CFM Bets on Composites for Advanced Turbofan | Aviation International News

CFM Bets on Composites for Advanced Turbofan

Engine maker CFM has chosen sides in the debate between proponents and opponents to composite materials on turbofan moving parts by introducing fibers wove

By Thierry Dubois • Writer

March 30, 2009

Engine maker CFM has chosen sides in the debate between proponents and opponents to composite materials on turbofan moving parts by introducing fibers woven in three dimensions for fan and even low-pressure turbine (LPT) blades. The bet on this next-generation composite manifests itself on the Snecma-General Electric venture's Leap-X “advanced turbofan” program.

Moving from metal to 3D-woven composite fan blades and case will save 1,000 pounds on a twin-engine aircraft, says CFM. The partners also plan to demonstrate that the detachment of the inner part of the blade is so unlikely that blade-off tests need only be conducted with the outer half. On the LPT, a ceramic-matrix composite material saves 340 pounds per aircraft.

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