Multi-fidelity modelling of a high bypass ratio turbofan engine with variable area nozzle
Low pressure ratio fans of modern civil turbofans suffer from reduced stall margin in the take-off operating line and at part-speed, requiring variable geometry devices. Variable area nozzles (VAN) are one of the investigated solutions to control engine operating conditions throughout the mission. I...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Propulsion and Power Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212540X2500029X |
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| Summary: | Low pressure ratio fans of modern civil turbofans suffer from reduced stall margin in the take-off operating line and at part-speed, requiring variable geometry devices. Variable area nozzles (VAN) are one of the investigated solutions to control engine operating conditions throughout the mission. In this paper, we present a multi-fidelity modelling approach for an ultra-high bypass ratio turbofan engine with a VAN, combining a zero-dimensional thermodynamic cycle simulator using a realistic fan map with two- and three-dimensional detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for internal/external flow coupling. By adopting a novel algorithm to match the cycle conditions to the CFD solutions, the propulsive performance of the turbofan is analysed in a reference aircraft mission. The numerical method captures the effect on thrust generation and nacelle drag, providing a more reliable estimation of the impact of VAN on engine operation and efficiency. Low-speed mission points are confirmed to be those that benefit the most from an enlarged fan nozzle area, with a possible improvement of 3% in terms of thrust and specific fuel consumption at take-off and approach using a 10% larger area, similarly predicted by both 2D and 3D models. A preliminary acoustic evaluation based on semi-empirical noise models indicates a modest effect on noise emissions, with up to 1 dB reduction in microphone signature at the sideline for a nozzle area increased by 10%. |
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| ISSN: | 2212-540X |