PropMat · Support to Future CROR and UHBR Propulsion System Maturation

In the framework of the Large Passenger Aircraft ITD of Clean Sky 2, the industrial partners Airbus & Safran pushed the CROR low fuel burn propulsion concepts to TRL6, towards a flight test demonstration program. The activities proposed in this document will make a valuable contribution to this program. In addition PropMat provides valuable support to the implementation of the Airbus roadmaps for numerical methods for UHBR fan aeroacoustics, for UHBR aerodynamics, for experimental methods for aero-acoustics in Clean Sky 2, and for the SAAFIR UHBR Wind Tunnel test. The activities comprise: UHBR numerical aero-acoustic characterisation, UHBR Wind Tunnel experiment methods for SAAFIR (including fan design), and advanced UHBR wind tunnel test data analysis. In Clean Sky’s Smart Fixed Wing Aircraft, NLR supported Airbus & Safran with manufacturing the highly complex wind tunnel test rigs that laid the basis for the technical dossiers available today on CROR. Accurate numerical aero-acoustic simulations techniques were developed at NLR. In close collaboration with Airbus, these were subsequently applied to CROR which led to a deep physical understanding of this innovative propulsion concept. The current proposal builds on the success story of Clean Sky. It ensures a head start on pushing the frontiers of our current knowledge on novel CROR & UHBR propulsion concepts. In conclusion, NLR holds an impressive track record on engine integration support and is well equipped to carry out the proposed research.