Overview
The SAGE2 project was conceived with the goal of developing a novel counter-rotating open-rotor demonstrator. Implicit in its design was a system capable of de-icing the rotors. The most effective method of de-icing was one which uses electrical resistance to heat the rotor blades; however, in order to deploy such a de-icing technique, it was imperative that the electrical systems supplying power are capable of withstanding the associated harsh environmental conditions.
The ADONIS project advanced the SAGE2 project by evaluating the various insulating materials under consideration for use. It exposed the materials to aging conditions consistent with their use: both immersion and spray were studied in order to elucidate the effects each type of environment has, and how it affects the long term aging behaviour of the material.
RESCOLL is a specialist in nonmetallic materials testing, and will use its expertise in the characterisation and aging of the candidate materials to provide the SAGE2 project with the best possible material.
The ADONIS project was undertaken in six steps. The first was concerned with the day to day management of the project. The second undertook an exhaustive study of the existing literature on the subject of insulating materials and their interface behaviour in terms of electrical properties. This study also established clear methods for the assessment of the materials behaviour, ensuring that the results of this project represent the most recent and informative data possible on the subject.
The third step established a clear planning methodology and timeline for the testing of the materials. The materials themselves were tested in steps four and five. The results of these aging tests were used to develop a set of recommendations in step six as to the best materials to be used in the SAGE2 system.
Funding
Results
Executive Summary:
The SAGE2 project was conceived with the goal of developing a novel counter-rotating open-rotor demonstrator. Implicit in its design was a system capable of de-icing the rotors. The most effective method of de-icing is one which uses electrical resistance to heat the rotor blades; however, in order to deploy such a de-icing technique, it is imperative that the electrical systems supplying power are capable of withstanding the associated harsh environmental conditions.
The ADONIS project had as its focus the elucidation of the behaviour of insulation materials with respect to high-temperature and chemical exposure aging, in order to provide information to assist in selecting the most appropriate products for use in the SAGE2 system. It evaluated the materials by exposing them to aging conditions consistent with their use under different conditions: immersion in several liquids such as oil, hydraulic fluids, and other specific products. Material analysis were then performed, following procedures previously established, in order to identify the degradation routes and analyse residues of their performances. A literature review led to the choice of characterisation techniques, and all materials were analysed using DMA, DSC, TGA, IRTF and mechanical tests.
RESCOLL is a specialist in materials testing and characterization. It holds qualifications from some of the most important companies in the aerospace industry (SAFRAN, AIRBUS, GENERAL ELECTRIC, DASSAULT AVAIATION). RESCOLL is regularly performing expertise and developments for its customers and the French court.
The project led to the development of a structured, rational, and multi-criteria procedure for testing and selecting insulation materials according to their specific environment. RESCOLL is now an important database of materials performance with identification of their most important degradation routes. This database, ranges from standard to engineering materials such as polyimide, PEEK films, epoxy, and silicone resins. It allows RESCOLL to better respond to our customers’ needs in selecting the most appropriate candidates for their applications. Finally, all the testing procedures had been standardised and, when suitable, certified (ISO 17025) and qualified, in order to provide validation services of the robustness of final products.
The project also contributed to supporting the Topic Manager in their material choices for designing a reliable de-icing system, permitting the use of the open rotor under harsh conditions.