For this lab, we had to design a custom centrifugal impeller, find out the compression ratio, and design it for a specific use case.

This specific impeller design is well-suited for use in a centrifugal water pump, such as those used in automotive cooling systems or small-scale fluid transfer systems. In these applications, the impeller plays a critical role in circulating coolant or water by continuously drawing fluid in and forcing it outward into the system, maintaining consistent flow and preventing overheating. A unique feature of this design is the inclusion of a small flange at the top of the impeller. This flange acts as a sealing interface between the impeller and the housing, helping to create an air- or water-tight boundary. By reducing leakage at the interface, the flange improves overall system efficiency by ensuring that more of the fluid is directed through the intended flow path rather than escaping or recirculating. Additionally, this design helps maintain pressure within the pump, which is essential for consistent performance.

I designed the wheel to match the engineering aesthetic of the Purdue Engineering Fountain design of the top assembly. The fountain uses symmetry and repeating shapes, so I added evenly spaced gear teeth around the wheel to reflect that same pattern and precision. I also included simple layered features on the face of the wheel to give it some depth. The cutouts inside the wheel follow a clean, balanced pattern, which keeps everything looking organized and engineered. Overall, the wheel blends in with the fountain because it uses the same ideas—symmetry, repetition, and simple geometric shapes—so it looks like part of the same design.

This is the project I am most proud of. I spent approximately 30 hours modeling, building the assembly, creating detailed drawings, and applying GD&T. I also sourced purchasable components—such as screws, nuts, and fittings—from McMaster-Carr to fully complete the design.

The system converts air pressure into rotational motion. In this version, the design has been adapted for marine use, functioning as a boat propeller.