Since 1981, the Turbomachinery Research Consortium at Texas A&M University has solved problems for major industry leaders through student-led research.
The Turbomachinery Research Consortium is a group of 30 companies that contribute annual fees of $30,000 to fund projects that are investigated by 15 to 20 Texas A&M graduate students and faculty of the Turbomachinery Laboratory. Each year, the Turbo Lab, a center of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES), hosts a meeting for the TRC representatives where faculty members and students present the results of the past year’s projects in addition to new or continuation research proposals. The meeting was held virtually in order to comply with university and government regulations on COVID-19. Twenty-seven reports and proposals were presented this year during the meeting held June 10-11 via GoToMeeting. The goal of the research projects is to find answers to questions relating to performance and reliability of turbomachinery—rotating equipment that extracts or adds energy to fluids.
TRC representatives will provide feedback on projects and vote to choose which order they would like to see the proposals funded. TRC member companies get access to all TRC research dating back to its foundation in 1981, a suite of platinum software, and exposure to highly qualified students for hire.
When coming to the decision to hold the meeting virtually, the Turbo Lab considered the health
and safety of the Turbomachinery Laboratory staff, the local city and contracted support teams,
and the many potential participants of TRC. Despite the extenuating circumstances, all graduate
students and professors were able to successfully present their research to the companies in
attendance.
“I am very pleased with the result of the first 100% virtual meeting,” said Turbo Lab Director
Dr. Eric Petersen. “The attendance, participation, and content of presentations were all
exemplary, as usual.”
TRC representatives will review the proposal materials through June, with rankings and awards for the next cycle announced in July. Work on selected projects will begin by September. For more details on TRC, including membership information, visit turbolab.tamu.edu/trc.
The Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Turbomachinery Laboratory makes a vital impact on turbomachinery and related industries through research, education and professional workforce development.