M. J. Hartmann Memorial Session Paper: A Review of Research on Turbomachinery at MIT Traceable to Support From Mel Hartmann

Abstract

Research conducted at MIT since 1968 stemming from early initiatives on the Blow-down Compressor Experiment and on transonic three-dimensional CFD is reviewed from the viewpoint of the consequences of enlightened support of research by exceptionally capable leaders of government research. Among the consequences in this case are development of detailed understanding of the unsteady flows in transonic compressors and their contribution to losses, and the ability to compute the three-dimensional transonic flow in such machines. Analogous results for turbines include the ability to measure and compute the unsteady heat flux distribution on turbine blades and vanes as well as the flow field. In addition to these research results, the programs traceable to Mel Hartmann’s early support have produced more than seven faculty members who continue to teach and conduct research in aircraft propulsion and closely related fields, and a corresponding number of students.