The NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project/General Electric Open Rotor Test Campaign

摘要

NASA Glenn has completed model scale tests of "Open Rotor" propulsor concepts that have potential for significant fuel burn reduction for aircraft applications. The Open Rotor is a modern version of the UnDucted Fan (UDF™) that was flight tested in the late 1980's through a partnership between NASA and General Electric (GE). GE was the primary partner, but other organizations were involved such as Boeing and Airbus who provided additional hardware for fuselage simulations. Tests were conducted in the 9×l5' Low Speed Wind Tunnel and the 8'×6' Supersonic Wind Tunnel starting in late 2009 and completed in early 2012. Aerodynamic and acoustic data were obtained for takeoff, approach and cruise conditions. Flow diagnostic measurements and acoustic phased microphone array measurements were obtained by NASA. NASA and GE conducted joint systems analysis to evaluate how well new blade designs would perform on a B737 class aircraft and compared the results to an advanced higher bypass ratio turbofan. A brief summary of the test and overall results is presented.