2nd Consortium Review Meeting

NLR hosted the second PANDORA review meeting in Marknesse (The Netherlands). The main reason for meeting in NLR was to inspect the NLR propeller rig intended to be used in the project and discuss specific topics such as the rig’s Rotating Shaft Balance (RSB) and potential design works of the future test specimen with the NLR specialists. Other issues concerned a detailed description of the capabilities of the NLR wind tunnels. The aerodynamic design of the open rotor was reviewed again, along with different topics. Still, some time was left to visit the NLR bucolic neighbouring towns.

The PANDORA (Propeller and Open Rotor Assessment) project is part of a larger effort within the European aviation sector to meet ambitious environmental targets. It aims to advance the development of open rotor engines, a promising technology for reducing the carbon footprint of commercial aircraft. Unlike traditional turbofan engines, open rotor designs eliminate the need for enclosed nacelles, allowing for larger fan blades and more efficient propulsion systems that consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions.

The project is a collaborative effort involving several European organizations, including research institutions, universities, and industrial partners. DNW plays a pivotal role in this endeavour by offering its technical expertise and state-of-the-art facilities, including wind tunnels and specialized testing rigs. The consortium’s work aligns with broader European goals to decarbonize the aviation industry and make air travel more sustainable by 2050.

The second Consortium Review Meeting in Marknesse was a crucial milestone for the PANDORA project. Over two days, participants focused on the technical aspects of the project’s next phase, including testing and validating the open rotor design. The DNW propeller rig was the centrepiece of these discussions, as it will be a key instrument in gathering data on the aerodynamic performance of the open rotor system.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to inspecting the DNW propeller rig, which is intended to be used for various tests throughout the project’s duration. The propeller rig, specifically designed for open rotor technologies, plays a crucial role in evaluating the aerodynamic forces and moments acting on the rotor blades during operation. The consortium’s technical team worked closely with DNW specialists to ensure that the rig was in optimal condition and capable of meeting the project’s stringent requirements.

The Rotating Shaft Balance (RSB) of the rig was one of the key topics discussed. RSB is essential for ensuring the stability and accuracy of the rotor during high-speed testing. A balanced rotating shaft minimizes vibrations and mechanical stress, which can affect the precision of aerodynamic data collected during experiments. The team reviewed the current RSB setup and considered potential design modifications to enhance the rig’s performance.

In addition to the propeller rig’s inspection, the consortium explored possible design modifications for future test specimens. These discussions focused on improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the open rotor blades and integrating advanced materials to reduce weight and enhance durability. The team also reviewed the latest computational simulations, which provided insights into how different blade configurations perform under various flight conditions.

By refining the design of the test specimens, the PANDORA project aims to optimize the open rotor’s performance and ensure that it can meet the strict environmental standards set by European regulators. These tests are critical for validating the open rotor’s ability to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, making it a viable option for the next generation of commercial aircraft.

Another critical aspect of the meeting was the detailed overview of DNW’s wind tunnel capabilities. Wind tunnel testing is a cornerstone of aerodynamic research, providing engineers with real-world data on how aircraft components perform under various flight conditions. DNW’s wind tunnels are among the most advanced in Europe, capable of simulating a wide range of speeds, altitudes, and atmospheric conditions.

During the meeting, the consortium reviewed the aerodynamic design of the open rotor and discussed how DNW’s wind tunnels could be used to validate its performance. Specific attention was given to the flow characteristics around the rotor blades, as this directly impacts fuel efficiency and noise levels. The consortium plans to conduct a series of wind tunnel tests in the coming months to gather more data on the rotor’s aerodynamic behaviour.

Addressing Noise and Environmental Impact

One of the key challenges of open rotor technology is reducing noise levels, which can be higher than those of traditional enclosed fan engines. The consortium discussed various strategies for mitigating noise, including optimizing the blade shape and adjusting the rotational speed of the rotor. These efforts are critical for ensuring that open rotor engines meet noise regulations and are acceptable for use in commercial aviation.

In addition to noise reduction, the consortium is also focused on minimizing the environmental impact of open rotor engines. By improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the rotor blades, the project aims to reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions. These improvements are essential for achieving the project’s goal of developing a carbon-free propulsion system that can meet the demands of modern air travel.

As the PANDORA project moves into its next phase, the focus will shift toward conducting extensive tests using the DNW propeller rig and wind tunnels. The data gathered from these tests will be used to refine the open rotor design and ensure that it meets the performance criteria set by the consortium. Future meetings will likely focus on analysing the results of these tests and exploring further design optimizations.

While the technical aspects of the project were the primary focus of the meeting, there was also time for the consortium members to explore the bucolic surroundings of Marknesse. This provided a welcome opportunity for informal discussions and networking, strengthening the collaborative spirit of the PANDORA project.

The PANDORA project is dedicated to pioneering advancements in open rotor aircraft engine technologies. Our mission is to harness the transformative potential of contra-rotating open rotors (CROR) and unducted single fans (USF) to significantly reduce the environmental impact of aviation. By developing engines that combine the speed and performance of turbofans with the fuel economy of turboprops, we aim to lead a new era of sustainable air travel. Our commitment extends to delivering solutions that reduce CO2 and NOx emissions and minimize noise pollution, thus contributing to the global efforts towards achieving a more sustainable and eco-friendly aviation industry.