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. At the heart of the FAST-Fan lies the energiser unit which transfers torque from the motors to the air via the fan blades. There is a finite rate at which energy can be transferred in this way, as governed by Euler’s Work Equation. The pressure rise across the fan is also important because it determines the achievable efflux velocity, which depends on the amount of energy (torque) that can be transferred per swept volume. The energiser unit is therefore optimised to deliver the required maximum amount of energy to the airflow, and the air is entrained in a duct of gradually decreasing volume to achieve the desired pressure rise over the dual fan stages. The closed fan-tips minimise pressure leakages and contra-rotation of the fans ensures that there is no energy lost in efflux swirl as the air flows through the nozzle to generate high-speed thrust. The relative rotor speeds can be independently modulated to control fan performance and in common with turbo-jet engines the FAST-Fan should benefit from ram-effect, especially whilst operating at high speeds and altitudes. Cooling-air enters from vents on the outer surface of the intake and is drawn over the motor windings by the motive flow of the exiting air.

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 Leave to cure for at least 24 hours, it can take up to 72 hours before it is completely safe to drive.

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. PLEASE NOTE: The 2023 version of Rimsavers is a lighter shade of pink than shown with a rose gold joint cover kit. KIT INCLUDES:

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 If fitting in colder conditions, use a hairdryer to warm the wheel surface to ensure it is free of moisture. Removing Rimblades® ProductsAchieving a low-weight, high-strength and an efficient design was the greatest challenge. From the project outset it was critical to get an accurate prediction of the FAST-Fan’s torque versus speed characteristic, so that the motor circuit design would not be too powerful and heavy for its intended purpose. CFD was used to numerically model the flow through the energiser unit and Motor-CAD and FE (finite element) software was used to model the electromagnetic circuits and analyse the rotor stresses. Our DIY bonded products use a high quality double sided tape called a VHB (very high bond). This tape bonds to the wheel surface using viscous flow. This means the maximum bond is not instant, but takes around 72 hours to fully cure, although useable bond strength is reached within 24 hours. (Rimfinity are pro install only and do not require adhesives). Adhesive alloy protectors, like Rimblades, can be fitted at home. Here’s a handy guide: How to fit self-adhesive rim protectors