Swarm of tiny drones explores unknown environments
Researchers have presented a swarm of tiny drones that can explore unknown environments completely by themselves. This work forms a significant step in the field of swarm robotics.
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Infrared detectors created for viper-like night vision
Much like some snakes use infrared to 'see' at night, researchers are working to create similar viper vision to improve the sensitivity of night-vision cameras.
Read moreComposite metal foam outperforms aluminum for use in aircraft wings
The leading edges of aircraft wings have to meet a very demanding set of characteristics. New research shows that a combination of steel composite metal foam and epoxy resin has more desirable characteristics for use as a leading-edge material than the aluminum currently in widespread use.
Read moreExperiment measures velocity in 3D
Many of today's scientific processes are simulated using computer-driven mathematical models. But for a model to accurately predict how air flow behaves at high speeds, for example, scientists need supplemental real life data. Providing validation data, using up-to-date methods, was a key motivating factor for a recent experimental study.
Read moreVolleyball: The secret to sneaky float serves
A team of researchers performed wind tunnel experiments to determine the role of asymmetry caused by the orientation of a volleyball on its aerodynamic characteristics. They found that switching from the standard panel arrangement to a hexagonal or dimpled pattern may improve the consistency of flight, with many potential applications in aviation.
Read moreHypersonic research spotlights future flight challenges
Engineers are advancing what researchers know about hypersonic flight. A new study describes a series of tests that elucidate the conditions a future aircraft may experience traveling faster than 10 times the speed of sound.
Read moreCompact infrared spectrometer
Researchers have developed a compact infrared spectrometer. It's small enough to fit on a computer chip but can still open up interesting possibilities — in space and in everyday life.
Read moreRevamped crew scheduling model cuts airline delays by as much as 30%
Delays and disruptions in airline operations annually result in billions of dollars of additional costs to airlines, passengers and the economy. Airlines strive to mitigate these costs by creating schedules that are less likely to get disrupted or schedules that are easy to repair when there are disruptions — new research has found a solution using a mathematical optimization model.
Read moreGetting an 'eel' for the water: The physics of undulatory human swimming
A team of researchers captured the 3D motion of an athlete performing undulatory swimming. They find that the vortex wakes created led to jet flows that contribute to the propulsion. This research has implication for energy efficient eel-like sailing.
Read moreCarbon emissions soar as tourism reaches new heights
A researcher is examining how the flight routes people take to get to tourist destinations impact the amount of pollution in the air.
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