scholarly journals Low-Cost Rotating Experimentation in Compressor Aerodynamics Using Rapid Prototyping

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathias Michaud ◽  
Petro Jr. Milan ◽  
Huu Duc Vo
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Senior Year ◽  
Flow Measurements ◽  
Pressure Distributions ◽  
Structural Applications ◽  
Compressor Aerodynamics ◽  
Flow Compressor

With the rapid evolution of additive manufacturing, 3D printed parts are no longer limited to display purposes but can also be used in structural applications. The objective of this paper is to show that 3D prototyping can be used to produce low-cost rotating turbomachinery rigs capable of carrying out detailed flow measurements that can be used, among other things, for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code validation. A fully instrumented polymer two-stage axial-mixed flow compressor test rig was designed and fabricated with stereolithography (SLA) technology by a team of undergraduate students as part of a senior-year design course. Experiments were subsequently performed on this rig to obtain both the overall pressure rise characteristics of the compressor and the stagnation pressure distributions downstream of the blade rows for comparison with CFD simulations. In doing so, this work provides a first-of-a-kind assessment of the use of polymer additive technology for low-cost rotating turbomachinery experimentation with detailed measurements.

scholarly journals Undergraduate Research Program to Recycle Composite Waste

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 354
Author(s):  
Waleed Ahmed ◽  
Essam Zaneldin ◽  
Amged Al Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Compressive Strength ◽  
Carbon Fiber ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Research Program ◽  
Modulus Of Elasticity ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Undergraduate Research Program ◽  
Structural Applications ◽  
Cfrp Composite

With the rapid growth in the manufacturing industry and increased urbanization, higher amounts of composite material waste are being produced, causing severe threats to the environment. These environmental concerns, coupled with the fact that undergraduate students typically have minimal experience in research, have initiated the need at the UAE University to promote research among undergraduate students, leading to the development of a summer undergraduate research program. In this study, a recycling methodology is presented to test lab-fabricated Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) for potential applications in industrial composite waste. The work was conducted by two groups of undergraduate students at the UAE University. The methodology involved the chemical dissolution of the composite waste, followed by compression molding and adequate heat treatment for rapid curing of CFRP. Subsequently, the CFRP samples were divided into three groups based on their geometrical distinctions. The mechanical properties (i.e., modulus of elasticity and compressive strength) were determined through material testing, and the results were then compared with steel for prompt reference. The results revealed that the values of mechanical properties range from 2 to 4.3 GPa for the modulus of elasticity and from 203.7 to 301.5 MPa for the compressive strength. These values are considered competitive and optimal, and as such, carbon fiber waste can be used as an alternate material for various structural applications. The inconsistencies in the values are due to discrepancies in the procedure as a result of the lack of specialized equipment for handling CFRP waste material. The study concluded that the properties of CFRP composite prepreg scrap tend to be reusable instead of disposable. Despite the meager experimental discrepancies, test values and mechanical properties indicate that CFRP composite can be successfully used as a material for nonstructural applications.

scholarly journals A linear cascade tunnel for flow investigations of steam turbine rotor tip blades in subsonic nucleating flows

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vital Kumar Yadav Pillala ◽  
B. V. S. S. S. Prasad ◽  
N. Sitaram ◽  
M. Mahendran ◽  
Debasish Biswas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steam Turbine ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Turbine Cascade ◽  
Flow Measurements ◽  
Linear Cascade ◽  
Dry Air ◽  
Steam Turbine Rotor ◽  
Pressure Distributions ◽  
Working Medium ◽  
Exit Mach Number

AbstractThe paper presents details of a unique experimental facility along with necessary accessories and instrumentation for testing steam turbine cascade blades in wet and nucleating steam. A steam turbine rotor tip cascade is chosen for flow investigations. Cascade inlet flow measurements show uniform conditions with dry air and steam and dry air mixture of different ratios. Exit flow surveys indicate that excellent flow periodicity is obtained. Blade surface static pressure and exit total pressure distributions are also presented with dry air and with steam and dry air mixture of different ratios as the working medium at an exit Mach number of 0.52.

Assessment of a Novel Non-Axial Counter-Rotating Compressor Concept for Aero-Engines

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quentin Dejour ◽  
Huu Duc Vo
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Axial Direction ◽  
Boundary Layer Separation ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Compressor Stage ◽  
Mixed Flow ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
High Loss ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Flow Compressor

This paper presents the first assessment of a new non-axial counter-rotating compressor concept. This concept consists of replacing the stator of a mixed-flow compressor stage or the diffuser of a centrifugal compressor stage with a counter-rotating rotor that will turn the flow back to the axial direction with much lower diffusion factor, while providing the equivalent in work of the upstream mixed-flow rotor or impeller. This concept has two advantages. First, the very high stage pressure rise means that only a single counter-rotating rotor may be required, making mechanical implementation simpler than for multi-stage axial counter-rotating compressors. Second, the replacement of the high flow turning (high loss) stator/diffuser in a non-axial stage with a low flow turning counter-rotating rotor gives the new concept potential for achieving higher efficiency than conventional non-axial compressors. As a first proof of concept, a subsonic counter-rotating mixed-flow compressor and its conventional (i.e. rotor-stator) equivalent have been designed with the intent of being implemented in a test rig. CFD simulations have been carried out for a comparative evaluation of both configurations. Results show that the counter-rotating mixed-flow compressor produces more than double the pressure rise of its conventional version with a slightly higher peak-efficiency while having a smaller axial length. Moreover, the counter-rotating configuration has a better stall margin than its conventional counterpart, for which the boundary layer separation from excessive flow turning in the stator causes early stall.

scholarly journals Low-Cost Force Sensors Embedded in Physical Human–Machine Interfaces: Concept, Exemplary Realization on Upper-Body Exoskeleton, and Validation

Sensors ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 505
Author(s):  
Niclas Hoffmann ◽  
Samet Ersoysal ◽  
Gilbert Prokop ◽  
Matthias Hoefer ◽  
Robert Weidner
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Testing Environment ◽  
Physical Support ◽  
Pressure Distributions ◽  
Human Machine Interfaces ◽  
Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor ◽  
Material Testing Machine

In modern times, the collaboration between humans and machines increasingly rises, combining their respective benefits. The direct physical support causes interaction forces in human–machine interfaces, whereas their form determines both the effectiveness and comfort of the collaboration. However, their correct detection requires various sensor characteristics and remains challenging. Thus, this paper presents a developed low-cost sensor pad working with a silicone capsule and a piezoresistive pressure sensor. Its measurement accuracy is validated in both an isolated testing environment and a laboratory study with four test subjects (gender-balanced), and an application integrated in interfaces of an active upper-body exoskeleton. In the material-testing machine, it becomes apparent that the sensor pad generally features the capability of reliably determining normal forces on its surface until a certain threshold. This is also proven in the real application, where the measurement data of three sensor pads spatially embedded in the exoskeletal interface are compared to the data of an installed multi-axis load cell and a high-resolution flexible pressure map. Here, the consideration of three sensor pads potentially enables detection of exoskeletal support on the upper arm as well as “poor” fit conditions such as uneven pressure distributions that recommend immediate system adjustments for ergonomic improvements.

scholarly journals Snowflake Selfies: A Low-Cost, High-Impact Approach toward Student Engagement in Scientific Research (with Their Smartphones)

2020 ◽  
Vol 101 (6) ◽  
pp. E917-E935
Author(s):  
Matthew R. Kumjian ◽  
Kevin A. Bowley ◽  
Paul M. Markowski ◽  
Kelly Lombardo ◽  
Zachary J. Lebo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
State University ◽  
Engaged Scholarship ◽  
Mesoscale Meteorology ◽  
Penn State ◽  
Atmospheric Thermodynamics ◽  
Term Paper ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Intensive Course

Abstract An engaged scholarship project called “Snowflake Selfies” was developed and implemented in an upper-level undergraduate course at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). During the project, students conducted research on snow using low-cost, low-tech instrumentation that may be readily implemented broadly and scaled as needed, particularly at institutions with limited resources. During intensive observing periods (IOPs), students measured snowfall accumulations, snow-to-liquid ratios, and took microscopic photographs of snow using their smartphones. These observations were placed in meteorological context using radar observations and thermodynamic soundings, helping to reinforce concepts from atmospheric thermodynamics, cloud physics, radar, and mesoscale meteorology courses. Students also prepared a term paper and presentation using their datasets/photographs to hone communication skills. Examples from IOPs are presented. The Snowflake Selfies project was well received by undergraduate students as part of the writing-intensive course at Penn State. Responses to survey questions highlight the project’s effectiveness at engaging students and increasing their enthusiasm for the semester-long project. The natural link to social media broadened engagement to the community level. Given the successes at Penn State, we encourage Snowflake Selfies or similar projects to be adapted or implemented at other institutions.

Enhancing Student Understanding of Packet-Forwarding Theories and Concepts with Low-Cost Laboratory Activities

2011 ◽  
pp. 101-118
Author(s):  
Anthony P. Kadi
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Packet Forwarding ◽  
Critical Component ◽  
Abstract Concepts ◽  
Simple Task ◽  
Learning Framework ◽  
Clear Idea

Teaching packet-forwarding theories and concepts in a practical way to undergraduate students requires both a teaching and learning framework and a laboratory infrastructure. Creating a teaching and learning framework in which students can develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of abstract concepts is not a simple task. In addition to teaching materials, the teacher requires a clear idea about learning theories and issues: (1) what is learning; (2) what is knowledge; and (3) how do students go about learning. This chapter describes a low-cost laboratory infrastructure for teaching and learning packet-forwarding theories and concepts. The framework is learner-centred and is focused on learning experiences in both classroom and laboratory. The laboratory-based activities form a critical component of the overall framework.

Strategic merge: a gain or a gamble – the case of Telco China

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Wing Sun Li
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Competitive Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Differentiation Strategy ◽  
Academic Level

Learning outcomes By reviewing the case study, readers are expected to understand the constraints of competitive strategies in a shifting environmental landscape; the difficulties of foreign companies to sustain in an emerging market with government interventions; the subtlety of joint venture (JV) formation by partners with very divergent background, priority and agenda; evaluation of behavioural orientations of partnership and JV operational arrangements as determinants of a successful JV strategy. Case overview/synopsis High-tech companies can enjoy super profits from their products when only a few competitors can compete with them technologically. However, these companies also nurture a high-cost operational culture that sets a constraint for their further growth when superiority of the technology can no longer be maintained. High-tech companies may reposition their businesses with a strategic shift from differentiation strategy to cost focus strategy. The attendant shift as well as synchronization problem in an organization may require a larger effort to revamp. This case describes a global telecom infrastructure company with successful business performance in China in her early establishment with a pre-emptive technological edge. Mitigation of technological superiority and the rise of local competitors have forced the Company to opt for a cooperative strategy with a local player in the establishment of a low-cost joint venture. Does the new joint venture facilitate the strategic shift or just create an illusion of cooperation? Complexity academic level Undergraduate students and post graduate students taking strategic management course. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

An Experiment in Design and Materials: Undergraduate Students Designing Test Machines

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Ridgely
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Test Machine ◽  
Digital Counter ◽  
Load Cells ◽  
Counter Circuit ◽  
Student Projects

An exercise has been developed for an undergraduate design laboratory. In the exercise, students design, build, and test load cells, then build computer interfaced tensile testing machines in which the load cells are integrated. Data is acquired through the use of a simple, low-cost bridge amplifier and digital counter circuit which was developed for this exercise. The circuit design and software are released as an open source project to encourage widespread use and participation by the academic community. The tensile test machine exercise has been tested on a group of 45 junior-level mechanical engineering students, with significant success in students demonstrating an understanding of the principles taught. The open source interface is being adopted by other courses and student projects at the host University; use at other institutions is encouraged.

Influence of Rain Ingestion on the Endwall Treatment in an Axial Flow Compressor

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jichao Li ◽  
Juan Du ◽  
Mingzhen Li ◽  
Feng Lin ◽  
Hongwu Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rotor Blade ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Water Film ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
Axial Flow Compressor ◽  
Water Ingestion ◽  
Blade Row ◽  
Flow Compressor ◽  
The Stability

The effects of water ingestion on the performance of an axial flow compressor are experimentally studied with and without endwall treatment. The background to the work is derived from the assessment of airworthiness for an aero-engine. The stability-enhancing effects with endwall treatments under rain ingestion are not previously known. Moreover, all the endwall treatments are designed under dry air conditions in the compressor. Water ingestion at 3% and 5% relative to the design mass flow proposed in the airworthiness standard are applied to initially investigate the effects on the performance under smooth casing (SC). Results show that the water ingestions are mainly located near the casing wall after they move through the rotor blade row. The pressure rise coefficient increases, efficiency declines, and torque increases under the proposed water ingestion. The increase of the inlet water increases the thickness of the water film downstream the rotor blade row and aggravates the adverse effects on the performances. Subsequently, three endwall treatments, namely circumferential grooves, axial slots, and hybrid slots–grooves, are tested with and without water ingestion. Compared with no water ingestion, the circumferential grooves basically have no resistance to the water ingestion. The axial slots best prevent the drop of the pressure rise coefficient induced by water ingestion, and hybrid slots–grooves are the second-best place owing to the contribution of the front axial slots. Therefore, the hybrid slots–grooves can not only extend the stall margin with less efficiency penalty compared with axial slots, but also prevent rain ingestion from worsening the compressor performance.

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