Friction Welding for Aeroengine Applications

    Impact: Economic, Technological, Environmental

    Narrative

    Research at the University of Manchester has supported the development of inertia and linear friction welding of high temperature materials for aeroengine application. The research has guided process parameter development and led to deployment of these new welding techniques at Rolls-Royce plc. In particular, inertia friction welding is now used in modern gas turbine engines, such as the Trent 900, which powers the A380, Trent 1000 for the Boeing 787 and Trent XWB for the Airbus A350. In addition, research has enabled blisk technology (welding of blades on disks), which has delivered up to 30% weight saving on critical rotating components.
    Impact date2014
    Category of impactEconomic, Technological, Environmental
    Impact levelAdoption

    Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms

    • Advanced materials

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