Survivable Engine Control Algorithm Development (SECAD)

Abstract

This presentation describes the work conducted as part of the Survivable Engine Control Algorithm Development (SECAD) project. The SECAD project was sponsored by the Joint Technical Coordinating Group on Aircraft Survivability (JTCG/AS) Vulnerability Reduction Subgroup and conducted by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division and General Electric Aircraft Engines, Lynn MA. The overall objective of the SECAD project is to develop turbine engine control algorithms that have the potential to reduce aircraft engine vulnerability to combat damage, including foreign object damage (FOD). The initial development effort was laid out in three-phases. Phase 1 conducted in early FY99, defined candidate engine damage modes to be addressed, and approaches to mitigate the damage effects. In phase 2 damage models, detection algorithms, and mitigation strategies were developed and evaluated using F414 computer engine models. Phase 3 integrated the damage detection algorithms with the F414 control system and an engine test was conducted to demonstrate the capabilities of the concepts developed. During these tests, SECAD successfully detected fan and compressor damage, combustor airflow loss and variable exhaust nozzle loss of control. This presentation documents the successful development and test of the damage detection and mitigation algorithms, and discusses the potential for merging these techniques with current prognostics and health monitoring technologies.