Purdue University researchers have developed several innovations in the aeronautics field. There are almost 30 available to bring to market through licensing or other commercialization agreements with the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization.
Here are five:
Aviation Fuels Property Prediction App, 2019-KILA-68384
Researchers at Purdue University have developed an application for rapid determination of aviation fuel properties.
Current tests are time consuming and require large volumes of fuel for testing. The application created by Purdue researchers works in conjunction with a 2D chromatography to accurately determine fuel properties including density, viscosity, net of heat combustion, flash point and freezing point.
Efficient Aviation Hydraulic Propulsion System, 2018-IVAN-68082
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new method for planes’ propulsion systems, using hydraulics to distribute engine power to secondary controllers that create thrust.
Traditional propulsion systems utilize electric generators and motors. However, the drawback of the current technology is the low power-to-weight ratio, which results in undesirable heavy propulsion systems and low aircraft useful load. The Purdue system is more efficient and allows for the optimum use of engine power for any circumstance the plane may be in. It is lighter — 25% of propulsion system weight for the same power level — compared to the electric counterpart.
Hypergolic Hydrocarbon Fuel Class, 2017-POUR-67845
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new class of hypergolic hydrocarbon fuels.
This new fuel class remains in liquid state at room temperature and has low toxicity. Purdue researchers have fine-tuned the boiling and freezing points of their new energetics to allow for stability and safe storage over time. In addition, these hypergolic hydrocarbons exhibit low toxicity, unlike most traditional hypergolic materials.
New Fabrication Process for Hypersonics, 2019-SAND-68537
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new fabrication process for hypersonic components for aerospace, military and defense applications.
Current manufacturing techniques often are incapable of reproducing
hypersonic components without causing shrinkage and shape distortions. Purdue researchers have developed a cost-effective process for converting easily shaped preforms into ultra-high melting, robust near net-shaped hypersonic structures.
Vapor-Pressure Driven Pump as Propellant Supply Tank in Space/Vacuum Environments, 2018-ALEX-68293
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method of manipulating liquid fluids in low-pressure, gravity-free environments.
This technology is a gravity-free pump with a self-regulated, low head pressure that can be used as a propellant supply tank for micropropulsion systems operating in space or other vacuum environments.
Find 19 categories of innovations developed by Purdue University researchers, all available to further develop through licensing or other commercialization agreements with the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization. Read about other innovations in the aeronautics category on the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization website.