Comprehensive Flow Path Design Method for the Adaptive Cycle Engine Considering the Coupling Relation of Multiple Components

Abstract

The Adaptive Cycle Engine (ACE) has multiple coupled components on the same spool and complex bypass system, which makes it have more complex inter-component coupling relation and hard to coordinate in the flow path design. In this study, the coupling relation of the ACE components and the component reference conditions are analyzed and determined, a multi-component collaborative optimization design method is proposed to enable the quantitative evaluation of flow path design solutions. In this method, two optimization strategies are presented based on the different priorities of the inter-component size coupling parameters, the inter-component aerodynamic coupling parameter and the component performance in the optimization problem. ACE flow path solutions for various feasible design speed combinations are generated automatically considering the component performance and inter-component coupling relation. According to an ACE flow path design case study, the design physical rotational speeds of low-pressure spool (NL,d) and high-pressure spool (NH,d) should be 7000 to 7600 r/min and 10000 to 15000 r/min, respectively. At NH,d=12000 r/min and NL,d=7200 r/min, the high-pressure compression components and the fan components could be designed with the lowest aerodynamic load, respectively. NH,d is the key factor affecting the axial length of ACE. This method can be applied to other gas power plant designs.