Engineering tomorrow's aircraft today! In June, the 20 participants in the "step in MINT" programme explored the SE²A-Institute of Jet Propulsion and Turbomachinery (IFAS) and the SE²A Institute of Fluid Mechanics (ISM) through experiments in the wind tunnel and investigations of engine blades.
Step in MINT is a programme offered by the Equal Opportunities Office in which female pupils in years 12 and 13 get to know various MINT degree programmes at TU Braunschweig over the course of a semester. "We want to get young women excited about MINT and open up new perspectives with practical experience," explains Lena Drabert.
After a brief welcome and a presentation of the institutes by Dr Heiko Schwarz, we thematically delved into the future of aviation: What does the future of flying look like, what needs to be considered? Will we fly with batteries or hydrogen? And why does the wing also have to be modified?
Using an experimental wind tunnel at the ISM, Dr Thorsten J. Möller explained what needs to be considered in vehicles to ensure that they are aerodynamic but also safe on the road. The challenges faced by new wings in aviation were discussed as an example. Afterwards, research assistant Anadika Baghel presented a possible ice build-up on wings and explained the problems involved. The special characteristics of it were once again analysed with regard to the airflow around the wings.
With the help of an exhibited engine, we gained an insight into the structure of an engine and discussed together which factors need to be taken into account during construction, maintenance and simulations (e.g. climate, ground conditions at airfields, etc.). Then we got active! In a practical session, we learnt once again why the maintenance of aircraft engines is challenging and important. The pupils used a borescope to search for damage to broken blades on an aircraft engine. The blades were concealed in a box and only visible on a screen via the borescope images - a tricky task.
Finally, we took a look at the large wind tunnel at IFAS. This propulsor test rig is used to test engine intakes and their interaction with the fan, among other things. These tests provide insights into how the air flows hit the engines and what influence they have on 'Gehäusegeometrien'.
An exciting excursion with step in MINT, which gave young women an insight into mechanical engineering studies and its interdisciplinary nature.
You can find more information about the programme on the TU Braunschweig website
