The Fluid Dynamics of a Microfabricated Gas Turbine Engine
Abstract
A millimeter scale gas turbine engine is being designed and fabricated at M.I.T. using microfabrication technology. This ``micro-engine'' presents several fluid dynamic challenges resulting from its small size and from microfabrication constraints. For instance, the Reynolds number is several orders of magnitude lower than in conventional turbomachinery, resulting in a very different flow regime. Current microfabrication techniques produce planar extruded structures, which strongly affects the aerodynamic design. This talk will provide an overview of the micro-engine project, focusing on the fluid dynamics issues being addressed. In particular, the compressor and turbine design will be described. A subsequent talk will present the design and analysis of a gas lubricated journal bearing system for this engine.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- November 1996
- Bibcode:
- 1996APS..DFD..GA08J