Engine indicating systems Flashcards
What does N1 and N2 indicate in a gas turbine engine?
N1 indicates the speed of the low-pressure rotor, and N2 indicates the speed of the high-pressure rotor.
What are the three main parts of a rotor speed indication system?
The sensor, the data transmission, and the indication.
How is rotor speed expressed in gas turbine engines?
Rotor speed is expressed as a percentage of the 100% design speed.
How does a variable reluctance sensor generate a signal?
Changes in the magnetic flux cause variations in induced voltage, which is then amplified and conditioned to provide a usable output signal.
What is the role of a variable reluctance sensor in speed indication?
It detects changes in magnetic flux between a magnet and a ferromagnetic target to measure rotor speed.
Where is the variable reluctance sensor typically positioned?
It is positioned on the compressor casing in line with either a phonic wheel or the actual fan blades.
What does a tachometer generator do in older aircraft systems?
`It generates a 3-phase AC voltage proportional to the N2 rotor speed, which is directly used to drive rotor speed indicators.
How is the tachometer generator used in modern aircraft systems?
It sends 3-phase AC voltage to the FADEC computer for calculating speed and also supplies electrical power to the computer.
What additional function can a tachometer generator or speed probe serve during engine start?
It can provide a signal to illuminate a warning lamp indicating that the engine is turning and whether it’s turning in the correct direction.
What are the three types of rotor speed indication displays?
A display with a clock-type scale, a moving vertical bar, and the classical electromechanical indicator.
What happens when the N1 speed exceeds the redline limit?
The display indications turn red, warnings are issued, and the overspeed event is recorded for maintenance inspection.
What is the significance of the redline limit on rotor speed indications?
It represents the maximum permitted rotor speed to prevent engine damage.
How do modern engines handle N1 overspeed events?
The speed and duration of the overspeed are recorded, and a report is generated for maintenance to assess necessary inspections.
What principle does the variable reluctance sensor operate on?
It operates on the principle of magnetic reluctance, which is the opposition of a magnetic circuit to the flow of magnetic flux.
What is the role of the air gap in a variable reluctance sensor?
The air gap changes due to the target’s motion, affecting magnetic reluctance and thus inducing voltage changes in the sensor coil.
What is the primary purpose of the Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) indication in a gas turbine engine?
To monitor high temperatures in the turbine engine to prevent thermal damage and indicate when a limit is exceeded.
Why is it impractical to measure Turbine Inlet Temperature (TIT) directly in most engines?
Because the TIT can be higher than 1400 °C (2550 °F), making it difficult to measure directly.
Where is the highest temperature in a gas turbine engine measured, and what is it called?
The highest temperature is measured directly behind the combustion chamber, where the hot gas hits the high-pressure turbine. It is called the Turbine Inlet Temperature (TIT).
Where is the Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) typically measured in a gas turbine engine?
The EGT is measured at a colder location in the engine, either between the high- and low-pressure turbine or directly behind the low-pressure turbine.
What is the relationship between Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) and Turbine Inlet Temperature (TIT)?
The EGT has a direct relationship to the TIT, making it possible to use EGT as an indicator of the TIT.
Where are thermocouples typically placed in a gas turbine engine for temperature measurement?
Thermocouples are usually spaced at intervals around the perimeter of the engine exhaust duct near the turbine exit.