GE Aerospace, in partnership with Boeing, NASA, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, is spearheading a groundbreaking project to model the integration of Open Fan engine technology with an aircraft. This initiative, awarded 840,000 supercomputing hours through the US Department of Energy’s INCITE program, marks a significant step forward in advancing fuel-efficient aviation technologies.
Open Fan architecture, a revolutionary jet engine design, eliminates the traditional casing to allow for larger fan sizes, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency. Using cutting-edge supercomputers like Frontier and Aurora—the second and third fastest globally—GE Aerospace engineers will simulate the aerodynamics of an Open Fan engine mounted on an aircraft wing under real-world flight conditions.
“Advanced supercomputing capability is a key breakthrough enabling the revolutionary Open Fan engine design,” said Arjan Hegeman, general manager for future flight technology at GE Aerospace. He emphasized the importance of integrating airplane and engine designs for enhanced performance and sustainability.
This effort builds upon the success of CFM International’s Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. The RISE program, launched in 2021, aims to achieve over 20% fuel efficiency and CO2 reduction compared to today’s most advanced commercial engines, utilising technologies like compact cores, hybrid-electric systems, and compatibility with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
GE Aerospace’s commitment to innovation is evident as it plans to hire over 900 engineers in 2024 to support current engine programs and explore future advancements.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: © GE Aerospace