The present invention provides large-amplitude vertical-torsional coupled free vibration testing device for bridges in natural winds, which comprises a rigid model, light-weight high-strength thin strings, linear extension springs, a rigid framework, spring protection tubes, a turntable, a rigid column, a motor, heavy blocks, and rigid thin circular rods. Based on the device, free vibration tests of a bridge deck rigid model can be carried out in natural wind with good conditions, and hence the large-scale wind tunnel device is no longer required. The scaling ratio of the rigid model is no longer limited by the wind tunnel size as in a traditional test, and the scaling ratio can be much larger. Compared with traditional wind tunnel test, the device is more suitable for large-amplitude vibration tests since it can reduce the geometrical nonlinearities of the extension springs and the blocking ratio.

The present invention provides large-amplitude vertical-torsional coupled free vibration testing device for bridges in natural winds, which comprises a rigid model, light-weight high-strength thin strings, linear extension springs, a rigid framework, spring protection tubes, a turntable, a rigid column, a motor, heavy blocks, and rigid thin circular rods. Based on the device, free vibration tests of a bridge deck rigid model can be carried out in natural wind with good conditions, and hence the large-scale wind tunnel device is no longer required. The scaling ratio of the rigid model is no longer limited by the wind tunnel size as in a traditional test, and the scaling ratio can be much larger. Compared with traditional wind tunnel test, the device is more suitable for large-amplitude vibration tests since it can reduce the geometrical nonlinearities of the extension springs and the blocking ratio.

The invention relates to a wind generation means (1) comprising at least one wind generation wall (1) comprising a plurality of wind generation units (11) provided next to each other along at least a first and a second directions so as to form the at least one wind generation wall (1), wherein each wind generation unit (11) of said plurality of wind generation units comprises at least two ventilation units (111), each ventilation unit within the wind generation unit being individually controlled, characterized in that each wind generation unit (11) of said plurality of wind generation units comprises at least one control unit adapted to control said ventilation units (111) individually, so as to generate an arbitrary wind profile both in space and in time in an air flow path and so as to vary a generated wind physical property of said each wind generation unit along said at least first and second directions, and in that said plurality of wind generation units (11) are detachably attached to each other so that the size and shape of the said wind generation wall (1) can be varied.

The invention provides a solution to amplify the airflow for testing purpose; this solution could be conventionally set up and configured with simple components or popular industrial systems. It is particularly interesting for small facilities/companies with limited resources or demanding only a low investment. This system is consisted of a high pressure air driving duct, an air mixing duct, a pressure reduction valve and a safety valve, ducts' size can be configured or changed to adapt the testing configuration. All components and systems are connected and attached to each other by stainless steel flanges and seals to avoid leakage and corrosion.

A system for displaying wake information to a pilot of an ownship aircraft. The system includes a display and a receiver. Aircraft information is received, which includes an aircraft type, position and velocity data and aircraft configuration information for a nearby aircraft. Environmental information is also received. The system includes a processor module configured to generate, using the received aircraft information, a wake volume model for the nearby aircraft; and to modify, and using the received environmental information, the generated wake volume model; and to determine if the modified wake volume model will coincide with the ownship aircraft at a future time. When the processor module determines that the modified wake volume coincides with the ownship aircraft at a future time, the processor module is configured to cause the display to display a representation of the modified wake volume.

A bicycle component and method of determining performance data by capturing and evaluating sensor data while riding an at least partially muscle-powered bicycle (100) on a road, having at least two sensors (20, 35), wherein air pressure signals (21) are captured by a barometric pressure sensor (20) and current gradient values (201) of the path (200) are derived. Track data are captured and a current speed value is captured, and performance data are obtained from the current gradient value (201) and the current speed.

A bicycle component and method of determining performance data by capturing and evaluating sensor data while riding an at least partially muscle-powered bicycle (100) on a road, having at least two sensors (20, 35), wherein air pressure signals (21) are captured by a barometric pressure sensor (20) and current gradient values (201) of the path (200) are derived. Track data are captured and a current speed value is captured, and performance data are obtained from the current gradient value (201) and the current speed.

Systems and methods for the automated non-destructive inspection of wind turbine blades. A motor-driven track that conforms to the shape of the blade moves along its length. At each spanwise position, the motor-driven track is stopped and then while the motor-driven track is stationary, any one of various types of NDI sensors is moved along the track to collect inspection data on the structure. The track is either segmented or flexible in order to conform to the cross-sectional profile of the blade. In addition, tracking the spanwise motion of the motor-driven track along the blade is provided. Optionally, avoiding protrusions on the blade that may be in the way during scanning is provided.

A test bench for generating aerodynamic loads on an actuator to be tested includes a force actuator configured to generate at least one dynamic load, the test bench being configured to transmit the dynamic load produced by the force actuator to the actuator to be tested, and a controller for controlling the dynamic load generated by the force actuator depending on a pressure, measured by a pressure sensor, inside one of the chambers of the force actuator.

Air property measurement (e.g., air temperature, air density, etc.) sensors may take the form of an all-fiber-optic device employing Rotational Raman light detection and ranging technology. Not only do the fiber optic devices described herein require no moving parts, but also these devices may be compact in design and require less power to operate as compared to conventional apparatus. As a result, embodiments may be used in applications in which physical space and power demands may be limited, such as in aircraft.