Description / Abstract:
The emerging ultra high bypass ratio ADP engines, with nozzle
pressure ratios significantly lower, and bypass ratios
significantly higher, than those of the current turbofan engines,
may present new in-flight thrust determination challenges that are
not specifically covered in AIR1703. This document addresses
candidate methods and the additional challenges to the thrust
determination for these ADP engines.
These novel challenges result in part from the fact that some
large ADP engines exceed present altitude test facility
capabilities. The traditional methods of nozzle coefficient
extrapolation may not be most satisfactory because of the increased
error due to the ADP higher ratio of gross to net thrust, and
because of the increased sensitivity of in-flight thrust
uncertainty at the lower fan nozzle pressure ratio. An additional
challenge covered by this document is the higher sensitivity of ADP
in-flight thrust uncertainty to the external flow field around the
engine, and the changes in this flow field due to aircraft
configuration and operations.
Calibrations for in-flight thrust determination for these ADP
engines may have to be based on other alternate methods. Recently,
large size turbo powered simulators (TPS) of propulsion systems
(including the nacelle) have been developed and thus provide a new
capability for in-flight thrust determination. Furthermore
Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis may prove to be a viable
supplement to ground (sea level) engine testing and sub-scale model
coefficient extrapolations to cruise conditions. These recent
developments are described within along with their associated error
assessments.
The candidate thrust methods build on the work presented in
AIR1703. The document includes a comprehensive uncertainty
assessment conducted per AIR1678 to identify the major thrust
determination options. Fundamental to this uncertainty assessment
are the influence coefficients relating in-flight thrust
calculation uncertainty to the measured parameters and derived
coefficients. These influence coefficients were developed from
three typical public domain, generic engine cycle models.
For the major potential thrust determination options, the
overall thrust and airflow calibration processes are defined in
detail. Road maps are included showing model, engine and
flight-tests, measurements and correlations, calibration procedures
and analyses. The document addresses the pros and cons of each of
the major thrust determination options, including a discussion of
the key assumptions and expected uncertainties.