Nickolas Payne, a Ph.D. student in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), is conducting research aimed at enhancing the performance of electric airplanes. His work focuses on improving the lift capability of airfoils used in electric aircraft.
"I’m looking to explore a technology that improves the performance of electric airplanes and to validate it," Payne stated. He explained that his research involves testing a cross-section of an airfoil to determine its lift and drag when air flows over it.
Payne's method includes using a fan or compressor to accelerate the airflow, creating recirculation. "You want to have a fan or some compressor in here that accelerates the air, so instead of just kind of flowing over once, it recirculates," he said. This process enhances lift by sucking in air and blowing it faster over the airfoil.
He noted that this technology could allow aircraft to take off from shorter landing strips by producing sufficient lift at lower speeds. "The ultimate goal is to save energy by using this," Payne added.
Payne highlighted the advantages of electric aircraft over fossil fuel-powered ones, particularly their ability to have propulsion from multiple points due to electric motors. "Electric aircraft could potentially just do this more efficiently because you’re not making any energy conversions," he explained.
The Morel Fellowship has provided significant support for Payne's research. "Now that I got the fellowship, I’m much more at ease because I can focus on my studies," he said. He expressed gratitude for the facilities and supportive environment, noting, "I can do research that I really want to do, and they care."