Multi-disciplinary Conceptual Design Knowledge of Multi-stage Hybrid Rocket Using Data Mining Technique

This paper deals with the application of data mining techniques to the conceptual design knowledge for a LV （launch vehicle） with a HRE （hybrid rocket engine）. This LV is a concept of the space transportation, which can deliver micro-satellite to the SSO （sun-synchronous orbit）. To design the higher performance LV with HRE, the optimum size of each component, such as an oxidizer tank containing liquid oxidizer, a combustion chamber containing solid fuel, a pressurizing tank and a nozzle, should be acquired. The Kriging based ANOVA （analysis of variance） and SOM （self-organizing map） are employed as data mining techniques for knowledge discovery. In this study, the paraffin （FT-0070） is used as a propellant of HRE. Then, the relationship among LV performances and design variables are investigated through the analysis and the visualization. To calculate the engine performance, the regression rate is computed based on an empirical expression. The design knowledge is extracted for the design knowledge of the multi-stage LV with HRE by analysis using ANOVA and SOM. As a result, the useful design knowledge on the present design problem is obtained to design HRE for space transportation.

Rescue of white egg 1 mutant by introduction of the wildtype Bombyx kynurenine 3-monooxygenase gene

In silkworms, the white egg 1 （w-1） mutant, which is characterized by white eyes and white eggs, is deficient in Bombyx kynurenine 3-monooxygenase （KMO） activity. To investigate whether the w-1 mutant phenotype is rescued by introducing the wild-type KMO gene, we constructed transgenic silkworms with the wild-type Bombyx KMO gene under the control of either the cytoplasmic actin gene promoter （A3KMO） or the native KMO gene promoter （KKMO）. We created two transgenic lines with A3KMO and one line with KKMO constructs. The eyes of adults in these lines were brown, and the eggs laid by the transgenic females were also brown. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR） analysis showed that the A3KMO silkworm lines expressed the transcript in the mid-gut, fat bodies, and Malpighian tubules. The KKMO line expressed the transcript only in the fat bodies and Malpighian tubules. The intensity of eye and egg color in the transgenic lines was proportional to the KMO expression level. Interestingly, transgenic larvae with the A3KMO construct had a light brown larval cuticle, but the KKMO line did not. These results indicate that the wild-type KMO gene can be used as a marker gene for visually screening transgenic silkworms.