Rolls-Royce will set up a new production and research base in Bristol, England. The base aims to develop composite material fan blades and fan casings to significantly reduce the weight of aircraft engines, reduce fuel consumption and achieve emission reduction targets.
Rolls-Royce plans to manufacture the fan blades and fan casing of the UltraFan engine demonstration prototype at the new research and development base. Compared with the first generation Trent engine, the new design of UltraFan engine can reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by at least 25%.
The new base will use low energy consumption and extremely low emission processes, and use the most advanced automated manufacturing technology and materials to minimize the waste of raw materials. Rolls-Royce is committed to achieving zero emissions in its daily operations and manufacturing plants by 2030 (excluding power generation and test operations).
Rolls-Royce plays a vital role in the transition to a near-zero low-carbon economy, and has formulated three measures for this purpose: 1) reducing the impact of existing technologies on the environment; 2) pioneering the electrification of aviation power; 3 ) Work with the industry to accelerate the use of renewable fuels.
Alan Newby, Director of Aviation Technology and Future Planning, Rolls-Royce, said: "The establishment of this production R & D site reflects the company's commitment to creating cleaner and more efficient power forms. Our employees are skilled and they will use the latest technology , Materials and processes to develop components that will contribute to the manufacture of lighter, quieter and more powerful aero engines. "
The base will focus on the development and application of carbon fiber composite materials. These materials are used in the aerospace industry to significantly reduce weight. The lighter the engine, the less fuel is required and the fewer emissions are generated. The Rollo fan system made of carbon fiber composite material can reduce the weight of each aircraft by nearly 700 kg, which is equivalent to the weight of seven passengers and their luggage.
Rolls-Royce also plans to use advanced composite fan blade manufacturing technology in the new base: first lay hundreds of layers of carbon fiber material, then impregnate with advanced toughening resin, then hot press molding, and finally in each fan blade The leading edge of the is covered with a thin and strong titanium alloy, which provides excellent protection for the engine fan from damage caused by corrosion, foreign objects and bird strikes.
Starting in January, the new base will begin manufacturing fan blades and fan cases for UltraFan engine demonstration prototypes. At present, the composite fan system used in the UltraFan engine demonstration prototype has taken shape, and most of the components have completed aerodynamic performance, bird strike, tolerance, ice and water swallowing tests, and ground and flight tests.
Rolls-Royce has been engaged in the development of carbon fiber technology for decades, and it has been used in the production of engine parts. The new base will use the manufacturing technology developed in cooperation with the Bristol National Composites Center, as well as related research results conducted at the Rolls-Royce Technology Center at the University of Bristol and several other universities and research centers in the United Kingdom and Europe to integrate composite materials in The level of application on aero engines has been raised to new heights.
The base will provide 150 jobs in Bristol and transfer the existing composite production facility and approximately 30 employees from Rolls-Royce ’s Isle of Wight facility.
Since 2008, the British government has provided funding and support for Rolls-Royce ’s composite technology research and development, including ￡ 7.4 million for the Isle of Wight plant. The equipment from this plant has been further optimized at the new site in Bristol.