German engine builder MTU and the Darmstadt Technical University are testing a turbofan compressor rotor fitted with carbonfibre-reinforced plastic blades under efforts to reduce the fuel consumption, weight and manufacturing costs of future aero-engines. The first test run was carried out using the university's transonic compressor test stand.
DaimlerChrysler subsidiary MTU says, compared with the titanium used in conventional engines, fibre-reinforced carbon composites will allow the aerodynamic design of compressor blades to be better optimised and permit higher pressure ratios. The company claims the new material is as strong as titanium but weighs only a third as much.
Source: Flight International
