Category: Engineering

Ionospheric scintillation monitoring networks contribute to Global Navigation Satellite System

Composition with (1) a map of Brazil with colored polka dots in different cities; (2) small tables representing each month of the year 2014 and marked with colors; (3) a graphic with the title "Station SJCU (GPS) having elev ≥20"; (4) a graphic with lines that oscillate up and down; and (5) a photo of a cylindrical structure with a triangular top in an open space with grass.

The positioning and air navigation system using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is affected by ionospheric scintillations. To mitigate these effects, it is necessary to study the characteristics of these scintillations using data generated by scintillation monitor networks, in order to describe the main characteristics of these networks. Read More →

Exploring the synergy and integration among Geodesy, Space Weather and Navigation

Illustration of a field, a runway, sky with clouds and satellites, stations, and a transmission tower.

Air, land, and sea navigation are affected by phenomena that occur in the ionosphere, especially the plasma bubbles, resulting in the occurrence of ionospheric scintillation. This phenomenon deteriorates the quality of the Global Navigation Satellite System, requiring an integration between Geodesy and Space Weather. Read More →

Is it possible to properly manage uncertainties in knowledge creation projects?

Graphic

Study presents a diagnosis of knowledge creation projects based on uncertainty levels using the Hard and Soft project categorization system in a case study managed by the aeronautical certification department of EMBRAER S.A. The research demonstrated that projects of this nature have Soft predominant characteristics (greater uncertainty) in their dimensions and, therefore, require a carefully elaborated uncertainty management process. The results also show that this system is an effective tool to identify and manage project uncertainties. Read More →

Space conquest and the future of humanity

The Space Age resulted from the USA × USSR dispute following World War II. Currently, in addition to the dispute among nations, the world space scenario is marked by competition among different private agents, in a modality called NewSpace. For the present decade, 22,000 satellites are expected to be launched, twice the number of satellites launched since the Sputnik. The Space Age allowed for the monitoring of the deterioration of the planet´s health, putting at risk the future of life on Earth. Read More →

Aircraft development under the Mass Properties Management perspective

Aircraft mass properties, such as weight, are established during aircraft conception. Those properties usually are subject to deviations during aircraft development, which leads to a reduction of the desired performance and rework in the development process. This study presents a proposal to reduce rework, keeping the planned performance, and resulting in higher project efficiency. Read More →

3D concrete printing and the structuration challenge for buildability

3D printing has been making its ground in several industrial applications, including the construction sector. As such technology advances in development and innovation, the idea that buildings could be built in a fully automated manner becomes increasingly feasible. In the industry, 3D concrete printing has been proving to be very promising, and viscosity-enhancing admixtures can play a key role in the success of the application. Read More →

Perspectives and scenarios in the airline sector during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Interview with professor Tessaleno Devezas presents an original vision of why the surprise effect caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economic system and the cause-effect reciprocity presented by the aeronautical sector as well. The researcher discusses possible scenarios and probable characteristics that involve the sector, presenting thoughts about how to face the socioeconomic situation during and after the crisis. Read More →

Environment design criteria: boosting efficiency and minimizing risks and costs in launch vehicle development

The influence of the Natural Environment is a factor that affects all phases of launch vehicle/aircraft design, development and operation. Factors such as wind, turbulence, temperature extremes, atmospheric density, ionizing radiation, meteors, space debris, plasma and events related to solar activity, among other environmental phenomena, represent constraints and specific requirements that must be taken into account from the beginning of the project development program for a launch vehicle, so that it presents maximum efficiency in fulfilling its mission. The application of environmental design criteria aims to minimize risks, reduce costs and obtain the best possible vehicle performance. Read More →

What it if rains? Research advances in weather forecasting during launching missions of the Brazilian Space Program

Study characterizes the precipitation events that can occur during the dry quarter in the region of the Alcantara Launch Center. Data collected over 37 years was used to confirm their average features and obtain the large-scale organization of the convective activity during higher precipitation events. The results presented could be helpful for short-term weather forecasting during launching missions. Read More →

Winds of change at the Alcantara launch center: study brings Brazilian Space Program another step ahead

The present article details an experiment using a scale model of the Launching Pad Area in a subsonic wind tunnel, using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique to collect results in different wind flow incidence configurations. The results identify the peculiarities of the region’s typical wind action, and its effects on launch structures and operations on one of the world’s most strategically located space launching bases. Read More →