Manufacturing - Hollow Titanium Fan Blade

Question 1

Describe the main function & material/structural properties required (eight points).

Answer 1

• Generate 85-90% of total propulsive thrust in modern HBPR turbofans.
• Draws air through the intake to feed into the IPC.
• Mass flow of 1 tonne per second.
• Rotational speed 3300rpm, tip speed 1730kmh.
• Very high specific strength (lower weight = higher efficiency).
• High impact resistance with good fracture resistance for FOD.
• High specific stiffness to endure the high tensile load caused by high RPMs.
• Resistant to corrosion due to temperature, pressure and velocity of air.