Articles tagged with Aircraft
A new European research project, SMARTS, aims to improve air travel efficiency by redesigning flexible airspace sectors using artificial intelligence. The €2million project will create accurate predictive models and develop innovative sector configuration plans to reduce passenger delays, increase productivity, and lower emissions.
Scientists have developed a system to detect icing conditions in drones flying over the polar regions, allowing for safer and more efficient data collection. The onboard aerosol counters enable real-time detection of supercooled cloud droplets, which can damage drone components.
A research group from Nagoya University simulated clear air turbulence using Japan's fastest supercomputer. They found that wind speed disturbances occur due to the collapse of Kelvin-Helmholtz instability waves, creating turbulence in the absence of visible clouds or other atmospheric disturbances.
Air traffic cannot become climate-neutral solely by replacing fossil fuels with synthetic ones; reductions in air traffic are necessary. Non-CO2 effects, like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, play a major role in aviation's overall climate impact.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a smart material prototype that can control the direction and intensity of energy waves. This breakthrough could have significant implications for various fields, including military and commercial applications.
A new study found that people exposed to moderate aircraft noise were less likely to get the minimum recommended sleep each night. The risk increased among those living near airports or large water bodies, as well as those with no hearing loss. Exposure levels as low as 45 dB were associated with short sleep duration.
Researchers at the University of Bath are developing a new power system for zero-emissions electric aircraft using liquid hydrogen fuel. The project aims to create a reliable and efficient superconducting DC distribution network, reducing environmental impact and noise in air travel.
Researchers at Cranfield University are developing a new generation of lithium-sulfur batteries that offer improved performance and reduced weight compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The technology has the potential to support electrification of short-haul aircraft, light goods vehicles, and passenger vehicles.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a propeller design optimisation method that paves the way for quiet, efficient electric aviation. The new design can reduce noise emissions by up to 5-8 dBA, comparable to going from a normal conversation voice to a quiet room.
Assistant Professor Samik Bhattacharya is studying bird wing morphing to engineer stable solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles and micro air vehicles. His research could lead to improved control during airflow disturbances, reducing anxiety for pilots.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have found that jet engine lubrication oils are a significant source of ultrafine particles. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger inflammatory reactions, potentially contributing to cardiovascular diseases.
NASA will conduct a series of flights over various communities to test its Quesst Mission Supersonic STEM Toolkit and measure sound levels. The mission hopes to inform an overland supersonic sound standard, potentially cutting flight times in half.
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.
The study investigates the degradation of carbon fiber-reinforced ultra-high-temperature ceramic matrix composites at temperatures above 2000°C. The results show that the amount of zirconium in the alloy affects the composite's oxidation resistance, and modifying the matrix composition is necessary to prevent degradation.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new self-healing composite that can repair itself in place without removal. The technology addresses two longstanding challenges, increasing the lifespan of structural components by up to 500%. This resolves limitations such as overheating and limited self-repair cycles.
A NASA initiative studies wildfire-induced air pollution by measuring atmospheric CO and O3 levels using airborne observations. The study found that CO levels increased in the plume as it was transported away from the fire site, while plume age was associated with distance in both vertical and horizontal directions.
At extremely high speeds, friction decreases wear due to uneven heat distribution on the surface. The outermost layer of metal is damaged while deeper regions remain intact. This effect has implications for high-speed applications such as E-mobility and aircraft.
Researchers have identified two time periods of increased strike risk for hares at Dublin Airport: sunrise and midnight hours. By focusing prevention efforts on the hare population, the study aims to reduce costly 'runway roadkill' incidents worldwide.
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.
Researchers analyzed data from Ka-band radar and satellite observations to study the effects of cloud seeding on mixed convective-stratiform clouds. The study found that the convective region responds with larger precipitation particles, while the stratiform region experiences icing seeding tracks due to faster ice crystal formation.
Hawks use a unique flight path to slow down to a safe speed while minimizing the distance from the perch at which they stall. This allows them to control their landings effectively, even when slowing down risks stall, leading to sudden loss of flight control.
John Kershner, a Lehigh University PhD candidate, has been awarded a Fulbright research grant to continue his work on owl-inspired aero-acoustics in Germany. He will collaborate with researchers at Brandenburg Technical University and the DLR to experimentally test these designs.
Numerical simulations show that sonic booms can be prolonged by the shape of cities, with narrower streets introducing more complex boom propagation. The researchers aim to investigate this phenomenon further to better understand its impact on noise levels in urban areas.
Researchers from Nagoya University found that Quetzalcoatlus was not suited for soaring flight due to its large wing loading. The study suggests that the Quetzalcoatlus's thermal soaring abilities were below those of modern birds, contrary to previous assumptions.
Researchers from Korea Maritime and Ocean University have developed a way to synthesize high-performance functionally graded materials with minimized defects. By controlling the mixing gradient of component materials, they improved mechanical properties and eliminated interfacial cracks.
Scientists at Ural Federal University have developed a simpler and more effective method for synthesizing titanium-based nanocomposite coatings. The new approach allows for the production of wear-resistant coatings with controlled properties, suitable for various applications such as aircraft and biomedicine.
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a method to manufacture adaptive compliant trailing edge morphing wings using 4D printing of composites. This technology can make UAV wings cheaper to manufacture and more efficient in flight, supporting good amounts of load for small or medium-sized vehicles.
Researchers at Caltech developed Neural-Fly, a deep-learning method that enables drones to adapt to wind conditions in real-time. The method achieved significant improvements in drone performance compared to existing adaptive control algorithms.
Researchers from Skoltech and others develop a simplified method using polarized light to identify icy areas on aircraft plating. This enables lab assistants to accurately measure the time it takes for ice to form, reducing the risk of accidents by up to 90%.
A recent study by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researchers reveals a previously unknown atmospheric phenomenon over the Amazon rainforest, driven by plant-foliage-derived gases. These gases condense to form fine particles that cool the planet and seed clouds, affecting precipitation and the water cycle.
The study focuses on the Al-Cu-Mg-Ag system used for aircraft structures, revealing patterns that enhance the alloy's heat resistance and strength. The findings will help extend the lifetime of aircraft parts made from these materials, improving overall efficiency and performance.
A study found that living near high levels of transportation noise increases the risk of heart attack by 72%, with 5% of hospitalizations attributable to elevated noise levels. Noise exposure can cause chronic stress, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress, leading to cardiovascular health issues.
Scientists from China have developed a bionic approach to improve wind turbine performance by combining features of a seagull's wing with an engineered flow control accessory. The combined flow control improves lift and delays stalling at high angles of attack, increasing the efficiency of wind energy turbines.
Scientists use a modified drone with a radiation shield to collect high-quality atmospheric data in polar regions. The study shows that the low-cost drone provides accurate data comparable to radiosondes, expanding the observational network and improving weather forecasts.
The study found that plate wettability had no impact on the performance of anti-icing fluids, contradicting previous research. Smooth hydrophobic coatings were shown to prevent ice accretion and reduce water adhesion.
Researchers at WVU are creating control software for aerial robots to survey Venus' atmosphere, helping model the evolution of climate on Earth. The aerobots will use a hybrid airship design and energy-efficient paths to explore the planet's surface.
A study published in Frontiers in Energy Research found that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) could reduce commercial aviation's CO2 emissions by between 4% and 23% by 2050. The researchers used a model-based approach to analyze data and considered five future SAF scenarios and two passenger-demand projections.
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.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a plant that can produce carbon-neutral liquid fuels from sunlight and air. The technology has been tested successfully and is now mature enough for industrial applications.
New research shows that climate models are underestimating the warming effect of black carbon aerosols transported over the South-East Atlantic. The study, led by Dr Marc Mallet, found that biomass-burning aerosols can lead to an increase in absorbed sunlight, potentially warming the climate system.
A global lockdown reduced cirrus cloud formation by 9% and density by 2%, with a positive impact on the climate. This study demonstrates that aircraft contrails contribute to additional cirrus clouds and global warming.
A global study led by UCC researcher Samantha Ball found 'runway roadkill' increasing by up to 68% annually, costing aviation authorities millions per annum. The study identified 47 countries with reported mammal strikes, including bats, rabbits, and coyotes, highlighting the need for effective Wildlife Hazard Management Plans.
The study found that bats accounted for the greatest proportion of strikes in Australia, while rabbits and dog-like carnivores dominated Canada, Germany, and the UK. Average mammal strikes per year ranged from 1.2 to 38.7 across countries, with estimated annual costs exceeding $100 million.
Researchers found that commercial flights between New York and London last winter could have used up to 16% less fuel by harnessing favorable winds. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, analyzed 35,000 flights and suggests that simple tweaks to flight paths can offer benefits immediately.
Researchers explored oxidation mechanisms in Yb-Si coatings at high temperatures under different atmospheres. The study found that the Yb to Si ratio affects oxidation behavior and that ytterbium content can suppress SiO2 growth, leading to more heat-resistant coatings.
Researchers created a trajectory planner that enables drones to quickly switch between hover and forward flight, reducing transition time by half. The system uses aerodynamic models to optimize flight movements, allowing for more agile maneuvers in dense or urban areas.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that acute aircraft noise exposure at night can increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality. The study analyzed 24,886 cardiovascular deaths and found a significant association between night-time airplane noise levels and increased mortality risk.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that keyhole wasps at Brisbane Airport were responsible for fully blocking replica pitot probes, which measure airspeed. The researchers emphasize the importance of developing risk-mitigating strategies to address this issue and highlight the potential consequences of not doing so.
Lance Sherry conducts research to inform FAA policy deliberations on aeromedical and emergency aircraft activity. The study aims to better understand infrastructure needs at National Plan of Integrated Airport System (NPIAS) airports.
A recent study by City, University of London researchers reveals how micro-structured finlets on owl feathers enable silent flight and may hold the key to reducing aircraft noise. The team's findings show that these structures work as arrays of finlets, turning the flow direction near the aerodynamic wall and keeping it stable.
UCF researchers, led by Professor Ranajay Ghosh and Professor Seetha Raghavan, aim to develop sophisticated computer models to identify the initial stages of stress-corrosion cracking. The goal is to create early detection systems that can isolate damaged areas and design resistant materials and coatings.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a novel methodology for early detection of flutter in turbine blades. Before the onset of catastrophic 'flutter,' one blade acts as a central hub, triggering synchronization among adjacent blades. This study contributes to safer and more eco-friendly turbine designs.
A new simulation approach has enabled faster computation of complex airfoil noise characteristics under extreme conditions, accelerating the development of quieter designs. The method uses a wall-modeled large-eddy simulation to model near-surface flows at high resolution while reducing computational intensity.
Researchers developed a comprehensive mathematical framework to optimize sensor placement and selection. The model revealed that not all sensors were needed to accurately estimate key physical states, such as velocity and angle of attack. This approach balances cost and precision, making it a critical solution for complex systems.
The University of South Carolina's research team will use a four-year NASA grant to develop an atom-to-airframe approach, increasing the production rate of aircraft and making urban air mobility possible. The project aims to produce 100 aircraft per day, a significant increase from current rates.
Tropical Storm Hanna is consolidating and intensifying as it heads toward the Texas coast. The storm's minimum central pressure has increased to near 1000 millibars, with sustained winds of up to 45 mph.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant reduction in commercial flights, causing less accurate weather forecasts worldwide. Weather forecasts are crucial for daily life, impacting agriculture and the energy sector.
The project SAMAS - SHM created a reliable load and impact monitoring system, enabling the estimation of aerodynamic loads, detection of impacts, and quantification of damage. The system was tested successfully during test flights and ground tests, confirming its reliability.
Researchers developed a model to help airlines respond to flight delays and cancellations while considering potential future disruptions. The approach could result in millions of dollars in savings annually by reducing unnecessary costs such as speeding up aircraft or canceling flights.
Researchers develop a computational methodology to predict COVID-19 outbreak control mechanisms in airplane cabins. The project uses physics-informed deep learning techniques and may be applied to other public transport settings.