Aerodynamic investigations of ventilated brake discs.

The heat dissipation and performance of a ventilated brake disc strongly depends on the aerodynamic characteristics of the flow through the rotor passages. The aim of this investigation was to provide an improved understanding of ventilated brake rotor flow phenomena, with a view to improving heat dissipation, as well as providing a measurement data set for validation of computational fluid dynamics methods. The flow fields at the exit of four different brake rotor geometries, rotated in free air, were measured using a five-hole pressure probe and a hot-wire anemometry system. The principal measurements were taken using two-component hot-wire techniques and were used to determine mean and unsteady flow characteristics at the exit of the brake rotors. Using phase-locked data processing, it was possible to reveal the spatial and temporal flow variation within individual rotor passages. The effects of disc geometry and rotational speed on the mean flow, passage turbulence intensity, and mass flow were determined. The rotor exit jet and wake flow were clearly observed as characterized by the passage geometry as well as definite regions of high and low turbulence. The aerodynamic flow characteristics were found to be reasonably independent of rotational speed but highly dependent upon rotor geometry

Learning environments - Not just smart for some!

This paper is discussing Universal Curriculum Design in Higher Education for curriculum delivered on and using the facilities of Smart Devices. The case study in Australia (2012-2013) was focused on universal design and pedagogical approach involving a literature review and an analysis of the university context with a placement orientation module design in the spirit of inclusive practice for delivery via smart devices. Through legislative requirements the majority of Smart Devices are developed with inbuilt accessibility features. Developing curriculum using Universal Design Principals ensures that students and faculty have the opportunity to maximize the capability and facilities of their Smart Devices. Contemporary working and learning environments depend on ICT integration. Smart environments such as smart phones are facilitating ubiquitous engagement. University education has to prepare graduates to take proactive roles in engaging with ICT providing them with learning environments that both model and demonstrate best practice.8 page(s

Foodmetres : case studies from North to South

Food chains considered to be sustainable are chains that produce food closer to the city, reduce the number of steps in the chain and use natural resources more efficiently. In the FOODMETRES project (see previous article), case studies were undertaken for six metropolitan regions \u2013 London, Rotterdam, Berlin, Milan, Ljubljana, and Nairobi \u2013 to show interesting practices and lessons for achieving short food supply chains (SFSC) for sustainable metropoles