Articles tagged with Aircraft
The Franz Edelman Award recognizes outstanding operations research-based projects that have transformed companies, industries, and lives. This year's competition features five finalists from major organizations, including Coca-Cola Enterprises, U.S. Coast Guard, Hewlett-Packard, Chrysler Group, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Researchers have discovered that rapid hurricane intensity changes can be attributed to clouds outside the eye forming a new eyewall. This finding has significant implications for hurricane forecasting, as it may enable forecasters to predict when a storm will change intensity and how strong it will become.
A recent USGS study compared nine different formulations and confirmed that most still have toxic additives, but some de-icers may be safer for the environment than those used in the 1990s.
Researchers gathered precise wind measurements in a hurricane using NASA's ER-2 aircraft and NOAA's P-3 aircraft. This data helps advance the understanding of complex storms, allowing for more accurate forecasts and potential improvements in replicating hurricane development.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research has developed an enhanced in-flight icing product to guide aircraft around hazardous icing conditions. This new system rates areas by icing severity and probability of encounters, helping reduce flight delays and fuel costs.
Researchers have developed an 'audio telescope' system that uses microphone arrays to locate and identify birds by their unique calls. The system can distinguish between different species within seconds, improving airport safety and reducing costly collisions.
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.
A team of researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology successfully tested a hydrogen-powered unmanned aircraft with a 22-foot wingspan, generating only 500 watts of power. The fuel-cell system makes the aircraft more compelling than just a lab demonstration or even a fuel cell system powering a house.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks' Geophysical Institute has acquired an Insitu A-20 unmanned aircraft system, which will facilitate various research projects across Alaska. The aircraft's capabilities include wildfire mapping, pipeline security, and large mammal tracking, offering unique opportunities for students and faculty.
The Warner Robins Air Logistics CTR won the 2006 Franz Edelman Award for its application of Critical Chain in reducing flow days for the C-5 aircraft line, resulting in significant revenue gains. The award recognizes the center's innovative use of Operations Research to optimize repair and overhaul processes.
Researchers have successfully completed 18 data-gathering missions using autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles in pollution-filled skies over the Maldives. The aircraft flew in synchronous vertical formation, collecting unprecedented detail on how pollution particles contribute to cloud formation and dimming.
Researchers investigate transformation of air pollution as it flows downwind from Mexico City, focusing on impacts on human health and climate. The study aims to understand pollution transport across continents and assess regional air quality and climate effects.
The HIAPER aircraft will fly over treacherous whirlwinds, known as rotors, in the California Sierra Nevada range. Scientists will study the rotors' structure and evolution to improve forecasters' ability to predict when and where they occur.
Scientists will analyze air and aerosol pollutants using aircraft, ground stations, and satellite observations. The goal is to understand the impact of urban pollution on regional and global climate, ecosystems, and visibility.
The MIRAGE project, led by NCAR, aims to quantify air pollution emitted by Mexico City from multiple perspectives. Researchers will use aircraft, ground-based instruments, and satellite observations to gather data on the pollutants' life cycle, including their transformation by chemical reactions and interaction with other sources.
The Maintainer's Electronic Performance Support System (MEPSS) is a software developed by the Georgia Institute of Technology to help military aircraft maintainers work more efficiently. The system provides access to technical information, parts lists, and troubleshooting tips, allowing technicians to diagnose and repair issues quickly.
High-resolution images of ice crystals provide detailed information about ice clouds, including particle size and shape, which influence the longevity of the cloud. The Tropical Warm Pool International Cloud Experiment, led by the ARM Program, combines aircraft and surface data to better understand cirrus structure in the tropics.
Yale researchers will observe, describe, and explain severe atmospheric turbulence over mountains, focusing on 'gravity waves' that impact the stratosphere. The Terrain-induced Rotors Experiment (T-Rex) project aims to measure properties of whirlwinds formed in mountain ranges and monitor gravity wave behavior.
Scientists are studying the tropopause, a key transition zone in the atmosphere where air from the troposphere flows into the stratosphere. This region is critical for understanding climate change and ozone recovery, with water and bromine chemicals playing major roles.
Researchers use Purdue's unique wind tunnel to study airflow and turbulence, aiming to design aircraft that heat up less from atmospheric friction. The goal is to create lighter-weight, lower-cost vehicles for space planes using scramjets.
The Navy has recognized four inventors for their Terrain Awareness Warning System (eTAWS), which has saved two F/A-18 aircraft and their crews. The technology is now installed in over 200 aircraft and could reduce the Navy's mishap rate by up to 90%, saving approximately $304 million.
Researchers dropped instruments called dropsondes into the hurricane to measure temperature, pressure, winds, and more. The study reconstructed the structure of the eye in three dimensions from high altitude to great detail.
Several UK e-Science projects have delivered significant advancements in various fields, including the discovery of new genes, efficient drug discovery, and large-scale simulations. These projects are being showcased at the e-Science All Hands conference in Nottingham.
Researchers will monitor oceanic thunderstorms to study why some systems develop into tropical cyclones and some do not. The data could support development of a more accurate and timely warning system to help safeguard property and lives.
A study found that exposure to aircraft noise impairs reading comprehension in children, with a 5-decibel change causing delays of up to 2 months. Road traffic noise improved recall memory, but increased exposure to both types of noise led to stress and reduced quality of life.
The probable collapse sequences for the World Trade Center (WTC) towers reveal a complex interplay of factors leading to their collapse, including fires fueled by building contents and jet fuel. The sequences update and finalize hypotheses released by NIST, supported by extensive computer modeling and evidence.
Increasing aircraft cabin ventilation can reduce disease transmission in-flight, with proper ventilation removing 63% of airborne organisms. Air travellers should prioritize good hand hygiene to prevent infection risk.
The High-Altitude Particle Experiment Aircraft (HIAPER) is a modified Gulfstream V jet that can fly up to 51,000 feet and cover 7,000 miles. With its advanced capabilities, HIAPER will allow scientists to study atmospheric processes, environmental phenomena, and interactions between oceans and atmosphere.
Researchers used high-altitude airborne imaging spectroscopy to identify two invading plant species, Myrica faya and Kahili ginger, in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The study found that these invaders are altering the forest ecosystem by changing leaf nitrogen and water content, with potential domino effects on native species.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that pilots with a DWI history have a 43% higher crash risk than their counterparts without one. The researchers analyzed over 300,000 pilots and tracked their flying records, concluding that background checks can effectively predict and prevent crashes.
Alcohol consumption was a significant risk factor in fatal plane crashes, with 52% occurring at night and 64% in worsening weather. Researchers hope to design programs similar to those combating drunk-driving to lower accident rates.
NASA is collaborating with Idaho National Laboratory (INEEL) to evaluate the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for routine fire surveillance and management. The project aims to improve speed, safety, and cost efficiency in firefighting efforts.
The U.S. National Science Foundation commemorates Charles Byrd's groundbreaking 1929 flight, opening the South Pole to scientific research. Today, NSF maintains three year-round stations in Antarctica, including one at the geographic South Pole.
The MIT guidance system allows pilots to issue high-level commands, such as 'fly to Task Area B', to a UAV, which executes them while avoiding threats. The system uses a natural-language interface and task scheduler to improve safety and efficiency.
A randomized double-blind cross-over study involving 22 healthy volunteers found that Malarone(TM) had no significant effect on vigilance, alertness, or quality of sleep. The results support previous studies showing Malarone(TM) has no impact under normal pressure conditions.
Researchers combine airborne data with ground-based measurements to better understand carbon exchanges in rolling hills and mountain ranges. The project aims to enhance carbon uptake and improve monitoring methods for high-emitting nations and industries.
A team of UC Davis students conducted experiments on formation of new materials by combustion in an electric field using NASA's 'Vomit Comet' aircraft. The low-gravity environment enhanced the effect of the electric field, creating unique properties in new materials.
The journal celebrates the Wright brothers' achievement with a special issue focusing on the application of operations research in aviation. The studies explore various aspects, including aircraft scheduling, air transport networks, and airspace planning.
A new study seeks to understand the impact of cosmic radiation on aircraft systems, aiming to improve the definition of the atmospheric radiation field. The research involves collecting data from flights across various routes and latitudes to produce global maps reflecting dynamic radiation patterns.
Researchers developed a new technique to detect melt pond coverage on Arctic sea ice using NASA's Landsat 7 satellite. This method improves the understanding of the Arctic heat balance and its impact on global climate.
Researchers at the Office of Naval Research created a national study to understand and predict abrupt wing stall (AWS) in aircraft. They developed new tools and procedures to assess an aircraft's susceptibility to AWS, which can be used to screen new wing designs earlier in their development phase.
Researchers examining the link between cabin air quality and health will collect data from a sample of flights, recording cabin air quality and perceptions of comfort and health by flight attendants and passengers. The study aims to inform the development of air quality standards for commercial aircraft.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has developed a new instrument to study the metal of World Trade Center (WTC) steel. The apparatus rapidly compresses and heats samples at extremely high temperatures, helping to improve understanding of how steel responds under stress.
NCAR scientists have developed a new algorithm to predict turbulence using airborne radars, enabling pilots to receive warnings up to 30 seconds in advance. The NCAR Efficient Spectral Processing Algorithm (NESPA) demonstrates an 80% detection rate and low false predictions, showing its feasibility for improving aviation safety.
BAMEX will investigate how damaging winds unfold at night, when low-level air cools and stabilizes. The study aims to improve forecast warnings for high winds produced by bow echoes and heavy rains triggered by mesoscale convective systems.
A study by Penn State researchers found that jet contrails altered the average daily temperature range in the United States during a three-day commercial air shutdown in September 2001. The diurnal temperature range increased by 1.8 degrees Celsius, with daytime temperatures being higher and nighttime temperatures lower without contrails.
Scientists will investigate high, tropical cirrus clouds in Florida to reduce uncertainties in forecasts of the Earth's future climate. The Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers - Florida Area Cirrus Experiment (CRYSTAL-FACE) aims to improve large-scale measurements of clouds using aircraft and satellite data.
Researchers found the warmest portion of a hurricane's eye is approximately 3.5 miles high, corresponding to falling pressure and destructive winds. The data provided a comprehensive 3D image of the inner core, revealing how heat from rising air powers the storm.
The CLPX aims to improve prediction of the hydrologic cycle and management of water resources. Scientists will collect snow data using skis, snowmobiles, aircraft, satellites, and microwave measurements to analyze snow water content, temperature, and crystal formation.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed the first storage ring to confine and guide ultra-cold neutral atoms in a circular path. The Nevatron ring marks a step toward creating atom fiber optics that could improve aircraft guidance systems and open new areas of study in basic physics.
Researchers found that vibrations recorded on September 11 were of a low magnitude, too small to cause structural damage. The collapse of the towers was attributed to the interaction between the ground and building foundations, transmitting energy from the impacts and collapses.
Researchers develop a condition-based monitoring system using radar-like signals to detect material damage in aircraft and vehicles. The system can accurately determine the location and severity of damage, even when temperature changes affect material behavior.
Research suggests that daily exposure to aircraft noise may raise blood pressure levels. People living in areas with higher average or maximum noise levels are more likely to develop hypertension.
Researchers are using new technology to measure coastal erosion in the UK, with a focus on the North Yorkshire coastline. They are creating highly accurate 3D computer models that detail when and where erosion is most likely to occur.
A new technique uses GPS signals to collect environmental data, reducing the size and cost of instrumentation. The system is promising for studying ocean-related conditions and global climate change, with potential applications in satellite systems and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Researchers develop AI-powered system to provide real-time characterization of ice buildup on wings, enhancing pilot decision-making and aircraft stability. The smart ice-management system aims to improve safety for pilots flying in severe icing conditions.
The NASA Terra spacecraft and ER-2 aircraft conducted the first synchronized scientific observations over Southern Africa as part of the six-week SAFARI 2000 initiative. The target was to measure carbon monoxide levels in the atmosphere, a major component of air pollution.
Virginia Tech engineers propose integrating simulation models to evaluate the national airspace system, addressing critical bottlenecks in aircraft sequencing, runway operations, and taxiway management. By optimizing these processes, they aim to reduce time delays and increase airport efficiency.
The University of Washington research aircraft Husky One will measure pollutant concentrations from three primary sources: fossil fuels, agricultural fires, and natural processes. The subcontinent-sized plume will be studied as it rotates thousands of miles across southern Africa and the Atlantic Ocean.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a cockpit display system called CDTI, which provides pilots with real-time information on surrounding aircraft speeds. This enables pilots to respond quickly and safely to air traffic controller commands, improving air traffic efficiency and safety.