Simulation of the flow around a stationary circular cylinder taking into account laminar-turbulent transition

We consider a problem of a stationary incompressible viscous fluid flow around a flat circular cylinder. In the vicinity of the critical Reynolds number Re _cr a stepwise drop of the cylinder drag takes place, which is called the drag crisis.     

Impact of agents mixing velocity in diffusion flame on nitric oxide emission

The results of analyzing an impact of mixing velocity on the stoichiometric surface of a laminar diffusion methane-air flame on nitric oxides formation are presented. The conclusion about the nonlinear and steady decrease of nitric oxides emission at the increase of mixing velocity is made. The relationship is presented, showing that at the expense of non-equilibrium effects it is possible to provide a significant decrease of nitric oxides emission in diffusion combustion.     

Three-dimensional numerical studies of a jet airflow around the duct platforms of the turbine nozzle clusters

This paper presents the results of three-dimensional numerical studies of hydrodynamics and heat exchange on the models of flat plates in the jet airflow. These results are compared with the experimental data. A three-dimensional model for determining the thermal condition of the nozzle clusters in the conjugated formulation is proposed. Also presented are the data on optimization of the system used for the jet airflow around the duct platforms of the nozzle clusters.     

Local fracture of the burning solid propellant

The problem of fracture mechanics for the solid propellant deteriorated by a crack-shaped cavity, the surface of which burns is considered. It is assumed that the propellant reagents are uniformly distributed in the solid phase while the combustion products are gaseous. The sufficient condition for the “combustion -fracture” stability regime is obtained.     

Pareto-optimal solution of a two-objective problem in choosing conditions of monoimpeller milling

A problem of optimization of cutting parameters with respect to the criteria of maximum efficiency and maximum tool resistance is formulated. To solve the problem, a method is developed and applied for determining the Pareto-optimal values of machining conditions in milling the present-day GTE monoimpeller blade passages with a circular milling cutter.     

Gasodynamic characteristics of a combustion chamber in the integrated power plant with an asymmetric air intake

The results of experimental investigations of gasodynamic characteristics of a combustion chamber model in the integrated power plant (IPP) with an asymmetric air intake are presented. The influence of an angle of air supply into the chamber model on hydraulic losses and the flow structure is shown at different air flowrates, relative values of the minimal flow section area of the feeding air intake pipes, under changes of the flowrate of gas simulating gas generation products and geometric model parameters. A technique for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide simulating IPP gas generation products in the combustion chamber air flow and the results of experimental investigations of a mixture formation process in the combustion chamber model are described.     

Solar activity dependence of total electron content derived from GPS observations over Mbarara

Vertical total electron content (VTEC) observed at Mbarara (geographic co-ordinates: 0.60°S, 30.74°E; geomagnetic coordinates: 10.22°S, 102.36°E), Uganda, for the period 2001–2009 have been used to study the diurnal, seasonal and solar activity variations. The daily values of the 10.7 cm radio flux (F_10.7) and sunspot number (R) were used to represent Solar Extreme Ultraviolet Variability (EUV). VTEC is generally higher during high solar activity period for all the seasons and increases from 0600 h LT and reaches its maximum value within 1400 h–1500 h LT. All analysed linear and quadratic fits demonstrate positive VTEC-F_10.7 and positive VTEC-R correlation, with all fits at 0000 h and 1400 h LT being significant with a confidence level of 95% when both linear and quadratic models are used. All the fits at 0600 h LT are insignificant with a confidence level of 95%. Generally, over Mbarara, quadratic fit shows that VTEC saturates during all seasons for F_10.7 more than 200 units and R more than 150 units. The result of this study can be used to improve the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) prediction of TEC around the equatorial region of the African sector.     

A mission template for exploration and damage mitigation of potential hazard of Near Earth Asteroids

The Apophis Exploratory and Mitigation Platform (AEMP) concept was developed as a prototype mission to explore and potentially deflect the Near Earth Asteroid (NEA) 99942 Apophis. Deflection of the asteroid from the potential 2036 impact will be achieved using a gravity tractor technique, while a permanent deflection, eliminating future threats, will be imparted using a novel albedo manipulation technique. This mission will serve as an archetypal template for future missions to small NEAs and could be adapted to mitigate the threat of collision with other potential Earth-crossing objects.     

Programmable, multi-purpose opto-electronic sensor system

Optical fibre sensing is becoming increasingly attractive in both the smart structure sphere of interest as well as the medical and industrial concerns. Fibre-optic interferometric sensors can be designed as compact and robust transducers. In general, the transduction mechanism involves the phase modulation of coherent or monochromatic light propagating through a fibre-optic cable, and detecting the changes in the energy associated with this phase change. Sensors based on this technique can generally be configured to be quite sensitive and measurements of a wide variety of physical parameters are achievable. Intrinsic features of optical fibres, such as immunity to electromagnetic interference, flexibility, thinness, strength and weight, make this ideal for sensor technology. In the process of developing fibre-optic sensors for laboratory experimentation, as well as generalised research, an appropriate, easy to use opto-electronic drive and measurement system is required. This paper discusses the operation of a programmable opto-electronic drive and measurement system     

The Sun's Role in Long-Term Climate Change

Evidence suggests that changes of solar irradiance in recent centuries have provided a significant climate forcing and that the sun has been one of the principal causes of long-term climate change. During the past two decades the solar forcing has been much smaller than the climate forcing caused by increasing greenhouse gases. But it is incorrect to assume that the sun necessarily will be an insignificant player in climate change of the 21st century. Indeed, I argue that moderate success in curtailing the growth of anthropogenic climate forcings could leave the sun playing a pivotal role in future climate change.