Army Research Laboratory
Aberdeen, MD
Position: Aerospace Engineer - Summer Intern
Duration: June 2010 - August 2010
While at ARL I worked in the Vehicles Applied Research Division (VARD) of the Vehicles Technology Directorate (VTD). The project I worked on throughout the summer involved developing computational models of flapping wing micro air vehicles (MAVs). More specifically, the computational models were to be compared to an experimental model being developed by an ARL-VTD contractor. Modeling flapping wing flight involves complex dynamics and multidisciplinary analysis. It requires modeling of the fluid-structure interaction that takes place on the surface of the flexible wings.
I used a multi-body dynamics software called MBDyn to model a set of flapping wings. The model accounted for kinematic input of the wing stroke, the material stiffness, geometric nonlinearities, the inertial effects due to the mass distribution of the wings, and even aerodynamic pressure on the wing surface. A video of one of the simulations I made is shown below. For more information on this topic please refer to the following paper Multi-Body Dynamics Modeling of Flapping Wing Flight.
I used a multi-body dynamics software called MBDyn to model a set of flapping wings. The model accounted for kinematic input of the wing stroke, the material stiffness, geometric nonlinearities, the inertial effects due to the mass distribution of the wings, and even aerodynamic pressure on the wing surface. A video of one of the simulations I made is shown below. For more information on this topic please refer to the following paper Multi-Body Dynamics Modeling of Flapping Wing Flight.
GE Energy
Greenville, SC
Position: Aerospace Engineer - Summer Intern
Duration: May 2008 - August 2008
While at GE Energy I worked in the compressor aerodynamics group in the Gas Turbine Laboratory (GTL) of the Advanced Technologies Organization (ATO). My role was primarily to collect, organize, process, and analyze data from a compressor test. The primary objective of this work was to prepare a test report for the compressor design. This required a complete summary of all the test data taken, including but not limited to, compressor efficiencies, bleed air temperatures, turbine blade tip clearances, etc. It just so happened, that the compressor tested, ran at an efficiency higher than any compressor ever designed by GE. However, the design was stuck in the prototype phase due to frequent mechanical failures.
In addition, I worked on some compressor simulations. The goal of the simulations was to demonstrate an improved method for turn-down map generation. A compressor turn-down map uses simulation results to approximate compressor efficiency at varying mechanical and power settings. The turn-down map is then used as a resource for choosing test points. When the turn-down map is inaccurate, the test plan is often changed on the fly in order to sample more appropriate test points. This can cause the time and expense of the test to rise drastically. A more accurate turn-down map generation can help avoid this.
This internship at GE Energy provided me with practical engineering experience as well as a great perspective on what it is like to work for a global corporation.
In addition, I worked on some compressor simulations. The goal of the simulations was to demonstrate an improved method for turn-down map generation. A compressor turn-down map uses simulation results to approximate compressor efficiency at varying mechanical and power settings. The turn-down map is then used as a resource for choosing test points. When the turn-down map is inaccurate, the test plan is often changed on the fly in order to sample more appropriate test points. This can cause the time and expense of the test to rise drastically. A more accurate turn-down map generation can help avoid this.
This internship at GE Energy provided me with practical engineering experience as well as a great perspective on what it is like to work for a global corporation.