Maria Lindqvist
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8 records found
1
We present an approach to testing the gravitational redshift effect using the RadioAstron satellite. The experiment is based on a modification of the Gravity Probe A scheme of nonrelativistic Doppler compensation and benefits from the highly eccentric orbit and ultra-stable atomic hydrogen maser frequency standard of the RadioAstron satellite. Using the presented techniques we expect to reach an accuracy of the gravitational redshift test of order 10-5, a magnitude better than that of Gravity Probe A. Data processing is ongoing, our preliminary results agree with the validity of the Einstein Equivalence Principle.
Planetary Radio Interferometry and Doppler Experiment (PRIDE) technique
A test case of the Mars Express Phobos fly-by
Context. The closest ever fly-by of the Martian moon Phobos, performed by the European Space Agency's Mars Express spacecraft, gives a unique opportunity to sharpen and test the Planetary Radio Interferometry and Doppler Experiments (PRIDE) technique in the interest of studying planet-satellite systems. Aims. The aim of this work is to demonstrate a technique of providing high precision positional and Doppler measurements of planetary spacecraft using the Mars Express spacecraft. The technique will be used in the framework of Planetary Radio Interferometry and Doppler Experiments in various planetary missions, in particular in fly-by mode. Methods. We advanced a novel approach to spacecraft data processing using the techniques of Doppler and phase-referenced very long baseline interferometry spacecraft tracking. Results. We achieved, on average, mHz precision (30 μm/s at a 10 s integration time) for radial three-way Doppler estimates and sub-nanoradian precision for lateral position measurements, which in a linear measure (at a distance of 1.4 AU) corresponds to ∼50 m.
RadioAstron gravitational redshift experiment
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The present work focuses on stress-corrosion mechanisms in soda-lime silica glass. Four-point beam-bending tests were performed on small specimens, measuring failure time in function of temperature and relative humidity. By using linear elastic fracture mechanics, average velocity of edge flaws propagation was evaluated as a function of stress intensity factor, allowing a comparison with experimental curves from the literature. Experimental results are consistent with the main stress-corrosion theories and with chemical kinetics equation for a general reaction. Also, by using a crack evolution power-law and an equivalence relation for constant stress, we have compared our results with lifetime curves relative to environmental conditions of the tests.