SwRI is using low frequency eddy current testing to detect and characterize subsurface flaws and cracks in bolt holes. This method will allow aircraft maintainers to assess damage progression and make repair decisions to keep the aircraft flying safely.
Southwest Research Institute is developing a comprehensive Product Lifecycle Management system to store and organize decades of scattered records and data for the US Air Force. The system aims to improve aircraft efficiency and safety by using data, modeling, and analytics to perform repairs and maintenance before problems occur.
Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.
Researchers developed a reduced order model that accelerates calculations by identifying key features in flow data, enabling faster testing of geometry parameters for efficiency gains. The team plans to make their extensive database and model available online for other research groups.
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Dr. Bueno, a lead engineer at SwRI's Computational Mechanics Section, has been recognized for his work on supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamics, turbulence, and renewable energy. He developed patented heat storage systems and advanced optical diagnostic imaging tools to study high-speed flows.
A multidisciplinary team led by Natasha Vermaak investigates developing structural materials resistant to high-frequency thermomechanical loads for rotating detonation engines. The project aims to address the lack of established materials solutions for extreme thermomechanical loadings, enabling advancements in propulsion systems.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has completed its Center for Accelerating Materials and Processes (CAMP) facility, enabling faster production of high-speed propulsion systems. The new facility will focus on demonstrating more efficient techniques for manufacturing these systems.
A new AI oracle aimed at solving complex physics problems has received $19.4 million in funding from the US Department of Energy. The project, led by the University of Michigan, will focus on developing artificial intelligence models to generate trustworthy data for engineering design of complex devices.
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A new imaging system can capture high-quality still images of rotating objects in real-time, enabling early detection of wear or damage. The system uses a single-pixel detector and structured illumination to overcome challenges of traditional cameras.
Researchers found four types of aircraft engine exhaust particles, including soot, volatile particles, and onion-like structures. The onion-like particles are composed of organic compounds and have unique internal structures that may affect their volatility and interaction with the human respiratory tract.
The ALARM project has developed a prototype system that monitors natural phenomena affecting aviation, such as volcanic ash and thunderstorms. The system uses satellite data and weather forecasts to predict the impact of aircraft on climate change, identifying 'ECHO areas' with high environmental risk.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a more efficient wind sensor for drones, balloons, and autonomous aircraft. The sensor uses smart materials to measure wind speed and direction, improving safety and efficiency in autonomous flight.
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A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science has developed a machine learning-based tool to predict thermoacoustic oscillations in engines. The tool uses dynamical systems theory and can classify combustion into three states, identifying pressure fluctuations that indicate future combustion oscillations.
A team of UBCO researchers developed a recipe for a clean-burning, power-boosting aircraft fuel by adding graphene oxide nanomaterials to ethanol. This mixture improves the burn rate by about eight per cent, reducing carbon footprint and increasing engine power.
En'Urga will design and evaluate a hyperspectral imager to provide spatially and temporally resolved gas concentrations and temperatures in turbulent reacting flows. The technology aims to improve propulsion systems, aero engines, and associated technologies for NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center.
A Polish-Colombian team developed software using bee and cuckoo behavior to optimize flight routes, achieving measurable financial and environmental savings. The algorithm allows real-time modification of routes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new computational method to predict metal reactions with water, enabling faster and more accurate predictions of corrosion. The method combines two techniques and can be applied to various applications, including bridge design and aircraft engine development.
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A survey of 77 atmospheric scientists found no evidence to support the 'chemtrails' conspiracy theory, which claims a secret government program is releasing toxic chemicals into the air. The researchers cited methods for collecting samples as a possible cause of faulty results.
The EU is investing €3 million in innovative aero-engine technologies to achieve a 75% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per passenger kilometre by 2050. Radical new design concepts and technologies, such as composite engine cycles and heat recycling, are being explored to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
A new system using sound waves helps detect structural defects in pipes, engines, and nuclear power plants. Researchers have developed a non-destructive testing method that could also be applied to medical imaging and seismology.
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The Signal Fire in New Mexico is a rapidly spreading wildfire with 507 firefighters and resources from NASA. The fire's cause is believed to be human, with evacuations ordered for residents near the affected area.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that teams using checklists were three-fourths less likely to miss key life-saving steps in care during emergency situations. The study involved simulated surgical crisis scenarios and showed a significant reduction in failure rates when checklists were used.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute use selective laser melting to create serial parts out of metal powder, producing high-quality components with improved safety standards. The process reduces manufacturing cycle times by up to 40% and has the potential to decrease material costs by 50%.
The MODIS Rapid Response System provided near real-time satellite images of the Earth's landmasses, capturing a visible image of Eyjafjallajökull's ash plume over England and the Netherlands. Air travel has been grounded or diverted due to volcanic ash particles posing a risk to airplane engines.
The MIT and Cambridge University team has designed a silent aircraft that can carry 215 passengers, predicted to achieve 124 passenger-miles per gallon, almost 25% more than current aircraft. The proposed plane features an integrated flying wing design, eliminating flaps and embedding engines in the fuselage.
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NIST develops a simulation program to analyze and optimize supply chain performance for small firms. The model identifies potential bottlenecks and enables data-driven decision-making to mitigate risks and reduce costs.
Researchers developed special vibration-isolating seats to manage increased vibration risks, while monitoring potential damage to the aircraft. The findings support the installation of larger observation windows despite increased vibration concerns.
Researchers discovered that increased cirrus cloud cover over the US could account for nearly all of the warming observed in the country since 1975. The study suggests that contrails, formed by air traffic, contribute to this warming effect.
Computer models at UW-Madison use genetic algorithms to optimize engine performance, increasing fuel efficiency while reducing pollution. The results demonstrate significant improvements in nitric oxide and soot emissions, as well as a 15% reduction in fuel consumption.
Spray forming technology uses tiny metallic droplets to create strong aerospace alloys, reducing production costs and increasing strength. This process enables the creation of larger components, benefiting from cost reduction and improved alloy utilisation.
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A new scanning device enables researchers to examine internal characteristics of composite engine parts as they are mended, improving use of composite materials. Initial experiments showed that surface integrity can belie internal damage in graphite fibre-PEEK composites.