The laboratory is a major source of speciality computer programs for industry. The rotor lab is doing experimental research on fluid-film bearings to enable analytical prediction computer programs to be validated for advanced technology turbomachinery design. Other areas of interest include the use of active magnetic bearings for improved stability and for force measurements of aerodynamic loading. Faculty member Mary Kasarda has received an NSF career grant for her work on active magnetic bearings. Finite element and CFD analysis of bearings and seals are being developed to model advanced concepts and designs.
Plans are also underway to investigate advanced energy storage systems.
Students also present their research to the lab s industry affiliates at the annual review meeting. The rotor laboratory has 3,800 square feet of shop and office space. Equipment includes a 200 HP variable speed motor drive test stand with capability up to 14,000 rpm, air turbine and variable speed motor drives for the fluid film bearing test rig, and a one-inch diameter shaft rig with 10 HP variable speed drive used to study cracked shafts and disk skew. In addition to the Virginia Tech Expertise Database , an online database of faculty members expertise, described in the April EDGE , the IDPO can help businesses and industries become partners in proposals for government grants or become an affiliate of one of the university s research centers. The IPDO is expediting flow-through partnerships with companies that frequently subcontract government contract work to Virginia Tech.