Project description
Ultra-high bypass aircraft engines put to the test
Ultra-high bypass ratio (UHBR) turbofan engines are an emerging aircraft solution that allows for advances in propulsion efficiency. The technology works by increasing the bypass ratio of the air drawn-in through the fan disk, which then passes through the nacelle without the need for more energy. Although it is an appealing prospect, it requires overcoming a number of design and integration challenges. The aim of the EU-funded CA3ViAR project is to design a test-case fan geometry that will develop instability mechanism representative of UHBR fans. Researchers will then measure its aerodynamic, aeroelastic and aero-acoustic performance in a wide range of operational conditions. Results from experimental tests will help engineers ensure effective engine operation.
Objective
The main aim of the CA3ViAR project is the design of an Open-Test-Case Fan geometry that will develop instability mechanisms which are representative for UHBR fans of civil aircrafts and perform a comprehensive experimental investigation to measure aerodynamic, aeroelastic and aero-acoustic performance in a wide range of operational conditions. Experimental tests will be performed in the Propulsion-Test-Facility (PTF) of the Institut für Flugantriebe und Strömungsmachinen (IFAS) of Braunschweig, Germany. The proposal CA3ViAR will target several objectives. Initially a literature review of the main issues affecting composite UHBR engine fans will be performed by the Technische Universität Braunschweig (TUBS). The design of the Low-Transonic Fan (LTF) will be led by TUBS with support from DREAM (an Italian SME) in terms of aerodynamic shaping as well as from Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH) and IBK in terms of aeroelasticity and aeroacoustics. The LTF test article, to be mechanically designed by IBK, will be conceived in a way to experience aerodynamic and aeroelastic instabilities in an expected way during wind-tunnel operations. Manufacturing-related activities will be performed by ADC, a well-recognized manufacturer specialized in aerospace parts and components made of composite and metallic materials, while requirements for the test article integration will be provided by TUBS, responsible of WT instrumentation and operations. The execution of the experimental tests aimed at measuring fan instabilities (e.g. stall, flutter, etc.) will be performed by TUBS with support from LUH. The last technical phase of the project will be the calibration and the eventual validation of aerodynamic, aeroelastic and aeroacoustic models according to WT test data acquired in the PTF. This last technical phase will be led by LUH, with a strong support from all the other partners.
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Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
21129 Hamburg
Germany
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.