Grad student’s research aims to improve small aircraft engines

Gabe Walker has a knack for making simple improvements to complex things.

The University of Cincinnati Aerospace Engineering Ph.D. candidate has taken that credo to heart as he pursues research that could advance technology used in aircraft engines.

Walker has a Defense Associated Graduate Student Innovators Fellowship in conjunction with the Air Force Research Laboratory. As part of the fellowship program, Walker works with University of Cincinnati aerospace professor Mark Turner, Ph.D., on the UC campus, and also spends a portion of each week in a laboratory setting at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

He’s working on research that could potentially improve the technology used in small aircraft engines, an area in which not a lot of research is conducted (most of the commercial focus is on engines for large aircraft). Walker set out to design and test methods that could ultimately lead to more efficient small engines. As the project has progressed, he has begun to explore the feasibility of using 3D printing to create engine parts, which eventually could allow for rapid prototype engine creation or even customization of engines. While some components created previously through additive printing are being used in jet engines today, those parts are stationary. Walker is analyzing the viability of using 3D printing for rotating engine parts, which requires extensive structural analysis of this new method of manufacturing.

A large part of Walker’s project has included working at his computer to create design optimization, but he’s recently taken his project into the lab to compare the computer analysis to the hands-on results of physical – not digital – components. Walker designed and built a test rig to assess the compressor he designed.  

Walker recently participated in a poster presentation of his findings at an event in Dayton, partially hosted by the fellowship organization. In January 2020, Walker will present a paper based on his research at one of the largest annual aerospace conferences, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics SciTech Forum and Expo in Orlando.

Research appeals to Walker’s affinity for making simple improvements to effect change. He hopes to continue this path after obtaining his Ph.D.

“Being in research gives you the flexibility to explore what you find interesting,” Walker said. “I like to try and improve technologies or discover new technologies.”

Walker first came to UC as an undergraduate in aerospace engineering. He said the university felt like the right place and his decision was clinched by the co-op program.

“You gain a lot of practical experience while you are in school,” he added.

Walker sought out Turner to direct him toward a research-based co-op. Turner found him a spot on his own research team studying computational fluid dynamics of propellers for a summer. Walker has been immersed in research ever since.