Gas Turbine Assignment

Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 12

1. Illustrate the energy transformation cycle of a gas turbine engine.

The energy transformation cycle of a gas turbine engine involves several stages

1. Intake: The cycle begins with the intake of air from the surroundings. The air is drawn into the gas
turbine engine and passes through an inlet system, typically consisting of filters and compressors.

2. Compression: In this stage, the air is compressed by the compressor section of the engine. The
compressor raises the pressure and temperature of the air by using a series of rotating blades and
stators. The compression process significantly increases the energy stored in the air.

3. Combustion: The highly pressurized air enters the combustion chamber. Fuel, usually in the form
of natural gas, liquid fuel, or a combination of both, is injected into the combustion chamber and
mixed with the compressed air. The mixture is then ignited, resulting in a controlled combustion
process. The combustion releases a large amount of heat energy, raising the temperature and
pressure of the gases.

4. Expansion: The high-pressure and high-temperature gases produced by the combustion process
expand rapidly. They pass through the turbine section of the engine, where a series of stationary and
rotating blades extract energy from the expanding gases. As the gases flow over the turbine blades,
their pressure and temperature drop, and the energy is transferred to the turbine blades, causing
them to rotate.

5. Power generation: The rotating turbine shaft is connected to a generator or mechanical device,
such as a propeller in an aircraft or a compressor in an industrial application. As the turbine blades
rotate, they drive the generator or mechanical device, converting the kinetic energy of the rotating
shaft into useful mechanical work or electrical power.

6. Exhaust: After passing through the turbine section, the now lower-pressure and lower-
temperature gases exit the engine through the exhaust system. In some cases, the exhaust gases may
be utilized for additional purposes, such as providing hot gases for heating applications or driving
supplementary equipment.

This energy transformation cycle in a gas turbine engine allows for the conversion of the chemical
energy in the fuel into mechanical work or electrical power, making gas turbines widely used in
power generation, aviation, and industrial applications.
2. Demonstrate how the P-V and the T-S graphs of the Brayton cycle predict different
gas turbine engine performances.

The Brayton cycle is a thermodynamic cycle that describes the operation of gas turbine engines,
commonly used in aircraft propulsion and power generation. The cycle consists of four processes:
compression, combustion, expansion, and exhaust. The performance of a gas turbine engine can be
analysed by examining the pressure-volume (P-V) and temperature-entropy (T-S) diagrams associated
with the Brayton cycle.

1. P-V Diagram:

The P-V diagram of the Brayton cycle illustrates the changes in pressure and volume during the four
processes. In the compression process, the working fluid (usually air) is compressed in the
compressor, resulting in an increase in pressure and a decrease in volume. The compressed air then
enters the combustion chamber, where fuel is added and combustion takes place. This leads to a
significant increase in pressure and temperature, while the volume remains relatively constant. In
the expansion process, the high-pressure, high-temperature gases expand in the turbine, converting
thermal energy into mechanical work. This expansion causes a decrease in pressure and an increase
in volume. Finally, in the exhaust process, the remaining exhaust gases are expelled from the engine,
resulting in a further decrease in pressure and a slight decrease in volume.

The P-V diagram predicts the performance of a gas turbine engine by examining the pressure
changes throughout the cycle. The net work output of the engine is represented by the enclosed
area within the P-V diagram. The greater the area, the higher the work output. Additionally, the
efficiency of the engine can be estimated by comparing the work output to the energy input (fuel
consumption).
2. T-S Diagram:

The T-S diagram of the Brayton cycle illustrates the changes in temperature and entropy during the
four processes. In the compression process, the temperature and entropy remain relatively constant
since the working fluid is being compressed without any heat addition. During the combustion
process, the temperature increases significantly due to the addition of heat from the fuel
combustion, while the entropy also increases due to irreversibility’s associated with the combustion
process. In the expansion process, the temperature decreases as the high-temperature gases do
work on the turbine, and the entropy also decreases. Finally, in the exhaust process, the temperature
and entropy decrease further as the gases are expelled from the engine.

The T-S diagram provides insights into the thermodynamic behaviour of the gas turbine engine. The
area enclosed by the T-S diagram represents the heat input into the engine. The greater the area, the
more heat is added. The efficiency of the engine can be estimated by comparing the work output to
the heat input.

In summary, while both the P-V and T-S diagrams are essential tools for analysing the performance of
a gas turbine engine, they provide different perspectives. The P-V diagram primarily focuses on work
output and pressure changes, while the T-S diagram focuses on heat transfer, temperature changes,
and entropy generation. Understanding and analysing both diagrams together
3. Demonstrate how different “efficiencies” are used to predict engine performance
for different gas turbine engines.
4. By applying thermal-fluid principles and gas turbine cycles, derive the expressions
for different efficiencies for different gas turbine engines.

Different efficiencies are used to predict engine performance for different gas turbine engines. These
efficiencies provide valuable insights into the energy conversion and overall effectiveness of the
engines. Here are some of the key efficiencies used in gas turbine engine analysis:

1. Thermal Efficiency (ηth):

Thermal efficiency represents the ratio of the useful work output to the heat input into the system. It
is a measure of how effectively the engine converts heat energy into useful work. For gas turbine
engines, the thermal efficiency is calculated as the ratio of the net work output to the heat input:

ηth = (Wnet) / (Qin)

where:

- ηth is the thermal efficiency

- Wnet is the net work output of the engine

- Qin is the heat input into the engine

A higher thermal efficiency indicates a more efficient engine that can convert a greater portion of the
input heat energy into useful work.

2. Compressor Efficiency (ηc):

Compressor efficiency represents the effectiveness of the compressor in raising the pressure of the
working fluid (usually air). It is calculated as the ratio of the actual work done on the fluid to the ideal
work required for the same pressure ratio:

ηc = (Wc_actual) / (Wc_ideal)

where:

- ηc is the compressor efficiency

- Wc_actual is the actual work done by the compressor

- Wc_ideal is the ideal work required by the compressor for the same pressure ratio

A higher compressor efficiency indicates a more effective compressor that requires less work to
achieve the desired pressure ratio.
3. Combustor Efficiency (ηcomb):

Combustor efficiency represents the effectiveness of the combustion process in releasing heat from
the fuel and transferring it to the working fluid. It is calculated as the ratio of the actual heat released
to the maximum heat that can be released:

ηcomb = (Qout_actual) / (Qout_max)

where:

- ηcomb is the combustor efficiency

- Qout_actual is the actual heat released in the combustion process

- Qout_max is the maximum heat that can be released based on the fuel properties

A higher combustor efficiency indicates a more efficient combustion process that effectively transfers
heat from the fuel to the working fluid.

4. Turbine Efficiency (ηt):

Turbine efficiency represents the effectiveness of the turbine in converting the energy of the high-
pressure, high-temperature gases into mechanical work. It is calculated as the ratio of the actual
work done by the turbine to the ideal work that could be done for the same expansion ratio:

ηt = (Wt_actual) / (Wt_ideal)

where:

- ηt is the turbine efficiency

- Wt_actual is the actual work done by the turbine

- Wt_ideal is the ideal work that could be done by the turbine for the same expansion ratio

A higher turbine efficiency indicates a more efficient turbine that can extract a greater amount of
work from the expanding gases.

By considering these different efficiencies, analysts and engineers can evaluate the performance and
energy conversion capabilities of gas turbine engines. Improving each efficiency component leads to
an overall improvement in the engine's performance and fuel efficiency.
Illustrate how thermofluid principles contribute to the operation of aircraft gas turbine
propulsion cycles.

Thermofluidic principles play a crucial role in the operation of aircraft gas turbine propulsion cycles.
These principles govern the behaviour of fluids (air and fuel) under the influence of temperature,
pressure, and flow conditions. Understanding thermodynamics and fluid mechanics is essential for
designing and optimizing gas turbine engines for aircraft.

Here's an illustration of how thermofluid principles contribute to the operation of aircraft gas turbine
propulsion cycles:

1. Intake and Compression: The process starts with the intake of atmospheric air into the engine. The
air passes through the inlet, where it is compressed by a compressor. Thermodynamics principles,
specifically the ideal gas law, govern the relationship between pressure, temperature, and volume of
the air during compression. The compression raises the air's pressure and temperature, increasing its
energy content.

2. Combustion: After compression, fuel is injected into the compressed air in the combustion
chamber. Thermofluid principles such as chemical reactions and heat transfer are critical during this
phase. The fuel reacts with the compressed air, undergoing combustion. The heat released during
combustion increases the temperature and pressure of the gases. This process converts chemical
energy into thermal energy.

3. Expansion and Power Generation: The high-pressure and high-temperature gases resulting from
combustion expand in the turbine section. The expansion is achieved by directing the gases through
a series of turbine blades, which extract energy from the hot gases. The expansion process drives the
turbine, which is mechanically coupled to the compressor and other engine accessories. The turbine
extracts thermal energy from the gases and converts it into mechanical energy to drive the
compressor and other systems.

4. Exhaust: After the expansion, the gases exit the turbine section and are expelled through the
exhaust nozzle. Thermodynamics principles govern the behavior of the gases during the exhaust
process, including the pressure and velocity of the exhaust gases. The nozzle is designed to
accelerate the gases, increasing their velocity and creating a forward thrust. This thrust propels the
aircraft forward, based on Newton's third law of motion.

Throughout the entire gas turbine propulsion cycle, various thermofluid principles are at play,
including conservation of energy, heat transfer, fluid flow, and thermodynamic cycles. Engineers
leverage these principles to optimize the engine's performance, efficiency, and thrust output. They
analyse and model the behavior of the fluids and use this knowledge to make design decisions, such
as optimizing compressor and turbine blade profiles, combustion chamber design, and exhaust
nozzle geometry.
In summary, thermofluid principles provide the foundation for understanding and optimizing the
operation of aircraft gas turbine propulsion cycles. By applying these principles, engineers can
enhance the efficiency, power output, and reliability of gas turbine engines, ultimately contributing
to the performance and safety of aircraft.

Explore turbojet, turboprop and turbofan propulsion cycles to predict engine


performance

Turbojet, turboprop, and turbofan are all types of gas turbine engines commonly used in aviation.
Each has its own unique propulsion cycle and characteristics. Let's explore these types of engines and
their performance predictions:

1. Turbojet:

A turbojet engine consists of a compressor, combustion chamber, and turbine. It works on the
principle of accelerating air through the engine by using a series of rotating compressor blades and
then adding fuel to the compressed air in the combustion chamber. The resulting hot, high-pressure
gases are expelled through a nozzle at the back, generating thrust.

Performance Predictions:

Turbojet engines are known for their high speeds and efficient performance at high altitudes. Their
performance is characterized by high thrust, high specific fuel consumption (SFC), and high exhaust
velocity. Turbojets are typically used in supersonic aircraft, where high speed is crucial.

2. Turboprop:

A turboprop engine is similar to a turbojet but includes an additional component called a propeller.
The engine's exhaust gases are used to drive a turbine, which is connected to a gearbox that turns
the propeller. The propeller produces thrust by accelerating a large mass of air at a relatively low
velocity.

Performance Predictions:

Turboprop engines are efficient at lower speeds and offer superior fuel economy compared to
turbojets. They are commonly used in small regional aircraft and military transport planes.
Turboprops provide good low-speed performance, higher propulsive efficiency, and lower SFC
compared to turbojets. They are ideal for short to medium-range flights.
3. Turbofan:

A turbofan engine, also known as a fanjet, combines the features of a turbojet and a turboprop. It
consists of a large fan at the front that bypasses a portion of the incoming air around the engine
core. The bypass air provides additional thrust, while the core engine operates similar to a turbojet.

Performance Predictions:

Turbofan engines are the most common type used in commercial aircraft. They provide a good
balance between high subsonic speed and fuel efficiency. Turbofans have lower exhaust velocities
compared to turbojets but offer higher thrust and better fuel economy. The bypass ratio (ratio of
bypass air to core air) affects the engine's performance characteristics, with higher bypass ratios
providing increased efficiency at the expense of higher engine weight and complexity.

To predict the performance of these engines accurately, various factors such as pressure ratios,
temperatures, bypass ratios, turbine efficiencies, and compressor efficiencies need to be considered.
Advanced computational models and engine performance simulations are typically employed to
evaluate and optimize engine designs based on these parameters.

It's important to note that specific engine designs and technologies can vary, leading to variations in
performance characteristics. Additionally, advancements in materials, aerodynamics, and control
systems continue to improve the performance of gas turbine engines.
Demonstrate how thermo-fluid principles and turbojet, turboprop and turbofan
propulsion cycles are used to predict engine performance

Thermo-fluid principles play a crucial role in predicting engine performance for turbojet, turboprop,
and turbofan propulsion cycles. These principles involve the study of fluid dynamics and
thermodynamics, which help in understanding the behavior of gases and the conversion of energy in
propulsion systems. Here's a demonstration of how these principles is used to predict engine
performance for each type of cycle:

1. Turbojet Cycle:

The turbojet cycle consists of four main processes: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust.
Thermo-fluid principles are applied to each process to predict engine performance.

- Intake: The intake process involves the compression of ambient air before entering the combustion
chamber. Thermo-fluid principles such as the ideal gas law, Bernoulli's equation, and conservation of
mass are used to calculate the air velocity, pressure, and mass flow rate at the compressor inlet.

- Compression: In this process, the air is compressed to increase its pressure and temperature.
Thermo-fluid principles, including the adiabatic compression process, are used to determine the
compression ratio, work input, and final temperature.

- Combustion: Fuel is injected into the compressed air, and combustion occurs in the combustion
chamber. Thermo-fluid principles such as the energy conservation equation and chemical reaction
kinetics are used to calculate the heat release, temperature rise, and composition of the exhaust
gases.

- Exhaust: The exhaust gases expand through the nozzle, generating thrust. Thermo-fluid principles,
including the isentropic expansion process and conservation of momentum, are used to predict the
exit velocity, thrust, and exhaust gas properties.

2. Turboprop Cycle:

The turboprop cycle combines a gas turbine engine with a propeller to produce thrust. Thermo-fluid
principles are used to predict the performance of both the gas turbine and the propeller.

- Gas Turbine: The gas turbine portion follows the same principles as the turbojet cycle. Thermo-fluid
calculations are applied to determine the compression ratio, temperature rise, and exhaust gas
properties.
- Propeller: The propeller converts the rotational power generated by the gas turbine into thrust.
Thermo-fluid principles, such as aerodynamics and propeller theory, are used to predict the thrust
generated based on factors such as blade geometry, airfoil characteristics, and rotational speed.

3. Turbofan Cycle:

The turbofan cycle is similar to the turbojet cycle but includes a bypass fan that produces additional
thrust. Thermo-fluid principles are used to predict the performance of both the core and bypass
sections.

- Core Engine: The core engine follows the same thermo-fluid principles as the turbojet cycle. The
calculations involve intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust processes to determine core
thrust and exhaust gas properties.

- Bypass Fan: The bypass fan contributes to the overall thrust by accelerating a large mass of air
bypassing the core. Thermo-fluid principles, including fan aerodynamics and mass flow calculations,
are used to predict the bypass thrust and overall engine performance.

In all these cycles, thermo-fluid principles such as conservation of energy, conservation of mass, ideal
gas behavior, and thermodynamic cycles (e.g., Brayton cycle) are essential for predicting engine
performance. These principles allow engineers to make informed design decisions and optimize
engine performance based on factors like pressure ratios, temperature limits, efficiency, and thrust
generation.
Apply thermo-fluid principles and turbojet, turboprop and turbofan propulsion cycles
and component efficiencies to predict engine performance in given examples.

To predict engine performance, we need to apply thermo-fluid principles and consider the specific
characteristics and efficiencies of the turbojet, turboprop, and turbofan propulsion cycles. Let's go
through each type of engine and discuss their key components and performance considerations.

1. Turbojet Engine:

A turbojet engine is a type of air-breathing jet engine that is primarily used in high-speed aircraft. It
consists of several key components, including an inlet, compressor, combustion chamber, turbine,
and nozzle.

The engine's performance can be estimated by considering the following principles and factors:

- Inlet Efficiency: The efficiency of the inlet system affects the total pressure recovery and the
amount of air entering the engine.

- Compressor Efficiency: The compressor increases the pressure of the incoming air. The efficiency of
the compressor affects the overall pressure ratio and power output.

- Combustion Efficiency: The combustion chamber combusts fuel with the compressed air,
generating high-temperature and high-pressure gas.

- Turbine Efficiency: The turbine extracts energy from the high-temperature gas to drive the
compressor and any external loads.

- Nozzle Efficiency: The nozzle accelerates the exhaust gases to produce thrust. The efficiency of the
nozzle affects the exhaust velocity and thrust output.

By considering the efficiencies of each component and the thermodynamic processes occurring
within the engine, we can estimate the specific fuel consumption (SFC), thrust, and overall
performance of the turbojet engine.

2. Turboprop Engine:

A turboprop engine combines a gas turbine core similar to a turbojet with a propeller to generate
thrust. It is commonly used in slower-speed aircraft and applications where high propulsive efficiency
is desired, such as regional airliners.

In addition to the components found in a turbojet engine, a turboprop engine also includes a
reduction gearbox and a propeller. The propeller converts the high-speed, low-pressure gas exiting
the turbine into thrust by accelerating a large mass of air.
To predict the performance of a turboprop engine, we consider the following factors:

- Core Performance: The core of a turboprop engine operates similarly to a turbojet engine. The
efficiencies of the inlet, compressor, combustion chamber, turbine, and nozzle play a role in
determining the available power.

- Propeller Efficiency: The efficiency of the propeller is crucial in converting the power from the gas
turbine core into useful thrust. Factors such as propeller design, blade angle, and rotational speed
affect the overall propulsive efficiency.

- Propulsive Efficiency: The combination of core performance and propeller efficiency determines
the overall propulsive efficiency of the turboprop engine.

By analysing the efficiencies of the core components, the specific fuel consumption, power output,
and propulsive efficiency of the turboprop engine can be estimated.

3. Turbofan Engine:

A turbofan engine is a type of jet engine that is commonly used in modern commercial aircraft. It
combines the features of both turbojet and turboprop engines to achieve high bypass ratio and
improved fuel efficiency.

Key components of a turbofan engine include a fan, compressor, combustion chamber, turbine, and
nozzle. The fan, positioned at the front of the engine, draws a significant amount of air into the
bypass duct, which bypasses the core of the engine. The core operates similarly to a turbojet engine.

To predict the performance of a turbofan engine, we consider the following aspects:

- Fan Efficiency: The fan's efficiency affects the bypass ratio, which is the ratio of bypass air to core
air. A higher bypass ratio typically leads to better fuel efficiency.

- Core Performance: The core components (compressor, combustion chamber, turbine, and nozzle)
operate similarly to a turbojet engine and determine the power output.

- Overall Efficiency: The overall efficiency of a turbofan engine is influenced by the combination of
bypass and core performance, considering the respective contributions to thrust and fuel
consumption.

By analysing the efficiencies of the fan, core components, and the overall bypass ratio, we can
estimate the specific fuel consumption, thrust, and overall efficiency of the turbofan engine.

To accurately predict engine performance in specific examples, more detailed information about the
engines, such as design specifications, specific efficiencies, and operating conditions, is necessary.
This will enable a more precise analysis using thermodynamic equations and performance models for
each engine type.

You might also like