Toroidal Propellers for Efficient and Sustainable Aviation
Consortium Overview:
The TorPropel consortium unites 9 top-tier partners from 7 countries, including universities, RTOs, SMEs, and industrial players. The partners bring deep expertise across materials science, aerodynamics, robotics, and aerospace certification.
University of Ioannina
Profile:
The University of Ioannina (UOI) is one of Greece’s leading academic institutions, with a strong track record in materials engineering, structural health monitoring, and composite design. Within TorPropel, UOI serves as the project coordinator, ensuring strategic alignment and overseeing critical aspects of composite formulation, vitrimer integration, and sensor embedding.
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Key Contributions:
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Lead material development and experimental validation
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Development of self-healing and recyclable resin systems
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Coordination of consortium communication and knowledge management
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Scientific dissemination and publication strategy
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Profile:
AUTH brings exceptional expertise in fluid mechanics, turbomachinery, and computational aeroacoustics. The university’s Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics & Turbomachinery leads the aerodynamic design and acoustic optimisation of the toroidal propeller, using advanced CFD and hybrid modelling techniques.
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Key Contributions:
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Development of toroidal propeller aerodynamic design
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Noise prediction modelling and aeroacoustic optimisation
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Wind tunnel and flow diagnostic support
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Support for propulsion integration in unconventional aircraft
Technische Universität München
Profile:
TUM’s Chair of Carbon Composites is internationally recognised for innovation in composite design, multi-scale simulation, and additive manufacturing. TUM supports the development and characterisation of the composite material system and contributes to the design of structural components using AI-driven modelling.
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Key Contributions:
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Micro-mechanical modelling of CFRP behaviour
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Composite structure design using image-based simulation
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Support on additive manufacturing of tailored components
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Contribution to multi-physics integration
iCOMAT Ltd
Profile:
ICOMAT is a high-tech SME specialising in Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS), a patented manufacturing technique allowing continuous fibre steering without inducing defects. ICOMAT manufactures key propeller components using robotic equipment and demonstrates production scalability.
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Key Contributions:
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Manufacturing of toroidal blades using RTS
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Design and execution of robotic layup trials
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Contribution to structural performance through fibre steering
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Manufacturing demonstrations for aerospace and UAV parts
CIDETEC Surface Engineering
Profile:
CIDETEC is a leading R&D institute in advanced materials and surface engineering. It develops recyclable vitrimer-based epoxy resins for use in aerospace-grade composites, enabling repairability and circular lifecycle capabilities.
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Key Contributions:
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Synthesis of recyclable epoxy vitrimer systems
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Resin formulation for aerospace-grade performance
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Thermomechanical and chemical characterisation
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Support for lifecycle analysis and sustainability metrics
GMI Aero
Profile:
GMI Aero is a pioneering SME in composite repair and structural health monitoring. GMI leads the integration of sensors into the propeller structure and develops field-ready repair protocols for vitrimer composites.
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Key Contributions:
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Embedded SHM systems and sensor networks
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Repair methodologies for vitrimer composites
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Cure monitoring and field-deployable tools
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Integration of sensing and maintenance platforms
LIMMAT Scientific AG
Profile:
LIMMAT Scientific specialises in advanced simulation software. It supports the project with digital twin frameworks and multi-physics analysis that combine structural, fluid, and sensor data into predictive models.
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Key Contributions:
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Digital twin modelling of the toroidal propeller
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Multi-physics coupling (CFD, FEA, SHM)
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Real-time system performance simulations
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Support in testing and data analysis
EVEKTOR
Profile:
EVEKTOR is an experienced aircraft manufacturer and integrator. It evaluates the integration of toroidal propellers into actual aircraft systems, assessing feasibility, airworthiness, and compliance with certification pathways.
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Key Contributions:
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Aircraft-level integration studies
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Structural and aerodynamic validation
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Support for certification roadmap
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Demonstration of propeller-aircraft compatibility
Brunel Composites Centre
Profile:
Brunel University brings expertise in composite manufacturing, sustainability analysis, and digital engineering. It supports environmental assessment and simulation-led design strategies for recyclable propeller systems.
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Key Contributions:
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Lifecycle and sustainability assessment (LCA)
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Digital manufacturing methods and design tools
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Composite reshaping and repair simulations
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Contribution to dissemination and training