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How do flocking birds and schools of fish move? New research offers crystal-clear answer

A new study by New York University mathematicians shows that flocks and schools behave like soft crystalline materials, with individual birds and fish serving as “atoms” that are evenly spaced in a lattice-like formation. This understanding offers insights into the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic interactions crucial in aerospace and auto...

SourceNew York University·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2026

New research brings machine‑learning‑based physics a step closer to solving real engineering challenges

A new machine-learning method detects sudden changes in fluid behavior, improving simulation capabilities for everyday applications like weather prediction and nuclear reactor safety. This enables faster design testing, real-time adjustments, and reduced computational burden.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Computational Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 9, 2026

UESTC researchers unveil ultra-wideband, low-profile antenna for airborne applications

The study introduced an omnidirectional circular ring antenna that operates across a broad frequency range (150 MHz–600 MHz) while maintaining a low profile. The antenna features a compact design, achieving an impedance bandwidth of 12:1 and a lateral diameter of 0.19 times the wavelength.

SourceJournal of Electronic Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Electronic Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2025

The West is best to spot UFOs

A new study analyzed 98,000 UAP sighting reports over a 20-year period, finding that the majority occurred in western parts of the US. The researchers identified 'hot spots' with high numbers of reports and 'cold spots' with low numbers.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2024

Riding the whims of the wind

Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEcological Modelling·DateNov 30, 2023

Scientists studied effect of different geometric porosities on aerodynamic characteristics of supersonic parachutes

Researchers investigate impact of different geometric porosities on aerodynamics of supersonic parachutes. The study reveals that porosity structures have little effect on flow field mode and pressure distribution, but affect drag performance, with single-seam models showing better stability.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·DateSep 6, 2023

Monarch butterflies are more likely to survive their long migrations if they have more and larger white spots on their wings, possibly because it gives them an aerodynamic advantage

Researchers found that monarch butterflies with more and larger white spots on their wings had a higher survival rate during long-distance migrations. The study suggests that these white spots may provide an aerodynamic benefit, helping the butterflies navigate and stay aloft during their journeys.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 21, 2023

Sailing cargo ships can benefit from new aerodynamic tech

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a unique method to reduce ship aerodynamic drag, which could lead to significant energy efficiency gains and reduced fuel consumption. The method uses the Coanda effect to create a more efficient airflow around the ship's superstructure, reducing drag by 7.5%.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 4, 2023

Engineers study bird flight

A new study reveals how gulls adjust their wings to control stability in the air, employing wing morphing to respond to gusts and turbulence. The findings have implications for designing more agile drones and aircraft with improved maneuverability.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2022

Sophisticated fluid mechanics model is on a roll

The Rice-Waseda team created a computer simulation model that can accurately depict the complex aerodynamics around a moving car and its rolling tires. The model uses NURBS Surface-to-Volume Guided Mesh Generation method, which enables it to capture the deformation of tires as they roll on the road.

SourceRice University·JournalComputational Mechanics·DateMay 12, 2022

How scientists analyzed the aerodynamic characteristics of Tianwen-1 Mars parachute?

The study focused on the analysis and selection of Mars parachute types, with a focus on supersonic speed, low density, and harsh atmospheric conditions. The optimized tapered DGB parachute structure demonstrated improved deceleration performance, meeting the requirements for the Tianwen-1 Mars probe.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Researchers find a new way to measure flying baseballs

A new laboratory method uses a high-accuracy ball delivery device and speed measurement system to provide better clues on exactly how high and far baseballs will fly. The technique allows for more precision than traditional wind tunnel measurements by firing the baseballs through a line of sensors, measuring the change in speed as they...

SourceWashington State University·JournalApplied Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Bionic wing flaps improve wind energy efficiency

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateMar 22, 2022