An Assessment of the Impact of Emerging High-Temperature Materials on Engine Cycle Performance

Abstract

Rising concerns about air quality and climate change have made environmental protection one of the most critical issues in aviation today. To achieve environmental protection that allows sustained long-term aviation growth, NASA Glenn (GRC) has been engaged in the development of advanced high-temperature materials and thermal and environmental barrier coatings under its Fundamental Aeronautics and Environmentally Responsible Aviation Programs, with specific objectives to increase engine operating temperature and efficiency, reduce cooling requirements, reduce engine weight, reduce fuel consumption, and increase engine reliability. A parametric study was performed to assess the impact of these advanced materials and coatings on engine performance, with thrust-specific fuel consumption (TSFC) and LTO (landing-and-takeoff) NOx emissions as the key metrics. An ultra-high bypass ratio (UHB) separate flow turbofan engine for an advanced twin-engine single-aisle transport (B737/A320 class aircraft), with a sea-level static thrust of 107-kN thrust (23,000-pound), was chosen for the study. This paper presents the engine performance benefits from these advanced materials and coatings.