SUPPLE AS SNAKESKIN
SUPPLE AS SNAKESKIN
What might look like a close-up straight out of the animal kingdom is actually an engine blade made of a carbon-fibre-reinforced composite. This blade is part of the Counter Rotating Integrated Shrouded Propfan (CRISP) engine compressor developed by DLR. This design combines the advantages of both open and shrouded propulsion systems – reduced fuel
consumption and increased efficiency, together with similar or reduced noise levels compared to a conventional turbofan.
The most recent CRISP measurement campaign was successfully completed in early 2023. Evaluation of the structural behaviour demonstrated stable operation of the blades. In addition to the DLR Institute of Propulsion Technology and DLR Systemhaus Technik, the DLR Institutes of Structures and Design, Aeroelasticity, Aerodynamics and Flow Technology were involved in the project.
