The ULTIMATE project started by predicting the gas turbine technology levels at year 2050. Reference engine architectures for 2050 (not including ULTIMATE technology) were developed to support the integration studies and to allow the quantification of the benefits arising from the radical core technology. The reference engines for 2050 included an ultra-high bypass ratio GTF, for long range applications, and a CROR for intra-European operation. The aforementioned engines were developed to meet the specifications of the advanced tube and wing aircraft models, also developed in the project for the year 2050 time-frame. The main tasks during the first 18 months, revolved around the development of performance models for the different core technologies including: intercooling, recuperation, inter-turbine combustion, constant volume combustion and bottoming cycles. The project also investigated low-pressure and integration technology, aiming to comply with the anticipated noise regulations and to provide the necessary variability to enable ultra-low specific thrust and associated improvements in propulsive efficiency. The preferred configurations, which include the best combinations of the aforementioned technologies, were down-selected and ranked against fuel burn improvements relative to the reference 2050 engine architectures. This was supported by qualitative assessments on noise and NOx emissions. To support the engine assessment, a multi-disciplinary evaluation platform for the 2050 time-frame was developed including engine performance; engine conceptual design and weight; noise and gas emissions; aircraft performance and operation cost.
The conceptual designs were matured to TRL2 in the second half of the project. Different selected enabling technologies were also refined using CFD and chemistry modeling. During the technology maturation process, the engines were optimized to minimize fuel-burn and NOx emissions. The impact of the new engine core technology on emissions was quantified for ICAO certification, LTO cycles and in-flight operation. In parallel, the selected low-pressure and integration technologies were also further developed and refined. Computational aeroacoustics (CAA) simulations were performed to investigate the noise generation mechanism of conventional open-rotor technology. The CAA computations allowed for the creation of an open-rotor noise benchmark, against which the novel Boxprop propeller noise reduction potential could be compared. The entire process was supported with technical advice provided by each close industry partner.
Several actions were undertaken in industry and academia to promote technologies identified in the project and to establish long-term development partnerships. Interactive work seminar were carried out at the partnering industries to promote technologies maturation and to facilitate that project results end up in technology development of aero engine companies. In addition the project participated at the Farnborough International Airshow 2018. Five 3D printed mock-ups of aircraft-engine and technology concepts have been displayed at the ULTIMATE stand, together with technical datasheets, A0 Posters, and project flyers. The event provided the opportunity to meet and discuss with different specialists in the aeronautic sector and to promote the technologies to a broader audience. The event also rendered several publications in popular science magazines promoting results from the project.
