Case Studies - Aviation

For the first time, Rolls-Royce can now beat extreme temperatures and pressures to gather accurate performance data from deep inside its gas turbine aero-engines. The solution is a revolutionary traverse test system devised by QinetiQ and it gives Rolls-Royce a clear advantage in the quest for leaner, greener flight.

“QinetiQ’s sophisticated test system has changed the way we test Rolls-Royce engines and is bound to lead to more economical and greener engines in the future because we will use this data for years to come.”
Graham Upton, Chief Design Engineer and
Assistant Chief Engineer Trent 900, Rolls-Royce

Challenge

• To gain a competitive advantage, Rolls-Royce needs to validate the performance of its engines and achieve greater efficiency, particularly in areas such as fuel economy and emissions.
• The ideal way of eliminating the discrepancies was to carry out the tests inside a real engine – but that meant withstanding temperatures of 1,500°C and pressures of 300psi.

• Rolls-Royce engaged QinetiQ which achieved a world first by developing a sophisticated traverse system capable of collecting data from deep within a working gas turbine.
• Four platinum tipped probes traverse the engine to collect performance data at 50 different locations across the passage and are protected by a unique air and water cooled housing.
• Operators control the system through a PC connected by a fibre optic link.

• Rolls-Royce say the new traverse system will definitely change the way it tests its engines for years to come.
• Data from the initial test on a Trent 900 engine will underpin performance on future engines such as the prestigious Trent 1000 and Trent XWB.
• This ability to refine the efficiency of its engines will give Rolls-Royce a competitive advantage in the global quest for leaner, greener flight.

• Following its standard process, Rolls-Royce issued a tender to three companies, covering schedule, specification and cost and including tight time constraints.
• QinetiQ was the only company that had the knowledge to meet the exact specification that was required.
• It was also the only supplier with the capability and capacity for the job.