Applied Mechanics and Materials Vol. 225

Abstract: Much of aerospace academia is anticipating a boom in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) funding and research opportunities. The expectation is built on the premise that UAVs will revolutionize aerospace, which is likely based on current trends. There is also an anticipation of an increasing number of new platforms and research investment, which is likely but must be analyzed carefully to determine where the opportunities might lie. This paper draws on the state of industry and a systems engineering approach. We explore what aspects of UAVs really are the results of aerospace science advances and what aspects will be rather more mundane works of engineering.

Abstract: Propulsion Technology Program under the National Space Agency (ANGKASA) was commenced in 2009 with an ambition to launch satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using its own independent launch vehicle. Four members of the Space Application and Technology Development (SATD) with various backgrounds have been entrusted to draft roadmap for National Satellite Launcher and at the same time conducting Research and Development (R&D) related to rocketry. The first program was solid rocket development between ANGKASA and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) through budget allocated in Rancangan Malaysia ke-9 (RMK-9). The rockets developed in this project have been successfully launched at eastern coast of peninsula Malaysia in 2010. This achievement needs proper and effective continuation towards enabling Malaysia to be a launch capable nation. Therefore, this paper investigates rocket development programs and activities ran by various countries which could be adopted into national programs in order to spur participation in rocket science and space industries, hence materialise completion of Malaysian own launch vehicle in timely manner. Moreover, this paper will look over obstacles and potencies of rocket development with current Malaysian environment.

Abstract: In Malaysia, there exist wind tunnels operated by several universities and organizations. Most of them are actively used for a variety of experimental works that are needed by uncounted educational curricula and aerodynamics related researches. Lately, wind tunnels have even become increasingly accepted as one of common engineering tools in solving of unexpected and abundant wind engineering problems that are continually facing automotive industries, oil and gas companies, as well as governmental agencies and ministries. This paper is meant to present an overview of the existing wind tunnels, accompanied with information on some important technical data, and added, to a lesser extent, with complementary information about backgrounds and design philosophies. The emphasis is, however, given only to those with test section size of 1.0 square meter or larger. From the general point of view, some information about testing capabilities and trends in wind tunnel technology is also presented.

Abstract: Air transportation and manageable cost is the key to determine the smooth running of the airlines. Today, the trend is changing with the environment generally and sustainability standards specifically. Responsibility towards environmental issues, in conjunction with safety and security, remains an essential promise for the aviation industry, even in the face of the economic downturn. IATA’s vision is for carbon-neutral growth on the way to a zero-emission future. This is being implemented through IATA’s four-pillar strategy: investing in technology, flying planes effectively, building efficient infrastructure and using positive economic measures (technology, operations, infrastructure and economic instruments). This paper will focus in the projection on biofuel as an alternative energy compromise reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emission in overview through short-term and long-term feedstock biomass. As environmental concerns are becoming clearer in general transportation systems, air transportation generates for its presence which must be considered in strategic planning development for the bio jet fuel to be implemented in near future in air transport operations for tenable greener skies.