We develop an asymptotic theory of a compressible turbulent boundary layer on a flat plate, in which the mean velocity and temperature profiles can be obtained as exact asymptotic solutions of the boundary-layer equations, which are closed using functional relations of a general form connecting the turbulent shear stress and turbulent enthalpy flux to the mean velocity and enthalpy gradients. The outer region of the boundary layer is considered at moderate supersonic free-stream Mach numbers, when the relative temperature difference across the layer is of order one. A special change of variables allows us to construct the solution in the outer region in the form of asymptotic expansions at large values of the logarithm of the Reynolds number based on the boundary-layer thickness. As a result of asymptotic matching of the solutions for the outer region and logarithmic sublayer, the velocity and temperature defect laws are obtained, which allow us to describe the profiles of these quantities in the outer and logarithmic regions by universal curves known for the boundary layer of an incompressible fluid. Similarity rules for the Reynolds-tensor components and root-mean-square enthalpy fluctuation are given. The recovery and Reynolds-analogy factors are calculated. A friction law is established that is valid under arbitrary wall-heat-transfer conditions.

As assisted dying moves towards legalisation, it is imperative that research be undertaken to inform eligibility and ensure that proper safeguards are instituted. To achieve a meaningful understanding of physician-assisted suicide, such research must draw on professionals with a wide range of expertise and include people with lived experience.

The study presents a novel cable-driven serial robot based on flexible joints and tensegrity structures, which features a rapid response capability in complex dynamic environments. This makes it particularly suitable for human–robot interaction scenarios. Compared to traditional rigid serial robots, the design’s compliance demonstrates significant advantages in addressing complex demands. The study delves into kinematic and dynamic modeling methods and verifies their effectiveness through simulations. The kinematic model transforms the local coordinate system to the global one using general kinematic equations. First, the static and dynamic model of the robot is derived based on the torque balance equation, and then the dynamic model of the robot is constructed. By simplifying the robot model, the relationship between tension values from driving cables and the robot’s workspace is analyzed under the constraints of tensegrity structures and flexible joints. Additionally, trajectory simulations validate the kinematic and dynamic models. The kinetic energy variation curves based on the trajectories confirm the accuracy of the theoretical analysis. This method demonstrates broad applicability and can be applied to other serial robots with flexible structures, offering effective solutions for use in complex dynamic environments.

We investigate the optimal asset allocation and repayment strategy of an agricultural loan under a guaranteed repayment condition in a continuous-time setting. We propose two forms of the problem: an analytically solvable “separable” problem and a more realistic “nominal” problem that is investigated numerically. In the numerical study, we calibrate our model to publicly available farm data and explore various forms of repayment structures. While the widely used constant repayment structure has a surprisingly outstanding performance, we also design two repayment structures for the nominal problem that perform quite well.

In this article we trace a biography of vacuum aspiration in Spain between the 1960s and 1980s. Analysing the local but transnationally connected history of vacuum aspiration during late Francoism and the democratic transition, we argue that this technology was since the mid-1960s reincarnated in mainstream medical discourse as vacuum curettage, presented as a major medical innovation in diagnosis and therapy. While abortion activists working at the end of the 1970s emphasized the group and political components of a technique they called the ‘Karman method’, doctors performing illegal abortions within the family planning network defined vacuum aspiration in terms of safety and medical innovation. As we demonstrate, this technique embodied meanings that at times overlapped, at others conflicted, contingent on whether aspirations were linked to medical innovation, pro-abortion activism, or social justice.

The present work investigates the thermochemical non-equilibrium effect in the DLR combustor using a two-temperature model combined with vibration-chemistry coupling model. Two operating conditions with inflow Mach 2 and 6 are selected for study. The simulation results illustrate that translational-vibrational non-equilibrium is related to energy transfer behaviour and the translational-vibrational relaxation time. When kinetic energy and chemical energy are converted into internal energy, there is a significant difference in the degree of conversion to translational and vibrational energy. If the translational-vibrational relaxation time is larger than the flow time, such as the relaxation time of the mainstream aftershock wave is 0.25 s for the condition with inflow Mach 2, and the flow time is 3 × 10−5 s, non-equilibrium will occur. Significant differences exist between the flow fields with Mach 2 and 6. A clear boundary layer separation occurs at Mach 6. Combustion occurs at the shear layer, which is in translational-vibrational equilibrium, and there are varying degrees of non-equilibrium in other locations. The dissociation of N2 and production of NO primarily occur on the strut walls and the upper/lower walls of the combustor. The mass fraction of NO is higher than the value at Mach 2. The combustion performance is influenced by the thermochemical non-equilibrium effect. At the condition of Mach 2, it increases the combustion efficiency by 10% near the injector and 0.27% at outlet relatively. Non-equilibrium inhibits the initial upstream combustion while slightly promoting downstream combustion under inflow Mach 6 condition.

A recent fluorescence of geophysical and archaeological research in Catholic cemeteries illustrates the benefits and challenges of community-engaged projects. Focusing on four ongoing case studies in coastal Virginia and Maryland (the Chesapeake region)—St. Mary’s Basilica (Norfolk, Virginia); Brent Cemetery (Stafford County, Virginia); Sacred Heart Church (Prince George’s County, Maryland); and St. Nicholas Cemetery (St. Mary’s County, Maryland)—this article explores a variety of archaeological strategies in the context of community engagement. These approaches are shaped by the physical characteristics of cemetery sites, the Catholic diocesan or church communities that oversee them, and the African American descendant communities affected by them. The built environment of cemeteries highlights the way that racism and segregation have shaped both the landscape and public memory of Catholic cemeteries in the Chesapeake region.