The UltraFan Jet Engine in Derby, UK (Image: Rolls-Royce)
What is the UltraFan Engine?
The UltraFan is the new jet engine being developed by Rolls-Royce which is being predicted to “redefine the world of jet engines”. The company is using its IntelligentEngine technology to create world-leading efficiency in fan engines. The UltraFan is set to be the greenest jet engine made by Rolls-Royce so far.
The development of this engine can be linked to the recent £90 million investment in the Rolls-Royce site in Derby.
Why We Need Better Jet Engines
Currently, aviation has a significant environmental impact globally. With air travel getting increasingly cheaper and more prevalent, there is an increase in climate change from increased CO2 emissions, air pollution from particulate emissions, and noise pollution from loud jet engines. All these issues can be encountered through making aircraft engines more efficient, quieter and cleaner. This is an important task in aviation; especially in the UK where the government is aiming to reduce its carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.
How the UltraFan Engine Makes Air Travel Greener
Operating Costs
- The UltraFan uses a combination of increased pressure ratios, increased bypass ratios, and reduced engine weight to reduce the amount of fuel required to travel equivalent distances. The reduced engine weight comes about from the fan casing and blades being made from carbon fibre. This results in lower operating costs of the aircraft, allowing the money to be used for more important purposes.
Environmental Impact
- The UltraFan promises a minimum 25% reduction in CO2 emissions, leading to less environmental harm.
- The UltraFan promises a minimum 25% improvement in fuel burn, leading to less fuel being needed to power the aircraft, which results in lower emissions.
- Due to a lean burn combustor in the UltraFan, smoke particulates and nitrogen oxides are produced in significantly less amounts.
Noise Reduction
- The UltraFan produces a slower jet of air as its thrust mechanism than most other engines, leading to a reduction in the engine noise. Consequently, the flying experience is improved and the effect of the noise on the nearby environment is reduced.
Adhesives and Sealants for Jet & Aeroplane Engines
The use of adhesive and sealants in the aerospace industry, instead of mechanical fasteners, is a proven way to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Currently, many adhesives struggle to meet the strict regulations used in aerospace applications. Aerospace bonding application require high stiffness, temperature variability and an ability to be used on honeycomb panels. Thankfully, Huntsman Araldite are here to save the day.
Huntsman Araldite are industry experts of adhesives in the aerospace industry, with proven experience on fan blades. Here we explore a few of their Epocast® range of aerospace adhesives.
Epocast® 1652 A/B is a core-filling adhesive that is designed to add stiffness and strength to manufactured metal parts such as rotor blades. It is ideal for core splicing and strengthening corners of composite materials such as carbon fiber honeycomb panels. Epocast® 1652 A/B cures at room temperature but has superior properties at extreme temperatures, typically used in service temperatures of 180°C, making it suitable for use on jet engine blades.
Epocast® 1661 is a one part adhesive, provided in patty form, that is designed for engine blade protection. It is used for reinforcing honeycomb panels, filling panel edges, and potting fasteners. It has an 8 hour work life and can also be used in service temperatures up to 180°C, making it ideal for use on jet engine blades.
Epocast® 1628 A/B is an epoxy resin which is used for flame retarding and edge reinforcing of honeycomb structures. Epocast® 1628 A/B is qualified as a BMS 5-28 Type 28 product.
