For several decades, the Turbomachinery and Propulsion Department has been broadly specialized in activities related to aero-propulsion and energy conversion by means of rotating machinery. At the present time, the department teams up with the major European engine manufacturers, either in European Commission co-funded projects, or in bilateral focused programs.

The department has been recognized as one of the main research partners of the Safran Group, the French aeroengine manufacturer. Advanced aero-thermal research is carried out on the colder fan and compressor side, as well as on the hotter turbine extremity.

Through these challenging contacts with industry on one side and the continuous involvement in international programs within the turbomachinery research community on the other side, the VKI Turbomachinery and Propulsion Department has developed over the years a widely recognized expertise in most of the important domains of aero-thermal turbomachinery.

On the energy side, the department recently completed the aero-mechanical design of the primary cooling pump of the Myrrha reactor for SCK•CEN in Mol (Belgium), and contributed to product development in several sectors of the energy conversion industry (steam turbines, turbochargers, etc.).