Abstract This paper provides an application oriented state-of-the-art review of smart materials and magnetostrictive actuators in aeronautical design. Smartness describes self-adaptability, self-sensing, memory and multiple functionality of the materials or structures. The paper shows that these characteristics provide numerous possible applications for these materials and structures in aerospace, manufacturing, civil infrastructure systems and biomechanics. Active vibration and acoustic transmission control, active shape control and active damage control are some of those areas which have found attractive applications for smart materials and structures. Examples of specific applications are micro-positioning, vibration isolation, fast acting valve and nozzles, transducers, luxury car shocks, and active engine mounts in aircrafts. The paper shows that system integration, mass and energy consumption reduction, elimination of moving parts in actuators and collocation between actuator and sensor are some of the benefits of using smart materials. Those smart materials covered in this paper are primarily piezoelectric, shape memory alloys and magnetostrictive.
From the Paper "Along these lines there is growing interest in the design and control of smart structures systems with embedded sensors and actuators that provide enhanced ability to program a desired response from a system. The ability to sense real-time conditions, i.e., the factors that contribute to turbulence and therefore resistance in a given environment, would be welcome and useful. Applications of interest include: (a) smart helicopter rotors with actuated flaps that alter the aerodynamic and vibrational properties of the rotor in conjunction with evolving flight conditions and aerodynamic loads; and (b) smart fixed wings with actuators that alter airfoil shape to accommodate changing drag/lift conditions. In these and other examples, key technologies include actuators based on materials that respond to changing electric, magnetic, and thermal fields via piezoelectric, magnetostrictive and thermo-elasto-plastic interactions."
Abstract This paper explains that Boeing, McDonald Douglas, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin, the present aircraft manufacturing industry major players, ensure that quality assurance is performed at each and every stage of the manufacturing process because the implication and cost of not doing so are enormous. The author points out that quality assurance is an important part of manufacturing spare parts for older planes and components for new airplanes. The paper relates that understanding variance and methods to control variance has helped the aerospace industry maintain high quality standards.
From the Paper "Quality-assurance issues made companies realize that they constantly had to improve the system in order to remain competitive and focus on their customer's needs. This requires long-term commitment from the organization's leaders. Manufacturers are increasingly relying on software solutions to manage and track their quality performance. Hamilton Sundstrand a supplier to Boeing was able to streamline and understand its processes using state of the art software and knowledgeable and trained workers. Understanding the importance of continuous improvement in the quality of the product can help organizations ensure that they will retain their market position and customer loyalty. Creating constancy of purpose towards improvement, strategy planning based on long-term goals of the organization can help focus the management's attention on quality issues. IAQG is also hoping that by identifying and conveying the best practices followed by industry leaders the industry as a whole can benefit."
Abstract This paper offers an organizational assessment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The writer of this paper examines NASA's history and mission while also evaluating its goals and objectives. The paper also analyzes NASA's strengths and weaknesses while detailing the organization's strengths and weaknesses.
Abstract This paper details a needs assessment for quality improvement at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). It includes program goal setting, prioritizing program goals, funding and operational decision-making. The purpose of the assessment is to improve quality performance at NASA.
Abstract This paper explains that, in addition to his legendary transatlantic flight, Lindbergh introduced several innovations in cruise control technology as well as contributing to the development of long-range flight apparatus. The author mentions his work on an "artificial heart" and gives general biographical information.
Abstract This paper discusses the history of NASA from its beginnings and the political framework surrounding its genesis and the beginnings of the Space Race.
From the Paper "Since the beginning of time, man has been an avid explorer. From exploring his nearby surroundings to traveling to the other side of the world to journeying to the stars, man has been on the move constantly. Mankind is a species of risk takers and curious about all that surrounds him. Before man's decision to fly to the stars, one of the biggest eras of exploration was the navigation and exploration of the seas and the inner continents they found themselves upon. Through all of the explorations, it has taken the political and financial backing of the many nations that supported these explorers. And what was the purpose of these explorations beyond curiosity? It seems that the political will of the nations encouraged these explorers to discover and conquer faster than the next nation. It was and still is a matter of national pride; more often than not, it was also a matter of national security, whether real or imagined. The history of NASA reflects this ideal; that exploration isn't always done just for the sake of discovery."
Abstract This paper is an examination and analysis of the facts presented by both the American and Canadian investigators regarding the crash of the Arrow Airs DC-8 in December 1985. The paper begins with a recap of the crash and the possible causes that were put forth by both countries which have held to their position that it was caused by ice on the wings of the plane. The author presents evidence that this crash was caused by an explosive device, planted by terrorists and goes into great detail as to the why this theory has been so carefully guarded by both governments. This paper raises several issues about the circumstances surrounding the crash including speculation that this was a deliberate act of terrorism and presents different reports about the events leading up to the plane's departure from Egypt. It also discusses the findings of aeronautical engineers who investigated the findings at the crash site and presents testimony from the government hearings held in both Canada and the United States.
From the Paper "The 101st division was one of four divisions that made up the Multinational Force and Observers. The purpose of MFO was to operate checkpoints and conduct reconnaissance patrols along the international boundary lines. Every six months the troops were rotated. This was a massive undertaking and involved the cooperation of the Egyptians to insure that the utmost security precautions were taken (Sandford pg). However, from the moment the troops from the 101st were to depart from the Sinai, a sequence of events occurred that were far from normal procedure. Ras Nasrani airport had always been used as the airport of departure for the troops. But at the last minute Army officials were notified that Ras Nastrani airport could not accommodate large planes due to construction being conducted on the main runway. Therefore, the troops were flown by Egypt Air Boeing 737s to the Cairo International Airport."
Abstract This paper considers the development and formation of simulation programs from their origins at MIT in the 1960's as well as their application to commercial airlines. Topics include how computer simulation is used to reconstruct airline accidents to help find the causes of these accidents and how the industry uses these to make air travel safer.
From the Paper "The history of simulation programs started at MIT in the 1960's. In fact, MIT has one of the finest aeronautical engineering facilities of any in the United States. Known as the Wright Brothers Facility, MIT has been working with every part of simulation and aeronautical safety study that is known. As early as 1896 the Institute had wind tunnels that were used to simulate the amount of pressure that could be exerted on parts of the wings and body of the airplanes. Since that time prototypes of all sorts of simulation have evolved up to and including the most advanced of computer graphics simulators."
This paper discusses the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978: Governmental and industry price-cutting steps, Civil Aeronautics Board policy, de facto deregulation, historical context, rate structures specific provisions and future impact.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 6 sources, 1980, $ 71.95
From the Paper "The following research is on the subject of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. Airlines in the United Stats are riding the crest of a wave of increased passenger travel the likes of which has not been seen since the introduction of the jet into commercial aviation in 1960. Passenger-miles are up, new orders for aircraft from both domestic and foreign manufacturers are up as the airlines replace their aging fleets and capitalize on new designs and new technology that allow them to fly more people on less fuel than ever before. And airline profits are up as well. To fly the new planes which carry people who have never flown before, the airlines are in a frantic scramble for new pilots, since it is also true that the "first generation" of World War II pilots is now retiring, and the airlines are wooing hundreds of pilots a month away from the ... "
This paper examines the deregulation of the air transportation industry in the United States: Background, objectives, negative and positive effects on airlines and consumers and the role of Civil Aeronautics Board.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 7 sources, 1990, $ 47.95
From the Paper "This research examines the deregulation of the air transportation industry in the United States. Specifically, this research addresses the question: Has airline deregulation been good or bad for the consumer?
The deregulation of the commercial airline industry in the US was initiated by the Carter Administration in 1978. The momentum was building for deregulation of the airline industry in the face of resistance by most of the minor and some of the major American airline companies. The primary reason for the unenthusiastic response to deregulation, on the part of the smaller airlines, was a fear that the larger airlines would (1) enter the profitable medium- ... "
From the Paper "Space by James Michener deals with the United States' space program, from its earliest explorations with rockets after World War II to the Viking probes of the other planets in our solar system. As with all of Michener's books, Space is well-researched, and the reader can be educated about the many facts of astronauts and space shuttles while being entertained by the fictional characters that the author has created.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has its birth as the second World War is concluding: Michener traces the steps of German scientist Wernher Von Braun (one of the "real" people in this book) and young rocket maker Dieter Kolff as they flee from Hitler's Nazi regime. Hitler had hoped that experts like Von Braun would provide instruments to help him win the war, but there was a defection, and Stanley Mott, an American..."
From the Paper "The Nasa Decision-Making Environment
This research examines the decision-making environment within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In part, this examination is based on Case No. 25, "The NASA Space Shuttle Disaster" (Marx, Stubbart, Traub, & Cavanaugh, 1987, pp. 829-844).
Background
NASA is an organization that owes its beginning to a political crisis in the United States. Early Soviet space successes further fueled Cold War fears among the American population; fears that were maintained at high levels by American politicians at the best of times.
The success of the Soviet Sputnik program caused the American government to rush head-long and ill-prepared into a "me too" ..."
An argument that it has negative effects on the industry including background, the Civil Aeronautics Board, aims, economics, types of carriers, commuters and the hub and spoke system.
3,825 words (approx. 15.3 pages), 8 sources, 1993, $ 135.95
The deregulation of the airline industry in 1978 came about after decades of government imposed regulation that had been part of the airline industry since its inception. The deregulatory effort was part of a larger concern with government regulation in general and with controversies about perceived negative effects on competition in the airline industry of government regulation, which was seen as a growing thicket of regulations and controls that stifled competitive impulses and regulated nearly every aspect of the industry and its operations. Some saw this as a form of government micromanaging that was taking a toll, and deregulation was seen as a way of giving the industry over to those who had the highest stake in seeing it run properly, efficiently, and competitively--the airlines themselves."
Abstract This paper outlines the origins of the Boeing Aerospace Company which which first started in a boathouse in 1915 and today is the world's leading aerospace company. It describes William Boeing's early life, his first plane designs and flight experiences and his airmail career. It examines its contibutions to the military in World War I and its near bancruptcy afterwards.
From the Paper "Boeing also opened the first airmail service between Vancouver and Seattle in a B-1 Flying Boat. In 1934, federal antitrust laws forbade airmail carriers from associating themselves with aircraft manufacturers. The government also canceled its airmail contracts with private planes and gave them to the United States Army. But when the army lost 12 airmail pilots in two months, the government had no choice except to give the contracts back to the companies. Boeing was the only one who did not get his contract back because he was declared ?ineligible and unfit to carry airmail.?"
Abstract The paper deals with the competitive advantage Airbus possesses in its market. It goes into detail on specific projects which helped make Airbus the juggernaut that it is today. In addition to discussing technology and growth opportunities, the paper also levels Airbus against its competitors.
From the Paper "Airbus and Boeing are well aware that if they want to win this race for market domination, they will have to offer premium services to help China's aviation industry and to train China's pilots. Airbus took the initiative to provide these premium services by setting up their own parts distribution centers in Beijing to fill the needs of the Chinese commercial aviation fleet. Airbus is also making strategic moves to gain popularity by selling their planes in a manner that benefits more than just two parties. In reference to a $2.5 billion order for twenty eight Airbus jets for China, the French president commented that "It's good for Europe. It's good for France. It's good for employment" With up to fifty percent of the new Airbus's constructed in the United Kingdom, this order will help secure British jobs.? These types of tactics are helping Airbus to gain a competitive edge over Boeing not only in China but around the world, and to grow more stable as an international company."
Tags: 747, aeronautics, airplanes, aviation, boeing, europe
