The Changing Role of Experimentation in Aeroengine R & D: The Point of View of the Research Worker
Abstract
The pioneers of the gas turbine based their components designs on simple mathematical models which employed many empirical factors. They conducted two types of experiment: Trials of engines and components, to develop their mechanical integrity and endurance, and to improve their performance and stability (development tests), and Parametric experiments on simplified components or simulated component geometries, to evolve better models and to generate empirical correlations of component behaviour (research tests). Fifty years later, the same need for development tests remains, but as design methods have evolved from simple empirical models to complex computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models, the nature of research tests has changed. There is still a need for experiments aimed at evolving better mathematical models, but the empiricism is at a more detailed level (such as transition prediction) and so are the experiments. But component testing has moved away from a parameter variation to tests aimed at the development and verification of better CFD models. Meanwhile, instrumentation techniques have also improved a great deal, enabling more accurate and detailed measurements to be made.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA246372
Entities
People
- J. Dunham
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment