Turbine-electric Jag accelerates like a jet

[AlephZero]

Some references to Dimofte's work here:

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/RT/RT1996/5000/5340d.htm

 

[huskerwr38]

Now that I've had a chance to read the links as well as just the thread, a couple of questions come to mind.
First off, I don't quite get what the exhaust vectoring is about. As far as that goes, I don't even know exactly what they mean about the CF rear diffuser. I'm pretty sure that it would be crystal clear with an illustration or two, but I'm not getting much from the text. I know that the latter has to do with undercarriage aerodynamics, and assume that they are using the venturi effect for downforce, but it is a little vague.
Secondly, is that a pencil shown in front of the turbine engine as a scale indicator? If so, I'm astounded to an extent that almost requires a change of trousers.

I love that car!

It's one of the features that helps feed air to the turbines.

 

[Danger]

Thanks, Husker.

 

[airbearingeng]

There is a couple of papers out there that describe them; they should be by a guy named Dimofte (sp?). From what I understand, the unique profile on the journal produces a self-stabilizing hydrodynamic force.

They are still in testing phase, but could potentially be a huge improvement over buffer-supplied air bearings that are in use right now.

Air bearings that do not require buffer air (any gas) are technically called self-acting, hydrodynamic or aerodynamic and there are a multitude of mechanisms that are used to stabilise them. Waves or lobed air/gas bearings have been used for many years starting with the circulating pumps in nuclear power plants in the 1960s. Other mechanisms to stabilise them are steps or spiral grooves (do a search for spiral groove air bearings) sometimes called herringbone grooves in journal bearings. Smiths Industries and Ferrantis had many thousands of this latter type in gyroscopes in the 60s, 70s and 80s. As with many technologies changing the name slightly allows an application for research funding!
All these self-acting air bearing designs with a rigid surface have significant advantages over the foil type air bearing due to their better control of radial and axial position; and this is why one is seeing more and more applications using air/gas bearings.