A mixed-fidelity computational model of aero engine for inlet distortion

Abstract

This paper presents a mixed-fidelity model to investigate the effect of complex inlet distortion on aero gas turbine engines. The approach is developed by integrating a three-dimensional body force model of multistage compressors and a classical two-dimensional parallel engine model. The internal flow field of a high bypass ratio turbofan engine under different forms of total pressure distortion is simulated by the model. The simulations are discussed in depth to reveal the features of the distorted flow field in the compression components under the whole engine environment. The relationship between the overall performance of the engine and the intensity of inlet total pressure distortion is investigated quantitatively. It is evident that the mixed-fidelity model has the capability to quantitatively evaluate the effect of complex inlet distortion on the performance and the internal flow field of engines with low computational costs.