Artificial intelligence (AI) is a new technology which is further developed in the information age. Aeroengine is the "pearl on the crown" of traditional industry. Recently, Colin Paris, global vice president of General Electric, the leading international engine company, declared that AI has been embedded in the whole process of General Electric's aeroengine industry.

       Aeroengine is a complex steel entity, and the core of AI is a series of program codes. A technology called "digital twin" can load the engine into a "computer". General Electric first constructs a digital "twin" for the aeroengine by using "digital twin" technology, and then combines it with artificial intelligence algorithm to form an "intelligent model". On the one hand, the model can assist engineers to optimize Aeroengine Design schemes: the intelligent "designer" can provide 4-5 design schemes first, and then the engineers can choose the best one. On the other hand, the model can also predict engine faults in real time, such as compressor damage or coating corrosion damage, and optimize engine detection frequency.

       In engine manufacturing, it can not only directly improve the production speed through intelligent manufacturing technology, such as machine vision technology to control thermal barrier coating spraying, but also use intelligent algorithm to optimize the design of production line to achieve the highest efficiency. In the use and maintenance of the engine, the intelligent algorithm is used to optimize the use of the aero-engine to achieve maximum efficiency with the least fuel. At the same time, machine vision technology is used to detect failure or fracture parts. In addition, GE has developed an intelligent robot for the detection and repair of blade coatings.

       Paris pointed out that AI has played a subversive role in the traditional aeroengine industry. Intelligent detection technology reduces the detection time of traditional engine blade from 20 hours to 20 minutes, saves manpower greatly and avoids operator error. As of 2017, GE has launched millions of "digital twin" projects, helping the company save tens of millions of dollars in costs.

       Paris said that the new aeroengine is one of the main focus areas of GE in the future. The company plans to invest US$210 billion in the aeroengine and gas turbine industries in the next 20 years. Active application of AI technology is expected to bring greater profits to the company. At the same time, GE will deepen cooperation with Intel, Invida and other companies to develop new intelligent software and hardware.

       Source: Science and Technology Daily