Electric Jet Engine

Overview

Modern high bypass turbofan jet engines pollute the air and their optimal speed and altitude is fixed because of engine physics and economy. We propose using an electric motor paired with a compressor which will allow for faster, higher, safer, and more economical flights. A 1500 watt motor was paired with a planetary gearbox which drove a K03 Audi turbo compressor. The entire setup is bolted to a wooden block, which pulls on a digital 10N force probe and draws air through a flow rate meter. In order to determine the exhaust velocity, momentum equations were used to calculate the exhaust velocity of the engine. The engine was tested and data which suggested a supersonic exhaust velocity was collected. As such, electric propulsion will be able to succeed even in high speed conditions, and, when paired to a variable intake and exhaust, will thrive in subsonic environments. This allows this team to conclude that electric propulsion can, and will, phase out petroleum fueled alternatives as battery densities increase.

Awards (4)

• Raytheon Technologies Corporation: Each winning project will receive $3,000 in shares of UTC common stock. $3,000
• Arconic Foundation: Sustainable Design In Transportation, Third Award of $1,000 $1,000
• American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics: Third Award of $1000.00 $1,000
• University of Arizona: Tuition Scholarship Award

Competition history

• ISEF 2017 Engineering Mechanics · Entry ENMC015T

Resources

• ISEF abstract page ↗

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