Toroidal Propellers for Efficient and Sustainable Aviation

News and updates:

This section is dedicated to recording ongoing communication activities, milestones, and dissemination outputs achieved throughout the course of the TorPropel project. As part of our commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement, updates will include key announcements, technical achievements, public outreach efforts, conference participation, and press coverage.

The information below will be periodically updated and archived to reflect the evolving story of TorPropel and its contributions to sustainable aviation innovation.

Shaping the Future of Propulsion with Toroidal Innovation

Greetings. I am Roland Furmanek, and I am Aerodynamics and Performance Engineer at Evektor in Czech Republic. Within the TorPropel project, I am responsible for development of Propeller Specifications and Manufacturing Requirements (WP1) and Preparation and Execution of full-scale testing campaign (WP4).

The TorPropel project focuses on the development of a new generation of propellers by the implementation of the toroidal propellers’ technology and novel composite materials based on recyclable and repairable epoxy vitrimers. The idea is to implement various multi-objective optimization techniques to scale up the toroidal geometry with a focus on the propeller performance and noise emissions.
TorPropel aims to develop new composite materials by implementing Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) techniques. Integrating real-time health monitoring sensors improves aircraft safety and propeller life. The embedded sensors provide crucial data to increase propeller reparability, ensuring rapid and early detection of any major damages (WP3 and WP4).

The work will start with in-depth research of the toroidal propeller technology and a preliminary assessment of selected solutions (WP1). Following up with the simultaneous development of the vitrimer-based carbon-fiber materials, design, and optimization of the propeller geometry (WP2 and WP3). Completing the material design, the CFD-FEA simulation loop will be executed to maximize aerodynamic performance and ensure a lightweight, rigid structure. The optimized structure will be manufactured with embedded sensors to examine and validate the propeller performance. The testing campaign will conclude by reaching TRL4 and fulfilling the main project goal. (WP4) Finally, based on the learnings, maintenance procedures and recyclability will be established, along with a road map to introduce the propeller to the market. (WP5).

The TorPropel project with duration of 36 months will develop new type of the propeller suitable for General Aviation aircraft and UAV’s. The workload will be divided between 9 partners across 7 different countries increasing cooperation and competitiveness of European technologies.
Greece

University of Ioannina (Coordinator)
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Spain

CIDETEC

France

GMI Aero

United Kingdom

iCOMAT
Brunnel University London

Switzerland

Limat Scientific

Czechia

Evektor

Germany

Technische Universitat Munchen

CSML Leads the Charge in TorPropel as Project Coordinator

The Composite & Smart Materials Laboratory (CSML) at the University of Ioannina, Greece, brings a legacy of excellence in composite materials research to the forefront of sustainable aviation as the coordinator of the TorPropel project.

Established in 2007 within the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, CSML has developed into a powerhouse of innovation in functional and structural composites. With over 500 journal and conference publications, more than 20 national and EU-funded R&D projects, and upwards of €5 million in research funding secured, CSML has cultivated a strong network of collaborators across academia and industry.

Within the TorPropel project, CSML plays a dual role of strategic coordination and technical leadership. Leveraging its extensive experience in European project management, the lab ensures smooth execution, timely deliverables, and a unified consortium vision. Technically, CSML spearheads the design, optimisation, characterisation, and production of vitrimer-based carbon fibre tapes, which will be used to manufacture the novel toroidal propellers at the heart of TorPropel’s innovation.

In addition, CSML’s expertise in non-destructive testing (NDT) and structural health monitoring (SHM) will contribute to the development of an integrated sensing platform, a key element in advancing intelligent and resilient propulsion components.

TorPropel proudly benefits from CSML’s leadership and cutting-edge research, reaffirming Europe’s commitment to greener, smarter aviation technologies.