This research aims to demonstrate the viability of actively controlled distributed-electric propulsion as a method to postpone flutter in high aspect-ratio elastic wings. A semi-wing on a spring mount with two propellers powered by electric motors, mounted at alternate pitch angles relative to the chord line, was used as the...
In order to estimate wind turbine residL2;characteristics
in the presence of atmospheric turbulence, the important atmospheric
sources for the force excitations felt by the wind turbine system
must be identified and characterized. The goal of this research
is to develop the wind turbulence input model for horizontal axis
wind turbines....
An experimental study was made of the average and turbulent
wind characteristics of the flow over a model of a coastal headland.
The scale of the model was 300:1, corresponding to a prototype size
of 500 m.
The data for validation of the model study was obtained from
instruments mounted...
The amount of energy we use and the ways that we get that energy sit on the edge of dramatic change as the carbon budget which can keep the planet under 1.5C of global average temperature increase gets smaller (Allen, 2018). In response, we continue to research and develop renewable...
With the need to integrate renewable energy sources into the current energy portfolio and the proximity of many population centers to an ocean coastline, it is pressing that marine energy systems, specifically wave energy converters (WECs), are evaluated as potential solutions for meeting energy needs. In order to best understand...
Realizing the vast amount of energy available in ocean waves, an industry has emerged that is progressing towards the deployment of grid–connected wave energy converters. Likely to be deployed in arrays, a challenge to the wave energy industry is maximizing the energy production of such arrays. We have been developing...
The intent of this report is to provide a brief description of water quality issues in Nicaragua, Uganda and Bangladesh, and the technologies available to address these issues. The water quality parameters considered include: bacterial contamination, heavy metals and arsenic, pesticides and industrious chemicals, turbidity, radiological characteristics, and taste and...
Vortical structures are the driving mechanism of transition to turbulence in porous media requiring adequately resolved observations along with analysis of the scale and energy of flow within the pores. Of specific interest is to understand the vortex dynamics, energy, and turbulent mixing and transport properties in the scale of...
Integrated Distributed Electric Augmented Lift (IDEAL) applies upper-surface blowing in a novel way using an array of electric ducted fans (EDFs) to achieve electric short take-off and landing to meet the growing need for urban air transportation. Additional research on the use of vortex generators (VGs) to reduce flow separation...
The volumetric receiver is an advanced solar central receiver
concept designed to produce high temperature air. This document
presents the results of a heat transfer and performance evaluation of
the volumetric receiver concept.
The volumetric receiver consists of an array of ceramic fins or
fibers arranged in concentric rows around...
Two-phase flow in a fractal-like branching microchannel heat sink may have
enhanced heat transfer capabilities over single phase flow in the same branching
channel network. In order to exploit this potential, a complete understanding
of flow boiling in this geometry is required. The fractal-like geometry is similar
to that of...
Hydrodynamic effects play important roles in fluidized bed
combustion processes. Since the motion of "bubbles" is an important
influence on fluidized bed heat transfer, a better understanding of their
behavior is necessary for improving the design of fluidized bed boilers.
Using a two-dimensional bed, silica sand particles were fluidized with...
The equations of motion of an elastic cable suspended in a
viscous medium from two arbitrary points are derived. These are
then linearized for the undamped, inextensible case, and it is found
that the equations describing the in-plane motion of the cable are
then independent of the equation describing the...
Vertical Axis Pendulum Wave Energy Converters (VAPWECs) are thought to be both effective and robust at converting ocean wave energy into usable electricity. Seeking to build upon and investigate such potential, this work examines the merits of actively controlling a generic VAPWEC's pendulum for the purpose of increasing the converter's...
Several standardized courses for Formula SAE (FSAE) testing are introduced and described with sufficient detail to be reproduced by any Formula SAE team. Basic analysis methods for the courses are given as well as explanations of how those analyses could be used. On-car data from the Global Formula Racing (GFR)...
Aperiodic structures cause significant challenges to subtractive manufacturing methods due to the common features such as inaccessible voids within the structure. Additive man- ufacturing presents an appealing alternative for this purpose. The aim of this research is to test analysis heuristics for validity through application to periodic structures. First, a...
Formula SAE is a collegiate engineering competition that has participants from around the globe. Of the 1000 points available throughout the event, 100 (10%) are dedicated to the fuel efficiency of the student built race cars. Competition rules allow either gasoline or E85, a mix of 85% ethanol and 15%...
Over the last few decades, the methods and tools through which humans collaborate, share knowledge and generally communicate have been advancing at a rapid pace. Thanks mostly to advances in broadband internet, cheap data storage and fast microprocessors, humans now have the ability to work together in ways that even...