Modeling and Simulation of a Dynamic Turbofan Engine Using MATLAB/Simulink

A dynamic, high-bypass turbofan engine model is being developed in the modeling and simulation environment of MATLAB/Simulink. Individual elements, including the fan, compressor, combustor, high pressure turbine, low pressure turbine, and exit nozzle, have been combined to investigate the behavior of a typical turbofan engine throughout a specified aircraft mission. The model is being developed generically through the use of variables and can easily be adapted to match specific engine characteristics when necessary. Special attention has been paid to the development of transient capabilities throughout the model. Capturing these dynamic behaviors not only increases model fidelity, but also eliminates algebraic constraints while reducing simulation time through the use of advanced numerical solvers. This lessening of computation times is paramount for conducting future aircraft system-level design trade studies efficiently, as demonstrated in previous thermal tip-to-tail modeling of a generic and non-proprietary long range strike platform. Thrust production will be tracked as the new engine model is run for a specified mission profile and fuel flow. Preliminary results for each component, as well as the high and low pressure spools, are compared to the previous tip-to-tail engine to verify accuracy. Future work will integrate these components in a new engine model in an effort to reduce overall simulation time. Upon completion, the new engine model will be integrated with the full tip-to-tail model to quantify these simulation time reductions.