Browse Topic: Aircraft propulsion systems

Items (4,519)
In this work, three-dimensional models of axial hole labyrinth-honeycomb seals (AHLHS) and circumferential hole labyrinth-honeycomb seals (CHLHS) were established by CFD to investigate the influence of different arrangement patterns on the static stability and leakage characteristics of two seals under choked and unchoked flow conditions and various eccentricities with different values. The results show that the two configurations have different advantageous ranges, and the hole arrangement pattern will not significantly change the pressure difference distribution between the two seals. Under most studied conditions, AHLHS maintains lower absolute values of stiffness coefficients, pressure difference groove, and negative cross-coupled stiffness coefficients, resulting in higher stability.
Li, Qing’anGao, TongxinLi, ZezePang, ShuaiLü, YanjunZhang, Yongfang
Fleet heterogeneity, from manufacturing variations and diverse operating conditions, complicates reliability analysis by obscuring true failure patterns in aero-engines. This is a critical challenge in an industry as inaccurate Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) estimates threaten safety and inflate operational costs, by forcing a choice between inefficiently conservative maintenance or the risk of in-service failures. Conventional analysis often fails by pooling all fleet data. To address this, our paper presents an analytical framework that improves predictive accuracy by filtering, rather than aggregating statistical noise. The methodology uses a Randomized Block Design (RBD) and ANOVA hypothesis test to screen a diverse dataset and isolate statistically homogeneous subgroups. This filtration identifies a core fleet with a consistent failure signature, providing a purified dataset for modeling. This refined data is then modeled using both Weibull and the Exponentiated Inverse Weibull distributions to ensure the results are robust and not model-dependent. Applying this framework to a 25-engine dataset that experienced 66 failures, we isolated a stable failure pattern, yielding a primary MTBF of 171.16 hours and a cross-validated MTBF of 176.35 hours. The close 3% convergence between these models validates our approach. By providing a dependable MTBF, this work establishes a stronger foundation for data-driven Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM). It empowers maintenance planners to move toward evidence-based intervals, safely extending engine time-on-wing, optimizing spare parts inventory, and significantly reducing direct operational costs for airlines.
Jubaid, Mayin UddinBebe, GibsonBigyen, Musa PethuelAnik, S M Kullul MehedeeYasmin, AshrafiSahran, Mohamed Sideek Mohamed
This method is intended to evaluate the thermal and oxidative stability of synthetic, ester-based aviation lubricants under defined conditions of time and temperature. This method is applicable to lubricants meeting the compositional and performance requirements of AS5780.
E-34 Propulsion Lubricants Committee
In modern warfare, military control of the airspace determines aircraft survivability against the most widespread missile threats. The aero-engine exhaust system is an important source of infrared (IR) signatures from the rear aspect, particularly in the 2–3 μm and 3–5 μm IR bands. Two-dimensional (2D; non-axisymmetric) nozzle exits with high aspect ratio (AR > 5) are widely used in stealth aircraft engines due to their low IR signature, ease in thrust vectoring, and high maneuverability and agility. This analytical study compares the specific thrust (for choked and unchoked flow regimes) and the visible planar areas of a 2D nozzle exit with different ARs with those of a circular nozzle, as seen from the direct rear view. The nozzle’s isentropic efficiency (ηis,noz) is obtained in terms of the total pressure ratio, and the effect of AR on ηis,noz is examined for 1 ≤ AR ≤ 15. It is found that ηis,noz decreases with increasing AR, but this decrease is more rapid in unchoked flow than in choked flow. For the same value of nozzle exit cross-sectional area, the corresponding visible planar areas of aero-engine hot parts are compared for a 2D nozzle exit with different AR with that of the baseline case (circular nozzle), from bore-sight. This study shows that the optical blocking of aero-engine hot parts by a round-to-rectangular nozzle of AR ≤ 4 is almost the same as that of a circular nozzle, from bore-sight.
Baranwal, Nidhi
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) recommends a methodology to be used for the design, analysis and test evaluation of modern helicopter gas turbine propulsion system stability and transient response characteristics. This methodology utilizes the computational power of modern digital computers to more thoroughly analyze, simulate and bench-test the helicopter engine/rotor system speed control loop over the flight envelope. This up-front work results in significantly less effort expended during flight test and delivers a more effective system into service. The methodology presented herein is recommended for modern digital electronic propulsion control systems and also for traditional analog and hydromechanical systems.
S-12 Powered Lift Propulsion Committee
This paper will revisit an area of Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) operations and powered-lift aircraft design that has been limited in scope, and at best, very specialized when it comes to research, aircraft built, and experimentation: The Upper Surface Blowing (or USB) aircraft configuration. Five aircraft have been flown successfully using the Upper Surface Blowing powered-lift concept: The Boeing YC-14, the Ball-Bartoe Jetwing, the Antonov An-72, the NASA QSRA experimental aircraft, and the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) Aska or Quiet STOL Research aircraft. Only the Antonov An-72 (and its commercial follow-on, the An-74) reached any significant degree of production. This fact illustrates the uniqueness of the USB technology as applied to powered-lift. A background of the technology will be given, what connects them as far as the USB configuration, discuss the main lessons learned, and briefly dwell on other configurations that are close relatives of aircraft using the USB as a source of powered-lift. An extensive review of the existing literature has been fundamental for the development of this paper since many years have passed since the last USB configured aircraft design has flown (the last new USB design to take to the air did so in 1985). Although all the unclassified USB projects that have been constructed and flown will be mentioned in this paper (production and experimental), the main thrust of the paper will be the Boeing YC-14 prototypes and the Ball-Bartoe Jetwing. With respect to NASA’s QSRA demonstrator, the Antonov An-72 series, and the NAL Aska demonstrator, references will be listed for those readers wishing to review the technology and advances made by those aircraft. Their detailed review is beyond the scope of this paper; but the contributions of these aircraft to the state-of-the-art of USB powered-lift configuration is well established.
Pinero, Erasmo
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) identifies and defines a method of measuring those factors affecting installed power available for helicopter powerplants. These factors are installation losses, accessory power extraction, and operational effects. Accurate determination of these factors is vital in the calculation of helicopter performance as described in the RFM. It is intended that the methods presented herein prescribe and define each factor as well as an approach to measuring said factor. Only basic installations of turboshaft engines in helicopters are considered. Although the methods described may apply in principle to other configurations that lead to more complex installation losses, such as an inlet particle separator, inlet barrier filter (with or without a bypass system), or infrared suppressor, specialized or individual techniques may be required in these cases for the determination and definition of engine installation losses. Some rotorcraft may use an alternate source of propulsion system power to supplement engine output shaft power delivered. If RFM performance includes the contribution of a Supplemental Power Unit (SPU), then the installed power available of the SPU should also be defined and measured, for which the power loss factors and methods described in this document may be applicable.
S-12 Powered Lift Propulsion Committee
This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) outlines a recommended procedure for evaluation of the vibration environment to which the gas turbine engine powerplant is subjected in the helicopter installation. This analysis of engine vibration is normally demonstrated on a one-time basis upon initial certification, or after a major modification, of an engine/helicopter configuration. This AIR deals with linear vibration as measured on the basic case structure of the engine and not, for example, torsional vibration in drive shafting or vibration of a component within the engine such as a compressor or turbine airfoil. In summary, this AIR discusses the engine manufacturer’s "Installation Test Code" aspects of engine vibration and proposes an appropriate measurement method.
S-12 Powered Lift Propulsion Committee
E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
SCOPE IS UNAVAILABLE.
E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
SCOPE IS UNAVAILABLE
E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
SCOPE IS UNAVAILABLE.
E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
This AIR provides a general guideline on how to perform effective measurement systems analysis study (MSA) for rotor balancing tasks. The document also includes applicable data analysis methods and result interpretation.
EG-1A Balancing Committee
This digital standard is a requirements extract of AS13100A Quality Management System Requirements for Aero Engine Design and Production Organizations. This file contains a general requirements extraction as well as files that are optimized for use with Doors Classic, Siemens Polarian, and PTC.
SCOPE IS UNAVAILABLE.
E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
It is a general practice to test aero engines to evaluate their performance in specially designed indoor test facilities after assembly, repaired or overhaul. Acoustic features are provided in the test facility to attenuate the noise level to a comfortable and acceptable level. Design of these features specially air intake and exhaust silencers are a challenging task in a flow field like aero-engine test facility considering the very high sound pressure level generated by them during test containing a very wide frequency band. Moreover, growing population and location of these facilities in the vicinity of residential areas has added this challenge in multifold. Also, the capital investment in building these facilities is huge due to their large size and longer construction time. Hence, the correct execution at first shot including design, fabrication and commissioning is very important. An attempt has been made to reduce design errors or improve the accuracy in the design stage by using commercially available acoustics analysis tools followed by laboratory measurement of sample features, which will reduce the lead time and cost of the project in design and implementation of the acoustic features for aero engine test facilities used for military application. This paper outlines the design of acoustics features such as air intake silencers, air cooled exhaust silencer, acoustic panels, sound proof doors and bullet resistant view window, which has produced significant improvement of noise level in and around the test facility.
Gouda, Bansidhar
Static electricity is an electrical imbalance on the surface of a material which can interact with other components having same or different materials. Fluid flow within the hose assembly generates static voltage due to friction caused by fluid flow in pipes, that needs to be appropriately quantified and dissipated. Accumulation of such static charge may lead to sudden discharge leading to spark generation. Spark generation around fuel flow might lead to system failure and failure in aircraft engines. Test experiments were conducted to analyze static voltage generated in hose assembly due to fuel flow with the objective that voltage achieved is within the acceptable range to avoid ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) failure. Procedure includes flow rate monitoring and voltage measurement using fuel as test fluid. The testing revealed that the curvature of the hose affects the readings, highlighting the importance of consistent meter alignment. Using a grounding strap is essential to prevent electrical damage and ensure accurate reading. Other functional factors such as proper set up and cleaning methods are crucial were also studied. It's important to check electrical continuity using an ohmmeter before testing. Initial results showed static voltage values beyond acceptable limits which may have resulted in ESD failure. The readings were optimized through electrical grounding and changes in the cleaning process. The revised static voltage readings increased with the flow rate non-linearly emphasizing that voltage testing is critical for aircraft safety.
Waghmare, Shashank
Circular-economy principles are increasingly central to aerospace sustainability strategies, aiming to extend asset life, improve asset valuations, and enhance benefits to stakeholders in the part ownership and maintenance lifecycle. In aircraft engines, achieving circularity hinges on safe reuse, repair, and recirculation of high-value components. Life-Limited Parts (LLPs) are among the most critical in this context, but their reuse is strictly contingent on complete Back-to-Birth (BtB) traceability. Any gap in BtB records—often due to fragmented data across multiple airline operators, shop visits, document formats, and time expanse—renders otherwise serviceable LLPs unusable, leading to premature scrappage and lost circular value. This paper presents a Generative AI (GenAI)-driven methodology to reconstruct and validate complete LLP BtB histories from heterogeneous, unstructured, and legacy maintenance datasets. By combining aerospace domain-trained language models with embedded life accounting logic and regulatory compliance reasoning, the approach produces audit-ready documentation that assists the asset owners in meeting regulatory standards from aviation authorities such as EASA and FAA. Enhancing traceability to LLPs enables their safe re-entry into operational service, supports the module swaps market, and optimizes part pooling strategies. The result is a digital enabler for circularity in the engine lifecycle—preserving material value and maintaining uncompromised safety and compliance in aviation.
Bhate, UjwalJain, Dilip KumarKulkarni, NinadKalaiyarasan, AravindhJha, AshishShenoy, Karthik
Gaganyaan is an ambitious and recover safety mission for the Indian space program to launch humans into space. The success of the mission depends on the development of required technology and systems. A test vehicle is developed for the technological demonstration for all envisioned abort flight scenarios of Gaganyaan mission. A new configuration of launch vehicle with single liquid stage is planned for multiple flights. Coupled Loads analysis of launch vehicle system is a standard practice to estimate response and loads for the design of structures and generating sine vibration test levels. Usually a vehicle rests on the launch pad through base shroud with horizontal support and no vertical restraint. Upon ignition of the engine, thrust builds up and upon overcoming gravity the vehicle takes off. In the current analysis the launch vehicle is held in position using a holding / retracting mechanism and at a predefined time the vehicle is released. The boundary condition required a novel method to perform response analysis. The responses estimated from pre-flight analysis is correlated with flight response and a good correlation is observed. Additionally response analysis is performed at engine shut-off. Being the first flight, no flight data was available of engine thrust. In the current work, using an analytical thrust, responses are estimated. The analysis also helped in generating levels for vibration test of various sub-assemblies and payload.
Kurudimath, Kottresh MaharudraiahJalan, SalilRose, Jancy
The purpose of this SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) is to provide management, designers, and operators with information to assist them to decide what type of power train monitoring they desire. This document is to provide assistance in optimizing system complexity, performance, and cost effectiveness. This document covers all power train elements from the point at which energy in a turbine or electric engine is converted via a gear train to mechanical energy for propulsion purposes. The document covers aircraft engine driven transmission and gearbox components, their interfaces, drivetrain shafting, drive shaft hanger bearings, and associated rotating accessories, propellers, and rotor systems as shown in Figure 1. For guidance on monitoring additional engine components not addressed herein (e.g., main shaft bearings and compressor/turbine rotors), refer to ARP1839. This document addresses rotary and fixed wing applications for rotor, turboprop, turbofan, prop fan, and lift fan drive trains on both commercial and military aircraft. Information is provided to assist in: Defining technology maturity and application risk Cost benefit analysis (value analysis) Selection of system components Selection of technology Managing interface requirements Defining information flow requirements
E-32 Aerospace Propulsion Systems Health Management
This standard establishes the common requirements for training of DPRV personnel for use at all levels of the aerospace engine supply chain. This standard shall apply when an organization elects to delegate product release verification by contractual flow down to its suppliers (reference 9100 and 9110 standards) and to perform product acceptance on its behalf. It is intended that organizations specify their DPRV requirements through the application of AS9117. While the delegating organization will use the AS13001 standard as the baseline for establishing DPRV process and product training, it may include additional contractual training requirements to meet its specific needs. The DPRV training material was primarily developed for aerospace engine supply chain requirements. However, this standard may also be used in other aerospace industry sectors where a DPRV process requiring specific training can be of benefit.
G-22 Aerospace Engine Supplier Quality (AESQ) Committee
E-32 Aerospace Propulsion Systems Health Management
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