Aero-engine installation aerodynamics focusing on intake performance.

Increasing engine bypass ratio is a key part of the drive to improving propulsive efficiency driven by environmental pressures and concern over fuel price. However it is important that any gains made by increasing the bypass ratio are not lost to installation drag. It is clear then that the quantification of installation drag and the identification of its sources is crucial. This can performed by detailed CFD calculations. The aim of this project is then to create a simple model which correlates engine installation drag with engine size, flight conditions and installation location backed up by detailed CFD calculations. Currently Cranfield University has a suite of modelling software including an aircraft performance modelling tool in HERMES and an engine performance tool in Turbomatch. The simple model developed in this project will interface with these codes taking engine installation drag into account.

During the summer between 3rd and 4th year I worked as a research assistant in the Stokes Research Institute working on the characterisation of heat sinks. This experience was invaluable and exposed me to a lot of experimental engineering research techniques including Particle image velocimetry (PIV) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). I was working closely with PhD and post doctoral researchers. This allowed me to see firsthand what a research career is like and to gain the benefit of others experience. I attended weekly colloquia at which PhD researchers presented their work. This reemphasised my desire to pursue a research based career. My time at the Stokes Institute culminated in me giving a presentation of my work to PhD and post doctoral researchers.

To fulfil the requirements of my bachelor of engineering degree, I worked as a student engineer for PWA International, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, Ireland. This company specialises in the maintenance of jet engine cases. I worked on a number of projects involving the standardisation and improvements of work processes. As part of the courses cooperative education I spent eight months working as a student engineer in Pratt & Whitney International. This company specialises in the maintenance of jet engine cases. During my time there I worked on various projects including a company wide documentation mistake proofing project and a standardisation and improvement of work processes project.