Paige Nair
MIT Department: Aeronautics and Astronautics
Faculty Mentor: Wesley Harris
Research Supervisor: Geoffery Svensson
Undergraduate Institution: University of Baltimore
Hometown: Davidsonville, Maryland
Website: LinkedIn
Biography
Paige Nair is a rising senior and a Meyerhoff Scholar at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Paige aspires to obtain a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering, focusing on sustainable aviation and propulsion systems. Her passion lies in integrating her love for aircraft with her commitment to reducing environmental impact, particularly addressing the emissions generated by aviation.
In her previous internships, Paige has demonstrated her dedication to advancing the field, from developing techniques for modeling radiation effects in electronic components to designing, implementing, and testing a new calibration setup for turbine blade tip clearance probes, enhancing the accuracy of these measurements. Currently, Paige is involved in the MIT AeroAstro Lab, where she explores and models the feasibility of alternative fuels in scramjet engines, aiming to contribute to net-zero emissions in aviation. With these experiences, academic excellence, and dedication to sustainable engineering, Paige is ready to help improve the world through aerospace engineering.
Abstract
Achievability of Sustainable Alternative Fuels in Scramjets
Paige Nair1, Geoffrey Svensson2 and Dr. Wesley L. Harris2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland – Baltimore County
2Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Hypersonic flight technology faces progression issues, particularly in selecting optimal fuels for scramjet engines. This research addresses the critical need for efficient and sustainable propulsion by exploring alternative fuels such as cryogenic hydrogen, ethylene, and liquid methane. The study will be evaluating these fuels based on energy density, combustion characteristics, storage, environmental impact, cost, and safety using simulation and modeling techniques. Utilizing Cantera in Python, I aim to model the combustion processes within a well-stirred reactor framework, analyzing the performance and emissions of each fuel under hypersonic conditions. The methodology currently involves simulating autoignition processes aand evaluating transient effects over short time intervals. Preliminary analysis from the simulation data suggests that cryogenic hydrogen exhibits superior energy densities and lower emissions compared to ethylene and liquid methane, making it a promising candidate for enhancing scramjet efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Our findings indicate that cryogenic hydrogen could significantly advance hypersonic vehicle performance and sustainability. This study contributes to the goal of developing greener aviation technologies, aligning with industry efforts. The implications of this research extend to both military and commercial aerospace applications, offering potential advancements in hypersonic flight technology.
