ANALYZING THE INTERFACIAL PROPERTIES OF NATURAL FIBER COMPOSITES

In response to growing environmental concerns and the urgent demand for sustainable development, the composite materials industry is increasingly challenged to balance high performance with environmental responsibility. Conventional composites, typically composed of synthetic fibers and petroleum-based resins, offer outstanding mechanical properties but are associated with significant ecological drawbacks due to their non-biodegradable nature and energy-intensive production. This has led to increased interest in the development of sustainable composites that minimize environmental impact without compromising functionality. This study presents the development of eco-friendly composites reinforced with natural bast fibers—specifically ramie and jute—through a comprehensive program of materials processing and characterization. To enhance the fiber–matrix interfacial properties, the surfaces of the natural fibers were modified by in situ growth of inorganic metal oxides such as zinc oxide (ZnO) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) via a hydrothermal chemical synthesis process. These modifications aimed to improve interfacial bonding and load transfer between the fiber and polymer matrix. Composite samples were fabricated using EcoPoxy, a bio-based resin, with both untreated and nanoparticle-treated fibers. The interfacial mechanical performance was evaluated using techniques such as nanoindentation, tensile testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results demonstrate that nanoparticle surface functionalization significantly improves interfacial adhesion, thereby enhancing the overall mechanical performance of the composites

Florida Coconut (Cocoanut) Palm Postcard from early 1940s

One of a series of postcards bought by A W (Tony) Linfield, 5BFTS cadet on Course 18 (December 1943 - June 1944) while he was in Florida. Tony was a founder member of the 5BFTS Association and became the first Honorary Secretary. He donated his postcard collection to the 5BFTS Archives. In Florida, Coconut was once spelt as Cocoanut . It was changed in the early part of the 20th century to avoid confusion with Cocoa.https://commons.erau.edu/bfts-images-florida-ww2/1009/thumbnail.jp

Stability Limits of Uncertain Systems in the Presence of Unmatched Coupled Dynamics and Actuator Dynamics with Adaptive Architectures

Uncertain systems with coupled dynamics and actuator dynamics are prevalent in various applications spanning private, commercial, and government sectors. While stabilization and command tracking strategies exist, they often rely on idealized assumptions, such as negligible actuator bandwidth limitations and matched coupled dynamics. In order to mitigate actuator-induced limitations, we first employ standard model reference adaptive control (MRAC) architectures. We then proposed two architectures: modified hedging reference modeled based MRAC and modified expanded reference model based MRAC. In order to deal with coupled dynamics, we used an observer design to estimate the states of unmatched coupled dynamics. In addition, Lyapunov stability analyses are provided to prove closed-loop systems stabilities with the aforementioned MRACs. Specifically, modified hedging- and expanded-based approaches are designed to ensure that the controller does not become destabilized by the actuator’s presence by incorporating the actuator dynamics into the reference model. The minimum required actuator bandwidths are then determined by the quadratic stability condition that is examined via linear matrix inequalities (LMI) analysis, where applicable. Additionally, we investigate the effects of incorporating a low-pass filter to mitigate high-frequency oscillations that can arise from the large MRAC update rates that are required for faster convergence. Furthermore within the modified hedged- and modified expanded reference model-based MRAC schemes, we analyze three approaches to handling ground effect uncertainty directly. Finally, these architectures are applied to the helicopter and quadrotor slung load examples, demonstrating stability limits and revealing the minimum required actuator bandwidths for each approach. For a helicopter, where longitudinal dynamics must be stabilized despite load-induced coupling effects, and for a quadrotor carrying a slung payload example, we assumed similar coupled dynamical effects, where both stabilization and command tracking cases are considered. For the quadrotor, we also consider hovering near the ground as a source of uncertainty and analyze command tracking performance when estimated coupled-load dynamics approach zero. In such cases, commands can be precisely tracked, while otherwise, when the coupled dynamics fail to return zero, the system achieves close proximity to the desired command

Innovative Hearing Protection Device for Student Pilots

Exposure to excessive noise levels is a significant concern in aviation. Aircraft engines and ground operations contribute to noise levels that often exceed occupational safety limits, posing a risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). While hearing protection devices (HPDs) are commonly recommended to mitigate these risks, student pilots (SP) face a unique challenge: the necessity of clear verbal communication with instructors often preventing them from using conventional ear protection. By evaluating potential solutions such as active noise reduction (ANR) technology and alternative communication systems, this research aims to improve hearing conservation strategies in aviation training environments. We have been monitoring decibels on the ramp and the frequencies students can hear. We have found that the frequencies heard by students have been unaffected, whereas in the past, higher frequencies have been heard less. This project intends to modify existing earplug devices to enhance their functionality. The customization is designed to selectively attenuate aircraft and ramp noise while preserving speech intelligibility between the SP and CFI. The customized device achieves this by filtering out high-intensity ramp noise while allowing speech frequencies to remain audible. In conclusion, the flight line is an environment where appropriate ear protection is a necessity to prevent any long-term hearing damage. By taking measures to reduce the frequency at which students are exposed to noise, instances of noise-induced hearing loss in flight students and other personnel can be prevented

HyDroQuad: A Next-Generation Hybrid Drone-Quadruped Robot

Exploring planetary surfaces like Mars is incredibly challenging due to rough terrain, steep cliffs, and loose soil, areas where traditional rovers struggle. While legged robots offer better adaptability and aerial drones provide speed, neither can handle all terrains efficiently on their own. That is where HyDroQuad comes in. HyDroQuad is a next generation hybrid robot that seamlessly combines walking and flying, allowing it to move through extreme environments with ease. Its legs provide stability and energy efficient travel on rough ground, while its drone like flight capabilities let it jump over obstacles, cross challenging terrain, and reach elevated locations. Built with lightweight, high strength materials like carbon fibre, but initially conceptualized with 3d printed materials like carbon-fibre PLA. To prepare for real world deployment, HyDroQuad undergoes rigorous testing in Mars like environments on Earth, as well as advanced simulations replicating Martian gravity and atmosphere. By bridging the gap between ground and air mobility, HyDroQuad has the potential to explore previously unreachable locations, unlocking new possibilities for planetary science, space exploration, and even search and rescue missions here on Earth

Hydrogen Standards and Aviation Sustainability

Standards from ISO, SAE, and ASTM are essential for certification, safety, and sustainability validation

Airline Quality Rating 2024 & 2025

The Airline Quality Rating Report is a product of academic research from the previous co-authors Dr. Dean Headley and Dr. Brent Bowen. The research originated at the W. Frank Barton School of Business, Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. Throughout the 34 years this rigorous research has been conducted at the University of Nebraska, Purdue University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Dr. Bowen and Dr. Headley’s research on the development of the national Airline Quality Rating (AQR) is viewed by more than 75 million people each year and is annually featured by national news outlets such as ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, NBC’s Today Show, C-SPAN, USA Today, The Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal, Aviation Week and Space Technology, the network evening news shows and in numerous other national and international print and electronic media. Bowen and Headley have served as invited expert witnesses before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Operations and as invited speakers and panelists for such groups as the National Academy of Sciences/Transportation Research Board, Department of Transportation, and other congressional and executive panels. Their body of research has been recognized with awards from the American Marketing Association, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Travel and Transportation Research Association and others. After the retirement of both Drs. Headley and Bowen, and careful consideration from the co-authors they invited and endorsed Dr. Andrea Irish, who is a highly qualified researcher at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to continue their work moving forward. For full bios on the former co-authors and current author of this report, please refer to Appendix A

Clewiston Civic Park - One of two plaques remembering 5BFTS cadets at Riddle Field

One of two plaques in Clewiston Civic Park remembering the RAF cadets who trained at 5BFTS, Riddle Field, Clewiston, between 1941 and 1945. Donated by the 5BFTS Association and dedicated in 1975. They are cared for by the City of Clewiston and were relocated within the park in 2016. For more photographs of the memorial to 5BFTS cadets in Clewiston Civic Park, see images posted under the image link ‘Riddle Field’. Photograph taken by Dr Jenifer Harding in Clewiston Civic Park in May 2025.https://commons.erau.edu/bfts-russell-images/1001/thumbnail.jp

Clewiston Civic Park - One of two plaques remembering 5BFTS cadets at Riddle Field

One of two plaques in Clewiston Civic Park remembering the RAF cadets who trained at 5BFTS, Riddle Field, Clewiston, between 1941 and 1945. Donated by the 5BFTS Association and dedicated in 1975. They are cared for by the City of Clewiston and were relocated within the park in 2016. Photograph taken in May 2025.https://commons.erau.edu/bfts-images-riddle-field/1008/thumbnail.jp