
Rim Driven Hubless Thruster Webinar
Tue, Dec 22
|Link will be provided after registration
Rim driven thruster consists of a fan actuated into a rotational motion by a mechanism located at its outer radius, rather than by a centerline shaft as seen in conventional fan designs. Join us to learn how to sound can be reduced with hubless thrusters.


Time & Location
Dec 22, 2020, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Link will be provided after registration
Participants
About the Workshop
Rim driven thruster consists of a fan actuated into a rotational motion by a mechanism located at its outer radius, rather than by a centerline shaft as seen in conventional fan designs. Such configuration eliminates a need for a centerline hub containing driving mechanism, allowing for an undisturbed core flow of fluid through the centerline region of the fan. In this study we present a rim driven thruster actuated by an interaction between electric and magnetic fields, similar to the brushless motor with entire fan and supporting structure resembling rotor and stator, respectfully. This thruster operates in air and can be used as a propulsion system in airplanes. The aerodynamic performance was evaluated experimentally by measuring upstream and downstream velocity fields and thrust forces at various flight conditions. Results from the experiments are compared to the predictions made by the Blade Element Theory.
Oleg Goushcha and Maxwell Kogler of Manhattan College with the assistance of Hasan Raza of the University at Buffalo, recently published a scientific paper on "Aerodynamic and Acoustic Performance of a Rim Driven Thruster." Professor Goushcha has graciously agreed to participate in a KwF hosted Webinar beginning with a 20 minute lecture based on his AIAA talk followed by discussion, followed by Q&A.Â
The intent of the Webinar is to deepen understanding of some aspects of this research and explore the benefits and risks of expanding research and funding.Â
Dr. Goushcha is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on experimental fluid mechanics studying turbulent, transitional and vortical flows. Previous and current work include wind tunnel tests of passive-scalar mixing and energy harvesting in turbulent flows, fluid-structure interaction, and transition to turbulence and relaminarization in pulsating flows. His research is inspired by current needs in the clean technology and biomedical industries. Close interaction between academia and industry drives Dr. Goushcha to provide his students with theoretical tools and their practical applications in the industry.