Damage-Tolerant Fan Casings for Jet Engines

About this technology

Overview

NASA spearheaded research into improving jet engine fan casings, ultimately discovering a cost-effective approach to manufacturing damage-tolerant fan cases that also boast significant weight reduction. A&P Technology, Inc., of Cincinnati, a leading manufacturer of braided fabrics for composite reinforcement and advanced technology applications, received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant through Glenn Research Center to develop the damage-tolerant fan casings for jet engines. A&P uses triaxial carbon braid as an alternative to aluminum or other solid metal in the manufacture of braided fan containment cases for jet engines. The braided fan case has a toughness superior to aluminum and enables significant reductions in weight and fuel consumption.