Engines
GE initiates blade tests for open-rotor mill
General Electric has started wind-tunnel testing of multiple one-fifth-scale configurations for its open-rotor engine to identify the optimum blade design.

General Electric has started wind-tunnel testing of multiple one-fifth-scale configurations for its open-rotor engine to identify the optimum blade design. Minimal noise output and minimal specific fuel consumption are primary benefits derived from the two counter-rotating stages of blades.

Ongoing acoustic testing has involved more complex blade configurations that reflect the technological advances of the past 20 years in areas such as inter-blade spacing, blade sweep angle and chord length and other features derived through three-dimensional aerodynamic design. Later this year, performance testing of the blade designs at a wide range of engine speeds will enable the development of a comprehensive record of blade design data for current and future applications.

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