Expert: Paul Soderman - 8/30/2008

Question
Hi Paul,
I am doing a senior project for my Physics Degree and would like to do my research paper in the area of Aeronautical Engineering. I was thinking of maybe building a small jet engine. With your experience you must know of some good senior projects I could research. I am just looking for some topics and information at this point.

Thanks,
Jason

List or resources so far are:
Free welding, all kinds
Free Access to machine shop know lath, Mill etc.
$500 for Materials
Most likely $1500 NASA Grant
Physics Professor help
Mechanical engineer Professor help
Free turbo donation for Truck Shop  

Answer
Jason
My first thought is that a proper jet engine with turbine and compressor would be much too complicated and expensive for a senior project.  A simple jet using a combustion chamber supplied with fuel and air is probably too simple. For a science project I tend to imagine an aerodynamic question and then design an investigation...like how does a tuna get such low drag, or can an aifoil be designed to fly forward and backward, or why will the space station lose orbit, or can an arrow be designed to fly level for a time, or can a baseball really change trajectory midflight, or can a wind turbine be bird safe, or can drafting be used in traffic to reduce drag.  There are many questions we haven't asked yet.  Maybe something in physics ?

I'm glad you chose aero engineering. Good luck.
Paul