On-Board Condition Management for Aircraft Gas Turbines

A revolutionary approach to gas turbine condition monitoring is made possible by the recent development of accurate real-time gas turbine performance models. This paper describes an approach for an integrated condition management system operating concurrently with the gas turbine control system for improved availability, safety and economy. This paper considers the system subject to the requirements and constraints of aircraft gas turbines. A system architecture is described based on a primary, gas path performance model with supplementary models representing the secondary air, fuel and lubrication systems and the rotor system dynamics. Measurement and processing requirements for the system are defined. Preflight, in-flight and postflight application and analysis by the gas turbine operator are discussed.