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AERODYNAMIC LABORATORY IN NOVY KNIN, INSTITUTE OF THERMOMECHANICS OF THE CAS

The Institute of Thermomechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences is multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary in nature.

INTRO

The Institute of Thermomechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences is multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary in nature. Its research ranges from the study of the properties and flows of liquids and gases, through the properties and behaviour of solids to electrical engineering, electrophysics and biomechanics. Scientists from the Institute participate in the development of more efficient turbines in thermal power plants, predicting the spread of hazardous substances in the air, designing more efficient methods of component cooling etc. They contribute to the development of artificial human vocal cords, non-invasive detection of hidden defects in materials and structures, measuring the elasticity of human skin or the response of various materials including food to dynamic loading as well as designing electronic performance converters and industrial drives and propulsion systems.

SUCCESS STORIES

The low-pressure steam turbine rotor in the Počerady power plant developed by Doosan Škoda Power in collaboration with the Aerodynamic laboratory in Nový Knín rotates at 3000 rpm, with the tip moving at 2440 km/h. Due to the high rotation speed and the rotor blade mass the persistent centrifugal force acting on the rotor corresponds to a load of 444 tonnes. This is the equivalent mass of several electric locomotives. In such extreme conditions every detail of the blade design matters. Scientists from the Aerodynamic laboratory have for some 50 years been utilizing powerful wind tunnels and high-end experimental facilities to optimize the flow around turbine blades and other continuous flow machines. This leads to more efficient equipment, and thus significant savings in electrical energy generation.

FOR THE PUBLIC

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