Since making the first run of the XWB-97 in July/2014, Rolls has focused ground testing on the newer design features of the engine.
Source: Aviation Week
These were introduced to generate 13,000 lb. of additional thrust over the baseline XWB while maintaining the same fuel-burn efficiency, 118-in. dia. fan and external nacelle packaging.
The higher-flow fan turns 6% faster than the -84 and pumps more air.
The XWB-97 is also designed with a 5% larger core and higher temperature capability as well as unshrouded high-pressure turbine blades.
Source: Rolls Royce
Simon Burr, Rolls-Royce’s COO for Civil Large Engines added that while Rolls was “very pleased with the first engine, which ran for 150 hours,” the company has made some design modifications to improve durability as a result of inspections following a teardown.
Source: Rolls Royce
Chief among these was an adjustment to the gas temperatures generated across the width, or traverse, of the combustor exit.
“At the exit point you set up a particular profile in terms of temperature and you match the materials to that. Our first runs showed that profile was flatter than desirable, which would mean the high-pressure turbine blades and nozzle guide vanes would end up seeing a higher temperature than [designed]” explained Burr.
Source: Rolls Royce
Changes were made and tested on a combustor rig and “we have got a really nice match to the design now.
Those changes are going into the next 2 engines on build right now and will feed into certification.”
Based on the article “Rolls-Royce Building First XWB-97 For Flight Tests” published in Aviation Week.
Great news, at last a British company showing how it should be done. What the UK needs is more engineers and scientists and many more companies like Rolls and BAE.
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