That’s precisely my point: экспериментальные характеристики вентилятора (experimental characteristics of the fan)- it’s a gas dynamic model of NPO Saturn’s first 3-staged LP compressor, and hence the design similarity with the PMC blade above.
You are aware of MinPromTorg’s (Минпромторг) close affiliation with the PAK-FA programme, no?
Unlike the official statements of F&S, nothing there is mentioned of materials, which would fall under VIAM’s (and others’) remit, wouldn’t it?
The PMC version probably won’t be ready ’till next year.
http://russianplanes.net/id117088
http://russianplanes.net/id117187
More than flat nozzles, I’d like to see some engine cowls. That bare metal spoils the look.
Soon…This guy (Head of VIAM) would know, note model:
Up to 16 government budgeted nanocomposites are due for development completion by year-end. Two of the more interesting ones:
«Разработка высокомодульных углепластиков на основе российских углеродных волокнистых наполнителей на рабочие температуры 120-400°С» (шифр НИР «Жесткость»)
“Development of high-modulus carbon, based on the Russian carbon fibre nano-fillers for working temperatures of 120-400°C» (codename NIR ” Hardness “)
«Разработка методов и технологий синтеза кремнийорганических и полиизоциануратных связующих для композиционных материалов конструкционного, теплозащитного и радиотехнического и специального назначения» (шифр НИР «Радикал»).
“The development of methods and technologies for the synthesis of silicone and polymer binders for composite materials, regarding their structural, thermal and radar engineering properties and for ‘special-purposes’ (codename NIR “Radical “)
Slowly, but surely, me thinks the pieces are falling into place, especially given these two reports that either went unnoticed or whose importance was not appreciated @ the time:
Q&A 15/04/2010
Journalist:
— Какие новые технологии применяются в двигателе для истребителя пятого поколения Т-50?
-Which new technologies are used in the engine for the fifth generation fighter, T-50?
NPO Saturn’s Managing Director Ilya Fyedorov:
— В двигателе, на котором сегодня летает Т-50, принципиально новых материалов нет. Его и не сделаешь из новых материалов — для этого пришлось бы полностью перекомпоновывать и холодную часть, и газогенератор. А с точки зрения перспектив мы прекрасно понимаем, что двигатель “второго этапа” будет создан с использованием совершенно других материалов, и не только отечественного производства. Предполагается применение как во внешних, так и во внутренних элементах конструкции неметаллических частей, композитов, что позволит получить другие температуры, другие скорости и другой вес.
-In the engine, which the T-50 flies with today (117), has no new [innovative] materials. Nor is it made of [any] new materials – to do this we would have to completely rearrange/replace the ‘cold’ section and gas generator (combustor). But from the point of view for the prospective engine, we absolutely understand that the engine of the “second stage” will be created using entirely different materials and not only those that are domestically produced. As is assumed in the external, and also the internal structure of non-metallic parts, composites, that will deliver other (higher) temperatures, other (higher) speed and a different (lighter) weight.
Как рассказал Илья Федоров, уже сейчас НПО “Сатурн” проводит ряд НИР, которые через 2–3 года могут быть использованы при создании двигателя второго этапа. “Двигатель для ПАК ФА будет отличаться от ныне выпускаемых авиадвигателей меньшим весом и большей тягой, а еще очень серьезными технологиями по уменьшению заметности”, — заявил он. В частности, предполагается применение во внешних и внутренних элементах конструкции будущего двигателя неметаллических частей и композитов, что позволит получить более высокие температуры и снизить вес силовой установки. “Каких-то технических сложностей в создании двигателя пятого поколения мы не видим, — сказал Федоров, — это вопрос сроков и денег”.
As Ilya Fyodorov told us, currently NPO “Saturn” is conducting a number of research programmes that in 2-3 years can be used in the production of the engine of the second stage. The engine for the PAK-FA will differ from the current engines by being lighter and delivering higher thrust, but still very serious technology to reduce [RCS]visibility,“he said. In particular, external and internal structures of the future engine will utilise non-metallic parts and composites that will yield higher temperatures and lower the weight of the power plant. “We don’t envisage any technical difficulties in establishing a fifth-generation engine,” said Fyodorov, “-it’s a question of time and money “.
Three years later, NPO Saturn’s General Designer Yury Shmotin states:
Сегодня много говорится о применении композиционных материалов. В новом двигателе для ПАК ФА применяются композиты, которые построены не только на полимерной матрице для холодной части, а также детали, созданные на высокотемпературных композициях.
Today many talk about the application of composite materials. In the new engine for the PAK-FA composites will be utilised, which are based not only on polymer matrices for the ‘cold section’, as well as elements created from high-temperature composites...
Even more recently an acknowledgement on NPO Saturn’s website:
-композиционные материалы на полимерной матрице для холодной части двигателя
-Composite materials [based on a] polymer matrix for the ‘cold section’ of the engine. .
All of the above are direct statements from the most senior officials @ NPO Saturn and its website. We can but try to ‘fill in the spaces’.
I recently expressed surprise @ Yuri Schmotin’s candid remarks about polymer matrix composites (PMC) for the ‘cold section’, leading me to speculate on the either/or adoption of the PMC and the metal matrix composite (MMC) fan blade, with the latter perhaps a fall-back option. However, I now believe this supposition to be wrong.
Beforehand, I claimed that UGATU & NPP Motor’s development of the MMC fan blade was a 6 year effort running from 2006-12. Recently, solid evidence has come to light that this is false. These two concerns commenced serious research into the said MMC blade as far back as the year 2000, so in fact it’s a 12 year R&D effort, clearly such a major programme has specific purpose. Notwithstanding, from inception, the programme centred on a 3-staged LP compressor (i.e. not civilian).
Given the repeated references to PMCs by Fyodorov, Schmotin and even the NPO Saturn website, also in the context(s) of Fyodorov stating above that there would be “very serious technologies to reduce [engine RCS] signature”, and the 12 year MMC effort, are very interesting indeed. Even more so given the recent agreement between UMPO and UGATU signing an education & training programme to prepare workers @ UMPO for working with nanocomposites specifically for military engines:
http://www.umpo.ru/News118_756.aspx
Anyways, returning to the either/or PMC/MMC idea, now me thinks it’s BOTH!! The LP compressor is 3-staged: for stealth the front fan and shroud will be PMC (MWNT modified) and the remaining 2 stages- Mg-B/CFRP MMC.
The HP (5 staged)compressor is already officially acknowledged as being an intermetallic compound (titanium aluminide).
Sign In
