant accuracy challenges in three-dimensional (3D) space due to various impairments. This study investigates the effects of carrier frequency offset (CFO), phase noise (PN), and down-tilted base station (BS) antennas on drone positioning and tracking. Additionally, we explore the impact of inter-site distance (ISD) and BS density on drone position estimation accuracy. In our methodology, we consider a flying drone equipped with a single transmission antenna and BSs configured with 4 × 4 antennas under specific impairments. We first analyze the effects of these impairments on the signal’s covariance matrix. Then, using the MUSIC algorithm, we estimate the azimuth and elevation angles, which serve as the basis for drone localization using the Least Squares (LS) method across all BSs. Finally, the estimated positions feed into an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) for tracking. Our results present a sequential analysis of the impact of all impairments on the off-diagonal covariance matrix, on the Angle of Arrival (AOA) estimation and 3D drone localization. We use simulations to demonstrate how hardware impairments affect 3D drone localization accuracy under varying ISD and BS densities.

Observation and analysis of infrasound signals from the 1 January 2024 Japan earthquake

The 1 January 2024 Japan Earthquake occurred off the coast of Noto Peninsula, Japan. Three infrasound arrays s located more than 1400 km away from the epicenter received both local seismic and infrasound signals atmospherically propagating from the epicenter. The back azimuth, elevation angle and other parameters are calculated for the two types of infrasound signals received by the subarray through procedures of Progressive Multi-Channel Correlation (PMCC) and Frequency-Wavenumber (F-K) analysis. Source localization and other processing are also conducted. A recognition feature based on a low-frequency multi-scale entropy algorithm is proposed, and the received seismic signals of this event are correctly identified by using Support Vector Machine (SVM). This paper explores the calculation of earthquake parameters based on local infrasound wave and atmospherically propagated infrasound signals excited by distant earthquake events, and proposes a new method for infrasound signals event identification.

Ego-Vehicle Speed Correction for Automotive Radar Systems Using Convolutional Neural Networks.

The development of autonomous driving vehicles has increased the global demand for robust and efficient automotive radar systems. This study proposes an automotive radar-based ego-vehicle speed detection network (AVSD Net) model using convolutional neural networks for estimating the speed of the ego vehicle. The preprocessing and postprocessing methods used for vehicle speed correction are presented in detail. The AVSD Net model exhibits characteristics that are independent of the angular performance of the radar system and its mounting angle on the vehicle, thereby reducing the loss of the maximum detection range without requiring a downward or wide beam for the elevation angle. The ego-vehicle speed is effectively estimated when the range-velocity spectrum data are input into the model. Moreover, preprocessing and postprocessing facilitate an accurate correction of the ego-vehicle speed while reducing the complexity of the model, enabling its application to embedded systems. The proposed ego-vehicle speed correction method can improve safety in various applications, such as autonomous emergency braking systems, forward collision avoidance assist, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot detection systems.

Rotational Risley prisms: Fast and high-accuracy inverse solution and application based on back propagation neural networks

In the application of rotational Risley prism systems, there is a conflict between inverse solution time and accuracy. This paper proposes an inverse solution method based on back propagation neural networks to solve this problem. The training set data for prism rotation, azimuth, and elevation angles are produced based on the beam deflection model of the actual application. After that, two independent networks are trained individually. One network is used to calculate the angular difference, while the other network calculates the synchronous rotation angle to satisfy the solutions of elevation and azimuth angles of target. The azimuth and elevation root mean square errors for the inverse solution of the spiral trajectory using the trained network were 8.04e-04 arcsec and 2.60e-3 arcsec, respectively. At a solution time of 80 µs, the pointing accuracy in the experiment was less than 1 arcsec. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed inverse solution method can obtain high-accuracy analytical solutions with low time consumption.

Seasonal dimorphism as an expression of sexual dimorphism: Influence of gonad maturity on the body shape of a rocky intertidal polyplacophoran

Seasonal dimorphism in the body shape of marine invertebrates has been poorly explored compared to vertebrates. We aim to investigate through traditional (body length/width ratio, dorsal elevation ratio and angle of elevation) and geometric (centroid size and shape geometric configurations) morphometrics the effect of gonad maturity (via the gonadosomatic index [GSI] and gonad development stages [GDS]) on changes in body shape in males and females of two latitudinally different populations of the broadcast-spawning intertidal mollusc Chiton articulatus. We confirmed that C. articulatus does not present external sexual dimorphism since sex does not have a significant effect on body shape (1%); instead, dimorphism was seasonal and related to the reproductive season, and varied across populations, probably because in the subtropical zone additional energy is invested in shell (scleritome) bending at the same time as the gonad matures, which is opposite of what occurs in the tropical zone. C. articulatus shows a narrower body shape (i.e., diminished body width) during its gonad maturity compared to the rest of the GDS and is corroborated by a body length/width ratio that contributes the greatest variation in the geometric shape descriptors (18%), just below the centroid size (24%). The expression of centroid size differences shows a correspondence with the change in body dimensions expressed by the three morphometric ratios during gonad maturity. The use of traditional body ratios over time may be useful in polyplacophoran molluscs as a proxy tool to estimate gonad maturity and to provide a reliable indication of the reproductive season.

Arthroscopically assisted pectoralis minor transfer for anterosuperior massive rotator cuff tear with irreparable subscapularis tears leads to significant improvement in pain and function at short-term follow-up

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to report the results of an arthroscopically assisted pectoralis minor transfer with an expanded indication to include Lafosse type 4 cases. In addition, prognostic factors for pectoralis minor transfer, including the Lafosse classification, were explored. MethodsOutcomes of arthroscopically assisted pectoralis minor tendon transfer for anterosuperior massive rotator cuff tear with irreparable subscapularis tears with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were retrospectively reviewed. Severe pseudoparesis with flexion of less than 30° was not indicated.All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using a modified University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, active range of motion, and the visual analog pain scale (pain-VAS). Multiple regression models were used to determine predictors for UCLA score and elevation. ResultsSeventy-four consecutive patients (mean, 69.4 years; 65, male) were evaluated. The mean UCLA score increased from 15.3 preoperatively to 30.9 postoperatively (P < 0.001). The mean active elevation increased from 104° preoperatively to 148° postoperatively (P < 0.001). The mean active external rotation increased from 47° preoperatively to 57° postoperatively (P < 0.001). The pain-VAS improved from 62 to 11 mm postoperatively (P < 0.001). There were no serious complications, but one was revised with reverse shoulder due to ongoing pain. In multiple regression analysis, the positive predictors of UCLA and elevation were the preoperative external rotation angle (P = 0.0028) and elevation angle (P = 0. 00067), respectively. Lafosse classification was not a significant factor. ConclusionsArthroscopically assisted pectoralis minor transfer led to significant improvement in overall shoulder pain and function. Better preoperative range of motions was a significant predictor of better clinical outcomes; Lafosse classification was not significant as a prognostic factor. Level of EvidenceLevel IV, A retrospective therapeutic case series.

Investigating high altitude platform stations communication in Tanzania under heavy rain conditions

AbstractHigh altitude platform station (HAPS) is one of the promising solutions to many of the developing and less developed countries. To a great extent, HAPS is relatively cost‐effective and can be easily moved on demand while observing the required quality of service. For tropical countries, rain attenuation is the main factor that affects HAPS performance. This study investigated HAPS performance in Tanzania under heavy rain conditions. Rain rate, rain attenuation, and carrier‐to‐noise ratio were used to quantify the system's performance. In this study, the rain rate exceeds by 0.01% of an average, was obtained using the Chebil model. Based on Tanzania Meteorological Agency data, the registered a high amount of rainfall for the five selected regions: Dar es Salaam, Kagera, Tanga, Unguja, and Pemba. By using ITU‐R model, rain attenuation for the downlink was predicted, assuming horizontal polarisation, for 31.0–31.3 GHz. Finally, the HAPS link budget was analysed with a platform altitude of 22 km at frequency of 31.0–31.3 GHz for different elevation angles. Results showed that the performance of the system was promising in the given rainfall scenarios.

New Mie Scattering Diffuse Targets Development and Characterization

Abstract Earth science remote sensing observations require the detection and measurement of light originating from bright targets, such as clouds, and darker targets, such as an open ocean. This requirement drives the need to design, develop, and characterize improved calibration targets in support of current and future NASA instruments. New diffuse targets to be used as spectral albedo calibration standards were developed and characterized. The new targets based on fused silica or/and pressed and sintered Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were developed to be Earth scene specific. The various reflectance levels are achieved by modifying the material parameters, thickness, and surface finish. The new targets were characterized in cleanroom environment. We acquired high accuracy reflectance and transmittance data using a precision optical scatterometer and spectrophotometer located in the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Diffuser Calibration Lab. The Total hemispherical reflectance (THR) and Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) were measured over the range of solar incident and scattered elevation and azimuthal angles typically realized on orbit by remote sensing instruments. We intend to space certify the new calibration targets after concluding on-orbit testing on the International Space Stations (ISS) scheduled for the second half of 2023.

Simultaneous lightwave information and power transfer for NLOS ultraviolet communications under different weather conditions

In this work, a power allocation scheme for ultraviolet communication (UVC) with simultaneous lightwave information and power transfer (SLIPT) is proposed. Based on the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) single scattering channel model, the path loss and bit error rate (BER) performance of the UVC system with different geometrical parameters are analyzed. The effects of three types of weather, light rain, fine weather and severe fog conditions are considered. It is proved that the path loss is minimized on foggy days with minimum BER, followed by sunny days. The proposed SLIPT approach that the receiving energy is in turn divided into two parts, one for energy harvesting (EH) and the other for information decoding (ID). The system is designed to optimize energy harvesting for autonomous power supply, while ensuring a specified BER threshold and maintaining spectral efficiency. The effects of three types of weather on the SLIPT system are further investigated. It is demonstrated that under shorter communication distance(r), smaller elevation angle of receiving terminal (βR), larger field of view (FoV) and lower spectral efficiency(η) conditions, a higher percentage of energy is allocated for EH, with foggy days being the most favorable. The extreme geometric parameters of rainy condition can lead to the inability of communication, which needs to be limited to r ≤ 10 m, elevation angle of Rx ≤ 6°, FOV ≥100°, spectral efficiency ≤3, under the preset parameters in this paper.

Assessing the ionospheric scintillations occurrence on L-band in the southern Mediterranean sector

We assess the ionospheric scintillation occurrence on Global Navigation Satellite Signals (GNSSs) over the Mediterranean sector under the rising phase of the current solar cycle. To the scope, we leverage on a network of three Ionospheric Scintillation Monitoring Receivers (ISMRs), being part of the electronic Space Weather upper atmosphere (eSWua: eswua.ingv.it) system (Pica et al., 2021). Such ISMRs are located in Lampedusa Island (Italy, Lat: 35.52°N–Lon: 12.63°E), Chania (Crete, Greece, Lat: 35.52°N, Lon: 24.04°E) and Nicosia (Cyprus, Lat: 35.18°N–Lon: 33.38°E). To our knowledge, this is the first thorough assessment of the scintillation patterns in the Southern Mediterranean sector, aimed at depicting how small-scale irregularities that form in the area can potentially affect the GNSS-based positioning and related application and services. We analyse the period from January 2021 to December 2023, reporting that the bulk of the scintillation occurrence is due to small-scale irregularities forming in the southernmost area of the field of view of the network. Irregularities of such a scale are formed during the evolution of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability featuring the Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPB), which may spill-over in the field of view (FoV) of the receivers, i.e. at low elevation angles in the southernmost azimuthal range. As observations at low elevation angles are subject to multipath mimic weak to moderate scintillation conditions, we focus exclusively on severe amplitude scintillation occurrence (S4 > 0.7) in the azimuthal range 110–250°, w.r.t the FoV of the receivers, subsequently reaching down to the Saharian ionosphere. To further confirm the nature of the detected GNSS scintillation occurrence, we compare the results with the Swarm Level-2 Ionospheric Bubble Index (IBI) evaluated within the same period. In the context of the April 2023 geomagnetic storm, a worst-case scenario is also documented, illustrating the potential impact of ionospheric disturbances associated with EPBs in the Southern Mediterranean area.