Late Stages of Stellar Evolution

A large fraction of ISO observing time was used to study the late stages of stellar evolution. Many molecular and solid state features, including crystalline silicates and the rotational lines of water vapour, were detected for the first time in the spectra of (post-)Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars. Their analysis has greatly improved our knowledge of stellar atmospheres and circumstellar environments. A surprising number of objects, particularly young planetary nebulae with Wolf-Rayet (WR) central stars, were found to exhibit emission features in their ISO spectra that are characteristic of both oxygen-rich and carbon-rich dust species, while far-IR observations of the PDR around NGC 7027 led to the first detections of the rotational line spectra of CH and CH⁺. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

Streamwise vortex generation by the rod

The technology development related to aerodynamics is leading to ever increasing loads of wings, airfoils and turbine and compressor blades. The increase in aerodynamic forces is often leading to flow separation and depreciation of the aerodynamic performance of flying objects or propulsion systems. Flow control methods are required to avoid these negative effects. In the recent two decades the flow control by means of air-jet vortex generators has been also intensively investigated. In this method a streamwise vortex is introduced by an oblique jet. The necessity to supply air by a pipe system may be considered a disadvantage. In order to eliminate this feature, it has been proposed to put out a rod instead of a jet. It has been shown that the application of a rod can introduce the same effect as a jet, as long as the streamwise vortex generation is concerned and appropriate dimensions are used. The present paper focuses on the influence of rod vortex generators on a flow pattern downstream. The results presented here concern experimental and numerical investigations and provide guidelines for the design of a new flow control method dedicated mainly to external flows.