The ASME Turbo Expo, one of the world’s leading international conferences in turbomachinery research and engineering, took place in Milan, Italy, from 15 to 19 June this year. The conference provides researchers, academics, and industry professionals with an opportunity to showcase the latest developments in gas turbines, compressors, pumps, and axial flow fans, while fostering international collaboration.

The Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University participated in the conference, with members of the Stellenbosch Thermal Engineering Research Group (STERG) contributing six technical papers and co-hosting a technical session during the week-long conference.

Mr. Steenkamp shared the results of his master’s research, completed last year under the supervision of Prof. van der Spuy and Prof. Reuter, titled A Method for the Aerodynamic Design of Pultruded Blades for Large-Diameter Axial Flow Cooling Fans. His work investigated the feasibility of manufacturing axial flow fan blades using a simpler and more cost-effective pultrusion process, in which blades are produced with a uniform profile and zero twist. The numerical investigation demonstrated promising fan performance at the design operating point when compared with conventional blade design methodologies.

Prof. van der Spuy contributed two papers on behalf of Mr. Swanepoel, one of his PhD students, and Prof. Pretorius. The first paper, co-authored with Mr. Swanepoel and titled Aerodynamic Noise Reduction of Large-Diameter Axial Flow Fans Through Vortex Behaviour Manipulation, investigated the influence of different fan tip configurations on the aeroacoustic behaviour of large-diameter axial flow fans using both experimental and numerical methods.

The second paper, co-authored with Prof. Pretorius and Mr. Mustapha and titled Experimental Study on the Impact of Hub Configuration on the Performance of an Air-Cooled Condenser Fan, experimentally investigated the influence of different hub configurations on fan performance. The study showed that simpler and less expensive elliptical hub designs can achieve performance comparable to that of more costly spherical hub designs.

In addition to the paper presentations, Prof. van der Spuy co-presented a technical session with Prof. J. Vad from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, titled Practical Aspects of Axial Flow Fan Engineering. The session provided an overview of axial flow fan design and performance testing in accordance with ISO standards.

Mr. Le Roux delivered a presentation on his research, conducted under the supervision of Prof. van der Spuy and Prof. Meyer, titled The Effect of Test Facility Configuration on the Performance of an Axial Flow Fan. The study investigated how different ISO-standard fan test facility configurations influence measured fan performance.

A second paper co-authored by Mr. Le Roux, Prof. van der Spuy, Prof. Meyer, Prof. Masi, and Prof. Danieli was delivered by Prof. Masi from the University of Padova. This collaborative work between the University of Padova and Stellenbosch University, titled High-Efficiency Propeller Fans with Rigid-Body-Like Blade Loading: Part II – The 20R0_RB6 Fan as a Benchmark for Minimum Hub-to-Tip Ratio Fans with 7.7 Specific Speed, discussed the experimental performance of the 20R0_RB6 fan tested in the Type A fan test facility at Stellenbosch University.

Mr. Afonso showcased the results of his master’s research, completed under the supervision of Prof. Rousseau and Prof. Laubscher, titled Calibration of a Microjet Gas Turbine Thermofluid Network Model Using Steady-State Measurements. His work focused on the calibration of a physics-based steady-state thermofluid model to accurately represent component-level interactions and operating conditions within microjet gas turbines.

Following the conference, the STERG delegation took the opportunity to explore Milan and its surrounding areas. Highlights included a visit to the iconic Duomo di Milano, a cathedral whose construction spanned almost six centuries, and a day trip to the picturesque Lake Como, situated at the foothills of the Alps. The group also enjoyed experiencing the local cuisine at a variety of traditional Italian restaurants.

The students would like to express their sincere gratitude to their supervisors—Prof. van der Spuy, Prof. Meyer, Prof. Reuter, Prof. Rousseau, and Prof. Laubscher—as well as the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering for sponsoring the trip and providing the opportunity to participate in an internationally recognised conference while experiencing one of Europe’s most historic cities.

 

Article by Tristan Le Roux