High Pressure Compressor
A five-stage high pressure compressor (HPC) with integrated blisk (blade/ disk) rotors is being developed for ANTLE by Rolls-Royce Deutschland using 3-D aerodynamic design techniques and advanced materials and manufacturing processes. The five-stage unit is designed to generate a "significantly" higher pressure ratio than the current six-stage unit used, for example, in the Trent 700.
Combustor
An advanced low-emissions, staged combustor - developed outside of the ANTLE contract in the UK and Germany - is being defined for integration within the engine. Details of the staged design, which uses lean modules to help achieve the required step change in NOx emissions, are sketchy but Rolls-Royce (RR) ANTLE chief engineer Steve Morgan says it will involve "novel injection technology".
High Pressure Turbine
A reduced blade-count, high temperature-resistant R-R developed HPT design is being integrated into ANTLE as part of the overall attack on programme requirements. "The emphasis is on getting cost out of it, and maturing the technology," says Morgan who adds that the design will have higher stage loading and over 25% reduction in parts number.
Intermediate Pressure Turbine
FiatAvio and the University of Florence are developing what R-R describes as a high efficiency intermediate pressure turbine (IPT) of "novel" design. The chief aims of this design are improved efficiency, particularly through revised aerodynamics and better sealing. "This helps produce benefits in the compression system," adds Morgan.
Low Pressure Turbine
An unusual four-stage low pressure turbine (LPT) design is also being developed for ANTLE by ITP of Spain. "The key objective is to develop a high load LPT with high lift aerofoils" in order to reduce blade count, says R-R. "Together with novel casing and aerofoil architectures, the reduction in aerofoil count should deliver considerable cost and mass reduction relative to today's technology level," it adds.
Tail Bearing Housing
Volvo is developing a fabricated tail bearing housing (TBH) as a possible low-cost alternative to the standard single-piece cast components used currently. Supported by the University of Lulea, Sweden, R-R says a major element of this workpackage will be "...simulation of the major processes utilised during assembly of the sub-components, and implementation of these predictions within the component design".
Other areas of development within ANTLE include work on an advanced control system with TRW and Rolls-Royce Calidus, a revised oil system developed by Techspace Aero, externals by ITP and a new accessory gearbox from Hispano Suiza. "Hopefully we are being sufficiently realistic to bring this all together," says Morgan who adds the "..beauty of this is that we all have a common goal, and everyone is in it because they want to be. They are not labouring under normal commercial conditions. It's a demonstration programme, and it's really good fun," says Morgan.
Source: Flight International
