
238 AIRCRAFT ENGINE DESIGN
because the freestream and exhaust flows usually have no swirl, the net torque ex-
erted on the fluid is zero, and the net torque exerted by the stationary components
must therefore also be zero. Finally, if the exhaust flow does contain some swirl
the torque must therefore have been exerted by the stationary components.
7.3 Engine Systems Design
Even the most casual glance at a turbine engine reveals that it consists of much
more than the flowpath components. The many individual components could not
function separately or together if they were not supplied a great deal of support.
The art of providing all of the necessary functions and services in an integrated
package is called engine systems design. This art can be taught only by experience
because it requires knowledge of many different technologies as well as the ability
to make judgments when confronted with many diverse demands. It also helps
to have previously explored the pros and cons of many alternate systems design
options.
A list of the major subsystems was presented at the beginning of this chapter.
Their design will ultimately determine the size, weight, cost, reliability, maintain-
ability, and safety of the engine. Consequently, it is important to highlight this
area, although it is difficult to duplicate because it involves the simultaneous con-
sideration of so many competing factors. It is possible, nevertheless, to develop
an appreciation for the overall scope and significance of engine systems design
and an understanding of some of the underlying technologies. Many of the latter,
in fact, are adequately described in standard handbooks and company manuals.
One readily available reference is Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine Technology. 1 The
genius of the designer is largely the ability to weave them together.
A great way to start is to examine as many of the AEDsys Engine Pictures digital
images of engines as similar to the type being designed as possible. Then these
general questions should be studied and discussed until they are understood:
1) What are all of the parts doing there (including those mounted outside the
case, known as accessories, externals, or dressings)?
2) How are all of the major functions accomplished?
Once this is done, it is possible to focus on any specific portion of the engine,
depending on personal preference, need, interest, and background. The following
sections outline some of the considerations involved in each subsystem, which are
both informative and essential to good design.
7.3.1 Engine Static Structure
1) How is the engine connected to the airframe? What kinds of load transferring
joints are used and why? Does the thrust reaction cause a bending moment to be
applied to the engine outer case, and, if so, what are the consequences? Could they
cause the case to ovalize?
2) Sketch the load paths for the entire engine. Show, in particular, how the outer
case(s) are held together and how the bearings are supported.
3) How large and in what direction are the forces on the inner surfaces of the
inlet and nozzle? What types of forces and moments are generated on the inlet
during angle of attack operation and what may they cause to happen? How are the