AIRCRAFT GAS TURBINE ENGINE TEST BED & MODULE CHANGE WORKSHOP: REVIEW FOR EDUCATION & RESEARCH

Abstract

Universities across the world offering Aerospace Engineering and Aerospace Propulsion Programs to students and researchers at the Graduate levels do not have the required facilities and labs to impart the core knowledge practically pertaining to Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine Testing and Module Change Workshop (Build-up and stripping) during its Design & Maintenance phase that can prepare them for the Industry & Academia. This paper focuses on the benefits associated with the introduction and setup of Engine Test Beds and Module Change Workshops for university students and how they contribute to the development of curiosity, passion, and interest in how aero engines are built up, stripped, and tested. Also, this paper is aimed at the Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine Testing & Module Change Workshop and does not include Aircraft Piston Engine Testing. This study emphasizes the purpose of the Aircraft Engine Test Bed (AETB) and Aircraft Engine Module Change Workshop (AEMCW) and their location adjacent to each other. In addition to this, the paper illustrates the types of Aero Engine Test Bed, their evolvement, and the impetus for their establishment. However, this research paper primarily focuses on the functioning of the Uninstalled Indoor AETB of an engine in service to exhibit the activities performed in it and does not cover any other type of test bed due to research limitations although the outline and critical work of testing an engine in the design stage prior to entering into service & production has been covered wherever required. Furthermore, this paper underlies the functioning of AEMCW of a used or old engine and does not include the work carried out on a new engine in the design.  The major systems of AETB and their function have been presented to make students understand how the AETB systems contribute to the effective testing of Aircraft Engines in the uninstalled indoor AETB. The occasions Aircraft Engines are brought to AEMCW, the Ground Equipment, tools, testers, and precision tools used in the AEMCW, the importance of interface measurement of modules, and the merits of the modular concept of Aircraft Engines have been discussed exclusively. This paper explores and highlights the variation of thrust produced between an installed aircraft engine, an outdoor uninstalled aircraft engine in the outdoor test bed, and the indoor uninstalled aircraft engine in the indoor test bed and the factors leading to the variation.