The main project that you will be working on is improving the Ram Air Turbine. This critical component is responsible for generating onboard electrical power, enabling the aircraft to sustain indefinite flight operations. The improvement efforts will encompass several key areas, including the protective cage/duct, the aerodynamic design (shape and size) of the blades, and the control electronics that govern its operation.

• Protective Cage/Duct: The existing protective cage and its integrated duct can be reviewed and redesigned. This will involve analyzing current structural integrity, aerodynamic efficiency, and overall protective capabilities against foreign object debris (FOD) and environmental factors. Potential improvements include optimizing the material selection for enhanced durability and weight reduction, refining the duct’s geometry to improve airflow into the turbine, and integrating advanced noise reduction features. 
• Shape and Size of the Blades: A significant portion of the project will be dedicated to optimizing the aerodynamic characteristics of the turbine blades. The objective is to maximize power generation efficiency across a wide range of flight conditions while minimizing drag and vibration. Consideration will also be given to advanced manufacturing techniques and materials for the blades to enhance their performance, durability, and reparability. 
• Control Electronics: The existing control electronics will be upgraded to improve the turbine’s responsiveness, stability, and overall power management capabilities. This will involve the development of more sophisticated algorithms for pitch control, load shedding, and integration with the aircraft’s broader power distribution system.

Should time and resources permit, the improved Ram Air Turbine design will undergo validation through wind tunnel testing. These tests will be crucial for empirically verifying the theoretical performance gains achieved through the design iterations. 

Next to that we can use your help for:

• Identify and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical and mechatronic issues in the current designs to improve system performance and reliability.
• Conduct thorough testing and validation of mechatronic and electronic components to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Aid in the assembly, benchmarking and integrating new or existing system components to ensure flight readiness.
• Create and maintain documentation related to electrical and mechatronic designs, including schematics, PCB layouts, and assembly instructions.