Felix Kleinwechter

My name is Felix Kleinwechter. Since my M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, I have been working on the research of novel shape-adaptive fan blades made of fiber composites. In particular, I research the structural-mechanical aspects and developed the fiber composite architecture including highly integrated thin-film actuators. Together we develop an interdisciplinary design methodology (combination of structural mechanics and aerodynamics) and build demonstrators.

My research question is to what extent it is possible to actively deform fan blades during operation in order to ideally adapt their shape to changing operating conditions and whether a customized fiber composite architecture can increase deformation and reduce weight compared to conventional metallic blade bodies.

I find it inspiring to be part of a large interdisciplinary group researching a wide range of technologies for sustainable and energy-efficient aviation and thus helping to shape the aviation of tomorrow. What fascinates me about my project is the complete rethinking of the engine blade system, in which aerodynamics and structural mechanics work closely together to produce blades that are as shape-adaptive as possible without compromising integrity. I am also fascinated by the wide range of possible applications of this technology in various innovative engine architectures.

The research and development of shape-adaptation technology for engine blades is an enabler for a wide range of future innovative applications. Shape-adaptation can provide a maximally efficient blade geometry under different flight phases and conditions, thus increasing efficiency. The technology can also be extended to other aspects such as increasing efficiency through active vibration reduction or reducing noise sources in the engines through active noise control approaches.

The interdisciplinary collaboration with cluster members from a wide range of research fields helps enormously to take our research to the next level. The interdisciplinary feedback creates a holistic “out of the box" approach, which brings a wide variety of aspects and perspectives into the projects. This constantly generates new inspiration for our own research and generally more mature and better technology concepts.