Questions Flashcards
1.1 What are the basic sections of a turbine engine?
The basic sections of a turbine engine are the intake, the compressor, the combustion chamber,the turbine and the exhaust section
1.2 What is the basic description of the functioning of a turbine engine?
Air is drawn (or rammed), via the intake, into a multi-stage compressor, fuel is added and ignited in the combustor, and the air is expanded through the turbine stages before being expelled out the back of the engine.
1.3 How is Newton’s second law mathematically expressed?
Force = mass x acceleration or F = Ma.
1.4 What is Newton’s third law?
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
1.5 What is the practical application of Newton’s third law?
Jet thrust.
1.6 How is thrust produced in a turbojet or turbofan engine?
By accelerating a mass of air through the engine.
1.7 What is Charles’ law?
Charles’ law states that at constant pressure, the volume of a given mass of gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature.
1.8 What is Boyle’s law?
Boyle’s law states that at constant temperature, the pressure and the volume of a gas are inversely proportional.
1.9 How does the temperature, density, pressure and velocity of a gas flow vary through a convergent duct at subsonic speed?
Temperature, density and pressure reduce and velocity increases.
1.10 How does the temperature, density, pressure and velocity of a gas flow vary through a divergent duct at subsonic speed?
Temperature, density and pressure increase and velocity reduces.
1.11 How does the temperature, density, pressure and velocity of a gas flow vary through a convergent duct at supersonic speed?
Temperature, density and pressure increase and velocity reduces.
1.12 How does the temperature, density, pressure and velocity of a gas flow vary through a divergent duct at supersonic speed?
Temperature, density and pressure reduce and velocity increases.
1.13 Where does subsonic flow decrease in velocity and increase in pressure?
Through a divergent duct.
1.14 Where does subsonic flow increase in velocity and decrease in pressure?
Through a convergent duct.
1.15 Where does supersonic flow decrease in velocity and increase in pressure?
Through a convergent duct.
1.16 Where does supersonic flow increase in velocity and decrease in pressure?
Through a divergent duct.
1.17 What property is exhibited by accelerating gas flow?
That the total energy is constant.
1.18 Where in a turbofan engine is the pressure highest?
In the diffuser.
1.19 Where in a turbojet engine is the gas velocity highest?
Exiting the exhaust nozzle.
1.20 Where in a turbine engine is the gas temperature highest?
At the flame in the combustion chamber.
1.21 How does gas pressure vary as it passes through the combustion chamber?
It remains nearly constant, reducing very slightly due to construction inefficiencies.
1.22 How does gas temperature and velocity vary as it passes through the combustion chamber?
Temperature and velocity both increase.
1.23 How does gas pressure, temperature and velocity vary as it passes through the turbine section?
Pressure and temperature progressively reduce, and velocity increases through the nozzle guide vanes and stators and reduces through the turbine blades.
1.24 Why is the Bravton Cycle in a turbine engine referred to as an open or continuous cycle?
Because intake, compression combustion and exhaust are all occurring at the same time.
2.1 What are the main types of turbine engine?
Turboshaft, turboprop, turbojet and turbofan.
2.2 What is the definition of the bypass ratio of a turbofan engine?
The ratio of the mass of the air bypassing the engine core, to the mass of the air passing through the engine core.
2.3 What is the main similarity between a turbine engine and a reciprocating engine?
Both the turbine and reciprocating engines are internal combustion.
2.4 What is the main advantage of a turbine engine over a reciprocating engine of the same power
output?
The turbine engine has a much higher power to weight ratio than a reciprocating engine of similar power output.
2.5 How does the combustion cycle of a turbine engine compare with that of a reciprocating engine?
A turbine engine combustion takes place at a near constant pressure, while in a reciprocating engine combustion takes place at near constant volume.
2.6 What is the functional difference between a turboprop and a turboshaft?
A turboprop engine has an output shaft which drives a gearbox for a propeller while a turboshaft engine has an output shaft which drives a gearbox for something other than a propeller, e.g. an helicopter’s main rotor gearbox.
2.7 How is a free power turbine characterised?
It is mechanically completely independent of the other spools in the engine.
2.8 What are the advantages of a free turbine propulsion system?
Easier to start.The spools can run at their optimum speeds, independent of each other. Design flexibility of layout.The ability to stop the propeller or helicopter rotors while the engine is still running.
2.9 Why does a free turbine turboprop engine require a smaller starter motor than direct-drive and
compound turboprops?
Because only the high pressure turbine and compressor need to be rotated on start.
2.10 Which part of a turboprop engine usually powers the accessory gearbox?
The high pressure compressor (N2) section.
2.11 What drives the main drive gearbox in a free turbine turboprop or turboshaft?
The low pressure turbine(s).
2.12 What is the meaning of the term spool?
A spool is an independent compressor, shaft, turbine combination.
2.13 What is a compressor/turbine combination called?
A spool.
2.14 Why do turbine engines have multiple spools?
So that each can operate closer to their design rpm.
2.15 In a twin spool turbine engine, which are the high pressure and low pressure stages of the
compressor and turbine?
The first stage(s) of the compressor and the last stage(s) of the turbine are low pressure, whilethe last stage(s) of the compressor and the first stage(s) of the turbine are high pressure
2.16 Within an engine’s spools, what drives the intermediate pressure compressor?
The intermediate pressure turbine.
2.17 Within an engine’s spools, what drives the low pressure compressor?
The low pressure turbine.
2.18 What is the description of a turbofan engine?
A fan/low pressure compressor supplying supercharged (pressurised) air to the engine core and to the bypass duct.A ducted propeller, suitable for powering high speed aircraft.
2.19 What is the ‘core’ of a turbofan engine comprised of?
The compressor, combustion chamber, turbine and exhaust sections.
2.20 What is the bypass ratio if 20% of the intake air passes through the engine core?
4:1
2.21 In terms of bypass ratio, how does a pure turbojet compare to a turbofan?
A pure turbojet has no bypass air.
2.22 What percentage of bypass air passes through the compressor of a turbofan engine?
0%
2.23 Why is a turbofan engine more efficient than a turbojet engine?
Because the turbofan accelerates a relatively larger amount of air a relatively lower amount.
2.24 Why are turbofan engines more resistant to FOD ingestion than pure turbojet engines?
Because the fan blades are bigger and stronger than the first stage compressor stages of theturbojet, and because most of the air bypasses the engine
2.25 What are the advantages of a twin spool over a triple spool bypass engine?
Lower cost.Easier maintenance
2.26 What is the advantages of a triple spool over a twin spool bypass engine?
Shorter and lighter.Better range/fuel consumption.
2.27 What is the name given to a turbine engine which has propeller blades mounted radially from
the low pressure turbine?
An aft fan turbojet.
2.28 What output is provided by an APU?
AC electrical power and bleed air.
2.29 What is the primary purpose of an APU?
To provide AC electrical power and pneumatic bleed on the ground, and in flight in the event of a main engine failure.
2.30 What section of an APU provides pneumatic bleed air for engine start?
The compressor.
3.1 What are the ideal characteristics of a turbine engine’s intake?
To deliver the air to the compressor evenly, with no turbulence and at higher than ambient pressure.
3.2 What is the shape formed by the duct of an intake on a turbofan powered subsonic aircraft and why?
Divergent, to convert kinetic energy into pressure energy.
3.3 What is RAM effect?
The pressurisation of the air entering the intake caused by the aircraft’s forward speed.
3.4 What is the most common type of intake on turbofan engines?
Pitot type.
3.5 What is the disadvantage of using a divergent intake duct?
Separation of the boundary layer on the duct walls.
3.6 What are the disadvantages of a long intake duct?
Too much drag, with a resulting loss of efficiency.
3.7 What is the primary disadvantage of divided entrance intakes?
The potential for interference to the flow when the aircraft yaws.
3.8 Why do some turboprop and turboshaft engines have shrouds or screens over their intakes?
To reduce the possibility of ingesting birds, dust, sand and other FOD.
3.9 How do supersonic air intakes decelerate the air to subsonic speeds prior to compressor entry?
By creating shock waves through which the airflow passes, thereby increasing its pressure,density and temperature and decreasing its velocity.
4.1 What is the configuration/description of a centrifugal compressor?
Short in length, spoke like design, easy to manufacture, with high compression per stage.
4.2 What are the advantages of a centrifugal compressor over an axial flow compressor?
Cheaper and easier to manufacture.More robust.Better able to handle FOD ingestion. Less prone to stalling and surging. Relatively lower in weight.
4.3 What is an impellor?
The internal rotating component of a centrifugal compressor, which takes inlet/intake air at its centre and compresses it by centrifugal force. Sometimes known as the rotor.
4.4 What is the purpose of the diffuser?
To decrease the air’s velocity and to increase its pressure.
4.5 Where does the air pressure increase as it passes through a centrifugal compressor?
Air pressure increases progressively through the impeller and increases rapidly through the diffuser.
4.6 How does velocity and pressure vary through a centrifugal compressor?
Velocity and pressure both increase through the impeller, however through the diffuser the velocity decreases and the pressure increases.
4.7 What is the configuration/description of an axial flow compressor?
Multiple stages of rotating aerofoil blades and fixed vanes (stators), with a large mass flow capacity with high efficiency.
4.8 What are the advantages of an axial flow compressor over a centrifugal compressor of the same frontal diameter?
Higher compressor pressure ratios and greater mass airflow.
4.9 What are the advantages of an axial flow compressor over a centrifugal compressor?
A lower frontal area for a given mass airflow, which allows for a smaller diameter engine.
Achieves higher compression ratios more efficiently.
A lower pressure rise per stage.
A much lower airflow exit velocity compared to its inlet velocity.
4.10 What is the definition of the compressor pressure ratio?
The ratio of the compressor outlet pressure to the compressor inlet pressure.
4.11 What is the typical total compressor pressure ratio of a single stage centrifugal compressor?
Up to about 7.5:1
4.12 What is the typical total compressor pressure ratio of a double stage centrifugal compressor?
Up to about 15:1
4.13 What is the typical total pressure ratio of a modern axial flow compressor?
20:1, but up to 30:1 in some cases.
4.14 How does the temperature, pressure and velocity of the air change as it passes through each stage of an axial flow compressor?
Temperature and pressure progressively increase and the axial velocity increases across the rotors and decreases across the stators, but overall velocity decreases, especially when considering the effect of the diffuser.
4.15 What is the function of the inlet guide vanes?
The inlet guide vanes are designed to direct the airflow onto the first stage rotors at an appropriate angle of attack.
4.16 What is the function of variable inlet guide vanes?
To change angle depending on flow characteristics, directing the airflow onto the first stage rotors at the optimal angle of attack, thereby reducing the chance of a compressor stall during operation off design (at low) rpm.
4.17 What is the function of the variable stators in an axial flow compressor?
The variable stators are designed to direct the airflow onto the subsequent stage of rotors at theoptimum angle of attack, thereby increasing the compressor pressure ratio.
4.18 What is the primary function of each row of stator blades?
To convert the kinetic energy of the airflow into pressure energy.
4.19 What is the secondary function of the stator blades?
To stop swirl in the air thereby maintaining axial flow as it passes through the compressor.
4.20 What are the function of the rotors and stators in an axial flow compressor?
The rotors accelerate the airflow and the stators decelerate the flow to increase the air’s pressure.
4.21 What shape does an axial flow compressor form towards the combustion chamber?
The annulus area of an axial flow compressor reduces towards the high pressure end, forming a convergent duct.
4.22 Why does the air annulus area decrease towards the high pressure end of an axial flow compressor?
To allow for the reduction in the volume of the air as its pressure progressively increases and to maintain the axial velocity of the air constant as the density increases.
4.23 Why is there only a small pressure increase across each stage of an axial flow compressor?
Because the aerofoil blades are, by necessity, quite small and consequently only produce a small amount of lift at each stage.
4.24 What effect does the diffuser have on the air leaving the compressor?
A diffuser reduces the velocity and increases the pressure of the airflow.
4.25 What is likely to result from unstable airflow through a compressor?
A compressor stall.
4.26 What determines the angle of attack of a compressor blade at a given blade angle at any given time?
The rpm of the compressor and the TAS of the airflow.
4.27 What is the condition that leads to compressor stalls?
The axial velocity of the air flow is too low relative to the rpm.
4.28 What are the effects of a dirty or FOD damaged compressor?
Lower compression ratio/output and/or a compressor which is more prone to stalling.
4.29 What are the indications of a compressor stall?
A surging/popping noise.A rise in gas temperature (E.g. EGT/ITT) Fluctuations in rpm.
4.30 What is the principle effect/purpose of the bleed valves/bands in the compressor?
To offload the compressors (LP and HP) and increase the mass airflow through the early stages of the compressor, during acceleration from low engine speed thereby reducing the possibility of compressor stall and surge at low rpm.
4.31 What is the function of the bleed valves/bands in the compressor?
To increase the mass airflow through the early stages of the compressor at low rpm.
4.32 What positions are the surge/stall bleed valves or bleed bands during engine acceleration?
Open at low and increasing rpm, progressively closing as rpm increases to design rpm.
4.33 Do turbine engines use the same compressor bleed outlets for surge/stall protections as they do
for environmental control systems?
No.
4.34 What is the normal source of bleed air at high and moderate (climb and cruise) power settings?
The low pressure compressor.
4.35 What is the normal source of bleed air at low (descent) power settings?
Both the low and the high pressure compressors in a two spool engine, and all three of the low intermediate and high pressure compressors in a three spool engine.
4.36 What are the effects of bleeding air off the compressor for systems such as anti-icing?
Gas temperature increases, thrust reduces and SFC increases.
4.37 What is the main disadvantage of bleed significant amounts of air from a turbine engine’s compressor?
The mass flow of air through the compressor reduces and consequently the efficiency of the engine reduces.
5.1 Why is the velocity of the airflow slowed significantly as it enters the combustion chamber?
To reduce the velocity to below the flame propagation speed and thereby reduce the possibility of a flame out.
5.2 What is the purpose of burning fuel in a combustion chamber?
To increase the volume (velocity) of the gases.
5.3 How does the velocity of the gas vary through the combustion chamber?
The velocity is reasonably constant through the burner, but it increases significantly through the nozzle guide vanes as it exits the combustion chamber.
5.4 What are the basic combustion chamber design configurations?
Can, can-annular and annular.
5.5 What is the configuration/description of a can combustion chamber?
Combustors external to the engine, and most easily serviced.
5.6 What is the configuration/description of a can-annular combustion chamber?
Multiple, separate interconnected chambers, encircling the turbine.An efficient combination of the other two designs.
5.7 What is the configuration/description of an annular combustion chamber?
A segmented chamber made up of partitions and baffles, mounted co-axially about the engine axis, receiving primary air through a cylindrical shroud. (Dual ring system).
5.8 What is the function of the inter connectors between the chambers of multiple chamber combustion sections?
To equalise operating pressures and to allow combustion propagation between chambers.
5.9 What are the two types of can-annular or annular combustion chamber?
Through flow and reverse flow.
5.10 What does reverse flow mean with respect to combustion chamber design?
If a combustion chamber is described as reverse flow, the direction of the air/gas flow is changed through 180 o, at least once but normally twice as it progresses through the engine core.