Laboratory for engine components (G214)

In the laboratory for aircraft propulsion components, the basic theoretical knowledge transferred in the lectures can be supplemented by practical knowledge and skills gained on the test bed.

The lecture Fundamentals of Thermodynamics introduces the main equations for calculating the energy of fluid flows and defines key figures for process evaluation. This enables the work transfer of turbomachines installed on the test bench as well as their efficiency to be determined.

Subsequently, the existing heat transfer processes conduction, convection and radiation are treated in the lecture Technical Thermodynamics Fluid Machinery. The laws of these processes are used on the test bench to cool or insulate components of turbomachines by means of specific measures. Finally, the lecture Turbomachines provides examples how to transfer rotational energy to flow energy by acceleration and deceleration or how to use flow energy in order to drive a rotating shaft. Corresponding aircraft propulsion components are available in reduced complexity but with entire functionality on the test bench. Their unique properties and their effects on the engine assembly can thus be simplistically reproduced.

Goals and idea

In particular, the following topics are focused:

Training of students in the field of engine technology:

   - Efficiency calculation of components and the overall process
   - Differentiation of heat transport processes and their targeted influencing
     - Design of airfoils

Modification of fuel nozzles based on industrial technologies 4.0

   - Component optimization through numerical flow simulation (CFD) on the digital twin
   - Production of a first test sample by means of additive manufacturing (3D printing)
   - Characterization of the burning behaviour with neuronal measurement analysis

Use of alternative fuels in aircraft engines

- Analysis of the start and full load operation by means of optical observation and exhaust emission testing

View into the laboratory

Equipment and function

Optically accessible pressure chamber with burner head module consisting of air and fuel supply, mixing unit and ignition device. The energy of the exhaust gas is used in a car exhaust gas turbocharger to raise the pressure of the supply air in a radial compressor. With the test bench control system, the thermal output as well as the combustion control can be variably adjusted with continuous temperature and pressure monitoring.

To characterize combustion quality, the concentration of oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) in the combustion exhaust gas is measured.

This enables the recording of the compressor map with additional speed measurement.

for simulation of the flow in the mixing unit as well as the flow stabilization after the burner outlet

Practical courses accompanying the lecture Turbomachinery
Execution of final theses (Bachelor & Master)
Workspace and subject of various study projects
Industrial Projects
Special events: e.g. university information day, freshman introductory event

Further development of the thermal test bench
Exhaust gas energy recovery (waste heat recovery)

- thermoelectric generator: integration of Peltier elements in the exhaust system
- phase-electric generator: integration of a low-temperature steam turbine process in the exhaust gas system

Laboratory management

Programme director and Academic advisor Aerospace Engineering (Bachelor)
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Armin Soika
Phone: +49 841 9348-4700
Room: A228
E-Mail: Armin.Soika@thi.de