AE Brown Bag Seminar
Friday, March 1
11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Guggenheim 442
Pizza Served
Kieran Holton
Title:
Comparison of empirical methods to experimental results for landing gear drag build up
Abstract:
The DBF competition team uses a semi-empirical method to determine drag forces and coefficients for landing gear based on the front cross-sectional area. For years the team had wondered if this method was accurate, and this project aimed to answer the question and allow for more accurate drag build up going forward to more accurately estimate aerodynamic performance. The data collected in the low turbulence was used to compare to the empirical data for over 20 test articles and make recommendations to change the model to represent specific wheel and strut types better.
Advisor:
Professor Carl Johnson
Maxwell Kramer
Title:
Supporting the Development of Quiet Electric Propulsion through UAV Flight Testing
Abstract:
As the first short-range electric passenger aircraft and urban delivery drones begin to enter testing and deployment, the noise pollution associated with these vehicles is becoming an increasingly major concern. The success and public acceptance of electric aviation depends, in no small part, on the development of quiet and efficient propulsion technologies. Whisper Aero is an aerospace startup company focused on creating novel electric propulsors that are significantly quieter than currently available options. Whisper Aero partnered with Georgia Tech through Dr. Brian German to conduct flight testing with the goal of comparing the noise signature of current commercially available electric ducted fans with that of Whisper’s eQ160 technology demonstration propulsor. To complete this testing, Whisper’s 55-pound prototype UAV was provided to a team of graduate and undergraduate students at Georgia Tech. The team designed flight hardware and ground support equipment for the aircraft, drafted a testing plan, and conducted flight tests to collect ground-based acoustic measurements of the aircraft with various commercial off-the-shelf propulsors. The flight test data from this campaign will be used to validate Whisper’s design methods and inform the development of future propulsion technologies.
Advisor:
Professor Brian J. German
Flavius Penescu
Title:
Exploring Engine Noise Production Through Combustion Analysis
Abstract:
The industry of commercial air travel has been a large promoter of noise pollution. This study focused on pinpointing noise produced from the combustor of commercial jet engines. Large Eddy Simulations are used to explore various engine core conditions. The goal is to identify how noise production changes by analyzing variables such as the pressure signature, velocity, and temperature inside of the combustion chamber.
Advisors:
Professor Suresh Menon and Professor Achyut Panchal