Integration of dynamic, aerodynamic, and structural optimization of helicopter rotor blades

Summarized here is the first six years of research into the integration of structural, dynamic, and aerodynamic considerations in the design-optimization process for rotor blades. Specifically discussed here is the application of design optimization techniques for helicopter rotor blades. The reduction of vibratory shears and moments at the blade root, aeroelastic stability of the rotor, optimum airframe design, and an efficient procedure for calculating system sensitivities with respect to the design variables used are discussed

The importance of steady and dynamic inflow on the stability of rotor-body systems

The induced flow field of a rotor responds in a dynamic fashion to oscillations in rotor lift. This was long known to affect the stability and control derivatives of the rotor. More recently, however, it was also shown that this dynamic inflow also affects rotor and rotor-body aeroelastic stability. Thus, both the steady and unsteady inflow have pronounced effects on air resonance. Recent theoretical developments were made in the modeling of dynamic inflow, and these were verified experimentally. Thus, there is now a simple, verified dynamic inflow model for use in dynamic analyses

Underrepresented groups

The problem with the shortage of under represented groups in science and engineering is absolutely crucial, especially considering that U.S. will experience a shortage of 560,000 science and engineering personnel by the year 2010. Most studies by the National Science Foundation also concluded that projected shortages cannot be alleviated without significant increases in the involvement of Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, handicapped persons, and women

Optimization of rotor blades for combined structural, performance, and aeroelastic characteristics

The strategies whereby helicopter rotor blades can be optimized for combined structural, inertial, dynamic, aeroelastic, and aerodynamic performance characteristics are outlined. There are three key ingredients in the successful execution of such an interdisciplinary optimization. The first is the definition of a satisfactory performance index that combines all aspects of the problem without too many constraints. The second element is the judicious choice of computationally efficient analysis tools for the various quantitative components in both the cost functional and constraints. The third element is an effective strategy for combining the various disciplines either in parallel or sequential optimizations

A Unified Approach to Organ Donor Recruitment, Organ Procurement, and Distribution

This article initially demonstrates the falsity of each of these assumptions. Policy alternatives are then proposed to govern donor recruitment and the activities of organ procurement and distribution. These alternatives are consistent with the correct assumption on the issues mentioned, and appear to be politically feasible in the light of available empirical evidence

Development of an unsteady wake theory appropriate for aeroelastic analyses of rotors in hover and forward flight

The purpose of this research is the development of an unsteady aerodynamic model for rotors such that it can be used in conventional aeroelastic analysis (e.g., eigenvalue determination and control system design). For this to happen, the model must be in a state-space formulation such that the states of the flow can be defined, calculated and identified as part of the analysis. The fluid mechanics of the problem is given by a closed-form inversion of an acceleration potential. The result is a set of first-order differential equations in time for the unknown flow coefficients. These equations are hierarchical in the sense that they may be truncated at any number of radial or azimuthal terms

Rotorcraft aeroelastic stability

Theoretical and experimental developments in the aeroelastic and aeromechanical stability of helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft are addressed. Included are the underlying nonlinear structural mechanics of slender rotating beams, necessary for accurate modeling of elastic cantilever rotor blades, and the development of dynamic inflow, an unsteady aerodynamic theory for low-frequency aeroelastic stability applications. Analytical treatment of isolated rotor stability in hover and forward flight, coupled rotor-fuselage stability in hover and forward flight, and analysis of tilt-rotor dynamic stability are considered. Results of parametric investigations of system behavior are presented, and correlation between theoretical results and experimental data from small and large scale wind tunnel and flight testing are discussed

Survey of Army/NASA rotorcraft aeroelastic stability research

Theoretical and experimental developments in the aeroelastic and aeromechanical stability of helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft are addressed. Included are the underlying nonlinear structural mechanics of slender rotating beams, necessary for accurate modeling of elastic cantilever rotor blades, and the development of dynamic inflow, an unsteady aerodynamic theory for low frequency aeroelastic stability applications. Analytical treatment of isolated rotor stability in hover and forward flight, coupled rotor-fuselage stability are considered. Results of parametric investigations of system behavior are presented, and correlations between theoretical results and experimental data from small- and large-scale wind tunnel and flight testing are discussed

Web Accessibility: A Tutorial for University Faculty

Web accessibility is the practice of making Web sites accessible to people, such as the disabled, to access the Internet. Approximately 40 million Americans have some form of disability, and slightly less than 2.5 million are enrolled in postsecondary institutions. Since the instructional role of the Internet has become a central part of both conventional classroom instruction and distance education, it is imperative that instructional Web sites be designed for accessibility. The purpose of this article is to introduce Web accessibility issues to university faculty. The tutorial contains two main sections. In the first, we review the literature on the magnitude of the problem, empirical studies, and the legal mandates surrounding Web accessibility. In the second section, we discuss the standards related to Web accessibility, and the authoring and evaluation tools available for designing accessible Web sites