Integration of absorbing materials in composite structures for turbofan engine noise reduction

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Innovative manufacturing technologies bring unprecedented opportunities for creating new materials that meet complex and restrictive aircraft engines specifications. This major five-year collaborative project brings technological solutions for creating novel, multifunction acoustic materials to replace traditional engine liners. The research is motivated by increasingly stringent requirements from international regulatory boards on aircraft noise, CO2 and NOx emissions. Sound absorption over a broad frequency range is sought in order to respond adequately to new, high-efficiency engine configurations. The project is carried out by École Polytechnique de Montréal and Safran, an international high-tech group and leading equipment manufacturer. Three new disruptive technologies are investigated to produce functionalized light structures made of high mechanical performance flight-certified resins. (1) Micro-meshed materials are produced using state-of-the-art additive manufacturing of polymeric composites. (2) Low mechanical performance foams that are recognized for having excellent acoustic properties are replicated with high-performance polymers using an ingenious casting method. (3) Exotic resonator materials with twisted cavities are made through additive manufacturing. Face sheet textures and original perforations will be explored. Various designs for integrating acoustic materials in engine components will be tested for airworthiness. Representative-size cylindrical prototypes will be tested with internal flow on a special engine test platform. The final outcome is a full scale technological demonstrator, where novel acoustic liners will be integrated to a LEAP engine composite fan case. This ambitious project is a unique opportunity to train 36 highly qualified personnel on multidisciplinary industry problems. They will engage in developing advanced technical and scientific know-how and international soft skills useful to the Canadian industry. Implementation of the innovative acoustic materials is foreseen on next generation ultra-high bypass ratio engines. Devired applications to Canadian-made aircrafts are expected through Safran Nacelles and Safran Ventilation Systems, and eventually Safran Landing Systems.