To achieve Flightpath 2050 targets, the nearer-term aviation technology developments being targeted by Clean Sky2 are largely aimed at improving the overall efficiency of the integrated airframe and propulsion system, and consequently a reduction in fuel consumption and the aviation industry’s overall environmental footprint through reduced emissions. Consequently, a number of key design modifications on the aero gas turbine are being researched and pursued. Some of these include:
‒ Achieving higher propulsive efficiency through very low specific thrust engines i.e. significantly higher bypass ratios.
‒ Advanced materials for the hot section to enable higher core temperatures
‒ Utilisation of alternative fuels to reduce environmental emissions
The design transition to significantly higher BPRs, as in Ultra High Bypass Ratio (UHBR) turbofans, accompanied with the utilisation of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) blades and alternatives fuels, while promising exceptional benefits, will be a transition from traditional aeronautical propulsion system design, engineering and asset utilisation. The implications of these design improvements need to be better understood in the context of possible design limitations, operational feasibility and economic viability. Based on this, and in the context of UHBR engines, the overall objectives of the project include
‒ Establishing a methodology to predict operability challenges at the preliminary design phase and further identify and assess issues related to compressor stability
‒ Assessment of the impact of use of new materials such as Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) for hot section components
‒ Assessment of the potential of alternative fuels and corresponding combustion technologies to reduce NOx emissions
Based on these objectives the work in the project has been divided between three distinct but inter-connected Research Themes (RTs)
