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> Videos
The Annual Harold W. Gegenheimer Lecture Series on Innovation 2005
Dr. James DeLaurier
Professor of Aerospace Studies
University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies
Development of a Full-Scale Flapping-Wing Aircraft
Synopsis of the 2005 Gegenheimer Lecture
Flight with mechanical flapping wings has been humanity's oldest aeronautical dream, with origins in mythology and the designs of Leonardo Da Vinci. However, the concept became marginalized when aircraft design embraced the sensible notion of separating the functions of lift (fixed wings) from propulsion. From that point on, ornithopters were seen only as small rubber-band powered models or the hapless pursuits of backyard inventors.
A modern effort to revisit the feasibility of such aircraft began in 1975, in partnership with Jeremy Harris of Battelle Memorial Institute. It evolved from a hobby to an avocation, eventually becoming a quest to build and test a successful, full-scale engine-powered ornithopter. The first accomplishment was a hand-launched 1/4-scale remotely-piloted model in 1991, and the realization of this required considerable original research which was directly applicable to the full-scale design, built in 1996 at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies. However, several new challenges had to be addressed, such as the ground takeoff of a flapping-wing aircraft. Computer simulations have shown strategies for successful takeoff, and these have been tested on the runway. This talk will describe these tests, as well as the design, development, and construction of the aircraft. To date, the ornithopter has accelerated to over 50 mph and has achieved brief liftoffs.
Another important aspect of this project is that it has served as an excellent educational tool for students. Besides the rich variety of thesis topics on unsteady aerodynamics, aircraft flight dynamics, and optimized composite structures, it has provided a hands-on counterpart to the usual heavily-theoretical curriculum. Furthermore, students have learned to work in a team environment, with a great deal of mutual responsibility. Strong motivation is provided by the sense of being involved with a project that touches on aviation history. View www.ornithopter.ca for more details about the project.
Annual Woodruff Distinguished Lecture 2005
Thomas A. Christopher
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Framatome ANP, Inc. and
CEO and Vice Chairman,
AREVA Enterprises, Inc.
The Energy Highway... Where Does Your Road Lead?
Synopsis
Electricity — it's something we all take for granted. Flip a switch; the lights are on, the radio plays, the microwave oven cooks dinner. But in our ever changing society, the electric highway has many exits and entrances. How does the price of coal, natural gas, and oil affect our society? Will we have enough energy sources to maintain our way of life? What role does nuclear energy play? And how do all these old and new technologies affect your future and the future of your children?
There is a strong future in the electric power industry. New power plants are being constructed around the world. These new power plants need people to help design and operate them in a world of increasing electric demand; making the lights on your energy highway burn more brightly than ever before.
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