Experimental investigation of the aerodynamic flow in the aircraft carrier ski-jump by means of PIV

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods have opened a new field to perform aerodynamic studies saving money and time. The difficulties presented by this method to calculate complex flow field problems imply that CFD validation is needed to provide correct results. Experimental data have recently been used to validate the accuracy of CFD predictions. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) has shown to be a powerful tool in the investigation of complex flows. The aim of this paper is to present results from PIV experiments that would be interesting for CFD validation. Regarding aircraft operations, the short runway available implies the necessity of equipment which helps to take-off performances. Ski-jump ramp system improves aircraft performances by an increment of lift resulting in successful take-off operations. The ski-jump ramp presence generates a complex flow bounded by a turbulent shear layer and a low velocity recirculation bubble over the end of the flight deck. The adverse effects on the aircraft aerodynamics affect to pilot safe operations, so this region is an interesting problem to be studied by means of wind tunnel experimental tests

New compound sets identified from high throughput phenotypic screening against three kinetoplastid parasites:an open resource

Using whole-cell phenotypic assays, the GlaxoSmithKline high-throughput screening (HTS) diversity set of 1.8 million compounds was screened against the three kinetoplastids most relevant to human disease, i.e. Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei. Secondary confirmatory and orthogonal intracellular anti-parasiticidal assays were conducted, and the potential for non-specific cytotoxicity determined. Hit compounds were chemically clustered and triaged for desirable physicochemical properties. The hypothetical biological target space covered by these diversity sets was investigated through bioinformatics methodologies. Consequently, three anti-kinetoplastid chemical boxes of ~200 compounds each were assembled. Functional analyses of these compounds suggest a wide array of potential modes of action against kinetoplastid kinases, proteases and cytochromes as well as potential host–pathogen targets. This is the first published parallel high throughput screening of a pharma compound collection against kinetoplastids. The compound sets are provided as an open resource for future lead discovery programs, and to address important research questions.The support and funding of Tres Cantos Open Lab Foundation is gratefully acknowledgedPeer reviewe

Experimental validation of aerodynamic computational results in the aft-deck of a simplified frigate shape (SFS2)

Military frigates develop an essential tactical element and have a great importance in all navies operations around the world since they provide marine and submarine surveillance, as well as support for different emergencies, rescue, and humanitarian aid. These operations increase their range, even more, when the frigate allows for helicopter operations on its deck. Thus, troops can be transported between frigates and surveillance and rescue operations can be done faster. However, the aerodynamic interference between frigate and helicopter results in a complex airflow which causes an increase in the pilot’s workload during aircraft operations above the helideck. This complex airflow is due to the fact that the frigate has a non-aerodynamic design with sharp surfaces. They cause large areas of turbulent detached flow and low-velocity recirculation zones above the flight deck endangering helicopter take-off and landing maneuvers. For this reason, a large number of tests must be carried out on all frigates which can host helicopters operations. Tests have traditionally been performed in wind tunnels. Advances in the computing power of computers and their costs reduction have allowed better computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis reducing the need for experimental testing. However, CFD still has certain problems in predicting some complex flows such as the perturbed flow over the flight deck located in the wake of a frigate resulting in a necessity of validation by experimental data. The aim of this paper is to conduct a comparative study between numerical and experimental results of the flow around a simplified frigate shape (SFS2). The numerical study has been performed using a commercial software (FLUENT). The experimental study has been carried out in Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial INTA (Spain) by wind tunnel testing a sub-scaled SFS2 model by means of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The assessment is made by comparing point by point the velocity values obtained from experimental maps with those obtained in the numerical study. The comparison focuses on the helicopter rotor plane during its approach to the frigate. All the results presented could be a step forward in solving computational problems and improve their results related to marine engineering. They also could provide an important basis as a powerful validation method for future researches