A recent study published in Engineering presents a groundbreaking method for comprehensively evaluating the performance of aeroengines, the crucial components powering aircraft. Authored by Shubin Si and other researchers from esteemed institutions in China, this research addresses long-standing challenges in aeroengine performance assessment.

Aeroengines are complex systems, and their performance directly impacts flight safety and efficiency. Traditional evaluation methods, such as airlines relying on single-parameter indicators like exhaust gas temperature or manufacturers conducting tests only at typical operating conditions, have significant limitations. They fail to capture the full complexity of aeroengines, where numerous parameters interact non-linearly.

To overcome these issues, the research team proposed a unified framework. First, they constructed a performance network model. By treating test indicators from aeroengine test-run data as nodes and their relationships as connections, they were able to map out the complex interactions within the engine. For example, the relationship between the low-pressure compressor rotor speed and the high-pressure compressor rotor speed was clearly depicted, showing how an increase in one often leads to an increase in the other.

Next, they developed a performance dynamics model. This model, based on differential equations, simulated the dynamic changes of test indicators. By introducing thrust and inlet guide vane (IGV) angle parameters, it could accurately describe the engine's state under different operating conditions. The model's fitting errors were mostly less than 1%, indicating its high accuracy.

The researchers also introduced comprehensive performance evaluation indexes. These indexes assess aeroengine performance from two dimensions: coupling performance and activity performance. By analyzing the performance of 13 test-run qualified and 4 test-run failed aeroengines, they found that these indexes could effectively distinguish between the two. For instance, aeroengines with whole-machine vibration had significantly higher coupling and activity performance indexes.

Moreover, the new approach allows for the estimation of aeroengine performance under various thrust and IGV angle combinations. This expands the evaluation scope beyond the limited typical states tested in traditional methods.

This novel network dynamic approach offers a more objective, interpretable, and dynamic way to evaluate aeroengine performance. It has the potential to transform the fields of Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) and aeroengine digital engineering, enabling more accurate predictions of engine health and more efficient maintenance strategies. As the aviation industry continues to grow, this research could play a vital role in ensuring the safety and reliability of future air travel.

The paper “Data Driven Comprehensive Performance Evaluation of Aeroengines: A Network Dynamic Approach,” authored by Yuting Wang, Feng Liu, Feng Xi, Bofei Wei, Dongli Duan, Zhiqiang Cai, Shubin Si. Full text of the open access paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2024.11.024. For more information about the Engineering, follow us on X (https://twitter.com/EngineeringJrnl) & like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EngineeringJrnl).