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Three-dimensional lightning observations and the possibility of lightning positioning system by means of broadband radio interferometer are performed. Using two sets of broadband system at two different sites, we observed many lightning discharges during a field campaign in Darwin, Australia in 1998. We carried out the data processing to investigate the development of lightning discharges. The system shows that for several tens kilometers, lightning discharges can be detected, their progression can be reconstructed and their position can be mapped into three-dimensionally spatial format and in time sequence.

Novel combustion control technologies for the direct injection SI engine have been developed. By adopting up-right straight intake ports to generate air tumble, an electro-magnetic swirl injector to realize optimized spray dispersion and atomization and a compact piston cavity to maintain charge stratification, it has become possible to achieve super-lean stratified combustion for higher thermal efficiency under partial loads as well as homogeneous combustion to realize higher performance at full loads. At partial loads, fuel is injected into the piston cavity during the later stage of the compression stroke. Any fuel spray impinging on the cavity wall is directed to the spark plug. Tumbling air flow in the cavity also assists the conservation of the rich mixture zone around the spark plug. Stable combustion can be realized under a air fuel ratio exceeding 40. At higher loads, fuel is injected during the early stage of the intake stroke.