Abstract
To support development of electric and hybrid-electric propulsion, the Surrey Aerothermal Test Facility (SATF) has been developed in recent years. The facility allows a powered model to be tested over an operating cycle, with measurement of steady state and transient effects. LabVIEW is used for facility and model control over extended test sequences and for synchronised data acquisition from multiple streams of data from different instrumentation. Novel measurement approaches have also been developed using the facility. These include use of embedded microphones to directly measure fan RPM, as subsequently used in the QinetiQ/Boeing/Surrey EMPAS project. Thrust performance has been investigated based on both direct force measurement and from integration of velocity measurements. IR sensors have been used to measure surface temperature variations on an electric motor, providing evidence of thermal soak-back. Heat flux sensors allow for the monitoring of thermal components and derivation of local heat transfer coefficients.
Use of the facility is highlighted through results presented from a series of Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) studies. An example modular EDF rig is described, which incorporates rotor and stator blade geometries designed using the MULTALL-OPEN turbomachinery design software and manufactured using low-cost 3D-print options.