On the Feasibility of active Shape Control for CFRP Engine Fan Blades with low-profile Piezoelectric Actuators

Abstract

Modern aero-engines and their blades are conceived for a specific design point. Due to the resulting fixed geometry of the blade, maximum engine efficiency can be achieved only for design point conditions. In order to improve the efficiency in off-design conditions, a move towards blades with active shape control can be beneficial. Therefore, morphing fan blades, which adapt their geometry to the prevailing conditions by using piezoelectric low-profile actuators, are researched as part of the Sustainable and Energy Efficient Aviation (SE²A) cluster of excellence. Prior to the construction of a demonstrator of a morphing fan blade, two multidisciplinary aspects regarding the feasibility of piezoelectric actuation must be analyzed. First, the feasibility of draping the actuators on the double-curved blade surface is investigated. Secondly, the question of whether the piezoelectric actuators can be supplied with sufficient electrical power in a future electric engine is addressed.