Bypass Ratio Engine Research Articles

Prediction of wing buffet pressure loads using a convolutional and recurrent neural network framework

AbstractIn the present study, a hybrid deep learning reduced-order model (ROM) is applied for the prediction of wing buffet pressure distributions on a civil aircraft configuration. The hybrid model is compound of a convolutional variational neural network autoencoder (CNN-VAR-AE) and a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network. The CNN-VAR-AE is used for the reduction of the high-dimensional flow field data, whereas the LSTM is applied to predict the temporal evolution of the pressure distributions. For training the neural network, experimental buffet data obtained by unsteady pressure sensitive paint measurement (iPSP), is applied. As a test case, the Airbus XRF-1 configuration is selected, considering two different experimental setups. The first setup is defined by a wind tunnel model with a clean wing, whereas the second setup includes an ultra high bypass ratio engine nacelle on each wing. Both configurations have been tested in the European Transonic Windtunnel, considering several transonic buffet conditions. Finalizing the training of the hybrid neural networks, the trained models are applied for the prediction of buffet flow conditions which are not included in the training data set. A comparison of the experimental results and the pressure distributions predicted by the hybrid ROMs indicate a precise prediction performance. Considering both aircraft configurations, the main buffet flow features are captured by the hybrid ROMs.

On the Fundamental Possibility of a Supersonic Civil Aircraft to Comply with ICAO Noise Requirements Using Existing Technologies

Compliance with environmental protection regulations, in particular, community noise requirements, constitutes one of the major obstacles for designing future supersonic civil aircraft. Although there are several noise sources that contribute to the total noise level of supersonic aircraft, it is the turbulent jet that appears most problematic; jet noise is a dominant noise source for low-to moderate- bypass-ratio engines, and at present there are no effective methods of jet noise reduction other than decreasing jet speed by increasing bypass ratio, which, in turn, is constrained by aerodynamic requirements for supersonic flight. The present study considers a concept of supersonic civil aircraft under the assumption that its total noise is determined by turbulent jets; it is shown that compliance of the supersonic aircraft with the current regulations for subsonic aircraft noise (Chapter 14 Volume I Annex 16 ICAO) would require the decreased jet speed that corresponds to a prohibitively high bypass ratio of aircraft engines. To enable jet noise reduction without necessarily increasing bypass ratio, a novel configuration of supersonic aircraft is proposed that meets the requirements of Chapter 14, thereby demonstrating that the norms of Chapter 14 are achievable for future supersonic civil aircraft with the use of existing technologies.

Design and Testing of a Multi-Stage Intermediate Pressure Turbine for Future Geared Turbofans

Abstract The multi-stage intermediate pressure turbine (IPT) is a key enabler of the thermodynamic cycle in geared turbofan engine architectures, where fan and turbine rotational speeds become decoupled by using a power gearbox (PGB) between them. This allows for the separate aerodynamic optimization of both components, an increase in engine bypass ratios, higher propulsive efficiency, and lower specific fuel consumption (SFC). Due to significant aerodynamic differences with conventional low pressure turbines (LPTs), multi-stage IPT designs present new aerodynamic, mechanical, and acoustic trade-offs. This work describes the aerodynamic design and experimental validation of a fully featured three-stage IP turbine, including a final row of outlet guide vanes (OGVs). Experiments have been conducted in a highly engine-representative transonic rotating wind tunnel at the CTA (Centro de Tecnologías Aeronáuticas, Spain), in which Mach and Reynolds numbers were matched to engine conditions. The design intent is shown to be fully validated. Efficiency levels are discussed in the context of a previous state-of-the-art LPT, tested in the same facility. It is argued that the efficiency gains of IPTs are due to higher pitch-to-chord ratios, which lead to a reduction in overall profile losses, and higher velocity ratios and lower turning angles, which reduce airfoil secondary flows and three-dimensional losses.

Suction and Pulsed Blowing Applied to Local Separation Downstream of Slat Cutout

An experimental study on the application of active flow control (AFC) to a .4 scale model of a swept wing in a landing configuration was conducted. The wing is fitted with an ultrahigh bypass ratio (UHBR) engine nacelle. The highly efficient UHBR engines are characterized by a large diameter that interferes with the flow around the wing, especially with slats deflected, degrading its performance. An innovative AFC device, creating steady suction and pulsed blowing (PB), was installed in the leading-edge region of the wing, above the nacelle, and its performance was experimentally evaluated. The effects of the suction and PB mechanisms were examined individually and simultaneously using relevant normalized parameters to pave the way to a full-scale wind-tunnel test. It was shown that the AFC actuators increased lift by up to 3%, redirected the flow to the desired downstream direction, and reduced the size of the separation zone created due to the implementation of the UHBR nacelle. The next step is validating the small-scale results of this study in a full-scale wind-tunnel tests that would be the last step before the technology is flight test ready.

Analysis of working fluids applicable for high-temperature loop heat pipe applications

An objective of this study was to perform an analysis of available working fluids and select those one(s) that will be able to comply with the specific requirements of the ultra-high bypass ratio (UHBR) engine air bleed system and ensure efficient LHP operation. A multi-step approach was applied to analyse more than 700 working fluids and select four potential candidates, taking into account (1) working fluids compliance with EU regulations; (2) working fluids freezing, boiling, and critical points for the operating temperature range; (3) working fluids specific properties that influence the LHP performances. Selected fluids (toluene, acetone, methanol, 1,2-dichlorobenzene) were subjected to accelerated life tests to check their chemical compatibility with AISI 316 stainless steel to be used as the LHP material. Based on the results obtained, the toluene was selected as the working fluid for application in the innovative LHP-based thermal management solution for the UHBR engine air bleed system.

Design Considerations of Low Bypass Ratio Mixed Flow Turbofan Engines with Large Power Extraction

The possibility of extracting large amounts of electrical power from turbofan engines is becoming increasingly desirable from an aircraft perspective. The power consumption of a future fighter aircraft is expected to be much higher than today’s fighter aircraft. Previous work in this area has concentrated on the study of power extraction for high bypass ratio engines. This motivates a thorough investigation of the potential and limitations with regards to performance of a low bypass ratio mixed flow turbofan engine. A low bypass ratio mixed flow turbofan engine was modeled, and key parts of a fighter mission were simulated. The investigation shows how power extraction from the high-pressure turbine affects performance of a military engine in different parts of a mission within the flight envelope. An important conclusion from the analysis is that large amounts of power can be extracted from the turbofan engine at high power settings without causing too much penalty on thrust and specific fuel consumption, if specific operating conditions are fulfilled. If the engine is operating (i) at, or near its maximum overall pressure ratio but (ii) further away from its maximum turbine inlet temperature limit, the detrimental effect of power extraction on engine thrust and thrust specific fuel consumption will be limited. On the other hand, if the engine is already operating at its maximum turbine inlet temperature, power extraction from the high-pressure shaft will result in a considerable thrust reduction. The results presented will support the analysis and interpretation of fighter mission optimization and cycle design for future fighter engines aimed for large power extraction. The results are also important with regards to aircraft design, or more specifically, in deciding on the best energy source for power consumers of the aircraft.

Conceptual design of Blended Wing Body for Future Air Transportation

Blended wing body is a fixed wing aircraft which are smoothly blended together with no clear dividing line and no distinct wings also be given a wide Aerofoil shaped body. The future transportation is of aircrafts will incline towards the aerodynamically efficient and capable of carrying large number of passengers over long range and environmental benefits is the main paradigm in the design of aircraft BWB has a high lift to drag ratio which increases the CL max and velocity of the airplane with high load factor and high economy compared with traditional aircraft. Evacuation pressure or the cabin pressurization is the major issues in most of the designs with the minimum aerodynamic lift coefficient and drag coefficient. On the other side of the trend is towards the increasing cruise speed. High speed flow is connected with overcoming of intensive drag rise accruing due to existence of intensive shock, closing local area of supersonic flow. Increase of flight Mach number is possible only by using flow control methods and through affecting the shock increases of aspect ratio leads to increase of lift coefficient corresponding to maximal lift to drag. High bypass ratio engines have smaller fuel consumption and lower noise level but have negative effect on flow around airframe including take-off and landing phases. The necessity of solving problem of intensive aerodynamic heating of surface element of flight vehicles and by ensuring of their stability and controllability and also by need of implementing of high-volume tanks for hydrogen fuel and super high bypass ratio engines.

Maximisation of installed net resulting force through multi-level optimisation of an ultra-high bypass ratio engine nacelle

Engine/wing interference in podded installations can introduce relevant changes to their isolated behaviour, especially for large turbofans with an ultra-high bypass ratio. With such coupled flow field, the interaction is best described by the integrated force acting on the whole aircraft. Rather than focusing on drag or thrust metrics separately, in this paper we maximise the net resulting force on the NASA CRM wing body with underwing-installed turbofans through a multi-level optimisation procedure of the engine nacelle. The first stage involves two-dimensional axisymmetric geometries for cowl and exhaust ducts shapes optimisation. The solutions are transformed into three-dimensional nacelles with pylon, featuring a non-axisymmetric inlet. The impact of the pylon on the exhaust flow is evaluated through a design of experiment and a successive surrogate-based optimisation. In the last step, nacelle/wing offset, intake angles, and engine orientation are assessed in the installed configuration at fixed lift. The final optimised design is compared with a baseline geometry initially defined, showing a significant improvement of the net vehicle thrust equal to 3% of the reference force. The result highlights a counteracting effect of individual force components, in a way that the installed resulting force can only be improved when considering them globally.

Investigations of three over-the-rotor liner concepts at various technology readiness levels

The emphasis on increased turbofan fuel efficiency requires advanced turbofan designs that will integrate higher engine bypass ratios and shorter nacelles. The resulting acoustic signature of these designs will have a more broadband character as well as a smaller available area for liner installation. This two-fold impact compels a need for an improvement in the state of the art in liner technology. Increasing the acoustic absorption efficacy over a broader frequency range is a means to address this need. NASA investigated over-the-rotor acoustic liners for turbofan applications as a potential solution. This type of liner represents a significant advance over traditional liners due to placement in close proximity to the rotor. An advantage of placing treatment in this region is a modification of the acoustic near field, thereby inhibiting noise generation mechanisms. This can result in higher attenuation levels than could be achieved by the conventional sound absorption means. In addition, there is potential to integrate the liner with fan rub-strip and containment components, reducing engine components and thus weight, enabling a systematic enhancement in noise reduction and engine performance. This article reviews the development and evaluation process of three unique over-the-rotor concepts focusing on the discrete tests conducted across the Technology Readiness Level span.

Multi-degree-of-freedom liner development: Concept to flight test

The emphasis on increased turbofan fuel efficiency requires advanced turbofan designs that will integrate higher engine bypass ratios and shorter nacelles. The resulting acoustic signature of these designs will have a more broadband character as well as a smaller available area for liner installation. This two-fold impact compels a need for an improvement in the state of the art in liner technology. Increasing the acoustic absorption efficacy over a broader frequency range is a means to address this need. An acoustic liner development and optimization process was conceived and employed to achieve and demonstrate an improved broadband liner design concept. A series of increasing technology readiness level liner studies were conducted to enhance the optimization methodology while validating the concept. This progression spanned several NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate programs/projects due to its relevance. This article reviews the development and evaluation process of the multi-degree-of-freedom liner technology concept from formation through simple experimental models to a flight test over an approximate 10-year period, focusing on the discrete tests comprising the development.

Understanding Influence of Powerplant Component Connection Strategies on Aircraft Engine Structural Deformations

In conventional aircraft design, engine loads are transferred directly from the engine core and fan case to the pylon via engine mounts. Literature is available on the modeling of individual powerplant components, but limited work is available on the whole assembled system (engine, pylon, and nacelle). The influence of the structural connections between the components on overall system performance has not been investigated. Herein, a finite element model is described and can be used to assess connection strategies between powerplant components and if such arrangements can effectively enhance engine performance by reducing detrimental engine structural deformations (engine carcass bending, rotation, and ovalization). The method is demonstrated for a generic high bypass ratio engine design, focusing on connections between the engine and thrust reverser unit. The method identifies a modified attachment scheme between the engine rear turbine casing and the inner barrel of the thrust reverser unit, which reduces engine deformations across multiple loading scenarios. Maximum reductions of 97 and 96% have been observed in carcass bending and ovalization, respectively.

Development of Experimental and Numerical Methods for the Analysis of Active Clearance Control Systems1

Abstract The ever increasing performance requirements of modern aeroengines necessitate the development of effective ways to improve efficiency and reduce losses. Casing temperature control is particularly critical from this point of view, since thermal expansion directly affects the blade tip clearance and thus the associated leakages. To limit the turbine tip flows, active clearance control (ACC) systems have been implemented over the last decades. These systems are usually based upon impingement cooling, generated by a series of perforated manifolds enclosing the turbine casing. When dealing with aeroengine low pressure turbines, the current trend in increasing the engine bypass ratio, so as to enhance the system propulsive efficiency, pushes the limits of ACC traditional design performance. The reduction of the pressure head at the ACC system inlet requires lower nozzle-to-target distances as well as denser impingement arrays to compensate the reduction of the jets' Reynolds number. Literature correlations for the impingement heat transfer coefficient estimation are then out of their confidence range and also RANS numerical approaches appear not suitable for future ACC designs. In this work, methodologies for the development of accurate and reliable tools to determine the heat transfer characteristics of low pressure ACC systems are presented. More precisely, this paper describes a custom designed finite difference procedure capable of solving the inverse conduction problem on the target plate of a test sample. The methodology was successfully applied to an experimental setup for the measurement of the thermal loads on a target plate of a representative low pressure ACC impinging system. The experimental outcomes are then used to validate a suitable numerical approach. Results show that RANS model is not able to mimic the experimental trends, while scale-resolving turbulence models provide a good reconstruction of the experimental evidences, thus allowing to obtain a correct interpretation of flow and thermal phenomena for ACC systems.

Analytical model of the source and radiation of sound from the trailing edge of a swept airfoil

Highly-swept blades are used in automotive cooling systems, in the fans of modern ultra-high by-pass ratio engines and in counter-rotating open rotors, in part in order to reduce noise emission. The present work investigates the effect of sweep on the free-field noise emission from the trailing edge of an isolated airfoil analytically, as a first step towards a more complete approach dedicated to rotating blades. Firstly, Amiet–Schwarzschild’stechnique is extended to the case of a swept airfoil in order to assess the effect of sweep on the sound directivity both by a single three-dimensional gust and by the combined effect of all gusts at a given frequency. It is found that sweep produces a non-symmetric directivity pattern, similar to the effect of a skewed gust. Sweep also affects the wavenumber distribution of the wall-pressure fluctuations beneath a turbulent boundary layer. This effect is studied by means of a generalised Corcos’ model, which allows distributing energy in the chordwise and spanwise wavenumber ranges independently. The role of the spanwise-wavenumber distribution of wall-pressure power spectral density in amplifying the radiated noise is investigated and shown to have a limited impact.

A review of installation effects of ultra-high bypass ratio engines

The adoption of ultra-high bypass ratio (UHBPR) engines has been long recognised to bring about reduction of specific fuel consumption and noise emission. In the need to fulfil ambitious environmental targets and mitigate the aviation sector impact, they represent a smoother technology change, compared to futuristic aircraft designs featuring electric, distributed and boundary layer ingesting propulsion. However, the challenges related to UHBPR adoption can prevent a real system performance improvement, due to interdependent counteracting factors and enhanced interference between engine and airframe. This paper reviews the installation effects on underwing-mounted UHBPR turbofan engines, first presenting the cycle design studies and how they are affected by considering integration. The advancements in nacelle components modelling and optimisation are then reviewed, where new numerical models, statistical methods and optimisation algorithms are employed to tackle the inherently multi-objective problems. The computational estimation of installation effects and the studies on optimal engine position are also presented, highlighting the overall effect on the aerodynamic characteristics. Finally, the wind tunnel tests using powered engine simulators are discussed. The tools developed to quantify the thrust and drag figures of installed propulsors and obtain indications on their best underwing location now allow quite accurate estimations, both in numerical and experimental simulations. The higher level of interaction and the increased mutual sensitivity of engine operation and wing flow field, however, suggest the need to elaborate closely coupled methods to correctly replicate these effects and an assessment of current wind tunnel practices for the design and operation of powered engine simulators.

Loss Mechanism of Low-Pressure Turbine Secondary Flows Due to Different Incoming Boundary Layers

Abstract In high bypass ratio engines, the flow exits the interturbine duct (ITD) and enters the low-pressure (LP) turbine. This paper aims to understand the effects of the boundary layer at the exit of ITD on the endwall secondary flows and loss of the first blade row in a low-pressure turbine. From the Navier–Stokes equations, the loss is decomposed into the parts generated by the mean vortex as well as turbulence theoretically. The result of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) shows that the incoming boundary layer from the ITD increases the total pressure loss coefficient by 14% compared to the case with uniform inlet condition. Although the distribution of the secondary vortices is strongly affected by the inlet boundary layer, the loss generated by the mean vortex within the blade passage is hardly affected. The analysis based on the turbulent dissipation shows that the dominant factor leading to the loss increase is the turbulent dissipation downstream of the blade trailing edge (TE) near the hub. The mixing process of the wake and the strong counter-rotating vortex pair (CVP) increases the turbulent dissipation significantly. It is also found that a simplified incoming boundary layer defined by the Prandtl's one-seventh power law can not reproduce the complex effects of the incoming boundary layer from the ITD.

Aeroelastic behaviour of a wing with over-the-wing mounted UHBR engine

The aeroelastic behaviour of a wing with an over-the-wing pylon-mounted ultra-high bypass ratio engine and high-lift devices is studied with a reduced-order model. Wing, pylon and engine structures are reduced separately using the modal approach and described by their natural frequencies and modes. The characteristic aerodynamic loads are investigated with steady and unsteady flow simulations of a two-dimensional profile section. These results indicate possible heave instabilities at strongly negative angles of attack. Three-dimensional effects are taken into account using an adapted lifting line theory according to Prandtl. Due to high circulations resulting from the high-lift systems, the effective angles of attack are in the range of the potential instabilities. The substructures and aerodynamic loads are coupled in modal space. For the wing without three-dimensional effects, the bending instability occurs at the corresponding negative angles of attack. Even though there is potential for improvement, including the three-dimensional effects shifts the endagered area to possible operation points.

Reynolds number and wind tunnel wall effects on the flow field around a generic UHBR engine high-lift configuration

RANS simulations of a generic ultra-high bypass ratio engine high-lift configuration were conducted in three different environments. The purpose of this study is to assess small scale tests in an atmospheric closed test section wind tunnel regarding transferability to large scale tests in an open-jet wind tunnel. Special emphasis was placed on the flow field in the separation prone region downstream from the extended slat cut-out. Validation with wind tunnel test data shows an adequate agreement with CFD results. The cross-comparison of the three sets of simulations allowed to identify the effects of the Reynolds number and the wind tunnel walls on the flow field separately. The simulations reveal significant blockage effects and corner flow separation induced by the test section walls. By comparison, the Reynolds number effects are negligible. A decrease of the incidence angle for the small scale model allows to successfully reproduce the flow field of the large scale model despite severe wind tunnel wall effects.

Conceptual design and analysis of an affordable truss-braced wing regional jet aircraft

A regional, turbofan-powered, 72-passenger, transport aircraft with very high aspect ratio truss-braced wings is developed with an affordable methodology from an existing 52 passenger, conventional twin-turboprop aircraft. At first, the ration behind the selection of the truss-braced wing configuration is discussed. Next, the methodologies for the sizing, weight, aerodynamics, performance, and cost analysis are presented and validated against existing regional aircraft. The variant configurations and their design features are then discussed. Finally, sensitivity analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of the wing aspect ratio and engine bypass ratio on the aircraft weight, aerodynamics, and cost. It has been found that the penalties associated with the wing weight will prevent the acceptable realization of the high aspect ratio wing benefits, but when it is combined with the very high bypass ratio engines, a 17% reduction in the mission fuel weight is achieved. In contrast, the cost analysis has revealed that the application of higher aspect ratio wings in the truss-braced wing configuration may increase the development and maintenance costs. Consequently, with aspect ratios higher than 24, eventually, these costs may outperform the associated fuel cost reductions.

Analysis of dynamic stall flow field of high bypass fan rotor based on airworthiness certification

In order to ensure flight safety, the stall test is one of the most important steps in the airworthiness certification phase of civil aircraft. The twisted-swept fan is one of the most important components of the high bypass ratio engine. The unsteady flow field of the fan rotor stall condition is obtained by numerical simulation. At the same time, the time series flow field data of the stall condition flow field is acquired. The modal analysis of the unsteady flow field at stall condition was performed using the dynamic mode decomposition and proper orthogonal decomposition methods. Through modal identification of a large number of unsteady flow field data, the eigenvalues and corresponding modal information about the unsteady flow field change process are obtained. Finally, the evolution process of the unsteady flow field of the fan rotor under stall condition is visually demonstrated, and the coherent structures of different scales in the complex flow field under stall condition are revealed.

Turbo-electric propulsive fuselage aircraft BLI benefits: A design space exploration using an analytical method

ABSTRACTTurbo-electric propulsive fuselage aircraft featuring Boundary-Layer Ingestion (BLI) are considered promising candidates to achieve the emissions reduction targets set for aviation. This paper presents an analytical method capable of estimating the BLI benefit at aircraft level, enabling a quick exploration of the propulsive fuselage design space. The design space exploration showed that the assumptions regarding the underwing turbofans and BLI fan mass estimation can have an important impact on the final fuel burn estimation. The same applies to the total efficiency assumed for the electric transmission, the range of the aircraft mission, and the propulsive efficiency of the engines used as benchmark. The regional jet and short- to medium-range aircraft classes seem to be the most promising as the ingested drag and power saving are among the largest, with long-range aircraft being just behind. The future introduction of advanced technologies, which target the reduction of vortex and wave dissipation at aircraft level, could increase the potential benefit of propulsive fuselage BLI. On the other hand, the potential benefit would be decreased if more efficient and lighter ultra high bypass ratio engines were used as benchmark.