We have taken time to discuss Parts Manufacturing Approval, Supplemental Type Certificate, and Test Cell Correlation but until now we have not discussed the major components of jet engine. As an Engine and Powerplant DER, I have to understand the components, their performance, and the effect the system will have on the aircraft. We have all heard, “suck, squeeze, bang, blow” but what does it mean? Let’s briefly break down the purpose of the Fan, Compressor, Combustor (Burner), Turbine, and Nozzle.
Fan:
The purpose of the fan is to draw air into the engine and it also provides thrust via the bypass. The air that passes through the bypass goes directly out the back of the engine and provides a large portion of the thrust in high bypass turbofan engines.
Compressor:
The part of the engine where incoming air is compressed. There are typically multiple stages which consist of rotating blades and stationary vanes. Each stage of the compressor increases the temperature and pressure of the air which is needed for increased efficiency.
Combustor:
Most modern engines use an annular combustor design. It consists of an inner lining inside the outer case. The hot compressed air from the compressor is combined with fuel and ignited. Once ignited it exits the combustor and goes to the turbine.
Turbine:
The turbines usually consist of multiple stages of blades which are used to extract energy from the air leaving the combustor.The high turbine is connected to the compressor and extracts energy from the hot gas exiting the combustor to keep the compressor spinning and continue the compressing process. The low turbine extracts energy from the hot gas as well and is connected to the fan/low compressor.
Nozzle:
The nozzle is where the engine thrust is produced. When looking at the thrust equation, you see it is a function of pressure and mass flow. The nozzle sets the mass flow and directs the engine core gas out to the freestream.
Above are the major components of a gas turbine engine, the descriptions are at the 30,000 feet level as the performance of each component would be very detailed. At Prime Propulsion we have years of experience with engine analysis and integration, if you need any assistance with anything related to engines or fuel systems, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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