Aircraft Engine and Thrust Reverser Parts

General

Aircraft Engine Parts For High Heat, Low Wear

Vespel® parts for aircraft engines are lighter than metal and provide high performance for military, commercial and industrial aircraft engines.

DuPont filed its first polyimide patent October 19, 1953 and in less than 10 years, Vespel® SP polyimide aircraft engine parts were specified for Pratt & Whitney’s JT8D turbofan gas turbine engine.

This engine was used to power Boeing’s 727 aircraft. The low wear and friction, broad temperature compatibility, self-lubrication, and lighter weight contributed to fuel efficiency, durability and reduced maintenance costs.

Specified for a Range of Engines

DuPont™ Vespel® polyimide parts for aircraft engine parts are now specified in all types of gas turbine engines (military, commercial and industrial) including turboprops, turbojets, turbofans, land-marine, industrial, and auxiliary power units.

DuPont provides an ever-increasing breadth of polyimides for aerospace applications, producing custom parts and stock shapes from polyimide resins. In 1992 DuPont acquired Tribon (founded in 1976 in Ohio), establishing polyimide and non-polyimide polymeric composites and component integration capabilities (such as carbon-lined metallic assemblies) which customers have selected for applications within aircraft engines, nacelles, and thrust reversers.

Engineered to Take the Heat

The introduction of Vespel® SCP polyimide, coupled with advanced filler technology, expanded the heat and chemical resistance limits of earlier polyimides, while increasing compression strength at 5% strain by 60%. Designed to closely match the thermal expansions of aluminum and steel, Vespel® SCP-50094 and SCP-5050 help reduce engine service costs by increasing the wear life of the polyimide components and enable greater engine efficiencies, with improved life at thermal extremes.

Driving Lower Engine Operating Costs

The compressor section of aircraft engines often contains pivot points associated with the actuation of the unison ring that oscillates the numerous variable stator vanes. The friction at the variable stator vane bushings and washers, unison ring bushings and pads, and bell crank bushings determine the size and force required for the actuator.

A smaller actuator translates to lower cost, weight, space and fuel savings. High-friction metallic components drive the actuation forces up and create metal-on-metal wear, leading to expensive repairs. Vespel® parts enable smaller, lighter-weight actuators to save fuel costs and eliminate metal-on-metal wear, for extended maintenance cycles.

Reducing Thrust Reverser Weight and Cost

Thrust reversers are systems used to help slow an aircraft after landing by redirecting the thrust of the aircraft engine. The reversers often utilize a cascade design, which relies upon a track and an actuator to deploy and stow the reverser.

Vespel® parts used as track liners and slide blocks provide low-friction and low-wear, plus chemical and heat resistance, for smaller, lighter-weight actuators, to save fuel cost.

Global Collaboration for New Designs

DuPont material scientists, application developers and engineers, coupled with extensive testing capabilities, actively collaborate with aerospace customers globally to identify new needs. We work collaboratively with customers in guiding material research and new part development to deliver the capabilities and savings required by the next generation of aircraft and engines and help aerospace engineers select products suitable for their needs.

Ideas & innovations

Finding solutions for aerospace challenges

The driving force behind the high performance of DuPont materials is science. We partner with customers to identify the most sustainable, cost-effective solutions.

Ideas & innovations

Vespel® enhances fan blade performance

Kalrez® for aircraft engine o-rings & seals

Vespel® SCP-5050 Saves Weight and Extends Shroud Life

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