Projects
Here's what we've been researching
FRIL projects focus on unsteady fluid dynamics, including micro- and nano-texturing coatings for self-cleaning, fluid dynamics and heat transfer of energy-storage systems, inlet aerodynamics of supersonic aircraft and inlet particle separators of helicopters, and bio-inspired morphing wind turbines to reduce off-shore energy costs.
Section Title
Aerodynamics of Ice Wings
Spencer Stebbins sponsored by NASA
The objective of this research is to develop a fundamental understanding of how three-dimensional ice accretions can affect the aerodynamics of various aerodynamic surfaces. This research utilizes both RANS and Hybrid RANS-LES techniques (DES, DDES, IDDES).
Bio-Inspired River Energy Hydrofoils
Eric Loth, Chris Qin, Edem Tetteh, Hilary Bart-Smith, and ARPA-E
Inspired by unsteady lift-based hydrodynamics observed in fish swimming, Bio-Inspired Renewable Energy (BIRE) provides a simple, resilient, and scalable solution for highly-efficient low-cost riverine hydrokinetics.
Hypersonic Vehicle Damage Prediction in Multiphase Flow
Eric Loth, Spencer Stebbins, Brian Connolly
Hypersonic vehicles may travel through rain, ice, ash, or sand when flying towards their targets. This project simulates particle trajectories to estimate damage prediction for hypersonic vehicles.
Jet Engine Inlet for Particle Separation
Eric Loth and Cesar Rodriguez
This project’s goal is to produce new IPS designs that significantly cut down on engine damage due to particulate abrasion, ultimately reducing maintenance times and improving the lifecycle cost of the engine.
Segmented Outboard Articulating Rotor (SOAR)
Eric Loth, Carlos Noyes, Meghan Kaminski, Juliet Simpson, Michael Jeong, and partners from six additional institutions
The Segmented Outboard Articulating Rotor (SOAR) is a continuation of the SUMR project with additional compontents that improve upon the older design.
Self-Lubricating Icephobic Coatings for Aerospace
Jessica Cummings, Jim Loebig, Dr. Eric Loth, Dr. Edem Tetteh, and Michael Jeong
In collaboration with Rolls-Royce, FRIL investigated ice adhesion for a variety of flow conditions and surfaces. At the end of the investigation, SLIC (self-lubricating icephobic coating) revealed to be the best surface (with...
Ultraflexible Smart FLoating Offshore Wind Turbine (USFLOWT)
Dr. Eric Loth, Dr. Chris Qin, Dr. Edem Tetteh, Kevin Fletcher, and partners of 4 additional institutions
The Ultraflexible Smart FLoating Offshore Wind Turbine (USFLOWT) is a state-of-the-art floating offshore wind turbine project capable of capturing 10-MW of power.
Wind Energy Storage Integration
Dr. Eric Loth, Dr. Chris Qin, Juliet Simpson
FRIL works on multiple forms of energy storage for wind energy integration, including Isothermal Compressed Air Energy Storage (ICAES) and Liquid Metal Battery (LMB) storage.