A Novel Real-Time Mechanism Modeling Approach for Turbofan Engine

Nonlinear component level model (NCLM) is a widely used model for aeroengines. However, it requires iterative calculation and is, therefore, time-consuming, which restricts its real-time application. This study aims at developing a simplified real-time modeling approach for turbofan engines. A mechanism modeling approach is proposed based on linear models to avoid the iterative calculation in NCLM so as to effectively reduce the computational complexity. Linear local models, of which the outputs are the solution of the balance equations in NCLM, are established at the ground operating points and are combined into a linear parameter varying (LPV) state-space model. Then, the model is extended throughout the full flight envelope in a polytopic expression and is integrated with the flow path calculation to obtain satisfactory real-time performance. In order to ensure the accuracy of the integrated model, the upper bound of convergence residual of the iteration is strictly set and consideration on the interpolation method is taken. The simulation results demonstrate that the integrated model requires much less computational resources than the NCLM does. Meanwhile, it maintains an acceptable accuracy performance and, therefore, is suitable for real-time application.