Turbomachinery Aero-Heat Transfer Lab
The Department of Aerospace Engineering has a long history of conducting turbomachinery-related aerodynamics and heat transfer research since the 1960s. The laboratory's research focus is on experimental, analytical, and computational activities in the field of aerodynamics and thermal sciences.
The laboratory conducts research in aerodynamics and heat transfer areas related to the improvement of gas turbine performance, durability, and turbine cooling. Although special emphasis is placed on the new generation of air breathing propulsion systems, VTOL vehicle propulsion applications are also in the research domain of the laboratory.
Key Faculty: Cengiz Camci
Lab Features:
- Single-stage "Axial Flow Turbine Research Facility" (AFTRF)
- Convective heat transfer wind tunnel
- High-speed linear turbine cascade with high subsonic flow ability
- A 22-inch diameter ducted-fan research setup for VTOL vehicle implementation
Other Research Support:
- Aerodynamic probe design, production, and calibration ability
- High-performance computing systems
- A non-intrusive heat transfer measurement system using Thermographic Liquid Crystals (TLC)
- Infrared Thermography
- Planar and 3D-particle image velocimetry systems (PIV)
- Various data acquisition systems
Past Research:
- Laser Doppler Anemometers (LDA)
- Pressure-sensitive paints
- Aspirating probes
- Multiple sensor hot-wire anemometry
Facilities and Labs
- Adverse Environment Rotor Test Stand
- Aeroacoustics Facilities
- Air Vehicle Intelligence and Autonomy Lab
- Control and Analysis of Stochastic Systems Lab
- High-performance Computing Cluster Facility
- Indoor Flight Research Lab
- Robot Ethics and Aerial Vehicles Lab
- Rotorcraft Flight Simulator Facilities
- Sailplane Lab
- Space Propulsion Lab
- Structures Labs
- Student Space Programs Lab
- Turbomachinery Aero-Heat Transfer Lab
- Water Channel/Water Tunnel
- Wind Tunnels
- Wind Turbine Field Test Facility