Materials, Manufacturing and Oils Technologies for High Power Gearbox systems (MAMOTH PGB)

Rolls-Royce has built a technology leading position with its family of Trent engines; resulting in the development of the Trent XWB, the world’s most efficient engine. Building upon the company’s heritage of three shaft engines Rolls-Royce has announced its intent to develop a novel geared engine that will ensure that it maintains its competitiveness into the mid-2020s and beyond. A key feature of this new engine architecture will be the development of a very high power gearbox that can translate power from a high rotational speed Intermediate Pressure Turbine (IPT) to a low speed high propulsive efficiency fan. The gearbox will be required to operate at very high speeds and loads, while still delivering an acceptable service life. To achieve the performance required in this demanding environment will require research into the development of new materials, coatings and oils, and the optimisation of high precision manufacturing processes.