China’s next-gen turbine blade promises supercharged jet power

A recently granted patent in China’s aeronautics industry has signalled a significant leap in the development of a critical component for jet engines – a next-generation self-cooling turbine blade that could mean critical advantages for both the country’s military and civilian aircraft.

The patent outlined a new method for producing alloy turbine blades capable of withstanding temperatures up to 15 per cent higher than existing versions. The improved heat resistance was expected to deliver greater engine thrust, better fuel efficiency, and longer service life.

The Beijing Institute of Aeronautical Materials under Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) received the patent for advanced turbine blade manufacturing in late April.

AECC has led Chinese research on military engines for fighter jets such as the J-10CE, the same ones used by Pakistan’s military – which Beijing recently confirmed shot down Indian jets – as well as civilian plane engines like the CJ1000A and CJ2000. The latest innovation helped to cement its leadership in high-performance propulsion technologies.

According to the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the patent, which was first filed in October, was co-developed by AECC and Handan Xinxing Special Steel Pipes Company in northern China’s Hebei province.

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High-temperature alloy turbine blades are a critical component in modern jet engines, directly influencing thrust output, fuel efficiency and reliability. Conventional turbine blades tend to degrade from prolonged exposure to extreme heat, restricting overall engine performance. The newly patented method aims to overcome this limitation by improving the thermal tolerance of the blades.

South China Morning Post