Rolls-Royce has accumulated more than 40h of test time on a its latest research test core for a new business aviation and regional aircraft engine line.
Part of the efficiency, environment and economy (E3E) programme launched in 2003, the core features a two-shaft design with a nine-stage blisked high-pressure compressor, lean-burn combustor and two-stage high-pressure turbine (HPT).
Programme goals include a hotter burning engine and higher pressure ratio and component efficiencies as well as a 25% increase in thrust-to-weight ratio. The core is operating in the altitude chamber at Stuttgart University and is being supported by ongoing HPT and HPC rigs programmes.
From an environmental standpoint, R-R says the decreased fuel burn will yield a 15% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared with current generation engines. Nitrogen oxides will be reduced through combustor technologies as part of R-R's work to meet the advisory council for aeronautics research in Europe (ACARE) targets of a 60% reduction in NOx by 2020.
Future core builds in 2011 and 2012 and will include 1,200 cycles of endurance testing representative of maximum take-off conditions.
The core, which features a tip clearance control system that uses advance ceramic abradable linings, is similar in architecture to other new engine cores being developed by competitors Pratt & Whitney Canada with its PW800 line and GE Aviation for its TechX project, both of which have cores in test.
R-R says the E3E core HPC has successfully demonstrated a 22:1 pressure ratio, a value similar to high efficiency widebody turbofan engines.
Source: Flight International
