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).​​​​​​​