CFM bets on composites for future turbofan blades | Aviation International News

CFM bets on composites for future turbofan blades

CFM International (Hall 2 Stand B149) is studying a next generation of turbofans to power single-aisle commercial aircraft, hoping to secure a role in

By Thierry Dubois • Writer

June 9, 2009

CFM International (Hall 2 Stand B149) is studying a next generation of turbofans to power single-aisle commercial aircraft, hoping to secure a role in future replacements for the Airbus A320 family and the Boeing 737. Under the LEAP-X advanced turbofan program, joint venture partners Snecma and General Electric are pursuing innovations such as increased use of composite materials in engines. Environmental and oil price concerns have brought fuel burn to the top of the agenda, with a goal of a 16-percent reduction compared with the current best-performing CFM56 powerplant.

Carbon fiber, woven in three dimensions, is being introduced for fan and even low-pressure turbine (LPT) blades. For a 71-inch fan diameter, each blade weighs about nine pounds. Moving from metal to 3D-woven composite fan blades and case saves 1,000 pounds in weight on a twin-engine aircraft. So the overall goal is to reduce the number of fan blades. The LEAP-X has 18, whereas the current CFM56-7 (for the Boeing 737) has 24 fan blades.

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