Blade element/momentum theory (BEMT) is the basic tool of turbine aerodynamics that is used extensively in multidimensional blade optimization and aeroelastic codes for complete turbine analysis. BEMT balances the lift and drag exerted on a section of a blade – called a blade element – and the axial and angular momentum changes to the streamtube flowing over the element. All applications of BEMT thus require the relationship between the velocities at the blades and the streamtube averages. This relationship is often computed via Prandtl’s “tip loss function” which is accurate only for straight, unconed, equispaced and aerodynamically equal blades operating at high tip speed ratio (TSR). This presentation will describe recent, mostly unpublished, work to extend the applicability of BEMT to cases including: 1. Swept and coned rotors. Sweep is the displacement of the blade’s. .... Read more

The transition to renewable energy is a critical step toward a sustainable future, and electrical connectors play a critical role in enabling this transformation, particularly in their applications for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS). As renewable energy sources like solar and wind become more prevalent, the demand for reliable, efficient, and durable connectors is rising. Ensuring the seamless transmission of power, optimizing energy efficiency, and maintaining the safety are critical in supporting this transition. Connectors for Electric Vehicles: Electric vehicles are at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. However, the performance and reliability of EVs heavily depend on the quality of their electrical connectors. These connectors are responsible for facilitating the transfer of power from the battery to the motor, managing communication between various electronic components, and recharging the battery. This poster outlines specific requirements for EV connectors, including .... Read more