Aircraft Technology Applied to Trucks
Several aerodynamic improvements and flow control techniques are used in jet aircraft wings in order to allow a better movement through the air and thus enhance the overall performance of the airplane. The Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta is now working on using these same techniques with trucks and trailers. According to the latest tests using a full-size truck show clearly how the techniques enhance fuel efficiency reducing fuel costs by as much as 12 percent. The techniques can also improve directional control and breaking, enhancing this way safety as well on the roads.
Robert Englar, principal research engineer of Aerospace, Transportation and Advanced Systems Laboratory of the Georgia Tech Research Institute said that they have resolved unknowns from previous testing, and that they have demonstrated that this technology functions in trucks as well as it does in airplanes, and they expect that the trucking industry will consider an estimated 12 percent of fuel expenditure reduction worthy of pursuing. This amount will improve fuel economy resulting in approximately 2,400 million gallons of fuel worth of savings for the United States heavy truck fleet.
The techniques employed in this technology include aerodynamic improvements made possible by geometry modifications in the trucks that generate savings of up to 6 to 7 percent. These modifications include rounding aft trailer corners, installation of fairings, as well as other modifications that smooth air flow over the boxy trucks. The additional savings of 5 percent are achieved through pneumatic devices that blow air from vents at the rear of the vehicle to prevent separation of air flow.
Kids’ Science – Measure Stuff
Measuring stuff around the house is a fun and easy science activity for kids. It’s perfect for Saturday afternoons or whenever you want to spend some quality, stress free time with your child. These simple measurement games are flexible enough to grow with your child’s developing skills.
Here’s All You’ll Need to Get Started:
-Tape measure
-Ruler
-Paper and pencil
Activity 1
The Alphabet Game
Here’s how to play this measuring game…
Hunt for three things around the house that start with the letter A. Measure each item and log the measurement on a piece of paper. (Hint:round to the nearest inch.)
Now hunt for three things around the house that start with the letter B. Measure each item and log the measurement on a piece of paper.
Next hunt for three things around the house that start with the letter C. Measure each item and log the measurement on a piece of paper.
Now put a check mark next to the biggest item. Put a circle next to the smallest item.
(Advanced: how many of the smallest items would it take to equal the length of the longest item?)
Activity 2
1/2 a Sandwich and a Cup of Soup Please
Here’s how to play this measurement game…
Measure the length of your couch. Log the result on a piece of paper. Now find something around the house that is approximately 1/2 the length of the couch–for example: the width of your dining table. Measure it, then log the result on a piece of paper. Now find something that is approximately 1/2 the width of your dining table–for example: a picture on the wall. Measure it, then log the result on a piece of paper. Now find something 1/2 the width of the picture on the wall–for example: your toaster. Measure it, then log the result. Now find something 1/2 the width of your toaster–for example: 1/2 a sandwich. Measure it, then log the result. Keep playing until you find something that is approximately one inch long–a peanut for example. Log the result on a piece of paper.
(Advanced: keep track of how long it took to complete the activity. Compare the result each new time you complete this activity. What’s the trend?)
Activity 3
Double Double!
Here’s how to play this game…
In this game, start by measuring your child’s nose. If you measure the width, it should come out to approximately one inch. Log the results. (Your child will love seeing something like ‘Claire’s nose: 1 inch’ on your chart). Now find something approximately double the length–for example: a strawberry. Measure it and log the results. Now find something approximately double the length of the strawberry. Measure it and log the results. Keep going until you run out of things to measure.
(Advanced: measure the entire length of your house. Using that figure as a guide, estimate the distance to your mailbox, nearest park or grocery store).
Measuring things goes hand in hand with the fundamentals of science. These activities offer basic exposure to measuring procedures, and can be played again and again. As your child becomes more skillful at measuring stuff, work toward more precise measurements by rounding to the nearest 1/2 inch, and eventually to the nearest 1/4 or 1/8 inch. A good way to engage in even more precise measurements is to measure coins or book ends to the nearest 1/16 of an inch! Be sure to record the results. Have fun!
Micro-Suede – Information
Suede is a term used to describe leather with a napped finish. Suede leather is made from the under skin of animals like lambs, goats, pigs and deer. Since suede does not include the tough exterior animal skin layer, it has a lower durability but it is softer than standard leather. Due to its properties, Suede finds application in clothing and delicate uses. Suede leather is popular in shoes and upholstery, bags and other accessories. It is also used as a lining material for leather products. The disadvantage of suede is that due to its textured nature and presence of open pores on its surface, it becomes dirty very quickly and may be spoilt if it gets wet. Modern techniques have evolved to make Suede stain-proof and waterproof.
Is there any difference between leather and suede? Which is a better and more comfortable fabric? Which one has a better appearance? We will try to answer these questions here.
Suede and leather actually refer to the same basic material, but the name is applied according to the qualities.
Suede is much softer than leather in texture. Some people thus prefer it over leather. The overall appearance of suede is also more appealing than leather. Because of its s softness and gentleness, suede is less durable than full grain leather. Suede is easily affected by water and other liquid, inclement weather, and other mishaps. Leather, on the other hand, is easy to protect and to clean. When price is taken into consideration, it is found that suede is more expensive than leather. The price differences occur due to suede having a finer appearance and due to the additional time spent to create suede.
When it comes to suede and leather, therefore, it is essentially the same material that is being referred to. The differences in additional production are what account for the different physical characteristics.
Micro-suede is a new micro fiber knit blend fabric which is fast becoming popular. It is made from very fine micro-fibers which are about a hundred times finer than the average human hair. Micro-fibers used, are finer than even silk fibers. These micro-fibers are tightly woven to create a very high quality fabric. The density of the fibers in the fabric provides many desired characteristics that make this ideal for use in making comforter sets.
Micro-suede is also used by furniture manufacturers for their couches and sofas. Customers are ready to pay higher premium for increased comfort which micro-suede cushions and chairs provide. Moreover, when compared to normal suede, micro-suede is easier to clean, and is water resistant. This makes them very good for upholstery. Furniture manufacturers also claim that microsuede is stain resistant and indestructible. This claim has been heavily refuted by users.
Its soft finish and increased stretch makes micro-suede easily distinguishable from normal suede. Common uses of micro-suede are in accessories and shoes. Micro-suede has a lesser durability than suede. Micro-suede as a fabric is gaining popularity among manufacturers due to its properties like softness, stain and resistance and pliability.