Currently funded project

New technologies for eco-efficient helicopters (F@NEUTRON)

Motivation

Structure of the NEUTRON joint project with the main work packages HAP 1 and 2
© Fraunhofer-Centre HTL
Structure of the NEUTRON joint project with the main work packages HAP 1 and 2

The use of electrified propulsion systems increases the acceptance of aviation in society due to their "green" and innovative character. In addition, there is the positive aspect of noise reduction. In the partner project "NEUTRON - ELECTRON", novel lightweight construction methods and production technologies for use in medium-weight helicopters with hybrid drive technology are to be developed and evaluated. The overriding motivation is to increase sustainability and reduce production costs as essential contributions to environmentally friendly aviation.

 

Objectives

Basalt fibre fabric
© Fraunhofer-Centre HTL
Basalt fibre fabric

The "ELECTRON" sub-project aims to optimise composite technologies under economic and ecological aspects for a specific application - a complex shell component of the airframe of a helicopter with a hybrid-electric drive system. In this context, fire protection plays an important role due to the battery systems to be carried along. Research into new types of ceramic systems offers the potential to create new types of solutions that are potentially capable of meeting stricter requirements due to stricter regulations. The aim of the work package "Innovative fire protection concepts with ceramic matrix systems" at HTL is to develop a new type of composite material including a ductile seal against operating materials for firewall applications in helicopters. The new CMC material is to consist of a ceramic matrix and an inorganic fibre reinforcement. Inexpensive reinforcing fibres (glass, basalt, ceramics) and a matching ceramic matrix are to be used.
ceramic matrix should be used.

  • Application temperatures in case of fire > 600 °C
  • Sintering temperature of the ceramic matrix < 700 °C

Approach

Model study of a sub-segment of a bloom mixer for aero-gas turbines made of low-cost CMC
© Fraunhofer-Centre HTL
Model study of a sub-segment of a bloom mixer for aero-gas turbines made of low-cost CMC
  • Manufacture of simple composite panels of the novel CMC to demonstrate material compatibility and to determine mechanical properties
  • Handover of the prototype components to the component recipient Airbus Helicopters for testing under operating conditions
  • Final design with regard to component thickness, component shape and material combination in accordance with the specifications of the component recipient Airbus Helicopters 

Project Data

Project Duration 01.01.2022 - 31.12.2025
Sponsor
Luftfahrtforschungsprogramm VI
Funding Amount 343,300 Euro

Project Partners

 





 

 

Fraunhofer-Centre HTL

Fraunhofer IGCV

Airbus Helicopters

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt DLR

University of Stuttgart

 

Project Coordination

 

Fraunhofer-Institut für Gießerei-, Composite- und
Verarbeitungstechnik IGCV

Project Management at the HTL

Peter Vierhaus