Technology Area Teams
Combustion Systems
Vision Statement
To establish collaborations and coordinated research and development efforts to advance understanding in the areas of combustion, fuels, and related diagnostics of mutual interest to DoD, NASA, DOE, and FAA programs for the purpose of optimizing the use of government resources. This collaboration extends from basic and applied research, through technology development programs, to fielded systems, including new materials and innovative ideas. The scope covers propulsion systems for civil and military aviation, stationary power and rocket propulsion, using both fossil and alternative fuels. Our vision is to be the recognized source of technological knowledge for providing combustion systems that are safe, reliable, durable, and stable with enhanced operability.
Compression Systems
Vision Statement
To investigate technologies that will improve the operability, durability, efficiency, and loading capability of gas turbine engine compression systems (i.e., fan and compressors). To provide a forum for sharing information related to compression systems research and development across the PPSA community. To encourage collaborative projects among organizations, to prevent duplicative efforts, and enable mutually-beneficial cooperation among services to advance the state-of-the-art of compression systems technology.
Control and Health Management
Vision Statement
To establish the inter-agency collaboration of Controls and Health Management of Propulsion and Power Systems for commercial and military applications of national interest. These applications are dependent on hardware, software, and a broad multidisciplinary understanding of system operability, integration, and function. The Team exists to identify and apply relevant technologies, design, and development processes wherever they may exist, and to advocate for the funded development of new technology to fill capability voids when so identified. To leverage the knowledge, capability, and resources of the government to maximize our research and development effectiveness.
Hybrid Electric Systems
Vision Statement
To establish collaborations and coordinated efforts for research and development activities to advance understanding in the areas of combustion, fuels, and related diagnostics of mutual interest to DoD, NASA, DOE, and FAA programs for the purpose of optimizing the use of government resources. This collaboration extends from basic and applied research, through technology development programs, to fielded systems, including new materials and innovative ideas. The scope covers propulsion systems for civil and military aviation, stationary power and rocket propulsion, using both fossil and alternative fuels. Our vision is to be the recognized source of technological knowledge for providing combustion systems that are safe, reliable, durable, and stable with enhanced operability.
Integrated Propulsion, Power, and Thermal Management Systems (IPPTMS) with Modeling and Simulation (M&S)
Vision Statement
To align with the main PPSA tenets (i.e. collaboration between government organizations) and inform the design, development, and acquisition of next-generation propulsion and thermal management systems. The goal of this TAT is to discuss architecture analysis of Integrated Propulsion, Power, and Thermal Management Systems (IPPTMS), with a focus on relevant, enabling thermal management components, multi-fidelity modeling tools, system-level trade studies, and complementary computational and experimental methodologies. Promote common design tools and practices for integrated studies and share lessons learned while working toward integrated systems.
Integrated Test and Evaluation
Vision Statement
To identify, consolidate, and disseminate the capabilities of research test facilities (viz., government, industry, and academia), both foreign and domestic, to the PPSA community. To provide an open forum for the sharing of best practices and lessons learned amongst the test and evaluation community for engines, engine sub-systems, and engine components. Areas of interest include (but are not limited to): Compressors, Combustors, Turbines, Mechanical Components, Controls & Health Management, Materials, Modeling & Simulation/Thermal Management, and Hybrid Electric.
Materials
Vision Statement
To integrate world-class, propulsion materials research across partner organizations including technologies to maximize collaboration and spur innovation via effective coordination and collaboration on technology development for advanced material systems used in the design and manufacture of engine components and power systems. The focus is collaboration and information sharing in key strategic turbine engine materials areas: advanced ceramics, ceramic matrix composites (CMC), alloys, polymers, polymer matrix composites, and coating systems. The team’s efforts address formulation of advanced materials systems, material processing and manufacturing issues, as well as performance and durability for turbine engine application environments.
Mechanical Systems
Vision Statement
To focus on coordination of technologies and programs that enable improvements in mechanical components for propulsion and drive systems. Areas of mutual interest include: bearings and gears for turbomachinery and rotorcraft, lubrication systems, and fuel-lubricated mechanical components (bearings, pumps, actuators). The TAT also seeks to identify potential collaborative opportunities amongst PPSA agencies with the end goal of meeting increased propulsion performance demands without compromising mechanical system reliability and safety.
Turbines
Vision Statement
To investigate technologies that will improve the operability, durability, and efficiency of turbine systems for gas turbine systems that will increase stage loading and decrease required cooling flows without adversely affecting efficiency or operability. This includes using experimental and computational research methods to further advance the state-of-the-art of turbine system components. To provide a forum whereby government partners can share research advancements and program achievements for turbine systems with the objective to increase collaboration across the services to more effectively apply the limited resources to advance the state-of-the-art. To identify potential multi-agency collaborations which would advance turbine technologies toward transition into future engine systems.