Improvement and validation of metal foam core for aero-engine centrifugal ventilator

In view of the deformation problem of metal foam core and pin during the test of the metal foam ultra-high speed centrifugal ventilator assembled in aero-engines, the strength calculation of the metal foam core and pin structure of the centrifugal ventilator was carried out. The results show that insufficient structural strength of the metal foam core is the main cause of the deformation of the metal foam core and pin. To improve the structural strength of the centrifugal ventilator, the yield strength and elastic modulus of the core were enhanced by optimizing the alloy composition of the metal foam core material and strengthening its preparation process. Simulation calculations and test verifications were conducted on the improved metal foam core. The results indicate that the stress of the improved metal foam core and pin is significantly reduced, and the service life of the metal foam ultra-high speed centrifugal ventilator with the improved core can satisfy the operational requirements of aero-engine.