Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University used evolutionary algorithms to identify optimal shapes for ultra-thin, bio-inspired corrugated airfoils. They discovered designs that minimized drag or maximized lift, with corrugations near the leading-edge reducing frictional drag and convex shapes near the trailing edge increasing lift.
Researchers are using AI to model complex turbulent flows, including wind, aerosols, and combustion, to quantify uncertainty in foundation models. The project aims to create a physics-constrained AI foundation model for complex flows important to energy systems.
A team from Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a system to test magnetohydrodynamic aerobraking for spacecraft reentry. They successfully generated strong magnetic fields using an electromagnet, exceeding previous results with permanent magnets.
The HydroGym platform uses reinforcement learning to train AI agents for actively controlling fluid flows, reducing drag and friction by up to 65%. The platform enables the systematic study of complex flows and improves the efficiency of airplanes, wind turbines, and other applications.
A study of 997,701 ED visits in Alberta and Ontario found a significant association between wildfire-sourced PM2.5 and a 6% increase in ED visits for migraine and primary headache syndromes. Associations were attenuated in less deprived areas, suggesting that wildfire-sourced PM2.5 may trigger severe headache episodes requiring ED care.
A research group at Tohoku University has overturned the long-standing assumption that smoother surfaces produce less aerodynamic drag. By applying Distributed Micro-Roughness, they achieved a world-first experimental demonstration of up to 43.6% drag reduction.
Researchers at Brown University have developed an aerodynamic model that simulates the forces at play when birds fly in a V formation. The model shows that birds experience an 11% reduction in mechanical power needed for flight due to reduced wing flapping, leading to significant energy savings.
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...
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.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology found that small vortices can create larger swirls of flow, challenging the traditional view of turbulence development. The study could impact industries such as aircraft engineering and mechanical heart valve design.
The scientific program features nearly 300 sessions and thousands of presentations on various fluid dynamics topics. The conference will also include a visual arts competition, Gallery of Fluid Motion, with a traveling exhibit on display until January 2026.
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.
Thousands of scientists will gather to present new research on fluids at the 78th American Physical Society meeting. The conference features a scientific program with thousands of presentations on various fluid dynamics topics.
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.
A CFD simulation method based on biological experimental data analyzed the aerodynamic performance of pigeons during different flight stages. The study found that pigeons enhance lift during takeoff by attaching leading-edge vortex earlier and maintain stable lift during leveling flight.
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.
Researchers developed an AI system to control airflow on wing surfaces, reducing turbulent separation bubbles by 9%. The system uses deep reinforcement learning to adapt to airflow dynamics and enhance the effectiveness of experimental technologies.
Texas A&M University professors Drs. Vanderlei Bagnato, Rodney Bowersox and Don Lipkin have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Class of 2025 for their outstanding contributions to engineering practice, research and education. The NAE recognition underscores the exceptional talent within the faculty.
Researchers design flexible, batlike wings that boost lift and improve flight performance. The study found that smooth curvature of the membrane wing generates more lift than a leading-edge vortex.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed porous ground treatments that can drastically reduce drone noise by up to 30 dB, improving aerodynamics and enhancing thrust and power coefficients. These innovative surfaces can be applied to vertiports and buildings to create quieter urban skies.
Researchers optimized the design of sensors in autonomous vehicles to reduce aerodynamic drag, resulting in a 3.44% decrease in total drag and 5.99% reduction in aerodynamic drag coefficient. This improvement enables longer driving ranges for self-driving cars.
The university will develop sensors to predict turbulent air flows using machine learning concepts inspired by insect wings. Meanwhile, Ignacio Jurado will study the role of loser consent in democratic stability across twenty democracies.
Scientists will present new research on bio-inspired floating offshore wind farms, harbor seals' whisker sensing abilities, and Manu jumping. The conference features over 300 sessions and nearly 2,800 presentations.
The 77th annual meeting of the American Physical Society's Division of Fluid Dynamics will feature more than 3,200 presentations on various fluid dynamics topics. The conference will also include a visual arts competition and exhibition showcasing the science and beauty of fluid motion.
A cycling physicist found that a strong tailwind has a negligible effect on an Everesting record. The wind boost on the ascent is canceled out by the significant headwind on the descent.
Engineers at MIT have developed a physics-based model that accurately represents airflow around rotors under extreme conditions. This new theory has the potential to improve rotor blade designs and optimize wind farm layouts for maximum power output and safety.
Researchers used wind tunnel experiments to analyze the pressure fields surrounding a cricket ball during delivery. The study found that low-pressure zones expanded and intensified near the ball when spinning, affecting its trajectory. This helps explain why modern bowlers' techniques make batting more challenging.
Vilas Shinde, an MSU assistant professor, has received a $1.13 million NASA grant to develop a new simulation tool for designing hypersonic vehicles. The project aims to improve the accuracy of boundary layer transition predictions, crucial for aerodynamic design and space exploration.
A team of Lehigh University researchers led by Professor Muhannad Suleiman is working to develop floating offshore wind platforms that can harness both wind and wave energy. The goal is to create more efficient and resilient structures that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
A team of mathematicians discovered a previously unknown aerodynamic phenomenon in bird flocking, where small groups benefit from precise interactions, but larger groups are disrupted by dislodging members. This breakthrough has potential applications in transportation and energy efficiency.
A new computational model uses neural network architecture to generate accurate predictions of airflow while reducing computational cost. It can capture most of the original physics in a flow prediction with relatively little processing complexity.
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.
The study discovered that corrugated wings exhibit larger lift than flat wings when the angle of attack is greater than 30°. The researchers analyzed the flow around a two-dimensional corrugated wing using direct numerical calculations and found a unique airflow dance set off by a distinct corrugated structure.
Researchers improved nylon shuttlecock design to mimic feather shuttlecock behavior at high speeds, reducing air resistance and making them harder to return. The study's findings have the potential to revolutionize the sport of badminton.
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.
Researchers discovered two new strategies used by hummingbirds to transit small gaps, including a sideways scooch and tuck-and-glide technique. These adaptations enable the birds to maneuver through dense environments with improved accuracy and control.
The 76th annual meeting of the American Physical Society's Division of Fluid Dynamics will bring together over 3,500 scientists from around the world to present new research on fluid dynamics. The conference will feature a scientific program with over 3,200 presentations and a gallery of fluid motion visual arts competition.
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.
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.
The study proposes a new method called programmable pulsed aerodynamic printing (PPAP) that enables precise generation of multi-interface droplets with varying Z numbers. This technology has broad potential for applications such as cell encapsulation, controlled drug release, and self-assembly.
A recent study by the University of Surrey found that group cyclists can reduce their exposure to vehicle pollutants by spreading out, especially in busier roads. The research highlights the importance of considering wind movement and positioning within a group to minimize exposure.
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%.
Researchers developed a new particle resuspension prediction model based on quasi-static moment equilibrium, which considers flow characteristics, particle morphology, and rough wall surface. The model is more accurate than classical models and can be applied to traceability analysis of pollutants.
Researchers at Lancaster University have discovered how energy disappears in quantum turbulence, a crucial step towards mastering this phenomenon and its applications. The study reveals the role of Kelvin waves in transferring energy from macroscopic to microscopic length scales.
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.
Researchers found that flat plate bow covers can decrease up to 42% of the wind drag on the hull of ships. The study used computational fluid dynamics simulations and found that a finer mesh gave more accurate results, with 23.62 million elements as an optimum number.
Researchers created a robotic wing that can flap more efficiently than previous robots, mimicking the upstroke of birds. This study could lead to more efficient flapping drones for various applications, including deliveries.
Researchers developed a computational model of flying snakes' undulation to understand lift production. The snake's cross-sectional shape creates pressure differential across its body, lifting it and allowing it to glide through the air.
Researchers at the University of Illinois created an experimental data set to validate models of supersonic flows around a cantilever plate. The data set reveals complex fluid-structure interactions, including three-dimensional flow in the re-circulation region under the plate.
Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered that wingless springtails control their jump, self-right in midair, and land on their feet due to their unique appendages for jumping and adhesion. This unique posture creates aerodynamic torque, effectively self-righting them within 20 milliseconds.
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.
Aerosols generated by musicians dissipate within 6 feet, settling into the background air draft. Flute-generated aerosols traveled farther due to airflow over the instrument.
Researchers discovered that wandering salamanders, living in redwoods, have developed aerial behaviors to avoid predators, including parachuting and gliding. They are able to maintain control and make horizontal maneuvers, defying expectations of their sluggish nature.
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 studied aerodynamics of bird perching maneuvers to understand the mechanisms that enhance lift and improve landing stability. They found that swept-wing motion stabilizes leading-edge vortex, leading to better landings in birds and potentially in aircraft.
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.
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.
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...
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.
Researchers explore the influence of forebody and afterbody shapes on Mars ascent vehicle aerodynamic performance. Studies reveal that conical forebodies can reduce drag in slender ascent vehicles, while exponential forebodies improve resistance performance in short blunt bodies.