Engine Acceleration
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Norway
Today we had a discussion about acceleration times for different types of turbine engines. I claimed that an engine with a centrifugal compressor will accelerate slower than a comparable engine with an axial compressor due to the higher intertia of the centrifugal compressor. However, as several axial stages are required to obtain the same pressure increase as for a centrifugal compressor, I am in doubt about the net effect. Any views?
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 3
From: Philadelphia PA
Perhaps the question is best answered by looking at the deceleration rates - a centrifugal only compressor (250-C30 engine) will decelerate a lot more quickly than an axial/centrifugal compressor (250-C20B).
Acceleration rate is also dictated by the surge margin of the engine, which has something to do with the compressor design, but I'm not exactly sure what it has to do with it!
Acceleration rate is also dictated by the surge margin of the engine, which has something to do with the compressor design, but I'm not exactly sure what it has to do with it!
Avoid imitations



Joined: Nov 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 15,110
Likes: 1,083
From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
Yes,
Surge / stall margins must also be considered. A turbine might need to have it's acceleration rate slowed to prevent surge. The Gnome engine (axial) was renowned for problems if the pilot tried to accelerate it too quickly from ground idle to flight idle.
Surge / stall margins must also be considered. A turbine might need to have it's acceleration rate slowed to prevent surge. The Gnome engine (axial) was renowned for problems if the pilot tried to accelerate it too quickly from ground idle to flight idle.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 0
From: Cambridgeshire, UK
Originally Posted by Shawn Coyle
Acceleration rate is also dictated by the surge margin of the engine, which has something to do with the compressor design, but I'm not exactly sure what it has to do with it!
With FADEC controllers i imagine the main limitation on rate of increase of fuel mass flow rate is Turbine Entry Temperature.
Mart





