Scientists working under an European Commission (EU) funded project, SNRPBBEARING, have developed new bearing technologies, which will help make fuel efficient propeller blades for aircraft.

The technology is expected to help develop and test swiftly rotating turbofan propellers used in the civil aviation industry.

Scientists developed a new propeller blade design under the EU Clean Sky programme that will help to amplify the air flow and thrust of the aircraft propeller and cut fuel consumption and emissions.

In order to produce aircraft propeller with the new design, advanced blade bearing technologies are required for achieving blade angle control and load management.

The SNRPBBEARING project, which started in 2013, examined various bearing designs and finalised the suitable one with the ability to endure huge loads and high temperatures.

The team of scientists also studied innovative sealants, which will help to keep the lubricants and throw pollutants out.

"The technology is expected to help develop and test swiftly rotating turbofan propellers used in the civil aviation industry."

After successfully completing the preliminary design review, the researchers started work on improving the design.

The SNRPBBEARING project is part of the European Union’s plan to maintain technological dominance in the European aerospace sector that employs 500,000 people in the region.

The European aerospace industry is engaged in the production of civil aircraft, including helicopters, aircraft engines, parts and components and generates nearly €140bn in revenue.

By the end of 2015, the SNRPBBEARING project provided 26 bearings for aircraft propellers, which are ready to be tested in complete practical settings.

The SNRPBBEARING project is also planning to help put together novel engine and aircraft systems and deal with the issue of noise originating from unshielded propellers to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The blades are part of Clean Sky’s Sustainable and Green Engine (SAGE) Integrated Technology Demonstrator that intend to develop advanced engine technologies for the civil aviation industry.

The Clean Sky project designated €1.6bn for projects launched between 2008 and 2013.