Session: 01-14: Whole Engine Performance and Novel Concepts I

Submission Number: 174662

Configurable Simulation Modelling and Segmented Performance Adaptation for the Variable Cycle Engine 

As a candidate powerplant solution for new-generation aircraft, the variable cycle engine (VCE) has prompted major engine powers to conduct varying levels of simulation design and experimental research. However, the VCE not only involves numerous conventional components but also faces challenges due to adjustments in variable geometries, which alter the engine’s overall architecture and bypass modes. It is thus critically important to develop a performance simulation modelling approach that can rapidly construct adaptable models for different engine configurations and variable bypass modes while achieving high-precision performance self-adaptation for multiple component characteristic maps. To address these challenges, a configurable simulation modelling and segmented performance adaptation method for the VCE is proposed. This method effectively accommodates diverse engine architectures and bypass modes while simultaneously handling multiple characteristic maps. First, universal simulation models for key components (e.g., compressors, combustors, and turbines) are established. These models integrate physical property calculations and mathematical methods with object-oriented features, allowing interface replacement without modifying core functions. Additionally, an external type-selection interface is implemented to enable rapid model migration with minimal code adjustments when the engine configuration changes. Internally, an iterative variable array is designed to automatically switch based on different bypass modes. Finally, a performance adaptation module is developed for compressors and turbines. This module adjusts the type and quantity of characteristic correction factors and introduces a partitioning strategy for characteristic maps from high to low zones. Shape optimization constraints are incorporated to ensure physical plausibility while enhancing simulation accuracy. The advantages of this method include the use of precision-validated universal components to improve model quality, flexible configuration for rapid modelling under structural and mode changes, and partitioned correction for multiple characteristic maps. Preliminary case studies show that compared with commercial software, the steady-state and transient simulation errors of the component-based model are below 1%. The maximum and average errors at typical operating points are 1.8% and 1.0%, reduced by 30.4% and 46.6%, respectively, compared with usual approaches. Thus, the proposed method supports rapid and flexible modelling for diverse engine configurations and bypass modes, enabling high-precision performance simulation through multi-map correction, thereby significantly advancing the VCE design and testing processes.

Presenting Author: Yu-Zhi Chen Northwestern Polytechnical University

Presenting Author Biography: Yu-Zhi Chen, PhD. He graduated from Cranfield University. He devotes himself to the research of gas turbine engine overall performance and health monitoring, focusing on breaking through the continuous high-precision feedback of engine transient failure. As the first author, he has published 8 SCI papers in the top international journals of Applied Energy, Energy Conversion and Management, Energy and Applied Thermal Engineering. His work was selected for the 2019 ASME International Gas Turbine Institute Committees Best Paper Award.

Authors:

Wei-Gang Zhang Northwestern Polytechnical University
Yu-Zhi Chen Northwestern Polytechnical University
Zheng-Bo Guo Engine Department of Chinese Flight Test Establishment
Maryam Almheiri Technology Innovation Institute
Ahmed Jhinaoui Technology Innovation Institute
Areti Malkogianni Technology Innovation Institute
Lin-Feng Gou Northwestern Polytechnical University