Volvo Aero’s Lightweight Technology Passed Important Fan Blade-Out Test

The important testing of Volvo Aero composite technology in EUs VITAL environmental project has been successful.>> These tests were a huge success, taking us over the highest hurdle towards a competitive new product offer, says Anders Sjunnesson, project co-ordinator at Volvo Aero.>> The Fan Blade Out (FBO) test is crucial in order to demonstrate the ability of the components to cope with maximum strain. The test was recently carried out in collaboration with Rolls-Royce in their facilities in Derby in England.>> VITAL an acronym for Environmentally Friendly Aero Engine is a EUR 90 million programme which aims to deliver the technological breakthroughs that will help Europe meet its ambitious environmental goals for 2020. These goals are 50 per cent lower carbon dioxide emissions, 80 per cent lower nitrogen dioxide emissions and a 50 per cent reduction in noise.>> Volvo Aero has invested heavily in the programme and is playing a leading role.>> One of Volvo Aeros contributions to VITAL is a composite fan frame. This primary load-carrying structure in the engine has been made from composites specifically carbon fibres bound by a polymer matrix making it up to 30 per cent lighter than todays metal technology.>> The fan blade out test performed at Rolls-Royce saw the fan accelerated to maximum speed in an underground spin rig, after which an explosive charge blew one fan blade away from the hub; a severe, heavy and expensive test, according to Sjunnesson. In this event, we have very high forces going through the structure.>> The fan frame performed as the calculations had predicted it would.