Application of Optimization to Aircraft Engine Disk Synthesis

Abstract : An automated optimum disk synthesis technique for aircraft gas turbine engines is developed using a mathematical programming method. The optimum synthesis program constructs a minimum-weight disk while meeting burst speed, stress and geometric constraints. A general purpose optimization program is used in synthesizing piece-wise hyperbolically shaped disks in which thermal gradient effects in the radial direction are taken into account. For conceptual design purposes, the disk analysis is simplified based on elastic plane stress assumption. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated through example problems of a typical disk from the preliminary design phase. (Author)