Experimental Aero- and Thermal investigation for a next generation Engine Exit Module (EATEEM)

Research Project, 2018 – 2022

Chalmers and GKN Aerospace Engine Systems are collaborating in this Clean Sky 2 project, won by Chalmers in the open call for partners, with GKN as the so-called topic manager.

A unique facility for experimental testing of engine exit modules (EEM) at engine-realistic flow conditions is currently available at Chalmers' Laboratory of Thermal and Fluids Science and will be used for testing of novel EEMs for future efficient aero-engines. The unique design of the facility includes an open test section that permits investigation of the complete EEM assemblies consisting of a turbine rear structure (TRS) and a core exhaust nozzle. The facility is equipped with a 1.5 stage shrouded low-pressure turbine (LPT) providing realistic inflow to the tested EEM.

Beyond 2020, new efforts are required to improve the engine efficiency and fuel burn to meet the Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe (ACARE) goals for the year 2035 and 2050. The year 2050 targets aim for a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions, a 90% reduction in NOx emissions, and a 65% reduction of the perceived noise relative to engine and aircraft performance of the year 2000. It is commonly agreed that the geared turbofan engines have the potential to make a significant step towards the above targets. The Advanced Geared Engine Configuration and the Very High Bypass Ratio Turbofan are two crucial radical engine architectures selected to be matured within the ENGINES ITD of the Clean Sky 2 Programme

The overall concept of the EATEEM is to mature expansion system technologies so that they become key enablers for reducing CO2 emissions and engine mass for the Advanced Geared Engine and Very High Bypass Ratio Turbofan configurations in the ITD work package of CleanSky2 programme. Thus, the EATEEM is a part of the work package defined to bring the expansion technologies to TRL 4.

The project kick-off event has been successfully conducted at Chalmers on November 9, 2018.

This project has received funding from the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement No 821398. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the Clean Sky 2 JU members other than the Union.