In an innovation partnership with the DLR, IABG is developing modern MTC test benches1 for the qualification of gas turbines. They make it possible to test engine components for mechanical, thermal and chemical loads simultaneously.
Aviation must also make its contribution to achieving climate targets. Future engines must play a key role on the road to low-emission flying. Innovative engine concepts place high demands on the materials and components used. One consequence of this development is that engine designers need more precise digital models in order to reliably and accurately predict the service life of engine components.
This is a challenging task for the new DLR Institute of Test and Simulation for Gas Turbines in Augsburg. A digital research and development platform "Virtual Engine" and a test center for validating new engine solutions are being set up here. The digital models developed there will be validated in real tests.
Components and materials in the engine are exposed to extreme loads due to pressure, high speeds and temperatures as well as combustion gases with corrosive effects. If the test specimens are to be tested realistically, the effect of these three influencing variables (mechanical, thermal, chemical) must be considered simultaneously. Conventional test bench technology, however, only allows tests with a simultaneous combination of only two stresses (mechanical-thermal, thermal-chemical or mechanical-chemical).
Suitable test systems for this are not yet available on the market. They have to be developed specifically for this purpose. A task tailor-made for IABG, which has numerous in-house test benches for aviation, aerospace and automotive. Also as general contractor for the construction of complex test centers IABG is also highly regarded in specialist circles.
Having already completed the concept phase as part of the innovation partnership with the DLR Institute, IABG's focus in the prototype phase that has now begun is on
- Development, detailed design, construction, commissioning and approval of four prototype MTC test benches including key subsystems such as heating systems, pressure vessels, salt applicators and
- setting up the test infrastructure, such as central hydraulics, gas supply and soundproof cabins.
As the general contractor, IABG is responsible for ensuring that this work is successfully completed by mid-2025. As planned, this will be followed by a further project phase dealing with the design and construction of derivatives of these prototypes. The new engines are therefore expected to make their contribution to low-emission aviation in the coming decades.
Your contact: Dr. Ahmed Abou-El-Ela(abou-el-ela@iabg.de)
1MTC stands for Mechanical, Thermal, Chemical