First time exhibitor SS White Technologies (H4/A4), a US-based specialist for flexible, rotary shafts, has developed computer modelling software which promises to optimise component performance by up to 30%.

The programme, called Perflexion, captures characteristics such as torsion strength, bending flexibility and point of helix in the bundled wires of the shaft and allows engineers to statistically balance these properties to achieve the best combination of component diameter and maximum product life.

Flexible shafts are used to operate, for example, thrust reversers as well as flaps and slats. White's products are installed in a wide range of large turbofan engines, including the Rolls-Royce Trent, General Electric GEnx, CFM International CFM56, Engine Alliance GP7000 and International Aero Engines V2500 powerplants.

Source: Flight Daily News