PMD
Well-Known Member
When slipping down a YouTube rabbithole on current high tech fan engines - particularly those with external fans with stators and external counter rotating (i.e. not ducted) fans, the peculiar blade shape of latest fans
https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/cfm-unveils-open-fan-demonstrator-plan-next-gen-engine
Given that the conversion of torque into thrust by our straight(ish) blade legacy design of propellers isn't anywhere near ultimate potential, can we not cash in on the billions spent to make turbofan blades work better? For those who actually know about fans - how much does the gap between blades determine/affect the aerodynamics vs. blade in essentially free air? Or are we too stuck with the concept that a prop needs to be carved from a nice, straight log?
https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/cfm-unveils-open-fan-demonstrator-plan-next-gen-engine
Given that the conversion of torque into thrust by our straight(ish) blade legacy design of propellers isn't anywhere near ultimate potential, can we not cash in on the billions spent to make turbofan blades work better? For those who actually know about fans - how much does the gap between blades determine/affect the aerodynamics vs. blade in essentially free air? Or are we too stuck with the concept that a prop needs to be carved from a nice, straight log?
