Company Overview

Avetec is a non-profit research organization located in Springfield, Ohio. Avetec is an acronym for Advanced Virtual Engine Test Cell. The primary goal of the organization is to research jet turbine engines through computer modeling and simulation; rather than by physically building a jet turbine engine to learn about its interworkings. As a result, it reduces the cost and time of this research for the military and commerce. Although the primary goal of Avetec is to research jet turbine engines, it also maintains a presence in the educational community and actively participates in a data driven computing program.

Jet Turbine Engine Modeling and Simulation

By simulating jet turbine engine models via computer, the military and commercial airlines save money by eliminating most technical issues before construction on the engines begins. The three-dimensional (3D) engine simulation reduces the time it takes researchers to design and implement changes to the jet engines, it reduces the amount of construction on jet engine models, reduces costs for the development and maintenance of jet engines, and serves as a springboard for technological innovations in science. Current simulation projects include full engine simulation, GE-90 full system simulations, inlet distortion, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools development, thermal management simulations, and engine health management.

Data Driven Computing

As scientists and researchers continue their quest in discovering new advancements, excessive data can accumulate in the process. It is necessary to manage the data effectively so these advancements are not lost; often, researchers find that the size of files and the time it takes to transfer them from computer to computer can be exhaustive. These factors can lead to access issues and slow the transfer of data from one machine to another. Avetec works on eliminating some of these issues with the Data Intensive Computing Environment (DICE) program. The DICE program connects high-performance computing centers through various networks, in order to find better ways of transferring and storing such data. DICE is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Educational Mission

Avetec is a member of the National Aerospace Leadership Initiative (NALI). NALI’s mission is to “promotes innovation and integrating new technologies throughout the aerospace supply chain to ensure that the U.S. aerospace industry retains its competitive advantage. NALI’s industrial and academic teams are addressing U.S. Air Force needs in propulsion and power systems development, and manufacturing.” <ref>http://www.usnali.org/aboutus/mission</ref>

Avetec uses new models of inter-disciplinary collaboration to educate people about topics like science, math, technology, and engineering. By integrating activities in elementary schools, and conducting research in college laboratories. Avetec offers a variety of scholarship and internship opportunities and sponsors school activities for students of all ages.

Location and New Facility

In October 2006, Avetec broke ground near U.S. Route 40 to start the construction of its new facility in the Nextedge Applied Research and Development Park. The project is funded through a nearly $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The building is slated to be nearly 40,000 square feet and will house an educational center, offices, and classrooms.

The building design takes cues from the Westcott House, a former private-residence of automobile manufacturer Burton Westcott. The house was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Westcott House reflects a prairie style in its architecture. The design for Avetec’s new building is reflected in a modern interpretation of prairie style-architecture as it embraces open spaces, natural lighting, and clean lines. The facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2008. <ref>http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_action=doc&p_docid=11C5A4F12EDC3740&p_docnum=1</ref>

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