An investigation of life extending control techniques for gas turbine engines

Abstract

The consumption of engine life characterized by low EGT margin, expended life-limited parts, and slow engine accelerations is the principal cause of aircraft engine removal. Life extending control results from a conscious effort on the part of control system designers to extend the life of an engine by modifying the control logic or control hardware to influence one or more of these life-consuming factors. General Electric Aircraft Engines and NASA Glenn Research Center are currently engaged in a collaborative research programme to investigate control technologies applicable to extending on-wing life of aircraft engines. A trade study of potential schemes that may have a positive impact on engine life has been performed, and the results of this study are used to narrow the focus of further research under this programme.