Engines for Efficient Propulsion

Purpose and goal

The project was initiated based on a need for a deeper understanding of system analysis for Open Rotor engines and alternative radical engine architectures which within 20 years is anticipated to be able to capture a significant part of the aircraft engine market. Methods to simulate counter rotating propellers have been developed and applied to analysis of open rotor equipped regional aircraft. Also presented are conceptual studies of hybrids between open rotor and shrouded fans which have potential for large energy savings while allowing shrouding and attenuation of noise.

Results and expected effects

The project has resulted in analysis methods to compute fuel consumption and assess engine configuration and their requirements on its constituent components and technologies, such as materials and turbomachinery. The impact of this is a capability to evaluate new products, to give input and guidance to engine component research, as well as opportunities for Chalmers to participate and lead future research projects. Chalmers has during the project term coordinated a proposal within the research area with participation from leading European universities and engine industries.

Approach and implementation

The project constituted the final part of a PhD-project, and the focus was therefore on validation and application of methods from previous work, and presentations of results. During the year four articles have been written, which together with an earlier conference contribution and an overview of the climate impact of aviation and modern, efficient engine configurations make up Linda Larsson´s thesis, ´Analysis of concepts to reduce the environmental impact of aviation´.