Articles tagged with Aircraft Design
MIT researchers discovered that under certain conditions, a cracked piece of metal can close and heal due to grain boundary migration. The mechanism, which involves disclination defects, has potential applications in designing self-healing materials for various industries.
The Air Force Research Laboratory partnered with national laboratories to develop a novel capability for nondestructively mapping material substructure and grain level stresses. This capability has been applied to nickel and titanium alloys, providing insight into deformation and forming the basis for modeling tools.
Researchers at MIT have developed an inflatable antenna that can significantly amplify radio signals, allowing CubeSats to transmit data higher rates and farther. The design uses a sublimating powder to inflate the antenna in space, increasing its communication range seven times compared to existing CubeSats.
Researchers develop a lightweight structure made of tiny blocks that can be snapped together like bricks, revolutionizing the assembly of airplanes, spacecraft, and larger structures. The new material is 10 times stiffer for a given weight than existing ultralight materials and can be easily disassembled and reassembled.
Researchers studied how each state forms, including wrinkle, crease, and fold states. The findings help engineers control the formation of these structures for flexible electronic devices or variable adhesion surfaces.
A joint NSF/SRC program supports 29 researchers at 18 US universities to develop self-corrective electronic systems. The funding aims to ensure system reliability in life-critical applications, such as pacemakers and autonomous vehicles.
A University of Texas at Arlington aerospace engineer is developing diagnostic and predictive tools to aid aircraft manufacturers in analyzing composite structures. The work integrates design and manufacturing processes to advance the performance of composite materials, improving safety, speed, and reliability.
The 2012-2013 first place team in the NASA RealWorld-InWorld Engineering Design Challenge consists of five high school juniors and seniors who developed innovative engineering designs for the James Webb Space Telescope. The winning team will present their design concept to Dr. John Mather at a VIP event at NASA Goddard.
CU-Boulder students are playing a major role in developing and flying small satellites, including CubeSat satellites, with NASA. The university has been awarded numerous launch opportunities for these tiny satellites, worth up to $300,000 each.
UT Arlington professor Qilian Liang has developed an algorithmic system that simplifies data collection for radar systems, allowing for better performance with less data. The system uses co-prime and nested samplings to eliminate redundant data, resulting in faster decision-making and more efficient image formation.
The James Webb Space Telescope will feature 18 individual mirror segments that require precise alignment at extremely cold temperatures in space. The telescope's backplane is a truss structure made of lightweight but stiff tubes, holding the mirror segments together.
A new study by Cornell University researchers offers a spatial solution to boost nurses' efficiency through better design. The research analyzed floor plans and work patterns in five medical-surgical units at US hospitals and found opportunities to improve caregiver workflow.
The Visio.M project aims to develop a safe and efficient electric vehicle with a lightweight carbon fiber body structure. The design incorporates innovative materials and technologies, such as a monocoque chassis and ultra-lightweight gears, while maintaining the highest level of safety protection.
DARPA's Adaptive Vehicle Make (AVM) program aims to reduce costs and lead times in developing new military vehicles by transforming the design and manufacturing process. Vanderbilt University's Institute for Software Integrated Systems is leading the development of engineering software, including META-X tool CyPhy.
A new computerized approach called model-based design and verification has the potential to radically change how complex machines are built. This technology translates mechanical systems into data that can be mixed and matched in sophisticated computer systems.
Owls' unique wing structure and plumage have inspired researchers to create quieter conventional aircraft. By studying the owl's ability to fly silently, scientists hope to develop aircraft with reduced noise levels, benefiting both humans and wildlife.
The Las Cumbres Observatory's Network of Robotic Echelle Spectrograph (NRES) prototype has achieved its first light, primarily designed to support the study of exoplanets. The NRES will extend the capabilities of the LCOGT 1-meter network with six high-resolution spectrographs.
The US Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate has developed the BIOSwimmer, an unmanned underwater vehicle inspired by the tuna fish. It features a flexible aft section and fins for high maneuverability in hard-to-reach spaces, making it ideal for inspection and security missions.
Researchers will develop methods to design origami structures that actively fold and unfold in response to multiple fields, guided by predictive multi-scale modeling and multi-physics simulations. The four-year project will also integrate summer student exchange programs and capstone design projects for K-12 students.
CU-Boulder designed and built an instrument to capture high-energy electrons, while another instrument measures changes in electric and magnetic fields. The mission aims to understand and mitigate space weather risks for satellites and astronauts.
Researchers have designed a new device that converts sea wave motion into electrical energy with high power density and robustness. The proposed electric linear planar switched reluctance generator addresses the challenges of low speed and irregular movements in ocean waves.
The variable camber airfoil has obvious advantages in controlling separation and flight maneuverability. Research shows that the stall type determines the distinction between different camber deformation paths, with trailing-edge stalls being softer and having higher lift.
Researchers created a website called Twipolitico that analyzes tweets to track the presidential race. The site utilizes machine learning algorithms and natural language processing techniques to analyze sentiment and topic trends in real-time, providing valuable insights for candidates and strategists alike.
The ONR-sponsored Flexrotor vertical takeoff and landing UAV is entering the next development phase, advancing its capability with an upgraded propulsion system. The aircraft will transition from vertical to cruising flight and land in crosswinds and high winds.
Researchers at MIT have developed a biplane design that can reduce drag by up to half, making it more fuel-efficient and quieter. The design, inspired by Adolf Busemann's work in the 1950s, could potentially cut fuel costs by over half, enabling cheaper supersonic travel.
Diana Lados, a WPI assistant professor, received a $525,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop new methods and tools for designing materials with confidence. Her goal is to increase the use of light metals in cars, trucks, airplanes, boats, and other transportation applications, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics have developed two computer programs that can create 3D characters in mere seconds. The software uses databases of pre-made models to simplify the creation process, allowing users to assemble and animate their own custom characters.
New York University researchers have discovered that top-heavy structures can hover stably in the air due to aerodynamic forces. The findings suggest a new approach to designing stable flapping-wing aircraft and robots.
The new type of controller proposed by researchers Concepción A. Monje Micharet and her team allows for the tuning of more control parameters, making it more versatile and applicable to various systems. The method can be easily implemented on programmable logic devices due to its use of simple linear equations.
The installation of a giant structural steel optical assembly stand marks the transition to the integration and testing phase for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. The telescope will observe the most distant objects in the universe, provide images of the first galaxies ever formed, and study planets around distant stars.
The University of Leicester has established an Advanced Structural Dynamics Evaluation Centre (ASDEC) with £1.07 million funding, enabling the analysis of product design, parts, and components in the automotive, aerospace, and space industries. The centre will provide cost-effective system-level models to predict optimal design solutio...
Researchers developed intelligent airfoil design that can sense changes in airflow and adjust surface conditions using synthetic jets to reduce fatigue and enhance lift. The technology has potential applications in aerospace vehicles and renewable energy sector, with the goal of improving turbine performance and reducing unsteady loads.
Researchers used computer-aided design to create accurate moulds and patient-specific physical scaffolds for breast tissue reconstruction. This technology holds promise for reducing scars, blood loss, and anaesthesia time, while improving surgical outcomes.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will honor aircraft design, program management, and lifetime achievements through its annual awards. The awards ceremony takes place as part of the 11th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference.
CU-Boulder alumni played a significant role in NASA's space shuttle program, with 16 astronauts flying on 40 missions. The university also contributed to numerous scientific experiments and instruments, including those for the Hubble Space Telescope.
Researchers have designed a micro air vehicle that can flap, glide, and hover like a bird, combining the benefits of fixed wing MAVs with manoeuvrability. The design was inspired by swifts, which are known for their agility and gliding efficiency.
The study analyzed the performance of bolted joints in aeronautical structures, finding that low temperatures or low torque levels increase the risk of failure. Researchers developed a numerical model to estimate joint torque based on temperature ranges, which can help reduce aircraft weight and fuel consumption.
Researchers have found a method to measure a star's true age using its spin. Astronomer Soren Meibom presented his findings in a press conference, nearly doubling the age covered by previous studies of younger clusters. The technique involves measuring stellar rotation rates for stars in clusters with known ages.
A team of physicists creates a miniature 'carpet cloak' using metamaterials, which can conceal objects by bending light around them. The device is smaller than previous cloaking techniques and has potential for futuristic applications in optoelectronics industry.
Researchers developed a new 3D printing method that enables the creation of electrically small antennas with improved performance metrics. The technique uses metallic nanoparticle inks and can be applied to various surfaces, including hemispherical substrates.
The study reveals a miniature version of the 'water hammer' effect, which causes pressure spikes in water droplets on textured surfaces. This insight could lead to the design of more effective superhydrophobic surfaces for various applications, including energy efficiency improvements.
MESSENGER's successful entry into Mercury's orbit marks a major milestone in understanding the planet's origin, composition, and geological history. The spacecraft has captured stunning images of Mercury's previously unexplored hemisphere, revealing its intricate details.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast are developing discrete self-aligning flat antennas for satellite broadband and TV, promising to reduce power consumption and weight. The project aims to create a completely self-contained solid-state self-steering antenna that can operate in various frequency ranges.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a new process relating to the way drops of water spread after striking a surface, which could help engineers design more durable condensing surfaces. The effect explains why blades used in power-plant turbines tend to degrade rapidly and need frequent replacement.
A joint project between Iowa State University and Goodrich Corp. aims to develop advanced flow diagnostic tools for fuel nozzles in jet engines. The research uses techniques such as particle image velocimetry and molecular tagging velocimetry to analyze the uniformity, direction, temperature, and density of fuel droplets.
Flexible scales on sharks' bodies allow for change in direction while swimming at full speed by controlling water flow separation. This discovery has implications for designing more efficient aircraft, wind turbines, and other systems prone to flow separation issues.
Researchers in California and South Africa re-designed an aircraft with a bird-inspired shape to improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel consumption. The study showed that a flying wing configuration can generate nearly wing-only levels of lift and drag, potentially making planes more energy efficient.
A team of Stanford researchers has successfully tested a device that may help protect satellites from tiny meteoroid collisions. The canopy, which was tested in zero gravity, could potentially be deployed to shield spacecraft from micrometeoroids and interference with electronic equipment.
A team of researchers has developed a way to prevent cavitation damage in jet fuel pumps, essential components in modern aircraft. The study provides realistic data for computer models, enabling designers to create lighter, more efficient, and longer-lasting pumps.
Researchers at Harvard University have designed nanostructured materials that prevent ice formation by repelling water droplets. The breakthrough could lead to efficient and sustainable solutions for keeping surfaces ice-free during harsh winter weather.
The DARPA Ubiquitous High Performance Computing (UHPC) initiative aims to revolutionize computing power and energy efficiency. Georgia Tech researchers are supporting key components of the $100M challenge, developing new approaches and technologies to redefine the future of computing. The goal is to make computing systems more reliable...
The CU-Boulder student-built dust counter on NASA's New Horizons mission has reached a distance of 1.67 billion miles from Earth, breaking the record for the most distant working space dust detector. The instrument collected data in agreement with earlier measurements made by NASA's Galileo and Ulysses missions to Jupiter.
The James Webb Space Telescope's sunshield has successfully completed launch depressurization tests, validating its flight design. The tests, conducted in vacuum chambers, simulated the rapid change in air pressure during launch and proved that the stowed sunshield will retain its shape and allow trapped air to escape safely.
The MAVEN mission aims to investigate how Mars lost its atmosphere and gain insight into the Red Planet's history. The spacecraft will make definitive scientific measurements of present-day atmospheric loss, addressing fundamental science questions.
The University of Kansas swept honors with three winners: Lauren Fitzpatrick, Sarah Kulhanek, and Christopher M. Vaughn. Their designs focused on supersonic aircraft for low-cost space launch systems, demonstrating innovative solutions for the aerospace industry.
The California Polytechnic State University team won the first prize in the AIAA Foundation's annual Undergraduate Team Aircraft Design Competition. Their award-winning design, 'Bearodactyl,' is an alternative fuels and environmentally friendly aircraft system that addresses fossil fuel impact on earth's environment.
Researchers aim to understand how networks of creatives in WoW and Etsy can benefit scientists, corporations, and IT designers. By studying machinima videos and Etsy vendors' processes, they hope to develop software tools for supporting massive creative collaborations.
The EUREKA E! 3931 ASARP project developed a small and cheap-to-build unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can fly in severe weather conditions. The UAV uses shape-changing technology to improve flight stability, enabling it to carry up to 40 kg of equipment.
Researchers found that cues influence disclosure levels, with unprofessional-looking sites encouraging more sharing of personal data. People are more willing to divulge sensitive information when presented with misleading or deceptive cues.
Researchers at Georgia Tech Research Institute developed a system to measure high-energy laser beam power and spatial energy distribution. The reusable target board and beam diagnostic system enables simultaneous measurement of power and energy distribution, optimizing lasers for national security.