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Formulating preliminary biomimetic concepts for helicopter engines
Identifying bio-inspired innovation opportunities for Safran's turbomachinery
Context
Safran Helicopter Engines is the world leader in helicopter turbines. The company dedicates nearly 15% of its revenue to R&D and strives to remain at the forefront of innovation in the face of increasing safety and environmental standards.
Bionnov intervened with Safran's R&D teams to explore the potential of biomimicry in the design of their propulsion systems — gas turbines, thermal systems, materials — and to identify concrete opportunities for bio-inspired R&D.
Goals
Acculturating R&D teams to biomimicry and its potential for aeronautics
Identify and prioritize technological issues eligible for a biomimetic approach
Formulating bio-inspired preliminary concepts on the most promising topics
Propose an action plan to launch targeted biomimetic R&D studies
Key topics explored
Acoustics and noise reduction of turbomachinery
Lightweight systems and structural optimization
Strength and reliability of materials in extreme conditions
Thermoregulation and energy optimization
Multifunctionality of components
Customer
Safran Helicopter Engines — world leader in helicopter turbines (Bordes, France)
Achievements
- Introductory conference on biomimicry for a large audience of Safran employees
- Presentation of concrete technological opportunities and levers for action identified by Bionnov
- Targeted diagnostic workshop with Safran experts and technical managers
- Review of the technological challenges of the various departments present
- Ideation: projection onto concrete and promising application cases by technical domain
- Identification of around thirty potential use cases
Deliverables
Biomimicry Acculturation Conference (half-day)
Summary report of identified use cases (~30 opportunities)
Proposal for a study to initiate bio-inspired R&D projects on the most relevant topics
