Design of Wind Tunnel Fan Cover for GE TRDC and WestCaRD
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Date
2018-12-05
Authors
Barnson, Eric
Kurlowicz, Filip
Malo, Isaac
Mir, Muntazer
Panchendrabrose, Nivethan
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Abstract
The General Electric Engine Testing, Research and Development Center is operated by Standard Aero and West Canitest R&D Inc. The facility is located at the Winnipeg James A. Richardson International Airport, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and the primary use for this facility is to conduct testing on various gas turbine engines. The facility includes a wind tunnel which has 11 fan inlets capable of testing engines that produce up to150,000 lbs of thrust. The objective of this project is to develop a cover for the fan inlets on the wind tunnel to reduce wind speed through the tunnel when technicians are servicing components, and to mitigate wind-milling of the fan blades. The final design for the fan inlet cover is made from18oz.polyvinyl material and is manufactured by Norwood Tent and Awning, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The total weight of each cover is approximately 16.92lbs. Each individual cover is estimated to cost $388.64CAD with all of the required parts. The total cost for all 11 fan inlet covers is $4,275.04CAD.The design of the covers allows for quick and easy installation. The estimated time to install the covers is 117minutes.The covers fit over the fan inlet to form a conic shape with the center accommodating the motor and cable that protrudes from the inlet. A foam plank is placed inside a pocket on the inside of the cover to protect from the sharp edges of the motor from piercing the cover. A slit is created to allow for cable to pass through the cover without obstruction. A combination of D-rings and spring snaps are used to close and secure the slit. Velcro flaps are used to go over top of the ratchet and D-rings to protect these components from damage. To secure the cover onto the face of the wind tunnel, a ratchet runs around the circumference of the covers inside sleeves that flare out and are tightened to secure around the lips of the fan inlet. These covers shield the entire area of the inlets preventing wind and debris from entering the tunnel. This in turn prevents the fans from wind-milling ...