GE Aerospace and U.S. Department of Energy Reach Agreement to Expand Supercomputing Capability for Revolutionary New Open Fan Engine Architecture

Collaboration and Innovation - GE Aerospace and Oak Ridge National Laboratory collaborate to develop advanced computational modeling and simulation capabilities, leveraging Oak Ridge's expertise in supercomputing and AI tools [1] - The collaboration aims to accelerate engine design and testing, particularly for the Open Fan architecture, which is seen as a key technology for achieving net zero ambitions in the aviation industry [2] - Oak Ridge National Laboratory houses Frontier, the world's fastest supercomputer, capable of exascale data processing, which is instrumental in this collaboration [2] Technological Advancements - GE Aerospace has developed computational fluid dynamics software to model the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of full-scale Open Fan engine designs using Frontier [3] - Additional simulations on Frontier have been conducted to analyze different engine operating conditions, improving understanding of aerodynamic characteristics and acoustic signatures [3] - The RISE program, a joint initiative between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, focuses on developing technologies like Open Fan, compact core, and hybrid electric systems compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) [3] Future Prospects - The Open Fan engine architecture, part of the RISE program, aims to achieve greater propulsive efficiency by removing the nacelle while maintaining current speed and cabin experience standards [4] - GE Aerospace plans to hire over 900 engineers in 2024 to support innovation in current aircraft engine programs and develop new technologies for the future of flight [4] - The use of supercomputing power and software tools is enabling GE Aerospace to better evaluate new engine technologies at flight scale during the design phase, optimizing engine performance and airframe integration [4]