Contributions of TetrUSS to Project Orion

The NASA Constellation program has relied heavily on Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations for generating aerodynamic databases and design loads. The Orion Project focuses on the Orion Crew Module and the Orion Launch Abort Vehicle. NASA TetrUSS codes (GridTool/VGRID/USM3D) have been applied in a supporting role to the Crew Exploration Vehicle Aerosciences Project for investigating various aerodynamic sensitivities and supplementing the aerodynamic database. This paper provides an overview of the contributions from the TetrUSS team to the Project Orion Crew Module and Launch Abort Vehicle aerodynamics, along with selected examples to highlight the challenges encountered along the way. A brief description of geometries and tasks will be discussed followed by a description of the flow solution process that produced production level computational solutions. Four tasks conducted by the USM3D team will be discussed to show how USM3D provided aerodynamic data for inclusion in the Orion aero-database, contributed data for the build-up of aerodynamic uncertainties for the aero-database, and provided insight into the flow features about the Crew Module and the Launch Abort Vehicle

Preliminary Test Results for Stability and Control Characteristics of a Generic T-Tail Transport Airplane at High Angle of Attack

Tests of a generic T-tail transport airplane, in flaps-up configuration, were conducted using two wind tunnels, a water tunnel, and computational fluid dynamics. Static force and moment testing, forced oscillation testing and dye flow visualization test techniques were used. The purpose of the testing was to obtain stability and control characteristics for development of a research flight simulator aerodynamic database. The purpose of that database was for assessment of aerodynamic model fidelity requirements to train airline pilots to recognize and recover from full stall conditions. Preliminary results, at initial stall conditions, include: an unstable stall pitch break, and near-neutral roll damping. Preliminary results, at deep stall conditions, include: a potential static longitudinal trim condition at approximately 35 degrees angle of attack, large aerodynamic asymmetries, and localized unstable dynamic stability

Next Generation Sequencing In A Large Cohort Of Patients Presenting With Neuromuscular Disease Before Or At Birth

Background Fetal akinesia/hypokinesia, arthrogryposis and severe congenital myopathies are heterogeneous conditions usually presenting before or at birth. Although numerous causative genes have been identified for each of these disease groups, in many cases a specific genetic diagnosis remains elusive. Due to the emergence of next generation sequencing, virtually the entire coding region of an individual’s DNA can now be analysed through “whole” exome sequencing, enabling almost all known and novel disease genes to be investigated for disorders such as these. Methods Genomic DNA samples from 45 patients with fetal akinesia/hypokinesia, arthrogryposis or severe congenital myopathies from 38 unrelated families were subjected to next generation sequencing. Clinical features and diagnoses for each patient were supplied by referring clinicians. Genomic DNA was used for either whole exome sequencing or a custom-designed neuromuscular sub-exomic supercapture array containing 277 genes responsible for various neuromuscular diseases. Candidate disease-causing variants were investigated and confirmed using Sanger sequencing. Some of the cases within this cohort study have been published previously as separate studies. Results A conclusive genetic diagnosis was achieved for 18 of the 38 families. Within this cohort, mutations were found in eight previously known neuromuscular disease genes (CHRND, CHNRG, ECEL1, GBE1, MTM1, MYH3, NEB and RYR1) and four novel neuromuscular disease genes were identified and have been published as separate reports (GPR126, KLHL40, KLHL41 and SPEG). In addition, novel mutations were identified in CHRND, KLHL40, NEB and RYR1. Autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, and de novo modes of inheritance were observed. Conclusions By using next generation sequencing on a cohort of 38 unrelated families with fetal akinesia/hypokinesia, arthrogryposis, or severe congenital myopathy we therefore obtained a genetic diagnosis for 47 % of families. This study highlights the power and capacity of next generation sequencing (i) to determine the aetiology of genetically heterogeneous neuromuscular diseases, (ii) to identify novel disease genes in small pedigrees or isolated cases and (iii) to refine the interplay between genetic diagnosis and clinical evaluation and management. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13023-015-0364-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.PubMedWoSScopu

The Fire and Tree Mortality Database, for empirical modeling of individual tree mortality after fire.

Wildland fires have a multitude of ecological effects in forests, woodlands, and savannas across the globe. A major focus of past research has been on tree mortality from fire, as trees provide a vast range of biological services. We assembled a database of individual-tree records from prescribed fires and wildfires in the United States. The Fire and Tree Mortality (FTM) database includes records from 164,293 individual trees with records of fire injury (crown scorch, bole char, etc.), tree diameter, and either mortality or top-kill up to ten years post-fire. Data span 142 species and 62 genera, from 409 fires occurring from 1981-2016. Additional variables such as insect attack are included when available. The FTM database can be used to evaluate individual fire-caused mortality models for pre-fire planning and post-fire decision support, to develop improved models, and to explore general patterns of individual fire-induced tree death. The database can also be used to identify knowledge gaps that could be addressed in future research