Blog #3 (Ben) -- Reflection on Design Process and Preliminary Testing -- May 16th, 2023

 


    




        These are the drawings from our designs of the full model, inlet, impeller, and diffuser. As a quick review of the function of each part: the inlet is vital for the efficiency of the impeller, the impeller brings in air, and the diffuser channels the air into the correct place and makes sure the air is traveling in the correct way (no spin). 
    Our design process was quite smooth despite having to both work on the same file. We used Fusion 360 and shared all of our files with each other so we could work on them at any time. We were able to use an online design for the impeller, and Nikhil designed the inlet flange and diffuser based off that impeller. We chose the design for the impeller that we did because it was used to test rocket engines so we assumed it was an efficient design. I also enjoyed making the drawings in Fusion so that they can be easily understood and helpful. 
    On 5/16, we did some preliminary testing of the impeller and the diffuser using a drill. We attached the impeller to the drill with a wooden dowel and spun it up to see how well the impeller and the inlet worked. 
  

   
    As you can see in the video, the impeller seems to blow air quite well; however, we do not know if it will be good enough. We also tried to test it with the inlet and diffuser attached to the impeller; however, we realized that the diffuser actually is supposed to slow down the air so as to build pressure, and therefore we would not be able to see whether it was working properly. We will have to complete the whole model to test the diffuser. 
    We are quite close to finishing the model design-wise. We just need to add some screw holes, finish the prints, and wait for the shaft, bearings, threaded insert, and tube to be shipped. We ordered heat-set threaded inserts which are designed to be heated up using a soldering iron and pressed into 3D-printed plastic. These will allow us to attach the threaded shaft to the impeller; however, we will have to be careful about putting the threaded insert in perfectly straight; otherwise, the rotation will not be correct. 
    My goal is to have a complete model on Monday or Tuesday so that we can start testing and possibly make the turbine and exit nozzle even though they are not strictly necessary for the project. 
  

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