Luhansk engineers assembled an engine "in one drum": turbine and compressor combined

The Vladimir Dahl Luhansk State University has proposed a new scheme for a free-turbine turboshaft engine, which can simplify the design and improve the manufacturability of production. The main difference is the combination of the compressor and turbine in one rotor.

It was proposed to place the compressor blades outside the drum, and the turbine blades inside. This arrangement reduces the number of components, simplifies assembly, and reduces the requirements for synchronization of elements.

The designers also redesigned the air supply system. The channels are integrated directly into the power elements - the struts and the housing perform not only a supporting function, but also participate in the gas dynamics. The combustion chamber was moved to the inner housing with an annular cavity, which will simplify the supply of compressed air and fuel.

Special attention was paid to the free turbine. It operates on the same shaft as the compressor, but is mechanically decoupled in terms of function. The gas flow sequentially passes through two stages, transferring energy to the output shaft, which can be used to drive a propeller or generator.

The key effect is a reduction in complexity. Instead of the classic scheme with separate components, the engineers actually "assembled the engine in one drum." This reduces weight, potentially reduces cost, and simplifies maintenance.

Such solutions are especially important for light aviation, helicopters, and power plants, where reliability and maintainability are critical.

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