Design optimisation of separate-jet exhausts for the next generation of civil aero-engines

Abstract

This paper presents the development and application of a computational framework for the aerodynamic design of separate-jet exhaust systems for Very-High-Bypass-Ratio (VHBR) gas-turbine aero-engines. An analytical approach is synthesised comprising a series of fundamental modelling methods. These address the aspects of engine performance simulation, parametric geometry definition, viscous/compressible flow solution, design space exploration, and genetic optimisation. Parametric design is carried out based on minimal user-input combined with the cycle data established using a zero-dimensional (0D) engine analysis method. A mathematical approach is developed based on Class-Shape Transformation (CST) functions for the parametric geometry definition of gas-turbine exhaust components such as annular ducts, nozzles, after-bodies, and plugs. This proposed geometry formulation is coupled with an automated mesh generation approach and a Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) flow-field solution method, thus forming an integrated aerodynamic design tool. A cost-e ective Design Space Exploration (DSE) and optimisation strategy has been structured comprising methods for Design of Experiment (DOE), Response Surface Modelling (RSM), as well as genetic optimisation. The integrated framework has been deployed to optimise the aerodynamic performance of a separate-jet exhaust system for a large civil turbofan engine representative of future architectures. The optimisations carried out suggest the potential to increase the engine’s net propulsive force compared to a baseline architecture, through optimum re-design of the exhaust system. Furthermore, the developed approach is shown to be able to identify and alleviate adverse flow-features that may deteriorate the aerodynamic behaviour of the exhaust system.