Lessons Learned from the GE90 3-D Full Engine Simulations

Abstract

The full engine simulation of the GE90 Turbofan used the Average Passage Code for turbomachinery and the National Combustor Code for the combustor. It utilized the largest parallel machine available to NASA at the time. Since that time, there have been many advances in computer hardware and parallel solvers. There have also been other approaches developed for component coupling. This paper discusses the milestones that were achieved, the benefits of full engine analysis for code development and design, and what still needs to be done in the future.