Department of Mechanical Engineering

Walter O'Brien


Walter O'Brien


J. Bernard Jones Professor

109 Randolph Hall
540-231-9104
540-231-9100- FAX

walto@vt.edu



Education Research
Teaching
Experience
Honors
Publications


Education

Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering Virginia Tech 1968
M.S. Mechanical Engineering Purdue University 1961
B.S. Mechanical Engineering Virginia Tech 1960

 

Research

  • Stall Development Control and Recovery in Axial-Flow Compressors; Dynamic Modeling of Compression Systems

  • Modeling and Simulation of Dynamic Turbine Engine Performance

  • Experimental Investigation of Pressure and Thermal Distortion Response in Axial Flow Fans and Compressors

  • Dynamic Compressor Characteristic Formulation

  • Methods for Generation of Dynamic Flow Distortions for Compressor Performance Evaluation

  • Plasma-Torch-Based Ignition and Flameholding  in Supersonic Combustion


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Teaching Activities

AOE/ME 4234 Aerospace Propulsion Systems

Design principles and performance analysis of atmospheric and space propulsion engines and systems. Application of thermodynamics, compressible fluid flow and combustion fundamentals to the design of gas turbine and rocket engines and components, including inlets, turbomachines, combustors, and nozzles. Matching of propulsion system to vehicle requirements. Pre: 3106 and 3404 or AOE-3114, ME-3134; (3H,3C). I.

ME 4414 Fluid Machinery Design

Application of fundamental concepts to machines and systems that involve fluid flow, especially turbomachines. Fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and mechanical considerations with emphasis on both fundamentals and creativity in the design of all types of fluid machinery. Pre: 3106, 3404; (3H,3C). I.

AOE/ME 5136 Vehicle Propulsion

Aerothermodynamics of gas turbines and rockets: cycle analysis of turbojets, turbofans, prop fans, and turbo props. Analysis of ramjets and scramjets. Performance of inlets, combustors, and nozzles. Elementary theory of turbomachinery. Liquid and solid propellant chemical rockets. Electrostatic, electromagnetic, and electrothermal propulsion. Integrated rocket- ramjet. Fuels and propulsion systems for future transportation system. Pre: 3114 ME-3134; (3H,3C).

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Experience

J. Bernard Jones Professor Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA		 1985 - Present
Head, Mechanical Engineering Department Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 		1993 - 2004
Assistant and Associate Professor Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 		1970 - 1985
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies College of Engineering
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 		1990 - 1993
Manager, New Products Department Poly-Scientific Division
Litton Precision Products, Inc.
Blacksburg, VA 		1967 - 1970
Engineering Specialist and Vice President Aerospace Research Corporation
Roanoke, VA 		1961 - 1964

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Honors

  • Ya-tien Chiu, P. S. King, and W. F. O’Brien,  “A Performance Study of a Super-cruise Engine with Isothermal Combustion inside the Turbine, AIAA paper 2005-4197, presented at the AIAA-ASME-SAE 41st Joint Propulsion Conference, Tucson, AZ, July 2005; awarded best ASME paper of the conference.

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Publications

Conference Papers

  • M.C. Billingsley, D.D. Sanders, W.F. O’Brien, and J.A. Schetz, “Improved Plasma Torches for Application in Supersonic Combustion, Part A: Regenerative Plasma Torch Atomizer-Igniter; Part B: Plasma Torch with Controlled Unsteady Plume”,  presented at the 13th AIAA/CIRA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Conference, 16-20 May 2005, Capua, Italy

  • Ya-tien Chiu, P. S. King, and W. F. O’Brien,  “A Performance Study of a Super-cruise Engine with Isothermal Combustion inside the Turbine, AIAA paper 2005-4197, presented at the AIAA-ASME-SAE 41st Joint Propulsion Conference, Tucson, AZ, July 2005

  • J. L. Convery, G. L. Pellett, and W. F. O’Brien, “An Experimental Study of n-Heptane and JP-7 Extinction Limits in an Opposed Jet Burner”, presented at the AIAA-ASME-SAE 41st Joint Propulsion Conference, Tucson, AZ, July 2005

  • J. H. Bøhn, W. F. O’Brien, and K. S. Ball,   “From Ad Hoc to Systematic Study Abroad”, presented at the 2006 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Education Conference, Beijing, China, April 2006


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