Brown Bag Seminar

Friday, March 10, 2023

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

 Weber, Classroom II

Presenters:

Pessi Laensirinne

Bryn Merrell

Joseph Curole

Joseph Curole

Title: The Future of Lunar Missions

Abstract:

This research is focused on defining the current lunar technology available, as well as predicting what we will have by the year 2035. This is being done by classifying technology using technology readiness levels. Work is also being done on making a budget analysis to figure out what will be realistically available in the future. All of this is being done to make Lunar related missions easier to plan in the future.

  Advisor: Prof. Michael Balchanos

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Pessi Laensirinne

Title:  Acoustic Instabilities in Variable Exhaust Length Combustor

Abstract:

Acoustic instabilities are commonly studied in combustion research as they affect the emissions, fatigue life, and noise of the combustor. However, predicting the acoustic modes in the combustor at a given operating condition is not straightforward as the acoustics are a function of various interdependent variables, such as combustor geometry and injector design. In this research sponsored by Siemens Energy, the length of the exhaust of the combustor is varied to study the effects of the exhaust length on the acoustic modes in the combustor measured by high-speed pressure transducers. It is worth noting that the novel ability to change the combustor exhaust length at real time has proven especially important in gathering acoustic data in an efficient way. The results found from the combustion rig at the Ben T. Zinn Combustion Laboratory are compared to the predictions of simple empirical models. This presentation will cover the current state of the acoustic instability research, correlation with predicted results, as well as plans for future testing.

Advisor: Professor Tim Lieuwen