A REVIEW OF GAS TURBINE AIRCRAFT

ENGINES
𝑁𝐼𝐶𝑌𝑆𝐼𝐵𝑌 1 𝑀𝐶𝐶𝐻𝐴𝑁𝐷𝑅𝐴𝑆𝐻𝐸𝐾𝐻𝐴𝑅2 𝑀𝑍𝐾𝑈𝑅𝐼𝐴𝑁 3

1PG STUDENT,DEPT OF ECE, SRI SIDDHARTHA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INDIA

[email protected]

2PROFESSOR,DEPT OF ECE, SRI SIDDHARTHA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INDIA

[email protected]

3𝐻𝐸𝐴𝐷 𝑂𝐹 𝑇𝐻𝐸 𝐷𝐸𝑃𝑇,𝐷𝐸𝑃𝑇 𝑂𝐹 𝐸𝐶𝐸, 𝑆𝑅𝐼 𝑆𝐼𝐷𝐷𝐻𝐴𝑅𝑇𝐻𝐴 𝐼𝑁𝑆𝑇𝐼𝑇𝐼𝑇𝐸 𝑂𝐹 𝑇𝐸𝐶𝐻𝑁𝑂𝐿𝑂𝐺𝑌, 𝐼𝑁𝐷𝐼𝐴

[email protected]

ABSTRACT critical significance in ensuring safe, efficient, and

environmentally conscious aircraft operations. Consecutively
Modern Airplanes now routinely use gas turbine engines as it becomes imperative to comprehend the operationaltenets,
design attributes, and performance characteristics of gas
their propulsion technology. An in-depth investigation of the
turbine engines to assess and optimize their functionality.
factors that affect the performance analysis of gas turbine
aircraft engines is provided in this research. The This paper presents a thorough examination of the
fundamentals of how gas turbine engines work as well as the performance analysis of gas turbine aircraft engines. The
variables that impact their efficiency, such as air pressure, discussion commences by elucidating the fundamental
humidity, and temperature. operational principles of gas turbine aircraft engines, which
entail the compression of air, combustion of fuel, and
The components of gas turbine engines include the utilization of a turbinefor expansion to produce thrust.
Furthermore, we scrutinize the different components that
compressor, combustor, and turbine,. The techniques for makeup gas turbine engines, including the compressor,
assessing the performance of gas turbine engines, including combustor, turbine, and exhaust, and evaluate their design
thermodynamic cycle analysis and empirical techniques, are characteristics as well as their materials and manufacturing
then reviewed. Finally, the impact on the performance of methods.
developments in gas turbine engine technology is discussed.
In this section, an examination of the techniques employed in
Keywords: Gas Turbine Engine, Performance Analysis, assessing the efficiency of gas turbine engines is undertaken.
This involves scrutiny of both thermodynamic cycle analysis
Combustor, Compressor, Turbine, Thermodynamic cycle
and empirical methods. Additionally, the factors which
analysis, Empirical Methods, Advancements. impact the effectiveness of gas turbine engines are explored,
such as air temperature, pressure, and humidity. The
optimization strategies for these factors with a view to
INTRODUCTION enhancingengineefficiencyand power output are further
elaborated upon.
Gas Turbine Aircraft Engines have emerged as the favored
mode of propulsion for contemporary aviation, chiefly Finally, highlights the recent advancements in gas turbine
because of their superior efficiency, dependability and power engine technology and their impact on performance, such as
generation. Over their years since their advent in 1950s, Gas improved materials, coatings, and cooling systems, as well as
turbine Engines have undergone considerable advancements novel engine architectures and propulsion systems. By
in terms of design, construction materials, and manufacturing concluding that gas turbine aircraft engines will continue to
process leading to enhanced performance and minimum play a critical role in modern aviation and that ongoing
emissions. The efficiency of Gas turbine enginesassumes
research and development efforts will further enhance their stationary blades decelerate it for an increased
performance, efficiency and environmental sustainability. pressure level. Given that air temperature may rise
to 200°𝐶 while compressing, compressor blades
need to be capable of enduring high centrifugal
forces and temperatures.
Operating Principles of Gas Turbine Engines II. Combustor: The Compressed air is combined with
fuel and ignited in the combustor, generating hot
Gas Turbine Engines function through the intake of and high-pressure gas that passes through the
atmospheric air, which is compressed and subsequently turbine blades, thereby inducing their rotation and
combined with fuel before being ignited within the driving the compressor. The combustor necessitates
combustion chamber. The ensuing gases, which are meticulous design to ensure efficient and stable
characterized by high pressure and temperature, expand and combustion as well as to minimize
power a turbine that rotates the engine’s compressor and fan. pollutantemissions.
Ultimately the exhaust gases are expelled from the engine, III. Turbine: The Gas Turbine engine is composed of
generating thrust that propels the aircraft forwards. three main components, with the turbine being the
third. Its construction comprises a cluster of blades
A Gas Turbine Engine comprises various essential
that are turned by high-pressure gas currents that
components, such as the compressor, combustion chamber,
stem from the combustor. These blades serve to
turbine, and exhaust system. The primary function of the
activate the compressor and other accessories linked
compressor is to compress the incoming air and transfer it to
to the engine as they rotate. As a result of being
the combustion chamber. In the combustion chamber fuel is
exposed to temperatures that can reach up to
mixed with compressed airand ignited to generate high-
pressure and high-temperature gases. These gases drive the 1000°𝐶, it is imperative that these turbine blades are
designed to withstand both thermal and mechanical
turbine that powers both the compressor and fan. Finally, the
stresses.
exhaust gases are released from the engine to impart thrustfor
IV. Exhaust: The Gas Turbine Engine is comprised of
aircraft propulsion.
various components, with the exhaust serving as its
For Gas Turbine Engines to function at their best, it is final component. This component is responsible for
necessary to keep them operating within specific temperature releasing the high-temperature, high-pressure gas
and pressure limits. If the components are exposed to into the atmosphere. In order to meet modern
excessive heat or pressure, they may fail, leading to a standards and regulations, the design of the exhaust
decrease in efficiency and reliability. Hence advanced control aims to reduce noise and minimize emissions of
systems are incorporated into gas turbine engines to pollutants. This aspect holds particular significance
supervise and alter operational factors, ensuring safe and in the context of aircraft.
effective operation.
The proper functioning and performance of a gas turbine
Furthermore, progress in the field of material science and aircraft engine is dependent upon the critical role played
manufacturing procedures has facilitated the creation of gas by each of its components. The choice of design and
turbine engines that are more efficient and long-lasting. An materials for said components can significantly affect
illustration of this is the implementation of composite important factors such as emissions, efficiency, and
materials in engine components, which has resulted in a durability.
decrease in weight and an increase in durability.
Additionally, advanced coating and cooling methods have Performance Characteristics of Gas Turbine Aircraft
been employed to enable higher operating temperatures Engine
without compromising reliability.
The Performance attributes of gas turbine engines used in
aircraft operations are fundamental to ensuring safety,
efficiency, and minimizing environmental impact. The key
Gas Turbine Aircraft Engine Components performance characteristics of these engines include:

The Gas Turbine Engine is composed of four components, 1. Thrust: Thrust is the driving force that moves an
namely the compressor, combustor, turbine, and exhaust. aircraft forward. The quantity of thrust produced by
a gas turbine engine is determined by the rate of air
I. Compressor: The Gas Turbine Engine’s initial mass flowing through it and the speed of the exhaust
component is the compressor, which takes in gases. Various factors, such as the engine’s design,
atmospheric air and boosts it to a high-pressure operating conditions and altitude, contribute to the
level. The Compressor comprises numerous stages amount of thrust can be generated by a gas turbine
of blades, both stationary and rotating. Every set of engine. Gas turbine engines have the capacity to
rotating blades speeds up the air, while the compress large amounts of air and heat it to high
 temperatures, which enables them to generate optimized using Thermodynamic cycle analysis and
significant levels of thrust. To attain higher levels of empirical methods.
thrust, it is common practice to increase the amount
of air flow and combustion temperature in the Thermodynamic cycle analysis is a thorough evaluation of
engine. the complete cycle of a gas turbine engine, which takes into
2. Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC): The Specific account the process of compression, combustion and
Fuel Consumption (SFC) is the measure of fuel expansion, and exhaust. This analysis involving creating a
consumption per unit of thrust. A reduced SFC thermodynamic model of the engine, where various
values implies improved fuel efficiency. In performance parameters such as specific fuel consumption,
comparison to other aircraft engines, such as piston thermal efficiency, and power output are estimated. These
engines, gas turbine engines have lower SFC values, performance parameters are derived from the engine’s design
making them more cost-effective and fuel-efficient. specifications, operational data, and environmental
3. Power-to-Weight Ratio: The Gas turbine aircraft conditions. The purpose of thermodynamic cycle analysis is
engine’s power-to- weight ratio constitutes a to assess engine performance and identify areas for potential
significant performance feature that affects the optimization. As such, it is regarded as an important tool in
acceleration and climb performance of the aircraft. the field.The two most frequently utilized thermodynamic
The ratio is derived from dividing the engine’s cycles in gas turbine engines are Brayton cycle and joule
power output by its weight. In comparison to piston cycle. cycles are frequently
engines, gas turbine engines typically exhibit a
superior power-to-weight ratio, making them more Performance analysis of gas turbine engines through
suitable for high-speed and high- altitude flight. empirical methods involves subjecting the engine to specific
4. Altitude Performance:Gas Turbine Engines exhibit operating conditions and measuring its performance
varying performance characteristics at different parameters. This testing process requires advanced
altitudes due to fluctuations in air pressure and equipment, such as data acquisition systems, thermocouples,
density. As the aircraft ascends to greater heights, and pressure transducers. The collected data is then analyzed
the engine’s output must be increased to sustain to determine performance parameters, which may include
equivalent levels of thrust. The design and operating thrust, specific fuel consumption, and exhaust emissions.
parameters of engines are tailored to particular Empirical methods are valuable in evaluating gas turbine
altitude ranges for optimal efficiency. engine performance in real-world scenarios and can assist in
5. Emissions:Gas turbineengines emit various detecting engine design deficiencies, suboptimal operating
pollutants, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen conditions, and maintenance problems.
oxides, and particular matter. To mitigate their
environmental impact, regulations mandate that The T-S diagram of the Brayton Cycle is depicited in figure
aircraft engines comply with specific emission below. The engine station numbering system is used to begin
standards. with free steam conditions at station 0. During cruising flight,
the air stream is slowed by the inlet as it reaches the
Performance Gas Turbine Piston Engine compressor face at station 2. This results in an increase in
Characteristics Engine static pressure and compression of the flow. The compression
Thrust High Low process is ideally isentropic, leading to an increase in static
Specific Fuel Low High temperature as shown on the plot. However, in reality, there
Consumption is an increase in entropy of the flow, causing a rightward lean
Power-to-Weight High Low of the compression process line on the T-S diagram. The
burner combustion process occurs at constant pressure
Ratio
between stations 3 and 4 and leads to a temperature increase
Altitude High Low
that depends on fuel type and fuel-air ratio. Work is done by
Performance
the flow passing through the power turbine from station 4 to
Emissions High Low
station 5, which is exactly equal to that done by the
Table 1: Comparison of performance characteristics between compressor. The nozzle then brings the flow back from
Gas Turbine and Piston Engines station 5 to station 8 in an ideally isentropic manner and
externally returns it to free steam conditions, completing the
Performance Analysis Techniques of Gas Turbine
cycle. The area under the T-S diagram corresponds to useful
Engines
work and thrust generated by the engine.
Performance assessment methods are utilized to analyze the
effectiveness, energy production and longevity of gas turbine
engines. Thermodynamic cycle analysis and empirical
methods are the two main techniques that are employed for
assessing the performance of Gas turbine engines and gas
turbine aircraft engines are commonly evaluated and
  Additive Manufacturing: Additive Manufacturing,
which is also referred to as 3D printing, is a method
of production that utilizes computer-aided design
(CAD) data to construct components layer by layer.
This technique has been employed to fabricate gas
turbine engine parts, such as compressor blades and
turbine vanes, resulting in enhanced fuel efficiency
and decreased weight and the reduction of
emissions.
 Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs): Ceramic
matrix composites (CMCs) have been designed
specifically for application in high temperature
environments, such as gas turbine engine
components. These materials possess super
durability and reduced weight compared to
Fig 1: Temperature verses Entropy Brayton Cycle conventional metal alloys. The implementation of
this measure enhances the fuel efficiency of the
system and concurrently decrease the emission
Factors Affecting Gas turbine Engine Performance levels. Moreover, they demonstrate exceptional heat
resistance, qualifying them for deployment in gas
The performance of Gas turbine engines is influenced by turbine engine’s sections.
several factors, which encompass:  Advanced Coatings: In order to enhance the
efficiency and durability of gas turbine engine
 Air Pressure: The atmospheric pressure affects the components, advanced coatings have been
power output of an engine by influencing the introduced, including thermal barrier coatings and
density of the air. In high-altitude areas with low- erosion-resistant coatings. These coatings are
pressure environments, the air density is reduced, capable of decreasing heat transfer, enhancing wear
which leads to a decrease in engine performance. resistance, and reducing friction, thus contributing
Conversely, in low-altitude areas with high-pressure to the development of more efficient and dependable
engines.
environments, the air supply is denser, which results
 Digital Twins: Digital twins refer to virtual
in an enhancement of engine performance. reproductions of physical assets that enable the
 Humidity: The performance of Gas turbine engines simulation and analysis of gas turbine engine
is influenced by humidity through its effects on both behaviour. Through the utilization of this
the density and temperature of the air supply. The technology, it is possible to enhance engine
inclusion of water vapour in the air supply reduces performance while decreasing maintenance costs by
its density, resulting in a decrease in engine power means of predicting engine failures and optimizing
engine operation, leads to increased fuel efficiency
output. Additionally, elevated levels of humidity can
and decreased emission levels, resulting in a more
elevate the temperature of the air supply, environmentally sustainable approach.
subsequently decreasing engine performance.  Hybrid Electric Propulsion: Hybrid electric
 Temperature: The performance of gas turbine is propulsion systems have been created for
impacted by temperature,as it influences both the implementation in aircraft, utilizing a combination
density and specific heat capacity of the air supply. of gas turbine engines and electric motors. These
In hot climates where temperatures are high, engine systems offer benefits such as enhanced fuel
efficiency, decreased emissions, and expanded
performance may be compromised due to decrease
range, rendering them advantageous for both
in air density and specific heat capacity. commercial and military aviation purposes.
Recent Advancements of Gas turbine Engine Technology Conclusion
Advancements in gas turbine engine technology have been This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of the
ongoing, leading to the development of engines that exhibit factors that influence the analysis of gas turbine aircraft
improved efficiency, reliability, and environmental engine performance. The primer on the principles
compatibility. Among the recent advancements in this field governing gas turbine engines and the variables that
are: affect their efficiency, such as air pressure, humidity,
and temperature, was provided. The study examines into
the components of gas turbine engines, including the 16. Ju, Y., Kim, H. J., Kim, J., & Lee, J. H. (2016).
compressor, combustor, and turbine . The evaluation Performance evaluation of a gas turbine engine
techniques for analyzing gas turbine engine performance considering various operating conditions using a
were then scruitnized. thermodynamic cycle analysis. Applied Energy,
184, 1006-1017.ved from https://www.ge.com/gas-
Lastly, the impact of advancements in gas turbine turbine-technology.
technology on their efficiency has been researched. In
conclusion, it was established that gas turbine aircraft
engines will continue to be crucial in modern aviation
and ongoing research and development efforts will
further optimize their performance, efficiency and
environmental sustainability.

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