Geometry definition and grid generation for a complete fighter aircraft

Recent advances in computing power and numerical solution procedures have enabled computational fluid dynamicists to attempt increasingly difficult problems. In particular, efforts are focusing on computations of complex three-dimensional flow fields about realistic aerodynamic bodies. To perform such computations, a very accurate and detailed description of the surface geometry must be provided, and a three-dimensional grid must be generated in the space around the body. The geometry must be supplied in a format compatible with the grid generation requirements, and must be verified to be free of inconsistencies. This paper presents a procedure for performing the geometry definition of a fighter aircraft that makes use of a commercial computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing system. Furthermore, visual representations of the geometry are generated using a computer graphics system for verification of the body definition. Finally, the three-dimensional grids for fighter-like aircraft are generated by means of an efficient new parabolic grid generation method. This method exhibits good control of grid quality

Mechanism for the failure of the Edwards hypothesis in the SK spin glass

The dynamics of the SK model at T=0 starting from random spin configurations is considered. The metastable states reached by such dynamics are atypical of such states as a whole, in that the probability density of site energies, $p(\lambda)$, is small at $\lambda=0$. Since virtually all metastable states have a much larger $p(0)$, this behavior demonstrates a qualitative failure of the Edwards hypothesis. We look for its origins by modelling the changes in the site energies during the dynamics as a Markov process. We show how the small $p(0)$ arises from features of the Markov process that have a clear physical basis in the spin-glass, and hence explain the failure of the Edwards hypothesis.Comment: 5 pages, new title, modified text, additional reference

Impairments to thermoregulation in the elderly during heat exposure events

Heat waves represent a public health risk to elderly people, and typically result in an increased rate of hospital admissions and deaths. Studies of thermoregulation in this cohort have generally focused on single elements such as sweating capacity. Sweating capacity and skin blood flow reduce with age, reducing ability to dissipate heat. Perception of effort during heat exposure is emerging as an area that needs further investigation as the elderly appear to lack the ability to adequately perceive increased physiological strain during heat exposure. The role of the gut and endotoxemia in heat stress has received attention in young adults, while the elderly population has been neglected. This shortcoming offers another potential avenue for identifying effective integrated health interventions to reduce heat illnesses. Increasing numbers of elderly individuals in populations worldwide are likely to increase the incidence of heat wave-induced deaths if adequate interventions are not developed, evaluated, and implemented. In this narrative-style review we identify and discuss health-related interventions for reducing the impact of heat illnesses in the elderly

Primary School Teachers’ Views on Their Role in Child Mental Health Prevention

Background: With evidence of rising mental health needs in children and young people and cuts in specialist provision, the role of schools in the prevention of child mental health issues has become increasingly pertinent. Primary school teachers work with an age group for whom early intervention is of particular relevance and are being asked to perform a range of educational and preventative tasks relevant to the mental health of their pupils. Objectives: This study aimed to explore primary school teachers' perspectives on their role in the prevention of child mental health issues and gain a better understanding of opportunities and barriers they may encounter in this role. Design: This was an exploratory study using thematic analysis. A critical realist position was taken which allowed both the content of the data and the context of the teacher’s views and experiences to be considered. Method: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 11 teachers working across 10 primary schools. Data was analysed using thematic analysis, following the stages of analysis outlined by Braun and Clarke (2013). Results: Two overarching themes were identified: i) Understandings of child mental health and ii) School’s place in society; teacher roles and responsibilities. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the complex position primary school teachers hold, in which they face dilemmas around the boundaries of their role and contend with the restrictions and demands of the current UK education system. The findings indicate a lack of confidence in how best to identify and respond to children presenting with mental health issues and a desire for further training on the subject of mental health. The findings highlighted a need for greater clarity in the parameters of a primary school teacher's role and further consideration of the feasibility of incorporating mental health education and prevention into an already high workload