Testing of the PD-35 engine gas generator demonstrator has begun
11.10.2021
Photo: © United Engine Corporation
On September 15, 2021, the assembly of a demonstration gas generator of the PD-35 engine was completed in the Perm JSC UEC-Aviadvigatel. The gas generator was installed in an enclosed test bench and is being tested under standard atmosphere conditions in accordance with the approved program. This was reported by the press service of the United Engine Corporation.
On October 1, 2021, the idle mode was reached, the stable operation of the units and systems of the gas generator was ensured.
According to Alexander Inozemtsev, Managing Director-General Designer of UEC-Aviadvigatel JSC, the tests should confirm the fundamental performance of the gas generator design. Based on their results, it will be possible to evaluate the parameters of the nodes laid down in the TK.
The next stage of testing will take place at the Central Institute of Aviation Motors. P.I. Baranova. As part of the second stage of testing, the operation of a demonstration gas generator will be tested with heated air under pressure supplied to the inlet, which simulates the operating conditions of the unit as part of the engine. At the moment, a specialized test bench is being prepared at CIAM.
The creation of a demonstration gas generator and a technology demonstrator engine is necessary for the development of design and technological solutions to confirm the readiness of new technologies for use in the design of advanced engines. The developed gas generator will later become the basis for the creation of engines in the thrust range from 24 to 38 tf.
During the work on the project, UEC-Aviadvigatel specialists formed the appearance of a demonstration gas generator, developed its components and systems, issued design documentation and organized its production. For 18 months at the enterprises of UEC JSC, work was carried out on the manufacture of parts and assemblies of the PD-35 gas generator, the preparation of a bench base for its testing was in progress:
- the high-pressure compressor rotor was manufactured at UEC-UMPO;
- the stator part of the high-pressure compressor, the combustion chamber, and the high-pressure turbine were produced by UEC-Aviadvigatel, UEC-PM, NFMZ;
- the central drive was produced at the PC "Salyut" of JSC "UEC";
- units of the automatic control system were developed by UEC-STAR, ABRIS and others.
In order to optimize the manufacturing process, a number of high-tech enterprises of the Perm Territory were involved.
PD-35 is the largest in the line of Russian aircraft engines - the diameter of its fan is more than three meters. The gas generator consists of a high-pressure compressor, a combustion chamber and a high-pressure turbine - it is this part that drives the power plant.
The PD-35 project has been implemented by the United Engine Corporation since 2017. Gas turbine engines in the 35-ton thrust class have not previously been created in Russia. When developing the power plant, the scientific and technical groundwork created during the development of the PD-14 engine is used to the maximum. Also, work is underway to master 18 new "critical" technologies: new materials, coatings are created, new design solutions and technologies are applied.
