Alan H. Epstein

Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Phone - 253-2485
Office - 31-265
Email - epstein@mit.edu

S.B. 1971, MIT
S.M., 1972, MIT
Ph.D, 1975, MIT

Research Interests

Smart Engines: We are examining the ways in which advanced feedback control concepts can be employed to change how the gas turbines are designed on the component level. Most current activity is on the active stabilization of compressor surge & stall including experiments on large test compressors & small jet engines both at MIT, at NASA, and at jet engine companies.

Turbine Heat Transfer & Aerodynamics: Using fully scaled experiments on a high speed turbine stage & CFD simulation, we are exploring the fluid physics of advanced transonic turbines, currently looking at the role of inlet temperature non-uniformity on turbine operation.

Advanced Diagnostic Instrumentation: We are trying to improve the detail & accuracy to which the flow in turbomachinery can be measured. One current project is the development of an instrument to optically measure gas temperature in compressors & turbines using laser induced fluorescence of 02.

Turbomachinery Noise: The many sources of noises in turbomachinery are not well established quantitatively. An experimental investigation of noise sources in centrifugal pumps is pursuing this question.

Environmental Impact of Aircraft: MIT is beginning a major initiative, exploring the impact of aircraft on the atmosphere, the role aircraft & engine design can have on mitigating that impact, and the effects on air transportation economics.

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