Modeling and Simulation

Virtual simulation of an entire jet engine allows repetition in the process at a lower cost an in less time. Collaborating through Avetec’s virtual innovation hub will help industry, academia and government to quickly uncover problems before investing millions of dollars to build physical models.

This high-fidelity, three-dimensional, modeling and simulation environment :

• Speeds the time it takes engineers to design, test and modify a jet engine.
• Reduces the number of physical prototypes required when developing a new engine component.
• Reduces the cost for development, manufacturing and maintenance of turbine engines.
• Assures the long-term viability of the American aviation industry.

Projects

Full Engine Simulation
Avetec is collaborating to develop a high fidelity, three-dimensional, unsteady flow simulation of a generic jet engine that includes the fan, booster, high-pressure compressor, combustor, high-pressure turbine and low pressure turbine.

GE90 Full System Demonstration
Avetec is developing the virtual engine test cell so that complex engineering systems, like aircraft engines, can be computationally simulated at a high level of detail early in the design process to reduce the time and cost of developing these systems.

Inlet Distortion
The characterization of the distortion generation, transfer mechanisms and engine response will enable the industry to design for reduced distortion sensitivity and maximize engine-airframe system benefits

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Tools Development
High pressure compressors are one of the most critical components of a jet engine. Decades of development and three to six development rigs are required before they have acceptable performance. Validated high-fidelity simulation tools have the potential to reduce the development time and cost of new core compressors.

Thermal Management
Thermal management is the single most pressing problem for airframe and engine designers today. High fuel costs have re-focused attention on accurate modeling of combustion processes to maximize fuel burn and yet produce ultra-low emissions engines

Engine Health Management
Identifying component wear and tear prior to failure is the first step in extending the life of engine components. Avetec’s engine health management (EHM) program was created to facilitate the research and development of methodologies and tools to advance EHM technology. Avetec’s goal is to perform the scientific research necessary to facilitate a dramatic reduction – 10-25 percent – in the cost of operating and maintaining aircraft engines for military and other applications over the next 10 years.