Introduction to Multi-Point Design Strategies for Aero Engines

Classic gas turbine design relies on the definition of a design point, and the subsequent assessment of the design on a range of off-design conditions. On the design point, both component sizing (e.g., in terms of physical dimensions or in terms of map scaling parameters) and a solution to the off-design governing equations are established. With this approach, it is however difficult to capture the contradicting requirements on the full operating envelope. Thus, practical design efforts rely on various multi-point design approaches. This paper introduces a simplified notation of such multi-point approaches via synthesis matching tables. It then summarizes two academic state-of-the-art multi-point design schemes using such tables in a comprehensible fashion. The target audience are students and engineers familiar with the basics of classic cycle design and analysis looking for a practical introduction to such multi-point design approaches. Application examples are given in terms of a simple turbojet and a typical geared turbofan as modeled in state-of-the-art academic cycle design and analysis efforts. The results of the classic design point approach are compared to those of multi-point approaches.