Rim Driven Fans (RDFs), are a type of ducted fan that have a continuous rotor-rim attached to the tips of the fan blades and are driven by means of electro-magnetic motor circuitry arranged within the duct. (WGU) Due to the lightweight design, although they use a 5MM wide tape, we have successfully fitted them on narrower flat lips with no issues. Rimsavers require cutting to size during each application, and are supplied in 4 x 2.1m metre lengths and will fit wheels up to and including 24” in diameter. Additionally included in the Rimsavers kit is a set of joint covers and adhesive, so even if you don’t get the cut just right, you can cover where the ends meet.

Performance predictions were made for FAST-Fan speeds up to the maximum design speed of 15,000rpm, at which the anticipated thrust is 350 N (36kg) and the average efflux velocity 112 m/s (250mph). The initial low speed qualitative testing phase (up to 5,000rpm) has demonstrated that the fan runs quietly and smoothly. This benefit was mainly attributed to two design features: the distance between the rotors provided by the structural stator and the fixed shaft construction which avoids the ‘shaft wobble’ problem inherent with rotating shafts. Initial thrust measurements already indicate that the performance is better than predicted and this is considered to be owing to the effects of thrust induced on the intake lip. The next stage of testing is intended to examine the effects of higher (up to 15,000rpm) and differential rotor speeds on the fan’s performance. Next steps Self-adhesive rim protectors also come in different types. Depending on the shape of your alloys, some fit alloys with flat edges, while others are designed for rounded and curved rims. These seem to be harder material, cut to size and already rim shaped. So I thought I’d give them a go and do a write up:

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Apply the primer (if provided) around the full circumference of the wheel. Leave this to dry for 5 to 20 minutes. Start by pulling gently from the join. During removal, the core of the foam tape should split and half will be left on the rim surface. PLEASE NOTE: The 2023 version of Rimsavers is a lighter shade of pink than shown with a rose gold joint cover kit. KIT INCLUDES: Wrexham's Glyndwr University welcomes collaborations with industry, universities and research organisations and has made its research openly available. (WGU)

Our test looked at how easy each was to fit, then we rated the protection the products offered by driving very slowly along the same stretch of kerb, noting any scuff marks to each protector or alloy wheel. Cost was the final factor. In addition to our DIY range we do trade fit versions to be supplied into trade partners for professional fitting. We also can offer a fully fitted service at our Somerset HQ, which is just 1 minute from junction 26 of the M5 motorway. As the intention was to manufacture a prototype device. The dimensions of the FAST-Fan were determined by the available budget and prototyping machine capabilities. A 200mm fan diameter was selected based on initial calculations which also allowed a generous margin of up to 300mm diameter for designing and manufacturing the intake and nozzle. A novel manufacturing technique and bespoke tooling were developed to manufacture the bladed rotor assemblies.Rimblades® Original are best suited to any rim with a rounded off top edge, but will fit any rim with a continuous surface. As they are rubber based they can cope with a varied range of rim edge profiles. In basic terms, Rimblades® Original are a C shaped profile. The aerodynamic fan blade profiles for modern aircraft are proprietary in nature and information is difficult to access. But such fan blades are often optimised to operate at super-sonic speeds such as 450 m/s, which is much higher than those anticipated for the FAST-Fan with sub-sonic operational air speeds closer to 200 m/s. So which is better? We fitted Alloygators on the driver’s side of our test car and Rimblades on the passenger side to find out.

WGU is keen to participate in this way and has made all of its published research on the FAST-Fan project freely available via the Wrexham Glyndwr University online research repository https://glyndwr.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/. How to fit the rim protector will depend on the type you have. If they slot between the wheel and the tyre, like Alloygators, they will need professional fitting. This is because it is a complicated process, and the tyre needs deflating for the fitting to take place.

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Wrexham Glyndwr University also welcomes collaborations with industry, universities, and research organisations. This project was funded by the Welsh Government (WEFO) under the SMARTExpertise initiative (Project Reference 82321) and supported by the European Regional Development Fund. IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO REPLACE A CURRENT SET OF RIMSAVERS, THE NEW RIMBLADES LIGHT IS NOW THE SAME PROFILE AND INCLUDES THE SAME JOINT COVERS AND IS A SUITABLE REPLACEMENT. CONSTRUCTION As part of the Welsh Government’s SMARTExpertise programme, the FAST-Fan is one of the last projects to be funded via the European Regional Development Fund. WGU has collaborated with six UK based SMEs (Ad-Manum UAS Technologies Ltd, Invertek Drives Ltd, Motor Design Ltd., Drone-Flight Ltd, Geola Technologies Ltd and Tirius Ltd) to provide the analyses, design and manufacture of a patented prototype rim-driven, ‘FAST-Fan’ electrical jet aircraft engine. The resulting propulsion unit is capable of delivering more thrust per frontal area and higher efflux velocities than current fan configurations. Project aim