We have been awarded an ARC Discovery Grant for 2010-2013.

“The mechanics of quiet airfoils”

Airfoil noise is the major source of noise from wind turbines and is holding back our attempts to mitigate climate change. It also affects a myriad of other technologies, from airliners to computer cooling fans. Noise from all these devices must be reduced to improve public health and prevent diseases such as hypertension and depression. By investigating the fundamental physics of airfoil noise experimentally and through advanced computer simulation, this project will provide new technologies that aims to reduce this noise substantially. This project will assist Australian Industry develop new products for export, improve public health and reduce greenhouse emissions.

More information: http://www.mecheng.adelaide.edu.au/~cdoolan

The paper “A Quasi-One-Dimensional Model of Hydrogen-Fueled Scramjet Combustors” by Drs. Cristian Birzer and Con J. Doolan has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Propulsion and Power.

See all Dr Doolan’s papers here.

Abstract:
A computationally efficient, quasi-one-dimensional supersonic combustion ram- jet (scramjet) propulsion model has been produced for use in hypersonic system design studies. The model solves a series of ordinary differential equations us- ing a 4th order Runga-Kutta method, to describe the gas dynamics within the scramjet duct. Additional models for skin friction and wall heat transfer are also included. The equations are derived assuming an open thermodynamic system with equilibrium or simplified chemistry combustion models. The combustion is also assumed to be mixing rather than kinetically limited. This assumption allows simplification of the modelling and is justified when the model is compared against experimental results. Three test cases are used to validate the performance of the scramjet propulsion model: (1) modelling a reflected shock tunnel hydrogen fu- elled scramjet experiment, (2) a continuous flow hydrogen fuelled scramjet ground test and (3) a segment of the HyShot II flight test. The results show that the model simulates scramjet propulsion with a reasonable degree of accuracy.

Dr Doolan has new members of his research team. To see all his students and projects, click here.

Dr Con Doolan’s Website has been updated. Check it out here:

http://www.mecheng.adelaide.edu.au/~cdoolan

Updated Research, Student Projects and Teaching Interests.

Simulated using OpenFOAM. For more information of numerical simulation of flow and noise/sound (CFD/CAA), contact Dr Con Doolan

Check out this cool todo notes sty file… It allows you to put mark-up notes on documents.

http://midtiby.blogspot.com/2008/07/todonotes-version-2008-07-28.html

Great story on plans for Blended Wing Body in Aviation Week. Check it out here.

New Scientist report that Boeing and Airbus are developing the “morphlet”, a morphing wing tip extension. The idea is that extra fuel savings over and above those already gained with a passive winglet can be obtained. In addition, the morphlet will be able to extend the wing span, increasing aspect ratio and hence aerodynamic efficiency, thereby reducing thrust levels further on landing approach.

This means that engine noise is now even further reduced, making airframe noise more significant. This will further increase the importance of airframe noise, making research in this area even more important.

Flight Global reports on this concept of a mono-tilt-rotor, being developed by AeroCopter. It is supposed to work using an outer ring (not shown) to drive the rotors, that also turn on the inner ring. Rotor propulsion is by “magnets”. It’s aimed at being a fast VTOL aircraft. Interesting if they ever get it to fly.

Excerpt: “AeroCopter has designed a 1,320kg (2,900lb) two-seat personal air vehicle with a cruise speed of at least 220kt (405km/h) and a range of 555km (300nm). There is also an unmanned air vehicle version.”

Aviation Week covered a story on Hybrid Wing/Body aircraft configurations. NASA and Boeing say that a low noise (< 42 dB, no other specs, so what does it mean?) and 40% less fuel burn aircraft could be fielded by 2020. Not too much detail in the story other than heavy use of acoustic shielding by the airframe. This means strategically placing the engines so that noise generated by them is “blocked” (scattered) by the airframe, reducing its intensity at the ground. Another interesting feature is airframe turbulent boundary layer ingestion by the engines. This is described in terms of benefits to fuel efficiency but there is sure to be a noise benefit as well. Look out for more posts on this topic.