Page 10 - MRO Business Today 15th June 2024 Issue for Website

COMPONENTS

als, such as fiber-composite ceramics,
and advancing manufacturing processes
for heat-resistant disc materials and
additively manufactured components.
GKN Aerospace contributed the turbine
exhaust case for this project, showcas-
ing their collaborative strength.

Two-Shaft Compressor Rig
Concurrently, the two-shaft compres-
sor rig was developed to validate new
compressor technologies, constructed
at DLR in Cologne. GKN Aerospace
played a crucial role here as well,
designing and manufacturing the low-
pressure compressor and the inter-
compressor duct.
This expanded compressor rig com-
prises a low-pressure compressor, inter-
compressor duct, and HPC. A critical
step was measuring flow conditions in
short, steep inter-compressor ducts. To
facilitate this, a wind canal rig, known
as the ICD rig, was built at DLR in Co-
logne, the MTU Center of Competence
(CoC) for engine systems. Various ICD
configurations were tested to ensure
comprehensive validation.
The final test series for the two-shaft
compressor rig is now underway, with
results expected by the end of the year.
The focus is on validating the designs of
individual components and the perfor-
mance of the entire compressor system.
These advancements promise to
significantly enhance the efficiency and
the LPT, and the low-pressure compres- President Engineering and Technology, environmental sustainability of future
sor and inter-compressor duct (ICD) the Munich engine manufacturer. “We aviation technologies.
for the HPC. The overarching aim was were the lead party,” he further added.
to improve aerodynamics and develop Looking Ahead
new, lightweight, and temperature- EMVAL Engine Demonstrator MTU Aero Engines’ progress within
resistant materials alongside innovative To validate the LPT technologies, MTU the Clean Sky 2 program highlights the
manufacturing processes. developed the EMVAL (Engine Material company’s commitment to innovation
The Clean Sky 2 technology program, Validation) engine demonstrator. Built and sustainability. By refining critical
initiated in 2014 under the EU Frame- and tested in Munich, this test vehicle engine components and collaborat-
work Program Horizon 2020, is nearing was an MTR390 engine, typically used ing with esteemed partners, MTU is
its conclusion this year. Its mission: in Tiger helicopters and provided to driving the aviation industry towards a
to make aviation greener and more MTU by the German Army. Integrating greener future. The outcomes of these
efficient. Dr. Stefan Weber, Senior Vice the new technologies required rede- initiatives not only align with the EU’s
President Engineering and Technology signing, building, and attaching a com- environmental goals but also reinforce
at MTU, expressed satisfaction with plete power turbine to the core engine. MTU’s position as a leader in aerospace
their contributions. The comprehensive testing program engineering.
“What we have achieved shows that yielded impressive results. The analy- As the aviation industry continues to
we can significantly support the initia- sis of material behavior under engine evolve, the integration of these ad-
tive and the EU’s efforts toward clean conditions demonstrated the readiness vanced technologies will play a pivotal
aviation, as well as the lasting success of these technologies for operational role in shaping more efficient, eco-
of the European aviation industry,” use. The focus was on optimizing in- friendly engines, ensuring a cleaner and
concludes Dr. Stefan Weber, Senior Vice novative, highly heat-resistant materi- more sustainable future for air travel

10 15 June, 2024 www.mrobusinesstoday.com