START and ExCCL Labs
The Steady Thermal Aero Research Turbine (START) Laboratory, directed by Prof. Karen Thole, focuses on sustainable propulsion and power generation through innovating turbine technologies using true-scale engine hardware, developing sensors and instrumentation for smart turbines, advancing manufacturing for turbine applications, and integrating and embedding sensors through additive manufacturing. START is a center of excellence for two gas turbine manufacturers and is heavily supported by DOE, ARPA-E, FAA ASCENT, and NASA.
The Experimental and Computational Convection Laboratory (ExCCL), directed by Prof. Stephen Lynch, conducts experimental and computational studies of turbulence and convective heat transfer physics for aerospace applications to enable more efficient and effective propulsion and power generation. Subjects being researched include development of advanced non-contact measurement techniques, novel turbine blade cooling techniques, additive manufacturing using metal and ceramic materials, and topology optimization for high intensity heat transfer applications.
Pratt and Whitney Center of Excellence 2022
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About the Turbine Heat Transfer and Aerodynamics Group
We welcome you to the website for our ExCCL and START Labs in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State. These two laboratories have a long history of doing relevant research applied to gas turbine engines and, in particular, cooling of turbine airfoils. We also have a long history of providing exciting research projects for our students who gain a deep understanding of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, experimental methods, and computational methods. Our labs are honored to have been named Centers of Excellence by two turbine manufacturers: Pratt & Whitney and Solar Turbines. These two companies along with several other engine manufacturers as well as government agencies provide relevant and challenging research projects to which we contribute innovative solutions. We hope you enjoy learning more about what we do from our website.