Abstract

The GCI Adaptive Fluid Topology Engine (AFTE) is a modular experimental apparatus for investigating pneumatic suspension, programmable swirling flow, fluid–structure interaction, and feedback-controlled flow reconfiguration around a movable coaxial core.

The apparatus comprises an outer observation housing, a hollow cylindrical inner core, independently supplied suspension and experimental-flow circuits, distributed directional injectors, direct core-position measurements, pressure and flow instrumentation, and mechanical retention systems. Initial experiments use a mechanically fixed core. Subsequent experiments progressively release selected degrees of freedom to determine whether distributed air jets can support, position, and stabilize the core without sustained mechanical contact.

The platform distinguishes passive self-centering from active positioning and separates internal core movement, exhaust vectoring, and whole-apparatus reaction force. Three-region flow configurations are research objectives rather than assumed three-vortex operating states. An optional magnetohydrodynamic module is reserved for a separately engineered conductive-flow test section.

The principal experimental question is whether coordinated control of core position and directional injection provides a measurable flow-control capability beyond a comparable fixed-core apparatus at matched input conditions.

This disclosure provides a reference geometry, subsystem architecture, fabrication requirements, instrumentation plan, calibration procedures, staged test sequence, acceptance criteria, energy-accounting framework, and required public release artifacts. Suspension capacity, stable operating range, three-vortex formation, and useful energy recovery remain unproven.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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