Testing continues on GE90 engine

GE Aviation is assembling the high-pressure compressor (HPC) rig that will be tested this summer as part of the GE9X engine study for Boeing’s 777X aircraft.

The rig will be a 90% scale version of the full-size HPC on the next-generation GE90 engine and is part of the $200 million GE will spend in 2013 on ‘technology maturation’ programmes for the engine.

The HPC rig test will take place at a GE facility in Massa, Italy, in July.

The next-generation GE90 engine incorporates an 11-stage HPC with new aerodynamic technology that will produce a 27:1 pressure ratio, which will be the highest of any commercial engine in service.

The new HPC design will significantly increase thermal efficiency and contribute a 2% improvement in the engine’s fuel burn.

GE Aviation’s GE9X engine study for the 777X aircraft has been under way for several years. The engine will be in the 100,000 pounds thrust class, with a 10% improvement in fuel burn compared with the current GE90-115B.

Key features include: a 132in-diameter composite fan case and fourth-generation composite fan blades; next-generation 27:1 pressure ratio high-pressure compressor; a third-generation TAPS (twin annular pre-swirl) combustor for greater efficiency and low emissions; and ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material in the combustor and turbine.

GE Aviation has been conducting tests on new materials for the engine during the last few years. The first full core test is scheduled for 2015.