Matching mechanism analysis on an adaptive cycle engine

As a novel aero-engine concept, adaptive cycle aero-engines (ACEs) are attracting wide attention in the international aviation industry due to their potential superior task adaptability along a wide flight regime. However, this superior task adaptability can only be demonstrated through proper combined engine control schedule design. It has resulted in an urgent need to investigate the effect of each variable geometry modulation on engine performance and stability. Thus, the aim of this paper is to predict and discuss the effect of each variable geometry modulation on the matching relationship between engine components as well as the overall engine performance at different operating modes, on the basis of a newly developed nonlinear component-based ACE performance model. Results show that at all four working modes, turning down the high pressure compressor variable stator vane, the low pressure turbine variable nozzle, the nozzle throat area, and turning up the core-driven fan stage variable stator vane, the high pressure turbine variable nozzle can increase the thrust at the expense of a higher high pressure turbine inlet total temperature. However, the influences of these adjustments on the trends of various engine components' working points and working lines as well as the ratio of the rotation speed difference are different from each other. The above results provide valuable guidance and advice for engine combined control schedule design.