FLEXSTAB: A computer program for the prediction of loads and stability and control of flexible aircraft

Capabilities of the FLEXSTAB Computer Program System are described and illustrated. Aeroelastic analysis of a wide variety of aircraft configurations is performed. The aerodynamic theory used in FLEXSTAB is applicable to both steady and unsteady, subsonic and supersonic flow for multiple wing-body tail nacelle configurations with a plane of symmetry. For unsteady flow calculations, an unsteady aerodynamic theory is used which is appropriate for the low reduced frequencies associated with aircraft flight dynamics. The aircraft is modeled as either a rigid or flexible structure. The computer trims the aircraft in steady reference flight and computes both static and dynamic stability and control derivatives and the stability behavior about the trim condition. The airplane lifting pressure distribution, aerodynamic and inertia loads and deflected shape are also computed

System status display information

The system Status Display is an electronic display system which provides the flight crew with enhanced capabilities for monitoring and managing aircraft systems. Guidelines for the design of the electronic system displays were established. The technical approach involved the application of a system engineering approach to the design of candidate displays and the evaluation of a Hernative concepts by part-task simulation. The system engineering and selection of candidate displays are covered

Hypersonic test facility Patent

Hypersonic test facility for studying ablation in models under high pressure and high temperatur

Assessment of cockpit interface concepts for data link retrofit

The problem is examined of retrofitting older generation aircraft with data link capability. The approach taken analyzes requirements for the cockpit interface, based on review of prior research and opinions obtained from subject matter experts. With this background, essential functions and constraints for a retrofit installation are defined. After an assessment of the technology available to meet the functions and constraints, candidate design concepts are developed. The most promising design concept is described in detail. Finally, needs for further research and development are identified

Preservice Teacher Preparation in International Contexts: A Case-Study Examination of the International Student Teacher Programs

This article examines the teacher preparation experiences of preservice teachers in six international contexts: China, Fiji, Kiribati, Mexico, Samoa, and Tonga. More specifically, it looks at the value-added components in an international teacher education program, with an emphasis on effective teaching and employability. Theoretically the study is based on Straus and Corbin’s (1998a) substantive grounded theory and Patton’s (1997) Theory of Action Framework. Verbal and non-verbal forms of feedback were identified as essential aspects of the international preservice training experience. Cultural diversity, teaching English as a second language, collaboration, and exposure to a different educational system were identified among several components as advantages to individuals who conduct their preservice teacher training in international settings.</jats:p

Associations of the lipidome with ageing, cognitive decline and exercise behaviours

One of the most recognisable features of ageing is a decline in brain health and cognitive dysfunction, which is associated with perturbations to regular lipid homeostasis. Although ageing is the largest risk factor for several neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, a loss in cognitive function is commonly observed in adults over the age of 65. Despite the prevalence of normal age-related cognitive decline, there is a lack of effective methods to improve the health of the ageing brain. In light of this, exercise has shown promise for positively influencing neurocognitive health and associated lipid profiles. This review summarises age-related changes in several lipid classes that are found in the brain, including fatty acyls, glycerolipids, phospholipids, sphingolipids and sterols, and explores the consequences of age-associated pathological cognitive decline on these lipid classes. Evidence of the positive effects of exercise on the affected lipid profiles are also discussed to highlight the potential for exercise to be used therapeutically to mitigate age-related changes to lipid metabolism and prevent cognitive decline in later life

Safety Program at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station

Many unique problems have been encountered and overcome in the developmental testing of nuclear powered engines for space applications, necessitating an extensive radiological and cryogenic safety program at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station. (NRDS) The radiological safety program directs itself toward the protection of personnel associated with the program and the public from direct radiation and resultant radioactive effluent. The cryogenics safety program at the NRDS directs itself to the prevention of accidents which could damage the nuclear reactor or the test facilities and in turn endanger associated personnel. It is graphically illustrated that nuclear rocket engines do not present a radiological safety problem prior to operation, and that during and following operation, experience has proven that control measures are possible to minimize possible hazards. Of particular interest is the comparison of cryogenic and radiological safety effects

Aircraft and avionic related research required to develop an effective high-speed runway exit system

Research was conducted to increase airport capacity by studying the feasibility of the longitudinal separation between aircraft sequences on final approach. The multidisciplinary factors which include the utility of high speed exits for efficient runway operations were described along with recommendations and highlights of these studies

Radar systems for the water resources mission. Volume 4: Appendices E-I

The use of a scanning antenna beam for a synthetic aperture system was examined. When the resolution required was modest, the radar did not use all the time the beam was passing a given point on the ground to build a synthetic aperture, so time was available to scan the beam to other positions and build several images at different ranges. The scanning synthetic-aperture radar (SCANSAR) could achieve swathwidths of well over 100 km with modest antenna size. Design considerations for a SCANSAR for hydrologic parameter observation are presented. Because of the high sensitivity to soil moisture at angles of incidence near vertical, a 7 to 22 deg swath was considered for that application. For snow and ice monitoring, a 22 to 37 deg scan was used. Frequencies from X-band to L-band were used in the design studies, but the proposed system operated in C-band at 4.75 GHz. It achieved an azimuth resolution of about 50 meters at all angles, with a range resolution varying from 150 meters at 7 deg to 31 meters at 37 deg. The antenna required an aperture of 3 x 4.16 meters, and the average transmitter power was under 2 watts

Impacts of alternative grassland management regimes on the population ecology of grassland birds

We investigated the impacts of rangeland management practices on the diversity, density, and nest survival of grassland songbirds and on the demography, habitat selection, and population viability of Greater Prairie-Chickens (Tympanuchus cupido). Our study site was located in eastcentral Kansas and included portions of Chase, Greenwood, Lyon, and Morris Counties. We had access to ~1,100 km2 of private and public lands. Over 95% of the land was privately owned (~1040 km2), and the remaining ~5% was the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Our final project report is based on data collected during a 3-year period from Feb. 2011 through Feb. 2014. Our study focused on grassland songbirds and Greater Prairie-Chickens as indicators of ecosystem response. Our analyses are based on direct comparisons between monitoring efforts in pastures managed with patch-burn grazing (PBG) and pastures managed with traditional intensive early stocking and annual burning (IESB).Citation: Sandercock, B.K., V.L. Winder, A.E. Erickson, and L.B. McNew. 2014. Impacts of alternative grassland management regimes on the population ecology of grassland birds. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Final Project Report for Award No. KDWP-W-67-R. (technical report)