On July 13, 2022 ND Energy engaged with 21 members of Notre Dame’s Talent Search Summer Academy. Rising eighth- and ninth-grade students explored the topic of wind energy by creating miniature turbines and comparing the voltage generated by various blade sizes. Their inquisitive minds were anxious to experiment with other variables, which resulted in suggestions for improvements in the design.
The second part of the experience was learning about wind tunnels at the Hessert Laboratory for Aerospace Research on Notre Dame’s campus. Eric Matlis, Research Associate Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and ND Energy faculty affiliate, provided a tour of the Subsonic and Supersonic Wind Tunnels. The favorite experience for the students was stepping into the anechoic chamber featuring foam walls that prevent echoing during experiments.
Established in 1980, Talent Search identifies and mentors South Bend middle and high school students and provides academic enrichment and support to local students. ND Energy partners with TRiO, the umbrella organization, to provide energy-related STEM experiences from hands-on activities to laboratory tours and research experiences.