Wednesday 6 November 2024

Feather-Inspired Wing Flaps Could Boost Aircraft Lift and Performance, Claims New Study

Bird-inspired wing flaps might be the future of aviation, providing a boost to flight performance by improving lift and reducing drag. In a recent study, engineers investigated how “covert feathers” – the layered, overlapping feathers on bird wings – could be mimicked on aircraft wings to improve manoeuvrability and stability. According to a study, installing lightweight, passive flaps across an aircraft's wing surfaces could provide significant aerodynamic advantages, enabling planes to achieve enhanced lift and reduced drag.

A New Approach to Aircraft Flap Design

As per to research published on October 28 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Traditional aircraft wings typically use flaps and spoilers, controlled by mechanical systems to manage airflow during flight. However, this bio-inspired approach aims to replace complex controls with a passive design that activates solely through air pressure changes at high angles of attack – the position where wings meet incoming airflow head-on. Engineer Aimy Wissa, from Princeton University, explained that unlike conventional components, these flaps “are not controlled by motors or actuators” but respond naturally to airflow, offering simplicity and coverage across the entire wing surface.

Wind Tunnel Tests Reveal Enhanced Stability and Lift

In wind tunnel tests, researchers examined the impact of these feather-like flaps on airfoil models. Flaps positioned at the front of the wing guided airflow more effectively, improving lift and reducing drag. Additional rows of flaps intensified this effect, while rear-positioned flaps stabilised air pressure by preventing it from flowing forward, a crucial aspect of maintaining lift. The study found that a design with five rows of flaps increased lift by 45% and reduced drag by 31%, highlighting the potential of these flaps to optimise aerodynamics without complex machinery.

Potential Benefits for Modern Aviation

When tested on remote-controlled aircraft, the feather-like flaps also helped expand the range of safe flight angles by nine percent, reducing the likelihood of stall – a sudden loss of lift often encountered during steep climbs or sharp turns. This increased angle-of-attack range could make flights safer, particularly in turbulent conditions or during short runway landings. As Wissa observed, the passive flaps could support a broader range of manoeuvres, offering advantages for various aviation applications from commercial aircraft to drones.

 



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Tuesday 5 November 2024

Warner back in leadership role, first time since 'Sandpaper-gate'

Six years after the 'Sandpaper-gate' controversy, David Warner is back as captain of the Sydney Thunder. Warner, who recently retired from international cricket, expressed his excitement to lead and mentor young talent in the Big Bash League.

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'Apne heroes ko zeroes mat banao': Rohit, Virat get support

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has defended Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's recent Test form, urging fans to be patient. However, Basit acknowledged the need for match practice for the star duo. He cautioned against writing off experienced players, emphasizing their potential to bounce back. India's next Test tour will be for the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

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'India ka batting coach hai kaun?' - Question from Pakistan

Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali has criticized India's coaching staff for their role in the team's Test series whitewash against New Zealand. Ali questioned the guidance given to young batsmen, particularly regarding their aggressive approach against spin bowling on turning pitches. He also criticized the decision to prepare rank turners.

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In a first, Italy player registers for IPL mega auction

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction is making history with the first-ever Italian player, Thomas Draca, joining the registration roster. Scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the auction features a pool of 1,574 players vying for 204 slots. Draca, a 24-year-old with international T20 experience, joins a competitive field dominated by players from South Africa and Australia.

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Monday 4 November 2024

Bangladesh veteran Shakib reported for suspect bowling action

Shakib Al Hasan, former Bangladesh captain, has been reported for a suspect bowling action during his recent County Championship appearance for Surrey. Umpires raised concerns over the legality of his bowling action, prompting an ECB investigation. While not suspended, Shakib is required to undergo further testing.

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Virat Kohli turns 36 as Australia test awaits the batting legend

Virat Kohli, celebrating his 36th birthday, faces a challenging phase in his career despite achieving numerous records, including the most ODI centuries in history. As India gears up for the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Kohli will be looking to overcome his recent struggles and lead his team to victory.

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Sunday 3 November 2024

Wriddhiman Saha announces retirement from all forms of cricket

Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha, who played 40 Tests for India and appeared in 170 IPL matches, announces retirement after current Ranji Trophy season. Saha plans to represent Bengal one last time. His national career ended in 2021, but he contributed to Gujarat Titans' inaugural IPL victory in 2022.

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'Babar ke baad, Rohit aur Virat ki same situation'

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's poor form continues as India suffered a humiliating 3-0 whitewash in the home Test series against New Zealand. Both players are criticized for their batting failures and advised to play domestic cricket before the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, which begins on November 22 in Perth.

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Man United off to worst Premier League start after Chelsea draw

Moises Caicedo's goal denied Manchester United a win, resulting in a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Old Trafford. Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy celebrated Bruno Fernandes' penalty, but United remain 13th in the table. The match highlighted ongoing issues for United, set to see Ruben Amorim as their new manager soon.

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'Aaj India ko Dravid ki yaad aa rahi hogi' - Coach Gambhir faces flak

India's 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand in a home Test series marks a historic low. Tactics of head coach Gautam Gambhir, previously successful in IPL, are facing criticism. Critics like former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali highlight the reliance on turning tracks and call for a focus on proper Test match planning for upcoming series in Australia.

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Saturday 2 November 2024

We might still have a decent chance, says Ajaz Patel

Ajaz Patel's 5/103 in the Mumbai Test against India helped New Zealand restrict the hosts to 263 in their first innings. Patel noted the difficulty of the batting conditions and praised Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant for their crucial performances. With Mitchell Santner out, Patel aims to maintain control on the challenging wicket for a potential win.

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3rd Test: Jadeja, Ashwin run through NZ after Gill, Pant heroics

Ravichandran Ashwin's spectacular catch and strong bowling performance, alongside Ravindra Jadeja, revived India's hopes against New Zealand at Wankhede in a match dominated by spin. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant's crucial partnership steadied India's innings, showcasing aggressive and strategic batting, with both contributing vital scores in challenging conditions.

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