Session: 05-07 Advanced Diagnostics & Data Analytics I

Paper Number: 127733

127733 - Enhancing Diagnostic Capability by Utilization of Twin-Engine Aircraft Configuration Aspects 

Gas turbine diagnostics can be performed in various ways, both regarding diagnostic methods and what data goes into the diagnostic algorithm. If steady state data is considered, the most simple dataset for diagnostics is for a single engine. The other end of the scale considers a fleet of engines, where data can be utilized for cross comparisons and identification of deviations in engine operation. In-between these two extremes, multi engine aircrafts can be utilized to obtain even more diagnostic information. As an example, if deviations between engines installed in the same aircraft is observed, it is likely due to other effects than gradual degradation, which should have been observed in both engines. Such conclusions may be difficult do draw from a fleet of engines since they do not necessary operate in the same environment, therefore potentially experiencing various levels of degradation for the same number of operating cycles. Another advantage that can be utilized for multi engine aircrafts is the potential to control the engines individually to obtain additional diagnostic information. An example of this may be to vary the bleed-flow offtake between the engines to obtain information on how the individual engines respond.

In this paper, aspects of gas turbine diagnostics related to a twin-engine airplane are examined to determine their additional contributions to the overall diagnostic information for a low bypass turbofan. The additional information is then utilized in a model-based gas turbine diagnostic scheme to evaluate its impact on the overall diagnostic capability. Varying the bleed flow, as previously mentioned, for a fully degraded engine versus a healthy engine will reveal changes gas path measurements that can go into the diagnostic algorithm.

Presenting Author: Mikael Stenfelt Saab Aeronautics

Presenting Author Biography: PhD student at Mälardalen University, Sweden, focusing on aero-engine diagnostics.
Propulsion engineer at Saab Aeronautics responsible for gas propulsion modelling and simulations.

Authors:

Mikael Stenfelt Saab Aeronautics
Amare Desalegn Fentaye Mälardalen University
Konstantinos Kyprianidis Mälardalen University