A novel approach to structural anisotropy classification for jointed rock masses using theoretical rock quality designation formulation adjusted to joint spacing

Rock quality designation(RQD)has been considered as a one-dimensional jointing degree property since it should be determined by measuring the core lengths obtained from drilling.Anisotropy index of jointing degree(AI_(jd))was formulated by Zheng et al.(2018)by considering maximum and minimum values of RQD for a jointed rock medium in three-dimensional space.In accordance with spacing terminology by ISRM(1981),defining the jointing degree for the rock masses composed of extremely closely spaced joints as well as for the rock masses including widely to extremely widely spaced joints is practically impossible because of the use of 10 cm as a threshold value in the conventional form of RQD.To overcome this limitation,theoretical RQD(TRQD_(t))introduced by Priest and Hudson(1976)can be taken into consideration only when the statistical distribution of discontinuity spacing has a negative exponential distribution.Anisotropy index of the jointing degree was improved using TRQD_(t) which was adjusted to wider joint spacing by considering Priest(1993)’s recommendation on the use of variable threshold value(t)in TRQD_(t) formulation.After applications of the improved anisotropy index of a jointing degree(AI'_(jd))to hypothetical jointed rock mass cases,the effect of persistency of joints on structural anisotropy of rock mass was introduced to the improved AI'_(jd) formulation by considering the ratings of persistency of joints as proposed by Bieniawski(1989)’s rock mass rating(RMR)classification.Two real cases were assessed in the stratified marl and the columnar basalt using the weighted anisotropy index of jointing degree(W_AI'_(jd)).A structural anisotropy classification was developed using the RQD classification proposed by Deere(1963).The proposed methodology is capable of defining the structural anisotropy of a rock mass including joint pattern from extremely closely to extremely widely spaced joints.

Lenin's "Theory of Imperialism":Historical Debate and Contemporary Appraisal

Lenin＇s theory of imperialism, which was based on a combination of Marxist theory with active reference to and dialectical critique of the theories of classical imperialism current at the time, provides an empirical analysis of the historical logic and laws of motion of capitalism. It realizes the sublation of theory and ideology by means of critical, explanatory and constructive logic, displaying a unique theoretical originality. Lenin＇s theory of imperialism offers a theoretical reflection on the development of capitalism and its historical trends; it is a practical response to the world structural contradictions arising from imperialism, an epochal reflection that vigorously explores and constructs the value claims of a new civilization and provides in-depth Marxist view of world history. The methodology and general principles of Lenin＇s study of imperialism are based on the materialist view of history. They are not out of date, nor are the propositions in his theory of imperialism, based as they are on research into monopoly. At the same time as it declared war on the values, systems and practices of the old world, Lenin＇s theory provided a completely new cognitive method, philosophical attitude and ideal values for the future society. This has become the precious wealth of mankind, wealth that transcends historical time and space.

Investigation into Pilot Handling Qualities in Teleoperation Rendezvous and Docking with Time Delay

Teleoperation rendezvous and docking can be used as a backup for autonomous rendezvous and docking（RVD） for an unmanned spacecraft when the autonomous system is failure or for guiding the chaser docking with an uncooperative target.The theoretical model for analyzing the handling qualities in teleoperation RVD process is established based on the previous studies conducted by National Aeronautics and Space Administration（NASA）.The predictive factor is introduced to describe the pilot＇s predictive ability in the teleoperation tasks with time delay,which interrelates with the skills of a pilot and the predictive assist approach used in the tasks such as the predictive display method.Based on the semi-physical simulation system in our laboratory,900 experiments at two levels of time delay are carried out by 18 volunteers for validating the established model.The experimental results demonstrate the correctness of the theoretical model and indicate that a skilled pilot has a predictive ability of approximately 0.9 in teleoperation RVD tasks.The theoretical analysis shows that the handling qualities are greatly affected by the time delay and the predictive factor,and it is impossible to achieve a teleoperation RVD task for the skilled pilot when the time delay is larger than 9.0 s.