Aviation industry uses NASA Wind Tunnels to design new airplanes

NASA-developed wind tunnel technology is being used by the aviation industry to perfect new airplane designs throughout the entire development process.

The Boeing Company, Seattle, is one manufacturer purchasing wind tunnel time in the U.S. National Transonic Facility at NASA's Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va., to test new aviation concepts, before applying them in flight.

Boeing is evaluating high-lift system designs for its new 787 jet aircraft. High-lift systems include the flaps and slats used to increase the lift performance of the wing, allowing the airplane to take off and land safely and efficiently.

"Unlike conventional wind tunnels, the National Transonic Facility can duplicate the aerodynamics of the flight environment, even with small scale models," said facility chief aerodynamicist Rich Wahls. "That allows the aircraft manufacturers to produce better performing airplanes with less risk."

To test its new high-lift concepts, Boeing developers designed new 787-style trailing edge flaps and fit them to an existing 5.2 percent scale 777 semi-span model. The stainless steel model, which looks like one-half of an airplane cut down the middle from nose to tail, is mounted on the sidewall of the wind tunnel.

Even small improvements in performance of a high-lift system can significantly improve the take-off field length, weight carrying capability, and range of a transport aircraft. The improvements can also help reduce aircraft noise. But making improvements is not easy, because of the complex airflow issues encountered when flaps and slats are extended from a wing.

The National Transonic Facility is a unique wind tunnel developed by NASA that uses super cold nitrogen gas at high pressure to duplicate true flight aerodynamics. It can accommodate models as small as one-fiftieth the size of the actual aircraft. Unlike conventional wind tunnels, this facility can adjust the characteristics of the airflow to match the size of the model. Results help engineers determine how new designs will work on real planes in flight.

"In the past, engineers have come to the National Transonic Facility to further understand and solve problems with systems that have already been developed," Wahls said. "Now we're also seeing this test capability being used during the aircraft design phase."

Boeing has purchased additional time in the facility during February to evaluate the final 787 high-lift configuration.

Source: nasa.gov

Wii System 3 Update Available Now

Update your Wii console today!

Nintendo just launched the Wii System 3 update to Wii consoles around the globe. To update your Wii System from version 1 or 2 to version 3, simply connect your Wii console to the internet and manually select "Wii System Update" from the Wii System Settings. The new update has contains a variety of enhancements to the Wii Menu, Wii Message Board and Wii Shop channel. For a complete list of enhancements, visit Wii.Nintendo.com.

Source: nintendo.com

Hyundai to Unveil Trio of New Vehicles

• i-Blue third generation Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

• i-30 Crossover Wagon expands C-segment offering

• Veloster sporty coupe concept targets Y-Gen

At the IAA 2007 which opens in Frankfurt on Sept 13, Hyundai Motor Co. will unveil three new vehicles led by the i-Blue Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle which demonstrates the company"s strengthening commitment to the development of environmentally responsible transportation.

i-Blue will be joined by the Veloster, a sporty coupe which caters to the unique requirements of the Y-generation and the i-30 Crossover Wagon (CW), styled at the company's European Design Center in Russelsheim.

i-Blue

Hyundai"s new hydrogen-powered, zero-emission concept, the i-Blue Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) was developed at Hyundai"s Design and Technical Center in Chiba, Japan. The all-new i-Blue platform is tailored to incorporate Hyundai"s third-generation fuel cell technology, currently being developed at Hyundai"s Eco-Technology Research Institute in Mabuk, Korea. pany's European Design Center in Russelsheim.

In keeping with this year"s show theme, "See What"s Driving the Future," which focuses on sustainability and climate protection, the i-Blue demonstrates a significant step towards commercialization of Hyundai fuel cell vehicles. Unlike its predecessors which were built on SUV platforms, the i-Blue features a new D segment 2+2 crossover utility vehicle (CUV) body type.

"The i-Blue is Hyundai"s first-ever model designed from the ground up to incorporate fuel cell technology, marking a tremendous leap forward for our R&D program," said Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, President of Research and Development. "Our engineering team has successfully designed a more compact fuel cell vehicle, while still realizing the safety, comfort, convenience and driving range of a tradition internal combustion engine vehicle."

Hyundai is making tremendous efforts to reach mass production of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles a reality in the next decade.

Veloster

Styled at Hyundai"s Design and Technical Center at Namyang, the Veloster (codenamed HND-3) coupe is the third in a series of daring concept cars to be developed by the central styling studio in Korea. The Veloster name, a compound of velocity and roadster evokes the sporty characteristics of a classic two-plus-two. A panoramic glass roof and other futuristic styling cues help project a high-tech image.

Designed to cater to the tastes of the Y-generation, Veloster combines simple, iconic design with good value and robust construction.

"With Veloster, we wanted to try something really different. We"re keenly aware that we need radically new products for the Y-generation, the first-time twenties something buyer," said Oh Suk-Geun, Hyundai"s vice president of design. "This is really a bold new direction," he added.

i30 Crossover Wagon

Following the introduction earlier this year of the i-30 5-door hatchback at the Geneva Auto Show, Hyundai is proud to introduce an extension to the i-30 family, the i-30 CW which marks Hyundai"s long-awaited return to this popular and hotly contested segment in Europe. Like its 5-door hatchback sibling, the i-30 CW was styled at the European Design Center in Russelsheim ensuring that is perfectly in tune with continental tastes.

Source: hyundai.com

Boeing Delivers First Emirates 777-200LR Worldliner

Boeing and Emirates completed the delivery of the airline's first 777-200LR Worldliner this past Friday. Boeing's 777-200LR is the world's longest-range twin-engine commercial jet and Emirates is one of the largest operators of the 777 family. The airline's first of 10 777-200LRs on order is shown here departing Paine Field during flight testing. Emirates placed an order for 24 777-300ERs, 10 777-200LRs and 8 777 Freighters at the Dubai Air Show in 2005.

Source: boeing.com

The Indian Hummer - Mahindra Axe

The new vehicle will replace the Jeeps in the Indian army, civilian version expected soon!

Mahindra & Mahindra, India's largest SUV brand has done a humvee! Yes, the Mahindra Axe is a replacement for the current Mahindra Jeeps serving the Indian army. This monster of a SUV is built for rough terrains and to carry more ammo than the current Jeep in the Indian army. A civilian version is also expected shortly. Don't care too much about the mileage though. It will give about 8-9 kms per litre of petrol. AXE will be the first of its kind in India. Watch this space for more on the "AXE".