Adaptation of the Stuttgart University Altitude Test Facility for BR700 Core Demonstrator Engine Tests

Abstract

Within the initiative of the German Aerospace Research Programme - Engine 3E Project - the altitude test facility at the University of Stuttgart has been successfully adapted and commissioned as a new facility for BR700 core demonstrator engine tests. A core demonstrator consists of high pressure components of the engine. The low pressure system, which is not part of the core engine, must be simulated by the test facility itself. This paper describes the technical concept of the computer control system and the procedure in which the core demonstrator, altitude test facility and sub-systems were integrated and tested. The concept consists of: 1. A Master Control System to run the measurement process and to control and monitor the overall test activity. 2. A modified FADEC of a BR700-710 engine with modified control laws to control the core demonstrator. 3. A Facility Controller to control the air conditioning process of the facility-air station and to provide the required core inlet pressure and temperature profiles for the running of the core demonstrator. 4. Various sub-systems for supplying the core engine with lubricating oil, fuel, etc. The test programme was focussed on evaluating the interaction between the various control systems. It was found that the test facility fulfills the requirements of providing the transient pressure and temperature profiles for rapid accelerations and decelerations during core engine test.