Rolls and DLR research optimised turbine
Rolls-Royce and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) have begun a R&D project named OmniTURB to optimise the turbine of aero engines.
The scientists are focusing in particular on the interplay between the combustor and turbine. High temperatures, unevenly distributed temperature levels and variations in the air flow speed at the entrance to the high-speed turbine are central factors for the deterioration of components and consequently performance loss of aero engines. DLR’s institute of propulsion technology in Gottingen is to explore the use of laser sintering for the manufacture of turbine blades. This process could allow building up blades layer by layer from metal powder. Aside from saving costs, the scientists hope the process will also lead to better blade designs. The findings are to flow directly into the construction of an experimental engine at Rolls-Royce.
