Tribology
Group 
Rotordynamics Laboratory (May
21 2012)
Turbomachinery
Laboratory – Texas
A&M University
Contact Information: Lsanandres@tamu.edu
Phone: (979) 862 4744 Fax: (979) 845 6382
The Tribology Group/Rotordynamics
Laboratory is one of the most active and well equipped research groups in the
Turbomachinery Program at
In the
field of Tribology (friction,
lubrication and wear) research focuses on
experimentally verified computational film flow models for the
prediction of the static and dynamic force response of fluid film bearings; in
particular hydrostatic bearings, tilting pad bearings, annular pressure seals,
squeeze film dampers, floating ring bearings, and gas damper bearings and
seals.
In the Rotordynamics field, research deals with the
measurement and prediction of the dynamic lateral vibration characteristics of
turbomachinery, encompassing both the traditional aspects of rotordynamics
analysis and investigations into the fluid film-structure interaction forces
that influence rotordynamics, with a major emphasis in fluid film dampers and
gas bearings.
Annual Progress Reports (May)
Download short (pdf) reports describing major achievements, publications
and funding
2013 2012
2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002
Slide shows for technical presentations
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2013 TRC |
TRC funded projects (May 2013)
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projects, funding and publications |
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Computational model
for tilting pad journal bearings |
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Engineered
analysis for pocket damper seals and combined labyrinth-brush seals |
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Linear-Nonlinear
force coefficients for squeeze film dampers |
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Making a
Wet (foamy) seal and estimating its dynamic forced coefficients |
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TRC-B&C-04-13
& new
proposal |
Identification of Structural Stiffness and Material Loss
Factor in a Shimmed (Generation One) Bump-Type Foil Bearing |
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A test rig for evaluation of tHrust foil
bearings/face seals |
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2013 TurboExpo13: UPCOMING Foil Bearings, Metal Mesh Bearings, Stilting Pad Bearings, FDs.
SHORT COURSE Date: April 16-17, 2013, Tuition: $1,350.00, CEU Credits: 16.
Location:
Gas Foil Bearings for Rotating Machinery
An introduction to
the operation, design and performance of gas foil bearings and their practical
integration into oil-free turbomachinery.
Instructors:
Luis San Andrés and Daniel Lubell (Calnetix)
2012 TurboExpo12: Foil
Bearings, Metal Mesh Bearings, SFDs, Turbochargers
and more.
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2012 TRC |
TRC funded projects (May 2012)
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projects, funding and publications |
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TRC-SFD-01-12
&
continuation proposal |
Force Coefficients for a Large
Clearance Open Ends SFD with a Central Feed Groove: Test Results and
Predictions |
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Measurements of Rotordynamic
Response in a High temperature Rotor Supported on |
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Progress
Report & continuation proposal |
Automated analysis of time
transient responses in nonlinear rotor bearing systems |
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Progress
Report & continuation proposal |
Computational model for tilting
pad journal bearings |
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High temperature all-metal non
contacting annular seals |
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Making a Wet (foamy) seal and
estimating its dynamic forced coefficients |
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Engineered analysis for pocket damper
seals and combined labyrinth-brush seals |
2011 TurboExpo11: Foil
Bearings, SFDs, and more. Turbochargers, Congreso Latinoamericano de Turbomaquinaria.
2009 Metal mesh foil bearings at EPN (July 2009)
Quito-Ecuador
2008 ISCORMA -2008 Plenary Lecture on
Gas Bearings,
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2011 |
TRC
funded projects (May 2011) |
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GROUP Presentation: projects, funding
and publications |
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TRC-S-02-2011 |
Progress Report: High Temperature seals |
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Progress Report: Computational
model of tilting pad journal bearings |
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Proposal: Squeeze film dampers –
nonlinear to linear force coefficients: tests and analysis |
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Proposal: Metal Mesh Bearings at
High Temperatures – Experimental verification |
2010 Turbo Expo10: Hot Foil Bearings, Metal Mesh Bearings, IFToMM: Turbochargers, foil bearings
No TRC projects were funded in 2010 (Dr. San Andres on Faculty
Development Leave)
2009 Turbo Expo 09: Foil Bearings, Metal Mesh Bearings, SFDs
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2009 TRC |
TRC funded projects (May 09)
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DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF A ROTOR-AIR BEARING SYSTEM DUE
TO BASE INDUCED PERIODIC MOTIONS |
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Measurements of Rotordynamic Performance
in a Hot Rotor-Gas Foil Bearing System |
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Measurement of Bearing Drag Torque,
Lift-Off Speed and Identification of Structural Stiffness and Damping in a
Metal Mesh Foil Bearing |
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2008 TRC |
TRC funded projects (May 08)
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Dynamic Performance of a Squeeze Film Damper with
Non-Circular Motions: Multi-Frequency Excitations Reproducing Multi-Spool
Engine Operating Conditions |
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A Novel FE Lubrication Model for Improved
Predictions of Force Coefficients in Off-Centered Grooved Oil Seals |
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Dynamic
Forced Response of a Rotor-Hybrid Gas Bearing System due to Intermittent
Shocks |
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Thermohydrodynamic Analysis of Bump Type Gas Foil Bearings: Model and
Predictions & Rotordynamic
Measurements on a High Temperature Rotor Supported on Gas Foil Bearings |
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Development of a Test Rig for Metal Mesh Foil Gas Bearing and
Measurements of Structural Stiffness and Damping in a Metal Mesh Bearing |
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The Effect of (Nonlinear) Pivot Stiffness on Tilting Pad
Bearing Dynamic Force Coefficients |
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Simplified
Thermohydrodynamic Analysis of (rigid geometry)
Journal Bearings |
GOALS of our
RESEARCH GROUP
To provide an
advanced education in the fields of fluid film lubrication and rotordynamics
Our goal is to provide both
graduate and undergraduate students with an in-depth education on the
fundamental aspects of fluid film bearing technology and dynamics of high speed
rotating machinery. Our current research covers a wide spectrum of novel
bearing and seal applications and rotordynamics addressing to current and
future industrial needs
To develop advanced
analytical and computational tools for the analysis and design of process fluid
film bearings
The trends in turbomachinery demand
the largest output power to weight ratios and require flexible mechanical
rotating components able to operate at increased speeds, temperatures and
pressure differentials. Best efficiency and compactness can only be achieved
with the effective use of the process liquid or gas as the lubricant in the
support bearings
To procure experimental measurements of the static and dynamic
force performance of fluid film bearings and squeeze film dampers for
industrial applications
Our experimental research
program on squeeze film dampers has an outstanding international reputation.
Major advances have resulted from the analysis and experimental verification of
the forced performance of squeeze film dampers due to the effects of feeding
grooves, fluid inertia and dynamic lubricant cavitation. The latest
experimental measurements provide fundamental understanding on the complex flow
mechanics of air ingestion and entrapment (bubbly lubricant mixtures) in the
dynamic performance of squeeze film dampers
To advance technologies for oil-free turbomachinery and
micro-turbomachinery
Current research focuses on the analysis and experimental verification of the
static and dynamic forced performance of gas bearings and seals for
applications in micro-turbomachinery (40 Kw-500 kW) and portable power hybrid
systems (SFOC & gas turbines).
Projects 2012
·
Thrust foil
bearings for oil-free turbochargers
Objective: Model FE code for prediction
of dynamic forced response of bump-type thrust foil bearings.
Status: Predictive tool under
development and validation to published test data.
Sponsor
: Borg-Warner Turbo, $90,441
Project started September 1, 2011 (1 year).
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Squeeze Film Damper – Identification of
dynamic forced performance
Objective: To assess novel SFD designs
for aircraft applications.
Status: Test rig operational (500 lbf dynamic force). Measurements and force coefficients
identification completed in a 5” OD open ends SFDs
with central groove. Effect of fluid inertia dominates SFD forced response.
Sponsor: Pratt & Whitney
Engines, $97,214 Project started January 1,
2012 (1 year).
Turbomachinery Research Consortium, $37,108 Project started January 1, 2012 (1 year).
·
Thermal Energy
Transport Analysis for (Semi) Floating Ring Bearings in Turbochargers
Objective: Integrate thermal energy
transport for prediction of forced response in turbocharger bearings
Status: Completed code for
semi-floating ring bearings. Validations with test data awaiting.
Sponsor : Honeywell Turbocharging
technologies, $208,340 Project started October 1,
2010 (2 years).
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Metal mesh foil
bearings (MMFB) for high speed turbomachinery
Objective: Continue to advance gas
bearing technology for high temperature, high speed microturbomachinery
applications (power < 400 kW).
Status: Completed tests to verify
performance of MMFB at high temperature(200 C) & rotor speed (50 krpm)
Sponsor: Turbomachinery Research Consortium, $38,608 Project started Dec 1, 2011 (1
year).
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Measurement of
leakage in a novel all-metal non-contacting annular seal at high temperature
Objective: revamp high temperature gas seal
test rig for high speed operation and to measure leakage for a labyrinth seal
and a HALOTM seal
Status: Completed leakage
measurements w/o rotor spinning. Revamping of rig for high speeds in the works.
Sponsor : Turbomachinery Research Consortium, $74,863
Project
started September 1, 2010 (2 years).
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Computational
Model for Tilting Pad Journal Bearings
Objective: Develop code for prediction
of tilting pad bearings forced response accounting for thermal effects and
including pivot radial and transverse flexibility.
Status: Completed. TPJB© code shows
+good correlation with test data for bearings with very flexible pivots.
Sponsor: Turbomachinery Research Consortium, $70,421 Project start September 1, 2010 (2 years).
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Automated Analysis
of XLTRC2 Time Transient Responses in Nonlinear Rotor Bearing
Systems
Objective: Modeling of NL rotor-bearing
systems and GUIs for data handling of XLTRC2 nonlinear transient
rotor response output data.
Status: GUIs developed for automated
analyses with minimum User interaction. Applications sought
Sponsor: Turbomachinery Research Consortium, $34,863 Project start May 1, 2011 (2 year).
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Computational
Model for Textured Surface Gas Face Seals
Objective: Develop code for leakage and
forced response in textured gas face seals for steam turbines.
Status: Code SpiralG
extended to model T groove textured surfaces and GUI completed. Start Sept 1,
2011
Sponsor : Ciateq A.C.
(Mx),
OTHER COMPLETED PROJECTS
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Gas Bearings for Oil-Free
Turbomachinery TRC-B&C-1-09
Objective: To advance the technology of inexpensive reliable gas
bearings for micro gas turbines and micro power systems
Status: Demonstrated reliability of hybrid gas bearings to
intermittent shocks and shaker induced excitations into base of test rotor-bearing system.
Sponsors: TRC (Turbomachinery
Research Consortium)
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Metal Mesh Foil Bearings for Microturbomachinery TRC-B&C-3-09, TRC-B&C-1-10
Objective: Further development of predictive models anchored to
test data for prediction of mechanical parameters of metal mesh foil bearings.
Status: high speed ( 60 krpm) test rig completed.
Measurements of bearing lift off and drag torque during start up and shut down
obtained. In 2010, measurements of metal mesh bearing force coefficients
completed.
Sponsor: TRC (2007-2009), test rig
donated by Honeywell Turbocharging Technologies
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Foil Gas Bearings for Oil-Free Turbomachinery TRC-B&C-2-09
Objective: To quantify the structural and dynamic forced
performance of bump type foil gas bearings for high temperature micro turbine
applications
Status: Computational analysis complete to model thermal
management of foil bearings. High
temperature test rig (max 400 C) in operation: MiTi Korolon® bearings and Foster-Miller bearings. Cooperation
with KIST Korean Institute of Science and Technology).
Sponsors: NSF (2004-2006), NaSA GRC (2007-2009), TRC (2004-2008)
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Hybrid Brush Seals to Improve Gas Turbine Efficiency
Objective: Measurements of leakage, power loss and structural parameters
in labyrinth seal, brush seal and hybrid brush seals for gas turbine
applications
Status: High temperature (300 C) test rig operational.
Comparisons of leakage measurements in labyrinth seal, brush seal, hybrid brush
seal completed. Tests with novel HALO® seal in progress. Hybrid brush seals have 1/15 less leakage
than labyrinth seal and 1/3 less than conventional brush seal.
Sponsor: Siemens Power Generation
(2006-2009), Seals
from Advanced Turbomachinery Group (ATG)
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Dynamic Force Performance of Squeeze Film Dampers
Objective: To assess effect of mechanical end seal on dynamic forced performance
of a test SFD.
Status: Test rig accommodates a SFD with a (non rotating) mechanical seal that
adds dry friction to system while containing lubricant for extended periods of
time and without side leakage. Seal design most successful to avoid air
ingestion and entrapment. Structural, dry-friction parameter of mechanical seal
and squeeze film damper damping and inertia coefficients identified from single
frequency load tests forcing unidirectional and circular centered orbits.
Predicted SFD force coefficients agree well with measured ones.
Sponsor: TRC 2004-2009
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Nonlinear Rotordynamics of Automotive Turbochargers: Computational
Analysis of Floating Ring Journal Bearings (FRBs) and
Experimental Validation in a Turbocharger Test Rig
Objective: To advance (experimentally validated) computational tools for
prediction of the dynamic forced response of turbocharger rotors supported on FRBs.
Status: Virtual Laboratory (computational software) is a production tool at
Honeywell. Research continues to model compressor and turbine aerodynamic
forces and more complex bearing geometries. Advice on foundation model to
Sponsor: Honeywell Turbo Technologies 2001-2008
·
CLIN 004 - Tool/Method Development of the
AFRL Upper Stage Technology Program (USET) Turbopump
USET Development
Objective: Experimental validation and enhancements of computational models for
prediction of dynamic forced performance of cryogenic liquid hydrostatic
bearings - USAF Upper Stage Engine Technology Program.
(a): To develop hydrostatic
bearing tool with capability for modeling the non-linear forced response of
fluid film bearing, i.e. bearing reaction forces (impedance models) as a
function of instantaneous journal position, velocity and acceleration
(b): Create capability for
modeling speed dependent non-linear operation in mixed flow regime (fluid and
solid contact), including prediction of lift-off speed
(c): Experimental
Study of Hydrostatic / Hydrodynamic Thrust Bearings: 25 krpm, 250 psi, 600 lbf, water bearings.
Sponsor: Northrop Grumman 2005-2008
Personal interest:
·
On Site Identification of Bearing Parameters in
Flexible Rotor Systems
To develop procedures for practical on site reliable bearing parameter identification techniques
SPONSOR: none
Dr. Luis San Andrés, Professor & Group
Leader
ASME Fellow, STLE Fellow, Mast-Childs Tribology
Professor
Dr.
San Andrés has an international reputation as a qualified analyst and
experimentalist in the fields of fluid film lubrication and rotordynamics. Dr.
San Andrés has managed research projects with a total value exceeding 7 million
dollars. He directs a laboratory with an average of seven fully supported
research assistants per year. Dr. San Andrés has educated many graduate
students currently practicing their skills and providing services and
leadership to turbomachinery manufacturers. Dr. San Andrés and his students
have published extensively in the archival literature: 127 peer reviewed
journal papers, 55 reviewed and 40 invited conference papers, 100+ technical
reports. Dr. San Andrés also holds five patents and the copyright for various
computational programs predicting the performance of liquid and gas hydrostatic
and hydrodynamic bearings, seals and foil gas bearings.
Dr. San
Andrés has provided major advances to the technology of hybrid bearings
(hydrostatic / hydrodynamic) for applications in primary power space turbopumps. The bearings investigated, both theoretically
and experimentally, include flexure-pivot tilting pad bearings, angled
injection hybrid bearings and foil-bearings. Current research interests include
analysis of hybrid thrust bearings and two-phase fluid seals for cryogenic
applications, and high speed gas face seals and bearings with enhanced damping
characteristics.
The Tribology Group has developed
advanced and efficient computational models for the analysis and design of
process-fluid film bearings (hydrostatic and hydrodynamic), gas bearings
including foil bearings, gas damper and labyrinth seals, tilting pad bearings
and squeeze film dampers. The thermo hydrodynamic flow models account for fluid
inertia and variable properties, flow turbulence in exotic bearing geometries.
Applications to high-speed turbomachinery include cryogenic turbopumps,
aircraft jet engines, industrial compressors, etc. Users include Boeing-Rocketdyne, Pratt & Whitney,
Distinctions – Former
Students
|
Name |
Society |
Distinction |
Contribution |
|
Deborah Osborne- Wilde |
ASME Tribology Division |
2004 Marshal Peterson Young
Investigator Award |
Gas Bearings and Seals |
|
Sergio Diaz |
ASME Tribology Division |
2003 Burt Newkirk Investigator
Award |
Squeeze Film Dampers |
|
Nicole Zirkelback |
|
1998 Outstanding Graduate Student
Award |
Gas Annular and Face Seals |
Several graduate and undergraduate students
have obtained STLE scholarships and fellowships
2012 Best Paper Award, Microturbines, Turbochargers, &
Small Turbomachines Committee, ASME IGTI (June 2013)
San Andrés, L.., Barbarie, V., Bhattacharya, A., and Gjika,
K., 2012, “On the Effect of Thermal Energy Transport to the Performance of
(Semi) Floating Ring Bearing Systems for Automotive Turbochargers,” ASME J.
Eng. Gas Turbines Power, vol. 134 (October), 102507 [ASME paper GT2012-68074]
2012 Best Paper Award, Structures & Dynamics Committee,
ASME IGTI (June 2013)
Ryu, K., and San Andrés, L., 2012, ”Effect of Cooling Flow on The Operation of a Hot Rotor-Gas
Foil Bearing System,” ASME J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power, vol. 134 (October),
102511 [ASME paper
GT2012-68074]
2011 BEST Rotordynamics Paper Award – 2012 IGTI Structures and Dynamics Committee
San
Andrés, L., and Delgado, A., “A Novel
Bulk-Flow Model for Improved Predictions of Force Coefficients in Grooved Oil
Seals Operating Eccentrically,” ASME J. Eng. Gas
Turbines Power, vol. 134 (May), 022509 [ASME Paper GT2011-45274].
2010 Best
Paper Award for ASME Journal of Tribology (2011
IJTC Conference, LA)
Kim, T. H., and San Andrés, L., 2010, “Thermohydrodynamic
Model Predictions and Performance Measurements of Bump-Type Foil Bearing for
Oil-Free Turboshaft Engines in Rotorcraft Propulsion
Systems,” ASME Journal of Tribology, Vol.
132(January),
p. 011701
2008 BEST Rotordynamics Paper Award – IGTI
Structures and Dynamics Committee
Kim, T. H., and San Andrés, L., 2009, “Effect of Side End Pressurization on the
Dynamic Performance of Gas Foil Bearings – A Model Anchored to Test Data,” ASME Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 131(1), pp. 012501. ( ASME Paper GT2008-50571)
Editor’s
Choice – Tribology & Lubrication Technology, June 2007, pp. 40-50.
De Santiago, O., and L., San Andrés,
2007, “Experimental Identification of Bearing Dynamic Force Coefficients in a
Flexible Rotor – Further Developments,” Tribology
Transactions, v. 50(1), p. 114-126.
2005 BEST Rotordynamics Paper Award – IGTI Structures and
Dynamics Committee
Rubio, D.,
and L. San Andrés, 2007, “Structural Stiffness, Dry-Friction Coefficient and
Equivalent Viscous Damping in a Bump-Type Foil Gas Bearing,” ASME Journal of
Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 129, pp. 494-502. (ASME Paper GT 2005-68384)
2003 Best Rotordynamics Paper Award (IGTI, Structures & Dynamics Committee
Wilde, D.A.,
and San Andrés, L., 2006, “Experimental Response of Simple Gas Hybrid Bearings
for Oil-Free Turbomachinery,” ASME Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and
Power, 128, pp. 626-633. (ASME
Paper No. GT 2003-38833)
Favorite Links
Turbomachinery Research
Consortium
XLrotor a
commercial rotordynamics/bearing analysis package
rotordynamics.org,
a gateway to a collection of technical literature on rotordynamics.
Personal Interests
Roca Azul,
the premier Latin Rock & Blues Band in the
My music
– the one solo band El Santo
PHN,
Professional Hispanic Network at TAMU
Last revised: January 8, 2013
PAST PROJECTS OF EDUCATIONAL
INTEREST
·
Research Experiences for Undergraduates: Development of Microturbomachinery
http://reumicro.tamu.edu
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
(4 years) 2006-2010, REU#0552885
P.I: Dr. Wayne Hung (ENTC),
co-pi: Dr. Luis San Andrés
Objective: The
REU Summer Program funds 30 junior-level
students to conduct hand-on training and research in mechanical, manufacturing,
industrial, or materials engineering topics related to technological advances
in microturbomachinery. This program is part of a
larger scale multidisciplinary research project at TAMU to develop microturbines to enhance defense, homeland security,
transportation, and aerospace applications. Activities include a series of informative seminars, field trips
and social events to complement the research activities while enhancing the
group cohesiveness. Students will also sharpen their communication skills through
the writing of a research report and presenting their research work to industry
(TRC).
Excellent facilities and services, small size research teams,
exciting interdisciplinary topics, and staying in the intellectual city of
Ten and seven qualified UGS
participated in Summer 2007 & 2008, respectively. A total of seven students
worked with Tribology Group students. Read conference paper ASME GT2009-59920. Thirteen students initiated
research in June 2009.
Download
posters prepared by UG-REU
students, Summer 2009
(Jose Camero, Shane Muller)
Download
posters prepared by UG-REU
students, Summer 2008
Rotordynamics
Foil Bearings TESTS (Alex Martinez)
Rotordynamics
Foil Bearings ANALYSIS (Kat Hagen)
Metal Mesh
Foil Bearings (Brian Rice)
Foil Bearings
Manufacturing (Nick Niedbalski)
Download
posters prepared by UG-REU
students, Summer 2007
Gas Foil Bearings
(Alex Martinez)
Turbochargers (Adam
Wilson)
Gas Tilting Pad Bearings
(H. Suh)