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Applied Aerodynamics - Projects & Facilities

CFD Facilities

The team is well equipped with dedicated computing infrastructure, the core of the facility being a Silicon Graphics Origin2000 parallel supercomputer, which has 24 processors and 2.3Gb of memory, this being connected by fast networks to 17 Silicon Graphics and Sun workstations.

Recent CFD projects

• Development of the Delta CFD code for DERA, a multiblock pressure-based code for any flow speed.
• Prediction of hot gas ingestion (HGI) flows for the Joint Strike Fighter program. In collaboration with Rolls-Royce (Military Aero Engines), the complete flow field of the Boeing X-32 demonstrator aircraft in ground effect was predicted using Delta, so demonstrating the benefits of the unique jet curtain to reduce HGI.
• Use of CFD to understand the vortical flows in lobed mixers on turbofans in collaboration with DERA and Rolls-Royce. These are devices that enhance mixing between hot and cold streams so reducing noise.
• Large Eddy Simulation predictions of Lean Prevapourised Premixed combustor systems. These types of combustor systems show great promise in reducing emissions but are difficult to use in a real engine.
• Large Eddy Simulation of separation and reattachment of transitional flows, this was the first piece of work to identify the mechanisms of primary instability in the transitional separation bubble.

Recent UTC projects

• Provision of advanced combustor diffuser designs including those now used in the Trent 500 and Trent 700 engine series, with the resulting improved aerodynamic performance leading to a significant reduction in engine specific fuel consumption.
• The aerodynamic design, development and evaluation of future low emission combustor technology and the importance of aerodynamic interactions such as, for example, compressor inlet conditions and strut wakes on the downstream combustor flow field.
• Improved understanding of flows within Annular S-shaped ducts that connect the compressor spools within gas turbine engines, so leading to the design of more highly loaded aerodynamic ducts.
• Development of numerical methods including RANS codes, subsequently used to identify loss mechanisms within combustor diffuser systems, and the development of a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) code that has now been delivered to Rolls-Royce

Wind Tunnel Facility

Within the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering there is a low speed wind tunnel, for both automotive and aeronautical research.

The wind tunnel is a valuable technical resource that enhances the quality, depth and scope of experimental aerodynamic research. Researchers from both disciplines have greater opportunity to explore areas of aerodynamic interest.

To enquire about using the wind tunnel for automotive research, please contact Dr Martin Passmore, Tel: +44 (0)1509 227250, Fax +44 (0)1509 227275
To enquire about using the wind tunnel for aeronautical research, please contact Dr Peter Render, Tel: +44 (0)1509 227203, Fax +44 (0)1509 227275