Short course/CPD
Gas Turbine Performance
Course date: Please enquire
Course overview
The gas turbine engine is a very complex device. Its high power to weight ratio has made it the propulsion system of choice in aircraft applications. It is also used extensively in the oil, gas, power and process industries. An understanding of the basic principles underpinning its design, operation and behaviour is essential for all engineers involved in the development, production, procurement and use of gas turbines.
Location
Cranfield University is located at the very heart of the UK – within the innovation triangle between London and the cities of Oxford and Cambridge.
Our central location provides easy access from the M1, excellent main line rail service as well as proximity to key international airports. Set in rolling countryside, Cranfield offers a rich, rural landscape complemented by thriving towns and picturesque villages.
- Road: We are just 10 minutes from Junctions 13 & 14 of the M1 motorway. There is free parking on campus.
- Rail: Milton Keynes or Bedford
- Air: London Luton (22 miles), Heathrow (50 miles) or Birmingham (70 miles).
Course fee:
£1710
Accommodation fee:
How to register
Further information
For more information on this course or booking details please contact:
Power and Propulsion short courses
T: + 44 (0) 1234 754683
E: k.swan@cranfield.ac.uk
Course description
Who should Attend
The course is intended for graduates of engineering, science or mathematics who are involved in the gas turbine or associated industries. Previous industrial experience is desirable.
Course Objectives
The aim of this course is to provide the delegate with an understanding of how different types of gas turbine produce useful power and how their output is influenced by a very wide range of operating conditions. The three major categories of gas turbine applications are covered, civil aviation, military aviation and mechanical power applications.
When completing the course the delegate should be able to understand the influence of mission on the choice of gas turbine cycle and how gas turbines behave in a very wide range of operating conditions.
Content Summary
The content is split into three main sections since, as stated in the learning outcomes, the objective of the course is to give detailed insight in three key topic areas:
- Gas Turbine Aerothermodynamics
- Design Point Performance Assessment
- Off-Design Performance
To make the learning process more efficient, the presentations of these three sections are given in a carefully selected order. The above material is complemented by several sessions given by guest speakers who may present special subjects, such as emissions, gas path analysis, engine lifing and case studies.
Gas Turbine Aerothermodynamics
This section comprises the delivery of basic gas dynamics including isentropic flow, an explanation of non-dimensional parameters and a description of the Joule Cycle. The processes of compression, combustion and expansion in turbines and nozzles are outlined, within a thermodynamics framework.
The two main applications of the gas turbine, jet engines and shaft power output, are explained. The concepts of thermal and propulsive efficiencies are introduced. The concept of the turbofan is explained.
Design Point Performance Assessment
The influence on engine output of turbine inlet temperature, overall pressure ratio, bypass ratio and fan pressure ratio is explained. This description is made by means of SFC versus Specific Thrust or Power Charts. The side-effects of the selection of these parameters are also explained and the resulting choices in suitability for a mission highlighted. The concept of growth variants of a power plant is discussed. Different engine designs are described.
Off-Design Performance
This section contains a description of component characteristics and how these components interact to determine the behaviour of the engine. This explanation is given at a simplified level for an understanding of the principles involved and at a more detailed level which is illustrative of the simulation methods in widespread use in the industry today. On a macroscopic level, the effect of different inlet conditions on gas turbine performance is explained. This includes altitude, hot day and flight speed. In addition the behaviour of the engine is discussed with reference to changes in power output.
Course Director
Prof P Pilidis
Head of Department/Head of Turbomachinery & Icing Group
T: +44 (0) 1234 754646
F: +44 (0) 1234 758208
E: p.pilidis@cranfield.ac.uk
For further information, please contact:
Mrs Claire Bellis
School of Engineering, Whittle Building
Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedford
MK43 0AL, UK
T: +44 (0) 1234 754683
F: +44 (0) 1234 758208
E: c.bellis@cranfield.ac.uk
