Inverse Modeling of GPS Multipath for Snow Depth Estimation-Part II: Application and Validation

GPS multipath reflectometry (GPS-MR) is a technique that uses geodetic quality GPS receivers to estimate snow depth. The accuracy and precision of GPS-MR retrievals are evaluated at three different sites: grasslands, alpine, and forested. The assessment yields a correlation of 0.98 and an rms error of 6-8 cm for observed snow depths of up to 2.5 m. GPS-MR underestimates in situ snow depth by 10%-15% at these three sites, although the validation methods do not measure the same footprint as GPS-MR.

Análise da queda de granizo em Guarulhos-SP e seus impactos socioeconômicos

The climate and weather have direct implications on society, are factors that can to regulate or restrict human occupation in a determined space. In this way, studies of climate and weather are justified to be extremely necessary for urban planning and economic activities, especially agriculture. The precipitation of hail, which enters in the classification of severe storm, causes large, direct and indirect impacts on society, mainly when it occurs in urban areas. This work aims to study the precipitation of hail, explain what is a severe storms and how hail is formed in clouds, making use of a literature review in geography and also in weather sciences. It is also an aim of this work analyze the genesis, evolution and dissipation of a specific case of precipitation of hail occurred in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, especially in Guarulhos, on 21st of September 21 of 2010, through the use of GOES-12’ satellite’s images and the use of São Roque’s weather radar. And in this way, show the potential impact of hail storms in society and contribute to a greater preparedness of the population, urban planners associations and emergency management, such as municipalities, the civil defense and fireman

Satélites estabilizados por rotação e torque de radiação solar direta

The aims of this work are to analyze the direct solar radiation pressure torque (TPRS) in the rotational motion of spin-stabilized artificial satellites, to numerically implement these solutions and to compare the results with real data of the Brazilian Satellite Data Collection – SCD1 and SCD2, supplied by INPE. The mathematical model for this torque is determined for a cylindrical satellite, and the components of this torque are determined in a fixed system in the satellite. An analytical solution for the spin motion equations is proposed, in which TPRSD does not affect the spin velocity of the satellite. Two approaches are adopted in the numerical implementation of the developed theory: the first one considers the proposed theory and the second introduces a variation in the spin velocity based on its real variation. The results obtained indicate that the solar radiation pressure torque has little influence in the right ascension and declination axis of rotation due to the small dimension of the satellite and altitude in which it is found. To better validate the application of the presented theory, the angular deviation of the spin axis and solar aspect angle were also analyzed. The comparison of the results of the approaches conducted with real data show good precision in the theory, which can be applied in the prediction of the rotational motion of the spin-stabilized artificial satellites, when others external torques are considered besides the direct solar radiation pressure torque

Utilização de dados e técnicas de Sensoriamento Remoto no monitoramento da infestação por plantas aquáticas em reservatório de hidrelétrica

As an effect of the imbalance caused by the damming of rivers and pollution, it has been observed a growing aquatic plants infestation in reservoirs for the generation of electricity. In addition to power generation, these sites have also been used for various other purposes, including recreation, attracting water and navigation. Thus it is important to evaluate these water bodies periodically, in order to verify the leading conditions to the growth of algae, plants and other organisms. In this sense, Remote sensing technology can be a valuable tool for mapping and monitoring the occupation of land in the vicinity of the water body and the optical properties of water, to provide subsidies for the effective management of these aquatic environments. This paper aims to perform the monitoring of the occurrence of aquatic plants in Salto Grande Hydropower Reservoir, located in Americana (SP) and, periodically, map the occupation of land in the vicinity of the water body, through multispectral images taken by sensors on the satellites Landsat series in seven consecutive years: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. The adopted methodological procedure included the images data and the classification of multispectral images to map, every year, the location and extension of the area infested by aquatic plants and the occupation of land

Espectroscopia de infravermelho e suas aplicações

Infrared spectroscopy (IR spectroscopy) explores the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Like any other spectroscopic technique, it can be used to identify a compound or the composition of investigate a sample. Spectroscopy (IR) is a very important technique in qualitative chemical analysis, widely used in the chemistry of natural products, organic synthesis and transformations. In this work we study of the theoretical foundations of infrared spectroscopy, the different vibration modes, experimental techniques, and the identification and characterization of solids. Were studied as applications: their use in thermograph and remote sensing satellites

Projeto de um módulo condicionador de sinais a ser implementado no satélite universitário ITASAT

The Brazilian Environmental Data Collection System (Sistema Brasileiro de Coleta de Dados Ambientais - SBCDA) has been providing reliable information regarding the monitoring of the Brazil environment to INPE (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais) and many Non-governmental organizations (NGO). This system is composed of a large number of Data Collection Plataforms (DCP), in charge of sending local data signals to satellites. Then the satellites automatically redirect each signal to reception centers located at INPE. Nowadays the SBCDA has been operating under the control of three satellites. It is important to mention that two of these satellites have already expired their life span around ten years ago. A strategy to keep the SBCDA operational is to develop a low cost satellite that involves Brazilian Universities and Public Institutions. This graduation work aims to design and simulate a signal conditioning module that enables the collection of a satellite status data, and then sending it to an onboard computer

Obtenção e caracterização de compósitos via RTM com alta fração de fibras de carbono processados à temperatura ambiente

After confirming the high specific mechanical properties of composite materials by scientific studies conducted over the last decades, one of the challenges of this new class of materials is the ability to achieve mass production at a more affordable cost, which has become indispensable. The Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is an excellent method for manufacturing composite materials. Despite being a process widely used by international companies in the production of high performance structural composites, only a short time the national aviation industry has shown interest in implementing this type of processing to more complex structures and greater structural responsibility. In aeronautical projects, the reproducibility and the relative low cost of this process, several studies have been performed in Brazil for learning and perfecting this technique. This process is suitable for producing polymer components both simple as complex geometry, and allows to achieve consistent thickness, with high quality finish and without limiting range. Polymeric composite components for the high mechanical stress applications such as aircraft structures, satellites, etc., require a strict control of volume fractions of the composite constituents, beyond the knowledge of their mechanical and thermal properties. Therefore, in this experimental work degree study on the mechanical, thermal and of porosity composites processed by RTM processed characterization was performed. This characterization was performed targeting a possible aerospace application of this composite material. For the production of composites, process equipment (RTM RTM injector Radius 2100cc) was used. The processed carbono/epoxy composites were characterized via flexure tests mechanically and thermally analysis via DMA, DSC and TGA. To determine the volume fraction of fibers, the composite samples were analyzed via matrix digestion (ASTM D3171) ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Análise da estabilidade do movimento rotacional de satélites artificiais com quatérnions e sob a influência de torques externos

The aim of this work is to analyze the stability of the rotational motion’s artificial satellite using the Routh Hurwitz Algorithm (CRH) and the quaternions to describe the satellite’s attitude. This algorithm allows the investigation of the stability of the motion using the coefficients of the characteristic equation associated with the equation of the rotational motion in the linear form. The equations of the rotational motion are given by the four cinematic equations for the quaternion and the three equations of Euler for the spin velocity’s components. In the Euler equations are included the components of the gravity gradient torque (TGG) and the solar radiation torque (TRS). The TGG is generated by the difference of the Earth gravity force direction and intensity actuating on each satellite mass element and it depends on the mass distribution and the form of the satellite. The TRS is created by changing of the linear momentum, which happens due to the interactions of solar photons with the satellite surface. The equilibrium points are gotten by the equation of rotational motion and the CRH is applied in the linear form of these equations. Simulations are developed for small and medium satellites, but the gotten equilibrium points are not stable by CRH. However, when some of the eigenvalues of the characteristic equation are analyzed, it is found some equilibrium points which can be pointed out as stables for an interval of the time, due to small magnitude of the real part of these eigenvalue

Analisando a possibilidade de um anel ao redor de um satélite

On November 26 th, 2005, Rhea, one of Saturn's moons, is found by Cassini spacecraft approximately at 5.105 km from Saturn. Observations in situ reveal that electrons are depleted in the moon's vicinity. However, Rhea is considered massive enough to retain a thin atmosphere. Assumption was that the atmosphere of Rhea was not composed exclusively of gas, its likely contains solid material that can absorb magnetospheric particles. According to Jones et al. (2008), these particles were in a speci c position so that at the moment of observation the electrons could not be detected. In opposition to this idea there is a group, Tiscareno et al. 2010, Cornell University Library, that underwent intensive search for any material that might be orbiting Rhea using Cassini images, however the could not identify any. Second recommendation made by American researchers and other countries, and accepted by the National Board of Research the Cassini Equinox Mission will continue in orbit around Saturn until 2016.The probe will perform several maneuvers with high inclination to delve into the main ring system, and then enter in Saturn's atmosphere and collide with planet. This research is of great importance because until today no rings were found orbiting satellites. The goal of this work is to analyze the orbital evolution of a set of particles around Rhea disturbance of Saturn, J2 e J4 and check results by the numerical simulations and the possibility of a stable ring orbiting Rhea.

Imagens de satélite na análise da relação entre queimadas, aerossóis atmosféricos e precipitação

The direct and indirect effects of atmospheric aerossols in the amazonic climate have been focus of many published. This work aims to analyze a possible relation among Burns, atmospheric aerossols and precipitation above South America. It uses the avaluable data from the satellites AQUA/TERRA and TRMM and the images furnished by NOAA and GOES. These analysis can provide some explanations about the effects of emission of aerosols by burns on the composition of atmosphere and cloud formation, mainly in Amazon. We use the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) from MODIS/TERRA-AQUA, burns index from CPTEC and rain rate from TRMM. The data we use were obtained from 2000 until 2012. The study is divided in two parts. In the first one, it was performed a quantitative analysis between number of burns and aerosols emission. It was identified a great variability in space and time of the AOD on South America. On the north, northeast and center-west, the AOD is significant during the winter period, with peak on August and September. The southeast is affected by aerosols from center-west due to the dynamical transport. In the second part, it was evaluated the relation between AOD and precipitation in a 13-year period. The statistical analysis shows up a negative correlation of 0.72 between August and October, on Legal Amazon. These result indicate an inverse relation between AOD and rain rate. The other months present not significant correlation. These results are in a good agreement with the literature, in which in-situ methods were applied or combined with satellites data. The increasing of aerosols concentration in the atmosphere are reinforced during drier years. It can affect the increasing process of water drops, decreasing the precipitation. We also verified higher values of AOD (0.25 - 0.3) during years with El Niño, than the climatologically average (~0.15 - 0.2), ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Transformada de Fourier: teoria como base para aplicações em mecânica celeste

Pós-graduação em Matemática Universitária - IGCE

Análise da cintilação ionosférica no Brasil empregando GNSS e técnicas de mineração e visualização de dados

Pós-graduação em Ciências Cartográficas - FCT

Estudos sobre as defasagens de Prometeu e Pandora

Pós-graduação em Física - FEG

Controle ativo de estruturas reticuladas utilizando atuadores de pilha de pzt

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Mecânica - FEIS

Sistema GPS: uma órbita em evolução - número de satélites e periodicidade

The objective of this project was to monitor the satellites of the Global Positioning System (GPS) from a fixed point on Earth and to verify the rate of recurrence respect to their rotation and displacement. A topographic GPS signal receiver connected to a personal computer was used to recorded, for five days, the displacement of the satellites. This work was based on the fact that many literature references state that satellites complete one orbit around the Earth every 12 hours, then, it is assumed that the satellite would be seen twice in a day from the same fixed point on Earth.Although, this does not occur, as thise time interval correspond to 12 hours sidereal time and not solar time. In addition, this study was carried out in order toconfirm and update the information related to the number of satellites in operation today, found to be 31. In that sense, some references concerning the space segment of this system were defined in details.