Multidisciplinary constraint visualization and trade-off exploration in aero engine preliminary design

Abstract

With the advent of maintenance contracts and stricter noise and emissions regulations, the need to visualize and understand the effects of multidisciplinary design trade-offs on the economics of producing and maintaining the commercial and environmental performance of an aero engine has never been more important. By integrating multidisciplinary, multi-component design tools early in the design process, the effects of the early design decisions on performance trade-offs can be visualized and better understood. Based on the SignPosting methodology, the Integrated Engine Design (IED) model is used to demonstrate the benefits of a hierarchical optimization strategy for reducing the weight of a core compressor and turbine spool. By visualizing the constraints throughout the optimization history, limiting constraints are identified and "softened" to improve the optimization convergence and outcome. Trade-off visualization is used to explore the selection of an operating speed for a high pressure turbine and compressor spool. The design space is then modified and spool performance improved by changing turbine design variables.