Analysis and Control of Flow and Flutter in Aeroengines

University Of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA

Investigators

Abstract

0072191 Birnir In a program of analytical and computational investigations, the investigator will develop control theory to make jet engines lighter, more efficient and safer. Surge and stall are instabilities in the flow of air through the engines; flutter is an oscillation of the blades compressing the air. These instabilities decrease the efficiency of the engine and can be dangerous. The control theory aims at controlling all of these instabilities. If lighter, more fuel efficient and safer aircraft engines are to be made the current technology needs to be improved. This research tries to accomplishes this goal by first developing a mathematical model for the jet engine, then simulating this model of the engine on a computer and using the results to figure out how to design a much more efficient and safer jet engine. Then this design is implemented and checked in the laboratory. Similar technology is also used to compress rocket fuel before combustion and an optimization of the technology as a whole may lead to cheaper space travel.