Research
Cutting-edge research revolutionises aircraft engine design
- An ongoing partnership with Rolls-Royce is developing more fuel efficient and less polluting engine technology
º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ research – dating back almost 20 years – underpins patented engine technology that is more fuel efficient and less polluting.
The ongoing experimental research explores the aerodynamic interactions at the aero-engine compressor-combustor interface.
Much of the work and technology transfer has been supported by the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ-based Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Combustion System Aerothermal Processes.
During the course of the work, the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ team have established ways to improve fuel efficiency whilst identifying novel test methods to study complex flow physics which now support Rolls-Royce engine design processes.
Meanwhile, the resulting technology has been used by Rolls-Royce to enhance the performance of their entire Trent engine family. To date, five engines – operating on more than 900 aircraft – have benefited.
The Trent XWB – the world’s most efficient and fastest-selling wide-body aero-engine – began flight tests in mid-2013. This engine – which powers the Airbus A350 – uses the latest º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ development.
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Improved fuel efficiency
Test-flights of Rolls-Royce’s Trent XWB engines which make use of the technology began in 2013 – it is estimated that savings of 20,000kg of fuel per aircraft will be made each year.
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Funding
The work has attracted funding – from various UK and European public and industrial funding bodies – amounting to £2.3m.
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Rolls-Royce UTC
Opened in 1991, the Centre is home to state-of-the-art research facilities and has supported 50 successful PhD candidates, led to more than 180 journal publications and 260 conference papers, and the award of several worldwide patents.
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On-going partnership
Rolls-Royce and º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ continue to work together to improve aviation efficiencies and reduce the industry’s environmental impacts.
