UDRI awarded $1.5M for coatings research to improve aircraft engine efficiency

By Pamela Gregg, Communication Administrator, 937-229-3268

The University of Dayton Research Institute has been awarded a $1.5 million Air Force contract for evaluation, testing and development of improved turbine engine component coatings that could increase aircraft fuel efficiency and cost savings. The award is part of a $49 million, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for research in alternative energy, energy efficient and environmentally safe technologies to benefit Air Force installations, equipment and aircraft.

Turbine engines operate for prolonged periods of time and in a wide variety of environments, which can lead to degradation of components and a resulting decrease in engine efficiency and increase in fuel use, said Alex Morgan, group leader for Applied Combustion and Energy in UDRI’s Energy Technologies and Materials division. “UDRI will work to identify and develop coatings designed to limit corrosion and other environmentally induced damage to turbine compressor components, which will help maintain airfoil surface quality and increase engine performance,” Morgan added.

Under the contract, UDRI researchers will evaluate and further develop commercially available compressor coatings with the potential to deliver performance improvements and affordably and efficiently be transitioned to meet military demands. Researchers will also demonstrate the improved coatings for effectiveness.

Jan. 29, 2018